VFW National By-Laws
Sec. 230101 - Organization.
(a) Federal Charter. Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (in this
chapter, the "corporation”), a national association of veterans who, as soldiers,
sailors, marines, and airmen, served this Nation in wars, campaigns, and
expeditions on foreign soil or in hostile waters, is a federally chartered
corporation.
(b) Perpetual Existence. Except as otherwise provided, the corporation has
perpetual existence.
Sec. 230102 - Purposes.
The purposes of the corporation are fraternal, patriotic, historical, charitable, and
educational, and are:
1. to preserve and strengthen comradeship among its members;
2. to assist worthy comrades;
3. to perpetuate the memory and history of our dead and to assist their
surviving spouses and orphans;
4. to maintain true allegiance to the Government of the United States and fidelity to
its Constitution and laws;
5. to foster true patriotism;
6. to maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom; and
7. to preserve and defend the United States from all enemies.
Sec. 230103 - Membership.
An individual is eligible for membership in the corporation only if the individual
served honorably as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States.
1. in a foreign war, insurrection, or expedition in service that –a. has been recognized as campaign-medal service; and
b. is governed by the authorization of the award of a campaign badge by
the United States Government;
2. on the Korean peninsula or in territorial waters for at least 30 consecutive
days, or a total of 60 days, after June 30, 1949; or
3. in an area which entitled the individual to receive special pay for duty subject
to hostile fire or imminent danger under section 310 of title 37.
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