What is the difference between American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars?

The American Legion accepts members of the Merchant Marines, whom were given Veteran Status in the 1980's. The VFW continues to NOT accept Merchant Marines for membership. The American Legion is far larger organization with more members and more resources. There are many more Legions than VFW's.

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Can Cold War veterans join the VFW?

Two of the largest veterans groups, the VFW and the American Legion don't accept Cold War veterans into their ranks. The biggest reason being they were never issued service medals that would quilify their time of service. How do I join a local VFW? You must be a veteran who has honorably served overseas in an area of foreign conflict in order to join the VFW. However, if you are not eligible for VFW membership but are the parent, grandparent, spouse, sibling, child or grandchild of a qualifying veteran, you can apply for membership in the VFW Auxiliary.

Moreover, who is considered a veterans of foreign wars?

There are three primary requisites for membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States: (1) U.S. Citizen or U.S. National (2) Honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States (3) Service entitling the applicant to the award of a recognized campaign medal or as set forth in the Congressional Does the National Defense Service Medal qualify for VFW membership? If a veteran's DD-214 or other military documentation confirms they have been awarded one of these campaign medals and they have served honorably, then they are eligible for membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Accordingly, how do i get my grandfathers dd-214?

You can request your military records in any of these ways:

1. Mail or fax a Request Pertaining to Military Records (Standard Form SF 180) to the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC).
2. Write a letter to the NPRC.
3. Visit the NPRC in person.
4. Contact your state or county Veterans agency.
5. Hire an independent researcher.

Also, are cold war veterans eligible for va benefits? Cold War Certificates are available for eligible service-members, veterans, and civilians who faithfully served the United States during the Cold War Era, September 2, 1945 to December 26, 1991. The certificates were authorized by the 1998 National Defense Authorization Act.

Are you a veteran if you served in peacetime?

During Peacetime

To be considered a veteran, any military personnel must be on active-duty service for at least 180 days. The only exception is if the member sustained a service-related injury and was discharged under honorable conditions. Consequently, how do i prove i am a combat veteran? The qualifications for combat veteran status include discharge or release from active service on or after January 28, 2003. Recipients of Hostile Fire Pay or Imminent Danger Pay typically qualify for combat veteran status. These also apply to activated Reservists and members of the National Guard.

What does foreign service mean on DD-214?

SERVICE IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY CONSTITUTES FOREIGN SERVICE EVEN IF THE SERVICE IS PART OF A DEPLOYMENT INCLUDING DEPLOYMENTS IN SUPPORT OF CONTINGENCY OPERATIONS. THE VETERAN'S ADMINISTRATION MAY PROVIDE ADDITIONAL BENEFITS BASED ON FOREIGN SERVICE.