MEMBERSHIP

Eligibility

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 a full 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 online or at 314-801-0800 to request more information.

 

More detailed information on VFW eligibility can be accessed here.

Annual Membership

As the largest combat veterans organization around, VFW membership spans the globe. We're an elite group of combat warriors who have each other's backs long after the fight is over. 

Camaraderie. Empowerment. Access to a vast network of resources. Assistance securing the benefits you've earned. Numerous discounts on a number of products and services. With a VFW membership, you'll find all this and more! Further, your VFW membership establishes your place in the VFW legacy that dates back to our founding in 1899.

Your dues of just $35 will cover the cost of your membership for a full calendar year as a Member-At-Large for your state. ($1.98 of your membership dues goes toward your VFW magazine subscription.) The cost may vary by a $1 or so as each post determines annual membership dues.

Life Membership 

By becoming a VFW Life member, you make a lifetime commitment to serving your fellow service members and veterans. That's something to take great pride in.

You'll also enjoy many great benefits of being a Life member! You will:

  • Avoid annual dues and renewals.
  • Maintain your membership in any Post you choose, worldwide!
  • Never pay an increase in dues. Guaranteed!
  • Receive a 10% discount on exclusive VFW Store merchandise for the first year.

You can become a VFW Life member by making a one-time payment, or you can pay for your Life membership through our installment plan with an initial $45 payment and the Life membership amount billed over an 11-month period.

I do want to join.  What do I do next?

If you'd like to join the Kentucky Veterans of Foreign Wars, we want to hear from you!  Please complete the information on the link here. Once we receive your information, our membership department will mail you an application.  All you need to do then is complete the application, place it and a copy of your qualifying documentation (DD-214, etc.) in the included pre-addressed envelope and mail to the post closed to you.

Once the post receives your application and votes to accept you, they will contact you and welcome you in.

 But what if I am to busy to come to the meetings?

The VFW recognizes that today's combat Veteran has a lot on his or her plate.  Careers, church, family, etc. can quickly fill up a veteran's calendar.  No problem.  Though we'd love to have you at every meeting, the VFW defines an "active" member as one who's dues are paid up.  When you get some time available, then you can make it to a meeting.  Until then, let us count you as an active member and use your membership to preserve the benefits you earned so that they will be there when you are ready to tap into them. 

Announcements