A 501(c)(3) Not-For-Profit Organization
DEDICATED TO SERVING VETERANS

MILITARY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The VFW Military Assistance Program (MAP) is the outstretched hand between the VFW and active duty, Guard, and Reserve military units. MAP offers grants to VFW Posts who participate in military unit functions, such as sponsoring "Farewell" and "Welcome Home" activities, "Family Readiness Group" events, or other sponsorship ideas.

UNMET NEEDS: Emergency Financial Assistance

Through this initiative, the VFW provides emergency financial aid to qualified military personnel or their dependents for the purpose of avoiding financial hardships resulting from military deployments. This aid is in the form of a one-time grant and can be fore an amount up to $2500.00. This money is paid directly to the creditor or provider of the service to the military personnel or their family.

VFW OPERATION UPLINK^TM

VFW Operation Uplink^TM was launched in 1996 to connect active-duty troops and hospitalized veterans with their loved ones. The program uses contributions from supporters to purchase phone time for the men and women who are serving, or have served, this great nation, as well as for hospitalized veterans. Operation Uplink^TM is also responsible for the many free Internet cafes overseas.

VOICE OF DEMOCRACY SCHOLARSHIP

Sponsored by the VFW, this scholarship is open to all high school students and offers prizes at many levels, from the post level to the national level. Illinois currently ranks first in the nation in terms of student participation and amount of money awarded.

VETERANS SERVICE

The Veterans Service program provides highly trained professionals to assist veterans and their families in matters such as filing claims and obtaining disability benefits and gaining admittance and receiving care at VA Hospitals. Our service office has assisted many veterans in claims and hospital admittance.

HONOR THE DEAD BY HELPING THE LIVING

Each year the VFW contributes money, time and energy to honor our dead by helping the living.

ARMED AND READY

The Armed and Ready program helps our veterans get on the fast track by learning from experienced veterans skills such as

• Resume writing
• Job placement
• Assistance with entitlement rights
• Career development
• Benefits explanation
• VFW scholarship opportunities
• Education benefits