Step 1 - Determine Eligibility

The fundamental difference between our organization and other "Veterans" organizations, and one in which we take great pride, is our membership eligibility qualifications. There are three primary requisites for membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States:

1. Citizenship
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 VFW Congressional Charter and By-Laws and the Manual of Procedure and Ritual.

Assuming that a person is a United States citizen and has an honorable discharge from the U.S. armed forces, it only remains to be proven that the person has earned a recognized campaign medal or badge; served in Korea between June 30, 1949 until present; or earned Hostile Fire or Imminent Danger Pay eligibility.

View a full list of eligible campaign medals

Step 2 - Complete a Membership Application

The membership application must be completed and submitted for membership eligibility to be determined. It is the responsibility of the applicant to complete all sections of the application prior to submitting it to the Post. Applications that have not been completed properly will be returned to the applicant without consideration by the membership committee.

Download a printable membership application

Step 3 - Submit Application and Supporting Documents

Once the membership application has been completed, it must be submitted to the Post along with the appropriate support documentation to prove eligibility. Supporting documentation is typically provided in the form of a DD 214 form that was provided at the time of release from active duty. The DD 214 must indicate an eligible campaign medal. DD 214s submitted without the appropriate medals will be returned with a request for additional information.

Eligibility for veterans who served in Korea or who earned Hostile Fire or Imminent Danger Pay can be proven by submitting copies of unit assignment orders or Leave and Earning Statements (L.E.S. or "pay-stub") indicating the special leave received.

Applicants who do not have the appropriate documents should submit an SF 180, Request Pertaining to Military Records, to the appropriate military records archives location to obtain their records prior to submitting the application.

All membership applications must also be accompanied by the proper dues payment for the membership type being applied for. Annual membership is currently $22 for the initial year and $21 every year thereafter.

Life Membership dues are as follows:

* One time payment fees include a $75.00 discount paid by VFW Post 5265. Application and payment must be submitted through the Post to receive this discount.

Please make checks payable to: VFW Post 5265

Application, supporting documents and payment may me mailed or dropped off at the Post to the attention of the Quartermaster. If mailing your application, please mail to:

Robert Hinkle - Quartermaster
VFW Post 5265
P.O. Box 54
Spring Grove, PA 17362

Step 4 - Membership Review and Approval

Once submitted, the membership application and supporting documentation will be be reviewed by the membership committee. If the applicant is determined to be eligible for membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, they will then be voted into the membership of the Post by the current members at the next scheduled veteran's meeting. Veteran meetings are held the 3rd Tuesday of each month.