Laurie Dale
2015-2016 National Veterans & Family Support Ambassador
Veterans & Family Support: VFW National Home
The VFW National Home serves as a living memorial to America’s veterans by helping our nation’s military and veteran families during difficult times.
It was founded in 1925 as a place where the families left behind by war – mothers and children, brothers and sisters – could remain together, keeping the family circle intact even when their serviceman didn’t come home. Today’s families face different challenges – reintegration, PTSD, high unemployment and rehabilitation from battlefield injuries, among others – and the National Home has evolved over the decades to meet those changing needs. Through it all, one thing has remained constant: the National Home’s commitment to honor our nation’s veterans and active-duty military by providing help and hope for their children and families.
The idea for the National Home was first planted in 1923 when the Military Order of the Cootie presented the concept to the VFW at its National Convention. Members of the VFW embraced the idea of a home for the children and families of veterans and the VFW National Home was born as a non-profit corporation separate from the VFW itself. On December 6, 1924, the National Council of Administration approved the idea of the VFW National Home. The Veterans of Foreign Wars had taken a giant step forward in fulfilling its pledge to “Honor the Dead by Helping the Living.”
Since its founding, the VFW National Home has grown from an old frame farm house to a sprawling campus with playgrounds, park area, and multiple buildings, including 42 single-family homes, a community center and gymnasium, child care facility, guest lodge, chapel and administrative offices.
How can you help support their mission? It’s easy! Create a lasting bond between yourself and the National Home by becoming a Life or Associate Member.
Life Members:
- VFW and VFW Auxiliary members and organizations are eligible to become Life Members.
- Life Members may vote for the trustees who represent their National Home District and approve any proposed changes to their bylaws and articles of incorporation.
- Life Memberships can be purchased using credit card or check.
- Life Member Pins can also be purchased for an additional $5
- Any individual or organization wishing to support the National Home’s mission can become an Associate Life Member.
- Associate Life Members do not have voting privileges.
Both member types receive a membership certificate & wallet card.
I encourage you to visit www.vfwnationalhome.org to learn more about everything the VFW National Home has to offer and to learn more about the history of this hidden gem!
