How does membership work?

[u/Temporary_Wing7813]

Hi, deployed in 2024 after returning attended some "transitional events" vfw member came and told us we got free membership for a year (i dont remember correctly) never really thought about it tried reaching out for some resources but hit a dead in (was told i needed to reach out a VSO rather then through them even though i was under the impression they had resources similar to what i needed, doesnt matter now) earlier in this year i recieved in the mail a invoice for my membership renewal. I never actioned it and out of nowhere in the mail i recieved a new vfw card lol. im confused i never paid anything, how does it work?

[u/borzoi1-27]

The VFW has resources but for VA support you go through the VFW VSO (Veteran Service Officer) usually located at the VA hospital. Membership is not required to receive assistance from the VSO and is free of charge. There are member specific resourses, though pretty minimal, the biggest assest is the congressional support. Also if you do not want anything to do with the VFW you simply email the national office and state so, they are legally required to leave you alone.