There are three qualifiers for membership in the VFW, as set out in our By-Laws. An individual must meet all three in order to become a member.
They are as follows:
1: Citizenship – must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. National.
2: Honorable Service – must have served in the Armed Forces of the United States and either received a discharge of Honorable or General (Under Honorable Conditions) or be currently serving.
3: Service in a war, campaign, or expedition on foreign soil or in hostile waters. This can be proven by any of the following:
An authorized campaign medal (see other side for a list of qualifying medals and badges)
Receipt of Hostile Fire Pay or Imminent Danger Pay (verified by a military pay statement)
Service in Korea for 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days
This information is usually available through a veteran’s DD-214. If other information is needed or if a veteran’s DD-214 is not complete, they can contact the National Personnel Records Center at 314-801-0800 or online at http://www.archives.gov/veterans/evetrecs/ to request more information.
It is imperative that we verify the eligibility of every member that signs up for the VFW, not only to comply with our By-Laws but also to maintain the integrity of the organization. If you have questions concerning membership eligibility, please contact the National Headquarters at 1-888-JOIN-VFW or via email at membership@vfw.org. For further information on VFW eligibility, please consult Section 101 of the VFW By-Laws and Manual of Procedure.
rev. 08/16
For a full list of campaign medals that qualify an individual for VFW membership, please consult Section 101 of the VFW Manual of Procedure.
If a veteran’s DD-214 or other military documentation confirms they have been awarded one of these campaign medals and they have served honorably, then they are eligible for membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
China Service Medal
American Defense Service Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
American Campaign Medal
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
Army of Occupation Medal
Navy Occupation Service Medal
Korean Service Medal
Navy Expeditionary Medal
Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Southwest Asia Service Medal
Kosovo Campaign Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge
Combat Medical Badge
Combat Action Ribbon
Air Force Combat Action Medal
Combat Action Badge
SSBN Deterrent Patrol Insignia
Korea Defense Service Medal
Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal
Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal
Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon WITH GOLD BORDER
Korea Duty (Service in Korea for 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days)
Hostile Fire Pay or Imminent Danger Pay
For any questions regarding VFW eligibility, please contact the Membership Department at membership@vfw.org or by calling 1-888-JOIN-VFW (564-6839) for assistance.