The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) traces its roots back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902) and found there was no medical care or veterans' pension for them.

 

Determined to better the care and benefits for war veterans, many of them banded together and formed organizations that would later become known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.

 

After chapters were formed in Colorado, Ohio and Pennsylvania the movement quickly gained momentum. By 1915, membership grew to 5,000; by 1936, membership was almost 200,000. 

The first National VFW Encampment, now called Convention,  was held in Providence RI in 1919.  In 1920 the VFW Department of RI was officially mustered in and 2 years later VFW 916 was mustered on April 10, 1922, meaning we were the 916th Post to muster into the VFW in the world.  There are over 10,000 VFW Posts now worldwide with our total membership rapidly approaching one million members.

 

When VFW 916 was founded, we 25 charter members.  Today, our Post roster is over 170 members. Our diverse membership includes moms / dads with small children to WWII Veterans who have great grandchildren.  Our common bond is we all served when called upon.

 

We are a very community focused group of servant warriors and we welcome all war depolyed veterans to join us.  Feel free to contact us if you are interested in joining or for any veteran related questions.