Legislative Victories
The VFW played an instrumental role in virtually every significant piece of veterans’ legislation passed in the
20th century, as well as bills enacted in the 21st century. Note: In each case, this is the year an act was
passed or an institution established.
For more information, contact the VFW National Legislative Service at vfwac@vfw.org.
1917 War Risk Insurance Act Amendments
1918 Vocational Rehabilitation Act (P.L. 178)
1919 Census Act Rider on Veterans Preference Discharge Allowance
1920 Widows and Orphans Pension Act (Spanish-America War)
1921 Veterans Bureau Act
1923 Veterans Preference Point System
1924 House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs
World War Adjusted Compensation Act
1925 Senate Subcommittee on Veterans’ Affairs
1926 Spanish-American War benefits
New Johnson Act (WWI benefits)
1930 Veterans Administration (VA) World War Service Disability Pension Act (P.L. 522)
1931 Bacharach Amendment (P.L. 743) allows borrowing on WWI bonus certificates
1933 Wagner-Peyser Act: Veterans Employment Service
1934 Pension for widows of WWI vets
1936 VFW congressional charter signed by President Roosevelt
Bonus bonds ($2.4 billion) to WWI vets redeemable
1938 Armistice Day (Nov. 11) legal holiday
1940 National Service Life Insurance
Selective Service & Training Act
1943 Benefits to WWII veterans (P.L. 10)
Disabled Veterans Rehabilitation Act
1944 GI Bill of Rights (P.L. 346)
Veterans Preference Act
1946 Veteran Emergency Housing Act
1947 Bureau of Veterans Re-employment Rights (BVRR)
1950 Vocational Rehabilitation Act
1951 Servicemen’s Indemnity & Insurance
1952 Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (Korean War GI Bill)
1954 Veterans Compensation Act
Nov. 11 declared as Veterans Day (P.L. 380)
1962 Veterans Benefits Act (Cold War GI Bill)
1966 Veterans Readjustment Benefits Act (P.L. 89-358) (Vietnam War GI Bill)
1970 Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs
1972 Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act
1973 Federal court agrees veterans preference applies to state jobs
1974 Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (vocational rehabilitation)
1976 Veterans Education & Employment Assistance Act
1977 Post-Vietnam Era Veterans Educational Assistance Act
1978 Veterans preference preserved
Veterans & Survivors Pension Improvement Act
Veterans Day returned to Nov. 11
1979 Vietnam Veterans Outreach Program (creates Vet Centers)
1980 VFW calls for Agent Orange study
Veterans Rehabilitation & Education Amendments
1981 Former POW Benefits Act
Veterans Health Care, Training & Small Business Loan Act
1982 Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS)
Vietnam Veterans Memorial dedicated
1983 Emergency Veterans Job-Training Act
1984 Montgomery GI Bill Veterans Dioxin & Radiation Exposure Compensation Standards Act
(P.L. 98-542): Agent Orange & Atomic Exposure
1987 New GI Bill Continuation Act
1988 Radiation-Exposed Veterans Compensation Act
Department of Veterans Affairs Act
Veterans Judicial Review Act
1989 VA becomes a Cabinet department Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
1990 Agent Orange service-connection
1991 Agent Orange Act (P.L. 102-4)
Persian Gulf War Veterans Assistance Act (P.L. 102-25)
1992 Veterans Health Care Act
1996 Veterans Health Care Eligibility Reform Act
1999 Veterans Millennium Health Care and Benefits Act
2003 Concurrent receipt for military retirees rated 50% disabled or more
2004 Full concurrent receipt for military retirees rated 100% disabled
Traumatic Injury Insurance supplemental created
2005 Protestors banned from military funerals
Stolen Valor Act signed into law
2006 VFW calls for VA/military health care system review after Walter Reed outpatient debacle
2008 Record VA discretionary budget approved
GI Bill for the 21st Century signed into law
2009 Advance Appropriations for VA becomes law
2010 Family Caregiver Legislation signed into law
Ensured all VA and DOD health care programs met minimum health care coverage standards
2011 VOW to Hire Heroes Act
VFW stopped TRICARE premiums from increasing annually
2012 Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act
Extended USERRA protections to veterans working for TSA
2013 Reinstated military Tuition Assistance programs
New Stolen Valor Act signed into law
Stopped Creation of Distinguished Warfare Medal (Drone Medal)
2014 Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014
In-State Tuition for Post-9/11 GI Bill eligible veterans
Advance Appropriations for VA Benefits
2015 Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans (SAV) Act
Eliminated 1 percent COLA reduction penalty on future military retirees
Created government match to military Thrift Savings Plan accounts

Updated 1/2025
2016 Toxic Exposure Research Act to evaluate impact on descendants
Enhanced fertility treatment and adoption services
2017 Forever GI Bill gives veterans a lifetime to use GI Bill benefits
Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017
VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act
Global War on Terrorism Memorial
Improved VA hiring and retention authorities
Veterans Choice Program improvements and expansion
Declassifying toxic exposure documents
Prevented significant copayment increases for TRICARE
2018 Expanded caregiver benefits to veterans of all eras
Consolidated community care into one improved program
Established a process to evaluate and improve VA facilities to better serve veterans
Defeated proposed cuts to Individual Unemployability
2019 Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act
Elimination of the Widow’s Tax
2020 Added bladder cancer, hypothyroidism, and parkinsonism to VA’s list of presumptive
conditions associated with exposure to Agent Orange
Changed the statutory definition of Vietnam veterans to include individuals who served in the
Republic of Vietnam from Nov. 1, 1955, to Feb. 27, 1961
Deborah Sampson Act
Elimination of the 12-year limit on using Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) benefits
2021 Expanded maternity care options from community providers
PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act
2022 Honoring our PACT Act
Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas SERVICE Act
Global War on Terrorism Memorial Location Act
UCMJ reform on sexual assault and harassment
2024 Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, which
included the Not Just A Number Act

Troop Support
• Military Assistance Program (MAP)
More than 4.1 million service members and their families have been hosted at morale-boosting events
sponsored by the VFW since 2005.
• Adopt-a-Unit
More than 3,700 units and ships have been adopted through VFW Posts since 2007. VFW National
Headquarters adopted the USS Cole in 2002.
• Care Packages
Posts across the country show their support of America’s military by collecting and distributing
much-needed personal items for adopted units.
• VFW Financial Assistance
This program administers financial assistance in the form of grants to active-duty service members to
include active Guard/Reserves and their families to help cover daily necessities such as residential
expenses, vehicle expenses, childcare, food, and more. Since 2004, 11,659 grants have been issued
totaling more than $13 million.
• VFW’s “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship”
Introduced in 2013, this program awards scholarships of up to $5,000 to qualifying veterans and
service members. The program has provided 3,261 scholarships totaling more than $1.5 million.
• Student Veteran Support Grants
Provides financial grants to VFW Posts, Districts, and Departments to assist with outreach and
services to veterans on college campuses around the country.

VFW Programs & Projects
Since its founding, the VFW has been a staple in the community. Troop support, youth activities,
volunteering and scholarship programs are a few of the ways the VFW shines in the many communities and
cities where Posts are located.
Youth Scholarship Programs
• Voice of Democracy
This audio-essay competition annually awards nearly $3 million in scholarships to students in grades
9-12. The first-place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship.
• Patriot’s Pen
More than $1.2 million is awarded annually to students in grades 6-8 in this essay contest. The first
place winner receives $5,000.
• Teacher of the Year
The VFW annually recognizes three exceptional schoolteachers (one from each (K-5, 6-8, and 9-12)
for their outstanding commitment to teaching Americanism and patriotism to their students. Awards
include $1,000 to the teacher of each category and $1,000 for his/her school, along with an all
expense-paid trip to attend the VFW National Convention.
Educational Outreach
• Echoes From the Wall
The VFW partnered with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund to distribute a curriculum, Echoes
From the Wall, to 25,000 public and private high schools and donated $50,000 to the project.
• Educational Brochures
The VFW produces and distributes a flag brochure and poster.
• Veterans in the Classroom
November is officially known as VFW Veterans in the Classroom Month. Members demonstrate flag
etiquette and share their wartime experiences with America’s youth.
Youth Activities
Locally, VFW Posts sponsor various youth sporting programs such as baseball and ice hockey. In
addition, many VFW Posts sponsor Boy and Girl Scout troops, Junior Olympics, bike safety, JROTC
units, drill teams, color guards and a variety of other programs to build good citizenship and
exemplary character in America’s youth.
Community Volunteerism
Each year, VFW members volunteer more than 5 million hours of service to various community
endeavors.
• Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service
The VFW was a charter member in 1946. VFW volunteers donate millions of hours of service
annually at VA medical facilities.

Our Core Values:
Always put the interests of our members first
Treat donors as partners in our cause
Promote patriotism
Honor military service
Ensure the care of veterans and their families
Serve our communities
Promote a positive image of the VFW
Respect the diversity of veteran opinions

To qualify for membership in the VFW you MUST meet the following TWO requirements:

1: Honorable Service – must have served in the Armed Forces of the United States and either received a discharge of Honorable or General (Under Honorable Conditions) or be currently serving.

2: Service in a war, campaign, or expedition on foreign soil or in hostile waters*. This can be proven by any of the following:
- An authorized campaign medal (see a full list of qualifying medals and badges)
- Receipt of Hostile Fire Pay or Imminent Danger Pay (verified by a military pay statement)
- Service in Korea for 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days

*This information is usually available through a veteran’s DD-214. If other information is needed or if a veteran’s DD-214 is not complete, they can contact the National Personnel Records Center online or at 314.801.0800 to request more information.

By virtue of charter granted, this Post shall be known as Owens Crossroads Post 12242, Veterans of
Foreign Wars of the United States.
Sec. 2. The location of this Post shall be in the City of Owens Crossroads, County of Madison, State of Alabama.

ARTICLE II
SUBORDINATION

Sec. 1. The supreme power of this association is vested in the National Convention and this Post shall be at all
times governed by the Congressional Charter and Bylaws of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States, the Bylaws of the Department, orders issued by authority of the National Convention, National
Council of Administration, the Commander-in-Chief, the Department Convention, Department Council of
Administration and the Department Commander. Resolutions adopted by the National Convention are
held to be lawful orders.

ARTICLE III
MEETINGS

Sec. 1. Place: The regular meeting place of this Post shall be at the Meadows of Hampton Cove Clubhouse,
6099 Goose Ridge Drive, Owens Crossroads, Alabama, 35763.
Sec. 2. Time: The regular meetings of the Post shall be held on the 3 rd Wednesday of each month, to be called to
order at 6p.m.
Sec. 3. The Post may, after at least fourteen (14) days written notice to the Department Commander and the
members of the Post, change its meeting place, appointed day or time upon a majority vote of the
members present and voting at a regular or special meeting called for such purpose.
Sec. 4. Special meetings may be called in accordance with the provisions of the National Bylaws.
Sec. 5. Quorum: Six (6) members in good standing shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
Sec 6. Post may adopt procedures, in compliance to National Bylaws allowing members to participate in
meetings using technology that allows all participating members to communicate with each other
simultaneously.

ARTICLE IV
MEMBERSHIP

Sec. 1. Membership in this Post, eligibility to, application for, acquiring and maintenance of, loss of and discipline
shall be in accordance with the provisions of the National Bylaws.
Sec. 2. The admission fee of this Post shall be payable in accordance with the National Bylaws.
Sec. 3. The dues of this Post shall never be less than the amount required to cover Department and National
dues.

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Sec. 4. Annual Post membership dues shall be $15 plus Department and National Dues.

ARTICLE V
OFFICERS

Sec. 1. Eligibility to, nomination, election or appointment, installation and term of office shall be in accordance
with the provisions of the National Bylaws.
Sec. 2. The Post shall elect the Commander, Senior Vice Commander, Junior Vice Commander, Quartermaster,
and three Trustees. The Commander shall appoint an Adjutant, Chaplain, and may appoint a Service
Officer.
Sec. 3. The duties of all officers shall be those prescribed by Department and National Bylaws, lawful orders as
the Post may direct and as these Bylaws may provide.
ARTICLE VI
COMMITTEES AND DUTIES

Sec. 1. All Committees and their chairmen, unless otherwise provided shall be appointed by the Commander as
promptly as possible after election to office, and as such shall serve at his/her will and pleasure. The
Post Quartermaster, by virtue of office shall be treasurer of all committees handling funds.
Sec. 2. The Standing Committees of the Post shall be as follows:

(a) Membership (e) Youth Activities (i) Community Activities
(b) Relief (f) House (j) Safety
(c) Poppy (g) Americanism (k) Bingo
(d) Publicity (h) Ways and Means
Sec. 3. House Committee/Board of Management (BoM):
(a) The House Committee/BoM shall be elected by the Post members to manage certain matters
related to the Post property including the operation of Post Club Rooms and/or Canteen. It shall
consist of not less than three members, one each of whom shall be elected annually for a three-
year term. Trustees shall not serve on the House Committee/BoM. In addition, the Post
Commander and Post Quartermaster by virtue of their offices shall be members of the House
Committee.
(b) The Committee shall be responsible for the cleanliness and upkeep of the quarters and the
equipment therein.
(c) The Committee shall be in charge of the sub-rental of the Post’s quarters and shall exercise such
supervision over sub-renters as will ensure the protection of the Post’s name and property.
(d) The Committee may authorize such expenditures for minor emergency repairs and janitor supplies
as may be necessary for the preservation and protection of the Post’s quarters and its equipment,
provided that the total amount so expended between any two regular meetings shall not exceed an
amount previously established by the Post.
(e) All monies received by the Committee through the sub-rental of the Post's quarters or other
sources shall be deposited with the Post Quartermaster.
(f) All expenditures of the Committee shall be made only by regular voucher and drawn by the
Quartermaster in accordance to these Bylaws.
(g) The House Committee/BoM shall keep a record of all its receipts and expenditures and shall, at
every meeting of the Post, report all monies received and all expenditures made since the last
meeting.

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(h) The Post may adopt such further rules and regulations governing the conduct of club or canteen
as, do not conflict with the provisions of this Article. Such rules and regulations shall only become
effective upon their approval by a majority vote of members present and voting at a regular or
special meeting called for that purpose; at least thirty (30) days’ notice in writing having first been
given to all members.

ARTICLE VII
CONTROL OF SUBSIDIARY UNITS

Sec. 1. Any activity, unit or clubrooms sponsored, conducted or operated by the Post, incorporated separately
from the Post or unincorporated, shall be at all times under the direct control of the Post.
Sec. 2. All funds derived from any of the above shall be in the custody of the Post Quartermaster.
Sec. 3. All money, property and assets of every kind as well as all records in connection therewith used, held
and owned by any of the above activities is the property of the Post and must be placed in the care and
custody of the Post Quartermaster.
Sec. 4. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary and Military Order of the Cootie are governed by Articles XI and
XII respectively of the National Bylaws and Manual of Procedure of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and
their respective Bylaws, rules and regulations.
ARTICLE VIII
EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS

Sec. 1. Expenditure of funds shall be made only after prior authorization by the Post and on proper voucher
drawn by the Adjutant and approved by the Commander. All checks for the expenditure of Post funds
shall be numbered in sequence, the number of each check to correspond with the voucher authorizing
the same, other expenditures may be made using acceptable banking practices. All disbursements of
Post funds shall bear the signature of the Quartermaster or other person(s) authorized by the
Quartermaster. Such other authorized person(s) shall be bonded in accordance with Section 703 of the
National Bylaws.
Sec. 2. The adoption of this Article shall constitute authorization by the Post for the payment of bills, when and as
due, for monthly rental, public utility service, postage, janitor service and for janitor’s supplies and minor
emergency repairs authorized by the House Committee, provided that the amounts to be paid for monthly
rental and for janitor service shall have been previously established by the Post.
Sec. 3. No other payment or expenditure shall be made except on the specific authorization of the Post in each
and every case.
Sec. 4. The Post Quartermaster is authorized a debit card on the account of the Post General fund. Use is
restricted for expenses with VFW National, VFW Department of Alabama, Post purchases through VFW
Store and charges specifically approved by Post Membership vote. The debt card shall not be used for
cash withdrawal at any time.
Sec. 5. A travel expense report will be submitted to the Post for all approved travel expenses prior to
reimbursement.
Sec.. 6. The Post Commander is authorized to disapprove any “proper Post authorization” of expenditures in the
following instances:
(a) Any expenditure in violation of the National Bylaws.
(b) Any expenditure that is unlawful.
(c) Any expenditure that would jeopardize the tax-exempt status of the Post.

ARTICLE IX

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COMPENSATION

Sec. 1. No compensation shall be paid to any officer of this Post for their services as such officer, except as
hereafter may be provided.
Sec. 2. For services rendered, the Post may, by majority vote, pay the annual dues of the Adjutant and
Quartermaster for the periods or parts of periods they serve as such, and such other compensation
commensurate with their duties as may be determined and specified by vote of the Post.

ARTICLE X

FUNDRAISING PROMOTIONS/SOLICITATIONS

Sec. 1. This Post shall solicit funds or donations only by prior vote of the members agreeing to the proposition. It
shall not solicit funds or donations or otherwise engage in fundraising activities or projects outside the
immediate geographical area or community of the Post.
Sec. 2. This Post shall not enter into any agreement with a promoter for the purpose of raising funds unless the
said promoter shall have first furnished a good and sufficient surety bond in a principal sum sufficient to
give the Post ample protection in the particular circumstances. The said bond shall be subject to the
approval of the Post Advocate, bear the endorsement of the Post Commander and be kept in the
possession of the Post Quartermaster. The bond will be conditioned on the payment to the Post
Quartermaster of all monies due the Post as a result of the solicitation within thirty (30) days of the close
of the campaign.
If the promoter has made satisfactory settlement within the thirty-day period, then surety will be
determined to be discharged, otherwise the bond will remain in full force and effect.
Sec. 3. If the bond cannot be furnished, then all collections shall be made by the members of the Post
sponsoring the campaign or entertainment and said funds shall be paid to a bonded officer of the Post
who shall hold the funds in their custody pending proper pro rata distribution.
Sec. 4. Fundraising organizations or individuals conducting solicitations, activities or projects for a profit shall not
be engaged or used by the Post for such purpose unless such engagement is made by written
agreement between the Post and the organization or individuals providing those services. The form of
any such written agreement must be submitted to the Department Commander for review at least thirty
(30) days prior to any Post entering into any such agreement.
Sec. 5. No solicitations or ticket sales shall be permitted in the Post quarters or at socials or meetings unless
such solicitations or ticket sales shall have been approved by the Post.

ARTICLE XI
MISCELLANEOUS

Sec. 1. Every member of this Post shall keep the Post Adjutant and Quartermaster advised of their current
address by promptly reporting any change of same.
Sec. 2. One copy of these Bylaws shall be issued to each elected and appointed officer of this Post.
Sec. 3. In all Post procedures not provided for by the Congressional Charter and Bylaws or these Bylaws,
Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall be the authority, and it shall be the duty of the Judge
Advocate, in an advisory way, when called upon to do so by the Post Commander to advise the Post
Commander on the proper rule(s).

ARTICLE XII
SPEECHES

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Sec. 1. No member will be permitted to speak on any one subject (Pro or Con) more than twice; and the first time
no longer than five (5) minutes, and the second time no longer than three (3) minutes, with the exception
of a committee report and recommendations and visiting guests who have a message to impart.

ARTICLE XIII
AMENDMENTS

Sec. 1. These Bylaws shall become effective after adoption by this Post and after review by the Commander of
the Department and Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.
Sec. 2. These Bylaws may be amended by the Post by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting at a
meeting, provided each member had been notified at least twenty (20) days in advance and upon request
provided a copy of the proposed amendments.
Sec. 3. Wherever these Bylaws or subsequent amendments may be found to be in conflict with the present or
any future Department or National Bylaws, the latter shall prevail and be binding upon this Post as though
written herein.

These Bylaws were adopted, subject to the review of the Department Commander and the Commander-in-Chief of
the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States on this _________________ day of
___________________________, 20______, at a regular meeting of this Post.

Owens Crossroads Post 12242
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States

ATTEST: OFFICIAL:

Brett Beatty, Adjutant Alfonso, Nixon,

I was just asked to send you and the Owens Cross Roads Post members a formal invitation to VFW Post 5162 Memorial Day Memorial Ceremony at Maple Hill Cemetery at 0900 on Memorial Day, May 26th, 2025.

Hope you and other members can join our Post.

Respectfully,
Marcus Craig
VFW Post 5162 Quartermaster
Is there anyone who can assist?

Welcome to the Veterans of Foreign Wars family. Where your service is honored, your voice is heard, and your community stands strong. We encourage you to get involved, connect with veterans and take full advantage of the support and resources available to you. Join us at upcoming events, volunteer your time and help us build a stronger community together.

Every year here in North Alabama, volunteers and their families/friends are needed to help local veteran organizations in placing flags at Veteran gravesites on the Saturday before and the Saturday after Memorial Day.

The VSOs provide the US flags and just need volunteers to help during these rain or shine events.

Below are the general details for the three separate locations in need. More details are in the attached PDF.

Maple Hill Cemetery
Placement: 17 May, 9 a.m.
Pickup: 31 May, 9 a.m.
POC: Michael Gronkowski, 570-417-7811

Madison Memory Gardens
Placement: 17 May, 10 a.m. (Meet at Madison City Hall on Hughes Rd.)
Pickup: 31 May, 10 a.m. (Meet at Madison City Hall on Hughes Rd.)
POC: Larry Vannoy Cell: 256-468-8400
POC: Jean Downs

Huntsville Memory Gardens
Placement: 17 May, 11 am
Pickup: 31 May, 11 am
POC: Robert Barnett, 256-714-8585

Also, on Memorial Day, May 26th at 1100, there will be a Memorial Day observance and wreath laying at the Huntsville-Madison County Veterans Park at 1100. Our Chapter's Chaplain will be placing the NSA-H wreath with other veteran organizations. Everyone is welcome to attend. Please see press release and flyer for more details.

Please let me know if anyone needs more information.

Respectfully,

Randy Wise
SSC, NSA-H
931-249-8654