The VFW traces its 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 with what would 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. By 1915, membership grew to 5,000; by 1936, membership was almost 200,000. 

Since then, the VFW's voice had been instrumental in establishing the Veterans Administration, creating a GI bill for the 20th century, the development of the national cemetery system and the fight for compensation for Vietnam vets exposed to Agent Orange and for veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome. In 2008, VFW 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. 

The VFW also has fought for improving 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, the VFW in 2005 became the first veterans' organization to contribute to building the new Disabled Veterans for Life Memorial, which opened in November 2010.Annually, the nearly 2 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliaries contribute more than 8.6 million hours of volunteerism in the community, including participation in Make A Difference Day and National Volunteer Week.

From providing over $3 million in college scholarships and savings bonds to students every year, to encouraging elevation of the Department of Veterans Affairs to the President's cabinet, the VFW is there.

 

 

 

Private Bruno Phillip Veterans of Foreign War Post 688 is an active and important part of the Boerne community.  The Post provides support and service to veterans and their families; works to protect veterans' rights, state and federal benefits; volunteers service hours to improve the City of Boerne and Kendall County; preserves the historic traditions of patriotism, military service, and devotion to country; and serves as a constant reminder to all that 'freedom is not free' - that is must be protected by the toil, sacrifice, blood, sweat, and tears of current and future American citizen Soldiers, Marines, Sailors,  Airmen, and Guardians.  

 

Post 688 hosts and participates in dozens of community events each year including parades, commemorations, school visits, and other events to honor veterans, our military, and to educate the community about important dates related to historical military actions that preserved the freedoms Americans enjoy today.  Post 688 has over 250 members who collectively represent service to our nation in every conflict from World War II to our current military operations.  

 

We accomplish these things by being involved in the Post's activities and the community, by continuing to live the values of selfless service, dedication, loyalty, and duty which we learned and practiced as uniformed members of the United States Armed Forces.  All of this requires that members of the Post be committed to and involved in Post projects and activities.  We as that VFW Post 688 members commit themselves to the roles and functions of the Post; to volunteer time and talents to helping veterans and the community.  This Post, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization as a whole, will always only be as effective as an organization and meaningful to the nation as the membership that makes it.