ABOUT US

VFW logoThe Veterans of Foreign Wars 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. 

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.
 
 For our hours of operation and contact information at Cottage Grove Post 8752, see our contact us page.
 
VFW Fact Sheet    

Post News

Important Info for Post8752 Members

Bingo canceled for 2/22/23

Due to the weather, Bingo is canceled for Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at the Cottage Grove VFW.

Friday Fish Fry

Friday night fish fry menu every Friday through April 7, 2023

Statewide News

News & Info from your department

Redwood Falls Post 2553 Giving Back to their community

Community engagement is one of the core tenants of the VFW. Find out how Redwood Falls Post 2553 is giving back to its community.

Women Veterans Survey

On behalf of the Minnesota Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Women Veterans Committee, we are conducting a survey to better learn how we can meet the needs of Women Veterans and other disenfranchised members of the military who feel they may not have a place to belong.

National News

Important info from National VFW

VFW Delegation Returns to Southeast Asia

BANGKOK - Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Commander-in-Chief Tim Borland and a VFW delegation arrived in Thailand for the first leg...

VFW Proudly Sponsors Bataan Memorial Death March

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Marking its 13th consecutive year of support, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is proud to announce it is the...

Announcements


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OUR MISSION

Our Mission: To foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve our veterans, the military and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all veterans. 

Our Vision: Ensure that veterans are respected for their service, always receive their earned entitlements, and are recognized for the sacrifices they and their loved ones have made on behalf of this great country.