The VFW traces its roots back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902) founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service: Many arrived home wounded or sick. There was no medical care or veterans' pension for them, and they were left to care for themselves.

 

In their misery, some of these veterans banded together and formed organizations with what would become known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. After chapters were formed in Ohio, Colorado and Pennsylvania, the movement quickly gained momentum. By 1915, membership grew to 5,000; by 1936, membership was almost 200,000. 

Since then, the VFW's voice had been instrumental in establishing the Veterans Administration, creating a GI bill for the 20th century, the development of the national cemetery system and the fight for compensation for Vietnam vets exposed to Agent Orange and for veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome. In 2008, VFW won a long-fought victory with the passing of a GI Bill for the 21st Century, giving expanded educational benefits to America's active-duty service members, and members of the Guard and Reserves, fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

The VFW also has fought for improving VA medical centers services for women veterans.

Besides helping fund the creation of the Vietnam, Korean War, World War II and Women in Military Service memorials, the VFW in 2005 became the first veterans' organization to contribute to building the new Disabled Veterans for Life Memorial, which opened in November 2010.

Annually, the nearly 2 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliaries contribute more than 8.6 million hours of volunteerism in the community, including participation in Make A Difference Day and National Volunteer Week. 

From providing over $3 million in college scholarships and savings bonds to students every year, to encouraging elevation of the Department of Veterans Affairs to the president's cabinet, the VFW is there.

 

Banchang VFW Post 12146 was instituted 19 February 2015 and since that time we have had unparalleled success.

 

We have been selected as an All American and All State Post every year of our existence, we have contributed thousands of dollars to the community, and assisted hundreds of fellow veterans applying for benefits they have earned. We have donated thousands of dollars to veterans and their families in need, have adopted an active duty unit that we sponsor whenever they are in our area of operations, and nominated local American students to participate in the Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen competitions. One of our nominees competed all the way to the national event where she received an all expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. to deliver her essay. Although she did not win the national award she was selected as one of the top participants.

Our post changed its name to Banchang Utapao VFW Post 12146 in 2016 in order to recognize our members who served at RTNAB Utapao during the Vietnam War.

 

Our membership has grown from 35 to over 200 members in a short four year period. Post 12146 has quickly become the model post in our District and in the Department. We do it all and we would be extremely pleased to have you join our ranks.

The Making of a New VFW Post Banchang Thailand