The VFW needs more members — both locally and nationally.

The nonprofit veterans service organization is comprised of eligible veterans and service members from active, guard and reserve military forces. The lobbying voice of the VFW was instrumental in establishing the Veterans Administration, developing the national cemetery system, and fighting for compensation for veterans exposed to Agent Orange or diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome.

With approximately 1.5 million current members, the lobbying voice of the VFW is strong, but it will diminish considerably if current members do not continue membership and new people do not join, according to Army veteran Greg Marlow.

As Senior Vice Commander of VFW Post 2618 in Brookhaven, Marlow believes every eligible veteran should join. The Veterans of Foreign Wars has a simple motto — “No one does more for veterans.”

“We are the largest combat vets organization, with a worldwide membership,” Marlow said. “We have a vast amount of resources to assist people. Just join. Your membership helps at the national level.”

Even if members do not attend events or monthly meetings, Marlow said their names on the roll help “immensely” when it comes to the power to be heard in Congress.

“The VFW is not just for veterans, but to do good things for Brookhaven and Lincoln County,” Marlow said. “We’re involved in community service. We’re even sponsoring a T-ball team this year. They’re having a lot of fun.”

The VFW mission is “to foster camaraderie among U.S. veterans of overseas conflicts; to serve our veterans, the military and our communities; (and) to advocate on behalf of all veterans.”

The group’s vision is to “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.”

VFW 2618 meets the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. and Marlow suggests people who attend “come with an appetite, because we’re going to feed you.”

For more information on the VFW or membership, visit vfwms.org or call Marlow at 601-730-8281.

 

To be eligible to join the VFW:

• An individual must have served in the Armed Forces and have been discharged honorably or generally (under honorable conditions), or be currently serving.
• AND must have served in a war, campaign, or expedition on foreign soil or in hostile waters.

To be eligible to join the VFW Auxiliary:

• An individual must be at least 16 years old
• AND must be one of the following relations to a VFW member or individual eligible for VFW membership: spouse, widow/widower, father/mother, grandfather/grandmother, son/daughter, grandson/granddaughter, brother/sister.