by L.E. Duncan

Created on: April 21, 2009   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

There are many veterans groups or Veterans Service Organizations (VSO) that serve the veterans of the U.S. Military. Veterans Groups serve several purposes, the original being a kind of faternaty for members of a particular military campaign or awarded a certain award (Congressional Medal of Honor Society).

As veterans groups formed and began to grow, they became more and more of a political power. Today many of these organizations are "chartered", meaning they are officially recognized by the Veteran's Affairs Secretary and at the federal, state levels of government. Both branches of Congress have committees dedicated to veterans of the armed forces and take the advice and knowledge of these organizations seriously when considering legislation that effects veterans.

Chartered organizations have the ability to help the veteran prepare and present claims to the Department of Veteran Affairs. There are four major non-government veterans groups in the United States. Their goals are often aligned, helping the veterans of our armed forces, supporting our active duty military, and volunteering to better our communities for all Americans.

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) began its organization during the Spanish-American War and the Philippine Insurrection in 1899. The mission of the VFW is "to honor the dead by helping the living through veterans' service, community service, national security and a strong national defense". The VFW played a significan role in establishing the Veterans Administration and creating the modern GI Bill.

The VFW membership is nearly 2 million strong, making it one of the most powerful veterans groups available. They offer many services to veterans and encourage volunteerism within your community and within the organization. Visit the VFW website to learn more and determine your eligibility for membership.

The American Legion was chartered in 1919 "as a patriotic, war-time veterans organization, devoted to mutual helpfulness. This organization is another powerful influence on government policy as it affects military veterans, boasting a membership of nearly 3 million.. The American Legion includes many benefits for their members including travel discounts, medical benefits, relocation, financial services, insurances and more. Take a look at their benefits page on their website.

American Veterans (AMVETS) was founded in 1944, and like other veteran service organizations, focus their volunteer efforts on community

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