About the VFW Department of Washington
Washington State Legacy
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Washington has served veterans and their families for more than a century. The first Posts in Washington were chartered in 1918, soon after World War I, marking the beginning of an enduring commitment to service that continues today. With over 80 active Posts across 17 Districts, the Department unites veterans from every era — from Spokane to the Olympic Peninsula — providing advocacy, camaraderie, and direct support for those who have worn our nation’s uniform.
Headquartered in Fife, the Department of Washington continues to build on generations of leadership and tradition, strengthening communities while ensuring that veterans’ needs remain a priority at every level of government and society.
Who We Are
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) is a nonprofit veterans service organization comprised of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, guard, and reserve forces. Our mission is simple: to serve and advocate for those who have served this nation in uniform.
Our History
We trace our roots back to 1899, when veterans of the Spanish-American War and the Philippine Insurrection returned home to a nation unprepared to care for them. Facing wounds, illness, and no pension or medical care, they formed local groups to support one another and fight for recognition. Those groups eventually united under what became the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
As the organization grew, veterans across the country joined together under a shared mission. Today, the VFW and its Auxiliary have nearly 1.7 million members, preserving that same spirit of advocacy, support, and service.
Our Impact
The VFW helped create the Veterans Administration, advance the national cemetery system, and fought for compensation for veterans exposed to Agent Orange and Gulf War illnesses. In 2008, we championed the Post-9/11 GI Bill, expanding education benefits for modern service members. More recently, our advocacy led to the Veterans Access and Accountability Act of 2014 and improvements in VA medical services for women veterans.
We helped fund the Vietnam, Korean, WWII, and Women in Military Service memorials, as well as the Disabled Veterans for Life Memorial and the National Desert Storm War Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Our work spans grassroots support, legislative advocacy, and direct outreach — all to honor service and strengthen communities.
We provide programs and services supporting veterans, service members, and families at the state, national, and local levels. Explore our VFW Fact Sheet or browse our site to discover how we continue to serve those who served.
