The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States is a non-profit veteran’s service organization comprised of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, guard and reserve forces.  

 

We trace our roots back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902) founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service. Many arrived home wounded or sick. There was no medical care or veterans' pension for them, and they were left to care for themselves.

 

In their misery, some of these veterans banded together and formed organizations that would eventually band together and become known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. After chapters were formed in Ohio, Colorado and Pennsylvania, the movement quickly gained momentum. Today, membership stands at more than 1.5 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary.

 

Our voice was instrumental in establishing the Veterans Administration, development of the national cemetery system, in the fight for compensation for Vietnam vets exposed to Agent Orange and for veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome. In 2008, we won a long-fought victory with the passing of a GI Bill for the 21st Century, giving expanded educational benefits to America's active-duty service members, and members of the guard and reserves, fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. We were the driving force behind the Veterans Access and Accountability Act of 2014, and continually fight for improved VA medical centers services for women veterans.

 

Besides helping fund the creation of the Vietnam, Korean War, World War II and Women in Military Service memorials, in 2005 the VFW became the first veterans' organization to contribute to building the new Disabled Veterans for Life Memorial, which opened in November 2010. And in 2015, we became the first supporter of the National Desert Storm War Memorial which is planned for construction at our nation's capital.

 

We have many programs and services that work to support veterans, service members and their families, as well as communities worldwide. Please check out our latest fact sheet or spend some time browsing our site to learn why No One Does More For Veterans.

VFW Post 12180 was a vision in the mind of Charles "Tony” Dobbins.  He was the Senior Vice Commander of the Department of Georgia (2017-2018).  In the summer of 2019, he started searching for a place where a new Post could meet.  Bishop Irvine Bryer agreed to allow the established new Post to meet at his church, Cross Roads Christian Church, 3545 North Henry Blvd., Stockbridge, Georgia 30281.  The Post had its first meeting in September 2019.  Bishop Bryer was instrumental in introducing Commanders Dobbins and Attaway to the local community leaders.  At this time, Tony Dobbins became Commander Dobbins of the VFW Department of Georgia. He appointed Past Department of Georgia Commander, Richard Attaway to administrate and establish the new Post 12180. The National VFW Headquarters gave a 60-day window for the Post to be up and running.  The new Post was established under District 3 of the Department of Georgia.  District 3 Commander, Earl Lewis appointed District 3 Senior Vice Commander Wilbert Jordan to assist Past Department Commander Attaway in the establishment. The Post had to have 25 new members before it could be established and receive a Charter (10 of those members had to be new to VFW).    

The Post nominated and elected officers in October. Wilbert Jordan was elected Commander; Irvine Bryrer was elected Senior Vice Commander; David Gilbert was elected Junior Vice Commander and appointed Post Adjutant; Betty Turner was elected Post Quartermaster; Charlton Pitter was elected Post Chaplain; Belinda Boldoe was appointed Post Service Officer; Timothy Newsome was appointed Post Surgeon; Elzie Clark was appointed Post Judge Advocate and Earl Johnson was appointed Officer of the Day.  Within that 60-day period, the post had over 30 members.  The Post received its charter in December 2019.  Post 12180 was assigned to Division 11 in the National VFW. 

In April 2020, Post 12180 became an All-State Post.  Post 12180 was also the first Post in the Department of Georgia to reach Team 105. In August 2020, Post 12180 was number 3 in the National VFW Division 11 and became an All American Post.  In December, the Post relocated its meeting place to American Legion Post 516, 122 Legion Road, McDonough, Georgia 30253. Post 12180 has been an All-State and All-State American Post from its establishment.  David Gilbert and Betty Turner have succeeded Wilbert Jordan as commanders.