The VFW traces its roots back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902) founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service: Many arrived home wounded or sick. There was no medical care or veterans' pension for them, and they were left to care for themselves.

In their misery, some of these veterans banded together and formed organizations with what would become known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. After chapters were formed in Ohio, Colorado and Pennsylvania, the movement quickly gained momentum. By 1915, membership grew to 5,000; by 1936, membership was almost 200,000. 

Since then, the VFW's voice had been instrumental in establishing the Veterans Administration, creating a GI bill for the 20th century, the development of the national cemetery system and the fight for compensation for Vietnam vets exposed to Agent Orange and for veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome. In 2008, VFW won a long-fought victory with the passing of a GI Bill for the 21st Century, giving expanded educational benefits to America's active-duty service members, and members of the Guard and Reserves, fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

The VFW also has fought for improving VA medical centers services for women veterans.

Besides helping fund the creation of the Vietnam, Korean War, World War II and Women in Military Service memorials, the VFW in 2005 became the first veterans' organization to contribute to building the new Disabled Veterans for Life Memorial, which opened in November 2010.

Annually, the nearly 2 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliaries contribute more than 8.6 million hours of volunteerism in the community, including participation in Make A Difference Day and National Volunteer Week. 

From providing over $3 million in college scholarships and savings bonds to students every year, to encouraging elevation of the Department of Veterans Affairs to the president's cabinet, the VFW is there.

 

 

We have been a pillar of the community and historic Hillyard neighborhood since 1934. We provide free support and services to veterans and their families through a variety of programs, ceremonies, events and facilities. We honor the sacrifices made by all veterans and their families because "Freedom isn't Free". We provide a welcoming and safe environment for veterans and their families to gather and socialize. We offer free support to all six branches of the military: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy and Space Force. We offer free support to active-duty troops stationed around the world. We provide free Veteran Outreach and wellness assessments.

 

We sponsor and host chapters of M.O.C., Fleet Reserve, American Legion, Sons of the American Legion, Evergreen Cemetary Board, and local Veterans Administration Service Officers. 

 

We sponsor and host 3 Boys and Girls Scouts Troops, a Cub Scout pack, and Eagle Scouts. In partnership with our Scouts, we offer free "Official Flag Retirement Ceremonies" and accept all U.S. flags dropped off for retirement. We partner with many other Veterans Organizations and Service Providers. We partner with Community Organizations and Service Providers. We go to our local schools and educate about veterans, their sacrifices and issues they face. We provide yearly youth scholarships. We support our local schools, their programs, sports, music, camps and other activities. We honor and recognize our outstanding local teachers in our awards ceremonies.

 

We are politically neutral. We encourage all to vote and we host local politicians to address current issues. We are actively involved in any and all legislation regarding veterans and their families. We honor and support our local First Responders and their families. We also have awards ceremonies in recognition of their outstanding service. 

 

We operate a free Community Food Pantry that is open to anyone in the community who applies. We provide services and support to anyone locally experiencing homelessness and/or food insecurity. The Pantry and Food Services Programs support local homeless shelters and food banks throughout eastern Washington and Northern Idaho. We sponsor, support and host community events. In 2025, we sponsored the 27th annual "ChalkArtWalk" and the 114th annual "Hillyard Festival" and "HiJinx Parade". We hosted a free Community Memorial Day Ceremony and a Community Independence Day Ceremony, Celebration and Barbecue. We provide a yearly free Thanksgiving Dinner to anyone that comes to the Post that day. We, along with our Auxiliary provide free "Christmas Baskets" to local families in need, each December.

 

We sponsor and host three Orchestras, a youth orchestra, a senior's orchestra and a veteran's orchestra. We have an Events Center that members and non-members can rent for a variety of meetings or events. We host Hillyard Association meetings, Hillyard Commitee Meetings, a Book Club, Motivational Speakers, Educational Speakers, a Swing Dance Group, A Renaissance Group, "Holey Board" Tournaments, Public Bingo, "Bar Bingo", a Gamer's Group and a veteran's video game tournament "Combat Tested Gaming".

 

*See our "Programs" and "Resources" pages for more information.