The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) has its origin in the aftermath of the Spanish-American War, which took place between April and August 1898. After the war, many U.S. military veterans felt the need to come together to provide support and camaraderie for those who had served in foreign conflicts. On September 29, 1899, the VFW was established in Columbus, Ohio, under the name "American Veterans of Foreign Service." The founding members were veterans of the Spanish-American War and the Philippine Insurrection. Their primary goal was to create an organization that would advocate for the rights of veterans, provide assistance to those in need, and foster a sense of fellowship among veterans who had served overseas. Over the years, the organization expanded, and it became known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in 1914. As the United States was involved in more foreign conflicts, such as World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and subsequent wars and military engagements, the VFW continued to grow in membership and influence. The VFW has since become one of the largest and most prominent veterans service organizations in the United States. It is dedicated to advocating for veterans' rights, supporting active-duty military personnel, providing assistance to veterans in need, promoting patriotism, and fostering a strong sense of camaraderie among its members. Throughout its history, the VFW has played a significant role in shaping veterans' policies and programs and remains committed to honoring and supporting the men and women who have served their country in foreign conflicts.