Mission of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States

The purpose of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States is to preserve and support the patriotic and historical interests of our country, our communities and our veterans; to strengthen the common bonds of the men and women who have served and who are currently serving in our military; to assist them and their families to enhance their quality of life; to maintain true allegiance to the Constitution and laws of the United States of America and defend her from all enemies, whomsoever.
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Our Organization, is part of the oldest major veterans group in the United States. In 1899, 13 former Spanish - American War soldiers formed the forerunner of VFW in Columbus, Ohio. Today, VFW is considered the elite of U.S. veterans organizations because it demands overseas service in time of war or international crisis to qualify for membership.

The VFW, District 14 of California is structured to be operationally efficient while providing the highest degree of control of the organization's activities by its membership which is made up entirely of combat veterans. District 14 is based out of Oakland California and services 15 Post in the Alameda County.The Department efforts of the VFW are directed by an elected State Commander and administered by an appointed State Adjutant and his staff. A new State Commander is elected every year at the VFW's annual State Convention. Because no State Commander is allowed to succeed himself in office, the State Adjutant, acting as the Department chief executive officer, provides continuity in the leadership of the professional staff.

The governing board of the Department, called the Council of Administration, is made up of members who are elected to represent 25 geographical districts; these members serve terms of one year. Also serving on the Council are the VFW State Commander, immediate Past State Commander, State Senior and Junior Vice Commanders, State Quartermaster, State Chaplain, State Judge Advocate and State Surgeon, all of whom hold office as a result of election at the VFW's annual State Convention.