There are three qualifiers for membership in the VFW, as set out in our Bylaws. An
individual must meet all three in order to become a member. They are as follows:

• Citizenship – must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. National.
• Honorable Service – must have served in the Armed Forces of the United States and either received a discharge of Honorable or General (Under Honorable Conditions) or be currently serving.
• Service in a war, campaign, or expedition on foreign soil or in hostile waters.
  • This can be proven by any of the following:
    – An authorized campaign medal
    – Receipt of Hostile Fire Pay or Imminent Danger Pay (verified by a military pay statement)
    – Service in Korea for 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days

This information is usually available through a veteran’s DD-214. If other information is needed or if a veteran’s DD-214 is not complete, they can contact the National Personnel Records Center at 314-801-0800 or http://www.archives.gov/veterans/evetrecs/
to request more information.