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, developing 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 the 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

January 2024 membership meetings canceled

Cottage Grove VFW and Auxiliary meetings for January 15, 2024, have been canceled due to dangerously cold weather.

VFW Membership Meeting now at 6 p.m.

VFW membership meetings moved to 6 p.m.

Statewide News

News & Info from your department

2025 VFW Podium Edition

Available free at vfw.org

State Commander David Staehlin featured on Minnesota Military Radio

On August 10th, 2024, Minnesota VFW State Commander David Staehlin was interviewed on Minnesota Military Radio. https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-minnesota-military-29223778/

National News

Important info from National VFW

VFW and Columbia University Announce Military Transition Collaboration

WASHINGTON - The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is proud to announce its newest relationship with Columbia University's Center for...

A Thanksgiving Message from the VFW

WASHINGTON - This Thanksgiving, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) encourages Americans to reflect and be thankful for the life we...

Announcements


FOLLOW US

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.