vfw auxiliary membership application pdf

VFW Auxiliary Membership Application: A Comprehensive Guide

The VFW Auxiliary offers membership to those related to veterans who served in overseas combat․ Learn about eligibility, benefits, and the application process․ Explore service opportunities, community involvement, and discounted services for members․

Understanding the VFW Auxiliary

The VFW Auxiliary is a nonprofit service organization dedicated to supporting veterans, service members, and their families․ It works alongside the VFW to improve communities․ Membership is open to those related to individuals who served in overseas combat, promoting patriotism and aiding military units․

Members engage in hospital volunteering and advocate for veterans’ interests․ The Auxiliary offers avenues for service and stands with the military community on Capitol Hill․ Joining provides opportunities to serve veterans, access benefits, and participate in community initiatives․

Awards are given for recruiting new members, strengthening the organization’s ability to support veterans․

Eligibility Requirements for VFW Auxiliary Membership

To join the VFW Auxiliary, applicants must be U․S․ citizens or nationals, at least 16 years old, and related to someone eligible for VFW membership․

Citizenship and Age

The VFW Auxiliary requires all members to be either citizens of the United States or United States Nationals․ This requirement ensures that members share a common bond and commitment to the nation․ In addition to citizenship, prospective members must also meet a minimum age requirement․ Individuals must be at least 16 years old to be eligible for membership in the VFW Auxiliary․ This age requirement allows younger generations to get involved in supporting veterans and their families, fostering a sense of patriotism and service from an early age․ These criteria ensure dedicated and committed members․

Relationship to a VFW-Eligible Veteran

Eligibility for VFW Auxiliary membership hinges on a specific relationship to a veteran who qualifies for VFW membership․ This includes spouses (husband or wife), widow or widower, parents (mother or father), grandparents, children (sons or daughters), grandchildren, and siblings․ Notably, step- and adopted relatives within these categories are considered the same as biological relatives․ This inclusive approach ensures that a wide range of family members can support the veteran community․ The relationship must be within two degrees of consanguinity, encompassing two generations back or forward from the eligible veteran․

VFW Membership vs․ VFW Auxiliary Membership

VFW membership is for those who served in overseas combat․ The Auxiliary welcomes relatives of eligible VFW members․ Each offers distinct ways to support veterans and the military community․

Dual Membership Clarification

Historically, individuals could hold membership in both the VFW and the VFW Auxiliary․ However, after August 20, 2015, this allowance no longer applies․ Those who maintained dual membership before this date were permitted to retain both memberships․ Current VFW members or VFW-eligible veterans are generally not eligible for Auxiliary membership unless they meet the Auxiliary’s eligibility requirements through a qualifying relative․ The key distinction lies in the eligibility criteria: VFW membership requires overseas service, while Auxiliary membership is based on familial relationships to eligible veterans․ This clarification ensures a clear separation between the two organizations and their respective membership bases․

The VFW Auxiliary Application Process

Applying requires verifying eligibility through provided documentation․ This process confirms the applicant’s relationship to a VFW-eligible veteran․ Proof of service is essential for application approval․

Verification of Eligibility

The VFW Auxiliary application mandates strict verification of eligibility․ Applicants must substantiate their relationship to a veteran eligible for VFW membership․ This involves providing documentation, such as birth certificates or marriage licenses, establishing familial connection․ The veteran’s qualifying service, whether campaign medal receipt, service in Korea, or hostile fire pay, also needs confirmation․

This verification process ensures that only those meeting the established criteria become Auxiliary members․ It upholds the organization’s principles and mission․ Providing accurate documents is vital for a smooth application, and it is the sole responsibility of the applicant to provide this․

Benefits of VFW Auxiliary Membership

VFW Auxiliary membership provides avenues for community service, supporting veterans, and accessing various discounts․ Members also receive the VFW Auxiliary Magazine and e-newsletters and also have the opportunity to affect legislative battles․

Service Opportunities and Community Involvement

The VFW Auxiliary provides numerous service opportunities, including hospital volunteering and adopting military units․ Members engage in promoting patriotism and supporting veterans in their communities․ The Auxiliary actively participates in local legislative battles and advocates for veterans’ needs on Capitol Hill․ With a heart for veterans, members stand with them, contributing to the betterment of their lives․

Through community involvement, the VFW Auxiliary works alongside the VFW, impacting the lives of service members and their families․ Members find fulfillment in making a difference through various programs and services․ The Auxiliary strives to uphold the well-being of veterans․

Access to Discounted Services and Benefits

VFW Auxiliary members gain access to a vast network of money-saving products and services in the insurance and benefits industry․ Discounted policies are available for life, health, accident, long-term care, and dental insurance․ The Auxiliary provides access to affordable discounts, enhancing the value of membership․

Members also receive the VFW Auxiliary Magazine and e-newsletter, keeping them informed about benefits and opportunities․ These benefits provide financial advantages and support the well-being of members and their families․ The VFW Auxiliary strives to offer valuable resources, making membership a rewarding investment․ Members can participate in benefits received through mail or on the website․

How to Obtain Proof of Service for Eligibility

Proof of service is required for VFW Auxiliary eligibility․ Contact the National Archives and Records Administration to obtain veterans’ service records․ This verification is essential for completing the Auxiliary application process․

Contacting National Archives and Records Administration

To obtain proof of service for VFW Auxiliary membership eligibility, contacting the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is crucial․ NARA maintains detailed records of military service, which are necessary for verifying a veteran’s eligibility․ You can reach NARA through their toll-free number, 1-866-272-6272, or by visiting their website․

The website provides online resources and instructions on how to request service records․ Ensure you have relevant information like the veteran’s full name, date of birth, and service dates to facilitate your request․ Obtaining these records is a key step in the VFW Auxiliary application process․

Ways to Join the VFW Auxiliary

There are a few ways to join the VFW Auxiliary: as a local member, a Department Member At Large, or a National Member At Large․ Choose the option that best suits you!

Local Auxiliary Member

Becoming a Local Auxiliary Member is a great way to be directly involved in your community and support local veterans; This membership type allows you to participate in meetings, hold office, and contribute to local initiatives․ Local Auxiliary members engage in activities like hospital volunteering, adopting military units, and promoting patriotism within their communities․

This option provides opportunities to connect with other members, participate in local legislative battles affecting veterans, and directly impact the lives of those who served․ By joining a local auxiliary, you become an integral part of the VFW Auxiliary’s mission at the grassroots level․