For more than 100 years, the VFW Auxiliary has been fulfilling its original objectives by supporting the Veterans of Foreign Wars, serving veterans, active-duty military and their families, and spreading patriotism nationwide.
Where We Started
The VFW Auxiliary was founded September 14, 1914 in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania with Margaret Armstrong named as the first National President. Originally named the Ladies Auxiliary VFW, membership was offered exclusively to female spouses and relatives of members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The founders of our organization set out to develop a program that would help assist service members who were returning from battle and help then with assimilating into civilian life. While the Ladies Auxiliary initially started with only 47 members it would quickly grow and contribute a large amount of support and dedication. With a strong dedication to service, Auxiliary members have joined the Red Cross to focus on helping wounded service members by wrapping bandages and visiting hospitals. Throughout the years the Auxiliary has continued to serve and not shy away from our mission.
After more than 100 years of the Ladies Auxiliary was led by strong, determined, passionate women who worked tirelessly to ensure for our country's Veterans were cared for, remembered, honored, aided, and advocated for but it was time for a really big and needed change. On July 20, 2015 at the 116th VFW National Convention in Pittsburgh delegates voted to amend our bylaws to extend membership to eligible male spouses and relatives. It was also during this time that it was decided to appropriately change our organization's name to the VFW Auxiliary. Our organizations members are represented in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, as well as several foreign locations like Germany, Guam, and Panama. We take great pride in creating such a global impact on the lives of those who have served and our communities as we work alongside the VFW as partners in service.
LOOKING AHEAD
Every year the Auxiliary adds to it's history and accomplishments and there is no doubt that the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States will continue to make a mark. Another example of history for the Auxiliary is that Carla Martinez who will be VFW National President for 2023-2024 will be the first VFW National President who is a dual member Veteran* as she served in Korea while serving in the Navy.
*Prior to the change from VFW Ladies Auxiliary to VFW Auxiliary there were members who belonged to both the VFW and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary.
