THE MUSEUM INVITES ALL MEMBERS OF VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS POSTS TO SPEAKER SERIES

The Museum invites all members of VFW posts to the monthly, FREE, speaker series, "Conversations with Heroes."

The next one is scheduled for:
Date:        Saturday, March 7, 2015
Time:        2:00 - 4:00 pm
Location:  The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
Cost:        FREE
Parking:    Free

Members from the Wings Over Wendys group and veterans from WWII, Korea, Vietnam and recent conflicts speak about their first-hand experiences.

Light refreshments served.

PLEASE RSVP in advance to 818-347-9665 or events@TheMuseumSFV.org.

Thank you.

VFW History

The VFW traces its roots back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902) founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service: Many arrived home wounded or sick. There was no medical care or veterans’ pension for them,and they were left to care for themselves.

In their misery, some of these veterans banded together and formed organizations with what would become known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. After chapters were formed in Ohio, Colorado and Pennsylvania, the movement quickly gained momentum. By 1915, membership grew to 5,000; by 1936, membership was almost 200,000.

Since then, the VFW’s voice had been instrumental in establishing the Veterans Administration, creating a GI bill for the 20th century, the development of the national cemetery system and the fight for compensation for Vietnam vets exposed to Agent Orange and for veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome. In 2008, VFW won a long-fought victory with the passing of a GI Bill for the 21st Century, giving expanded educational benefits to America’s active-duty service members, and members of the Guard and Reserves, fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.
 
The VFW also has fought for improving VA medical centers services for women veterans.
Besides helping fund the creation of the Vietnam, Korean War, World War II and Women in Military Service memorials, the VFW in 2005 became the first veterans’ organization to contribute to building the new Disabled Veterans for Life Memorial, which opened in November 2010.
 
Annually, the 1.9 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary contribute more than 8.6 million hours of volunteerism in the community, including participation in Make A Difference Day and National Volunteer Week.
 
From providing over $3 million in college scholarships and savings bonds to students every year, to encouraging elevation of the Department of Veterans Affairs to the president’s cabinet, the VFW is here to support.