Military Assistance (MAP)

From adopting military units to donating TV-VCR units for American soldiers in Bosnia, the Veterans of Foreign Wars is continuing in its benevolence to others by providing moral and financial support to military service members worldwide. Established more than three years ago, the VFW's Military Assistance Program (MAP) is a quality of life initiative that focuses on easing the financial emergencies of deploying service members and supporting them and their family through the hardships of deployment. MAP also provides one-time grants up to $500 to service members needing emergency financial assistance. In addition, MAP has forged partnership with various service providers, including vetjobs.com, aimed at providing the transitioning service member with relocation and employment assistance.

For more information, call the MAP office at (816) 756-3390, ext. 211; Fax: (816) 968-1199 or e-mail: map@vfw.org

Adopt a Unit

There has always been a common bond between those serving in the military and the VFW. An extension of this bond is the VFW's Adopt-A-Unit program, which pairs a Post with a military unit. Besides sending "goody" packages to the troops, Posts work on the local level to offer moral support to the dependents left behind when a unit deploys. Since the war on terrorism began in 2001, more than 1,000 military units, including U.S. Navy ship squadrons and U.S. Army infantry units, have been adopted.

Posts participating in the AAU may qualify for additional financial support for sponsoring events with military units through the Military Assistance Program.

The procedure for adopting a unit is simple:

There is no initial cost in adopting a unit.

This program does not end when the troops re-deploy home; they and their families continue to need our backing and assistance.

For more information about adopting a unit contact your Department MAP chairperson or contact us at:

Military Assistance Program
VFW National Headquarters
406 W 34th St.
Kansas City, MO 64111

Telephone: (816) 756 3390 EXT 211 or map@vfw.org

Blue Star Banner

The Blue Star Banner, symbolizing hope and pride, was first displayed at the height of World War I. Beginning in 1918 the blue star signified the living, and a smaller gold star placed on top of the blue star, if a family member was killed or died while on active duty. The Blue Star Banners were displayed widely during World War II with the legacy continuing during the Korean, Vietnam and Persian Gulf Wars and other conflicts as well as in times of peace. Learn more.

Download, print and display our blue star banner .

Order Blue Star Service Banner.

Military Points of Contact Roster

In support of our troops, we ask that you contact the persons on these rosters for information regarding how you and/or your project group, Post and/or Auxiliary can provide much-needed support to the families of our fighting military men and women.

We also ask that you contact the appropriate Family Support Office with any projects you have currently planned to ensure maximum participation of family members and service personnel.

Please refer any military family member in need of assistance (legal, financial hardship, emergency assistance, etc.) to the appropriate point of contact listed in their state or region.

The family support coordinators and centers are a key element in communicating with the families of deployed servicemembers and getting needed assistance to them quickly.

The VFW thanks you for your kindness. God Bless our Troops.

Support Coordination Offices:

Emergency Financial Assistance

The VFW, in conjunction with its Posts and Departments, may provide emergency financial aid to qualified military personnel, or their family members, for help during financial hardships resulting from military deployments. Only military members on active duty or in an activated National Guard or Reserve unit are eligible to receive the funds.

The emergency aid is a one-time grant to the military member or qualified family member. Depending on the situation, VFW National Headquarters may furnish matching funds up to $500 to match Department/Post contributions.

Requests for emergency aid must originate from a commander or adjutant from either a VFW Department or Post. You can find a Post or Department online. The request is then forwarded to National Headquarters where the information is verified and, if approved, a check is issued to the military member/qualified family member.

An emergency situation is defined as an immediate need that has risen because of events or circumstances beyond the control of the individual or family member. The need cannot be caused my financial mismanagement or because of extravagant expenditures. Examples of emergency situations include assistance in preventing utility disconnection or help in buying groceries or clothing.