ABOUT US

Founded 1899 · Nearly 2 Million Members Strong

The Veterans of Foreign Wars was born out of necessity. In 1899, veterans of the Spanish-American War and the Philippine Insurrection came home wounded, sick, and forgotten. There was no VA. No pension. No medical care. So they banded together — and built one of the most powerful advocacy organizations in American history.

🎖️ A Legacy of Fighting for Veterans

From humble beginnings in Ohio, Colorado, and Pennsylvania, the VFW has grown into a national force:

  • 1915 — Membership reached 5,000

  • 1936 — Membership grew to nearly 200,000

  • Today — Nearly 2 million members across the VFW and its Auxiliaries

🇺🇸 What the VFW Has Won for America's Veterans

For over 125 years, the VFW's voice has shaped every major veterans' benefit in this country:

  • Established the Veterans Administration — the foundation of modern VA care

  • Created the GI Bill for the 20th century

  • Built the National Cemetery System — sacred ground for those who served

  • Won compensation for Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange

  • Won recognition and benefits for veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome

  • Passed the 21st Century GI Bill (2008) — expanded education benefits for active-duty, Guard, and Reserve members serving in Iraq and Afghanistan

  • Fought for expanded VA medical services for women veterans

  • Elevated the Department of Veterans Affairs to the President's Cabinet

🕊️ Honoring Those Who Served

The VFW helped fund the creation of the:

  • Vietnam Veterans Memorial

  • Korean War Veterans Memorial

  • World War II Memorial

  • Women in Military Service for America Memorial

In 2005, the VFW became the first veterans' organization to contribute to the Disabled Veterans for Life Memorial, which opened in November 2010.

💛 Serving Our Communities

Every year, VFW and Auxiliary members contribute more than:

  • 8.6 million volunteer hours in communities across America

  • $3 million in college scholarships and savings bonds to students

  • Participation in Make A Difference Day and National Volunteer Week

We show up for parades, memorial services, food drives, hospital visits, youth programs, and every ceremony that matters — because service didn't end when the uniform came off.

🏛️ VFW Post 969 — Tacoma Since 1939

Right here in Tacoma, Eric G. Sandstrom Post 969 carries that mission forward. Chartered on August 24, 1939, our Post has served the veterans and families of Pierce County for over 85 years — through World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, and every mission in between.

 

🎗️ Our Namesake — Sgt. Eric G. Sandstrom

Our Post is proud to bear the name of Sergeant Eric G. Sandstrom, a Tacoma soldier who was awarded the Silver Star Medal — the United States military's third-highest decoration for valor in combat — for gallantry in action during World War II.

Sgt. Sandstrom's original Silver Star Medal, along with the newspaper clipping announcing his award, personal effects, and a framed battle scene, are on permanent display in the memorial case at the Post hall — where his memory continues to inspire the next generation of veterans who walk through our doors.

 

Our hall at 3510 McKinley Ave has been home to countless meetings, memorials, weddings, funerals, and gatherings where veterans found the one thing only fellow veterans can give: understanding.

 

🇺🇸 Join Us · Support Us · Remember Together

Whether you're a veteran looking for a home, a family member wanting to support the mission, or a neighbor grateful for those who served — there's a place for you at Post 969.

No one does more for veterans.