VFW Post 3173 Anaheim, CA 3.61

The purpose of the Veterans of Foreign Wars is fraternal, patriotic, historical and educational; to preserve and strengthen comradeship among its members; to assist worthy comrades; to perpetuate the memory and history of our dead; and to assist their widows and orphans; to maintain true allegiance to the Government of the United States of America, and fidelity to its Constitution and laws; to foster true patriotism; to maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom, and to preserve and defend the United States from all her enemies, whomsoever

Since 1899, the VFW has taken pride in its relentless "Commitment to Service" on behalf of all veterans at home and around the globe, while also embracing the widow and orphans of those Comrades who have paid the ultimate price for Freedom.....

That same quality among VFW membership in times of peace had made the men and women in this great organization equally proud to uphold the high ideals of individual liberty, freedom of speech, press, assembly and worship that are guaranteed us by the Bill of Rights.

No longer committed solely to military engagements and already having served its nation on battlefields with distinction, the VFW today serves its members and America's communities in a variety of ways.

These include continual effort to protect 'Veterans' entitlements, support National Security measures, provide members with a series of benefits, care for needy comrades, participation in community programs, sponsoring youth activities, caring for the elderly, and exercising influence on national legislative actions affecting Veterans everywhere.

With the support of our membership, the VFW will continue to "PROUD TO SERVE" in the VFW and our local Communities.

In cities and towns across the country, the VFW has met the challenge in community service because the successful of any project makes each location a better place in which to live, while at the same time reflecting the positive image of the VFW to the general public.

Although six general categories are specified for purposes of classifying types of projects, in actual practice the possibilities for Community Service are endless.

YOUTH ACTIVITIES, VOICE OF DEMOCRACY AND YOUTH ESSAY
The VFW sponsors a wide range of youth sports and is a major sponsor of Boy Scout Troops. Annually, over 200,000 students compete in the Voice of Democracy Program and Youth Essay Programs for Local, District, State and National Scholarships.

PATRIOTIC ACTIVITIES
Distribution of American Flags to schools and churches, observances of patriotic holidays, parades, and the presentation of patriotic materials to schools are just a few ways in which the VFW promotes patriotism.

AID TO SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES
Annually, the VFW Posts provide schools and churches with teaching aids and materials that will assist in molding our nation's youth into outstanding citizens. Posts also assist with fundraisers, donations, and the sponsorship of various competitions and activities with the school.

MEMBERSHIP
Because the VFW is respected as a vital and growing organization with the courage and commitment to speak the truth and represent the interests of all Veterans, Congress knows that the VFW strength can rally members to the cause. The VFW has always met the challenge in the fight for Veterans Entitlements, National Security and Member Benefits. Using its 1.9 million member strength, the VFW protects your rights as a Veteran and fights off the efforts of those who constantly undermine veterans' entitlements.

HELP TO OBTAIN BENEFITS
These specialized personnel, through their skill in the highly technical field of service work, can be a big help to you when it is necessary to gather evidence to help support your claim for specific entitlements. Among the entitlements you may have earned are Service Connected Compensation or Non-Service Connected Pension, Hospitalization, and Medical Treatment, Home Loans, Vocational Rehabilitation - Education and Training.

LEGISLATIVE SERVICE
The VFW State and National Legislative Staff works behind the scenes for you on Capital Hill to accomplish the organization's objectives. This is important to you because the close companionship of Veterans, who have interests or concerns in common with each other, acts as a powerful influence on your behalf. You are apprised of veteran’s related legislation through the VFW Magazine and correspondence with members.

BUDDY POPPY PROGRAM
The annual distribution of VFW "Buddy Poppy" Poppies has been held continuously since 1922. The sale of an artificial poppy to the public as a means of raising funds to aid the Disabled Veteran was inspired by the poem "In Flanders Fields" and is conducted by the VFW annually around Memorial Day.

AID TO HOSPITALS, THE ELDERLY & THE HOMELESS
VFW members spend countless hours and dollars in visiting hospitals and the elderly, as well as the less fortunate and those suffering from personal tragedy or illness.

SAFETY, HEALTH & CIVIC PRIDE
Among the Safety projects are Drive to Survive, Lite-A-Bike and Home Security, while Health Projects include Blood Pressure and Diabetes checks plus distribution of literature. Civic Improvement includes such environmental projects as litter pickups, beautification and planting of trees, flowers and shrubs.

NATIONAL SECURITY
Embracing a National Defense program that fully meets America's security at home and abroad, the VFW also recognizes that the military is a professional calling. As such, the VFW remains completely committed to fair and just treatment for those who serve.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
Your membership entitles you to VFW insurance Programs (including $2500 Personal Accident Protection, Group Term, Cash Value, Life, and Medicare Supplemental).