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Thomas Balch Library
Thomas Balch Library© 2006 By Thomas Balch Library. All rights reserved.
Processed by: Charlotte Blacklock
Collection open for research.
No physical characteristics affect use of this material.
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1177 Membership Cards 1937-1946, n.d. (M 065), Thomas Balch Library, Leesburg, VA.
Stanley Caulkins, Leesburg, VA
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2005.0116
Charlotte Blacklock, 27 July 2011
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) organization was created when the American Veterans of Foreign Service and the National Society of the Army of the Philippines, both created in 1899, merged in 1914. The VFW grew swiftly and Congress chartered it as a non-profit organization on 28 May 1936.
The VFW currently has 7644 posts with 1.5 million members spread across the United States and 19 foreign countries. According to the VFW website, the organization's mission is "To foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve our veterans, the military, and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all veterans." The VFW sponsors scholarship and volunteer programs, promotes patriotism and legislation for veterans, and supports veterans and current military personnel.
Eligibility for membership includes U.S. citizenship or nationalism with an honorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces. Those who currently serve in the U.S. Armed Forces are also eligible. Also required is military service overseas during a conflict. Members must hold any of several types of service medals or ribbons, such as an expeditionary medal or campaign ribbon.
VFW Post #1177, also known as the Loudoun County Post, was chartered on 7 October 1937. The post headquarters are located in Leesburg, and according to the post website, the post "is very active in the community, with a focus on fostering patriotism and assisting veterans in need."
This collection consists of membership cards for the Loudoun County Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars from 1937-1946. Members served in a variety of conflicts in Europe, Central America, the South Pacific, and Asia.
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