Joining VFW Post 7902 - What’s In It For Me?
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You can become a member of the Osakis VFW Post 7902 if you are a military service member or Veteran that meets the following requirements: 1) Citizenship – must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. National. 2) 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. 3) Service in a war, campaign, or expedition on foreign soil or in hostile waters. |
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You might be wondering what’s in it for you if you join our Post? Here are 25 of our favorite reasons to join:
1) Camaraderie - You’re among family and always welcome when you’re a member of our Post. We share a common life experience with every combat Veteran. Veterans of every era and campaign are welcome at our Post, our monthly meetings, and our many social functions - as few or as many as you’d like to attend.
2) Discounts at our Post - Free use of the hall for your events. All veterans get a discount on Thursday evening from 6- close Members also enjoy a free Christmas Dinner annually.
3) A Voice in the Community - Attending our meetings is a great way to help determine which area organizations we should support and in what ways - through volunteerism, financial donations or other means. Right here in Osakis, YOU can be a voice for a non-profit, youth or community organization you support.
4) Carry On the Tradition - We trace our 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 that would eventually band together and 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. Today, membership stands at nearly 1.7 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary.
5) Financial Grants - We understand the challenges veterans, service members and military families can face and believe that experiencing financial difficulties should not be one of them. That's the premise behind the VFW's Unmet Needs program. Unmet Needs is there to help America's military families who have run into unexpected financial difficulties as a result of deployment or other military-related activity or injury. The program provides financial aid of up to $5,000 to assist with basic life needs in the form of a grant -not a loan- so no repayment is required. To further ease the burden, we pay the creditor directly. Read more here.
6) Student Veteran Support and Scholarships - Today's veterans can face any number of obstacles while furthering their education. Taking advantage of all the benefits you've earned and DESERVE shouldn't be one of them! This is why we have teamed up with Student Veterans of America and Sport Clips Haircuts to provide the assistance you need. Read more here.
7) Transition & Employment Services - When you leave military service behind, the transition to civilian life can often be turbulent. From understanding how your military skills translate to the civilian world, to facing the world of resumes and stressful interviews, the VFW's Transition and Employment services are committed to providing all service members and veterans with the resources and assistance they need to find a job befitting of their skills and military service. Knowing what civilian employers are looking for helps the VFW provide you with resume and interview tips that really work. We're dedicated to providing you with key resources and services designed specifically to help you find meaningful work! Read more here.
8) VA Claims & Separation Benefits - As the largest organization of combat veterans, we understand the frustrations that can arise when transitioning out of the military or filing a claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs. The claims process can be confusing and one that service members and veterans shouldn't try to navigate alone. That's why the VFW's National Veterans Service (NVS) was established to help all veterans, service members and their families. NVS consists of a nationwide network of VA accredited service officers and Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) representatives who are experts in dealing with the VA and are the key to your success. We recover approximately $1 billion in earned benefits and compensation for veterans each year and are here to help you cut through the bureaucratic red tape. Read more here.
9) Vision Care Discounts - Save big on vision care with your VFW membership. Prices vary by vendor and vendor location. The deepest discounts can be found at Target Optical, JC Penny Optical, Pearle Vision Centers, and Sears Optical. Read more here.
10) Pharmacy Discounts - Save up to 75% on every FDA-approved prescription medication. Read more here.
11) Hotel Discounts - Save 15-20% when you stay at Motel 6 and Wyndham Hotels across the country! Read more here.
12) Car Rentals Discount - Save with Alamo, Enterprise and National! Save up to 25% when you rent a car with one of these preferred retailers with your VFW Membership. Read more here.
13) Emergency Phone Service - Assurance Wireless provides Veterans with a valuable service for those who may be struggling, allowing them to stay connected to employers, doctors, family and opportunity. Assurance Wireless, a Lifeline Assistance program brought to you by Virgin Mobile, is proud to help by offering eligible veterans: • A FREE cell phone • 250 FREE voice minutes each month • 250 FREE texts each month • No Annual Contract • Nationwide Sprint® Network coverage • Voicemail Account, Call Waiting, Caller ID • 911 Access
Read more here.
14) Dell and Garmin Discounts - Save big money when you shop at Dell or Garmin with your VFW Member Number! Read more here.
15) Phone and Service Plan Discounts - Save 10-17% on service plans and save big money on equipment when you join Sprint or T-Mobile. Read more here.
16) Golf Discounts - Military Tee Times believes none are more deserving of a day of R&R on the greens than those who have served and continue to serve our country here at home and around the world. As a thank you to all who have and continue to wear the uniform –– for their courage, commitment and sacrifice –– we’ve worked with golf courses across the nation and abroad to offer up to 15% off select tee times. As the exclusive golf booking service of the VFW, Military Tee Times is proud to provide an easy way for all VFW members to enjoy golf by offering exclusive savings on tee times at thousands of courses in the U.S. and worldwide. Read more here.
17) Automobile and Home Insurance Discounts - VFW has chosen USAA Insurance to offer auto and homeowners insurance for VFW members and their families. Since 1922, USAA has been committed to serving our military and veterans who have honorably served our country. USAA has the history and strength you can count on to insure your home, your autos and more. Read more here.
18) Pet Insurance Discounts - Pets are unpredictable. While it’s hard to anticipate accidents and illnesses, VPI Pet Insurance makes it a little easier to be prepared for them. From routine office visits to significant medical incidents, VPI provides protection for pets when they need it most. Policyholders are free to use any licensed veterinarian anywhere, even while away from home. Best of all, specially negotiated group rates make this peace-of-mind protection even more affordable. Read more here.
19) Health Insurance Discounts - VFW approves national top-rated insurance companies to offer insurance products for veterans to support a healthy lifestyle, and help with expenses for cancer treatment, hospital stays, and dental procedures, all at affordable group rates. Read more here.
20) Life Insurance Discounts - The VFW understands how important it is to plan for the future. Life insurance provides a layer of financial protection so family will be taken care of when the day of your passing comes. VFW has worked with national top-rated insurance carriers to offer you options and benefit levels that meet the varied needs of today’s VFW members. From life insurance plans that require no medical exams to insurance plans with limits up to $3,000,000, insurance for grandchildren, and additional accident insurance, VFW has your life insurance needs covered. Read more here.
21) Personal Accident Insurance: $1,000 No-cost Benefit - All VFW members in good standing receive this Personal Accident Insurance protection at no cost to them. Read more here.
22) Long Term Care Insurance Discounts - Long-term Care Insurance can protect your retirement savings and help you maintain your independence while providing you with quality-care options both in your home or in a facility. Long-term Care Insurance also provides relief for family members. Through ACSIA Partners, the VFW offers a broad selection of long-term care plans, services, underwriting and premiums to meet the needs of veterans who are VFW members. This coverage is also extended to spouses, children, parents, in-laws and friends. Read more here.
23) Funeral and Cremation Planning Assistance and Discounts - VFW deeply values the sacrifices made by its veteran members in serving our country and protecting our freedom. That's why VFW approves national top-rated companies who share that same respect for veterans, to offer valuable benefits and services that help veterans plan for their future, and enjoy living in the moment. Read more here.
24) Discount on Emergency Travel Assistance - If you get sick or hurt while traveling—in a place you don’t know, with unknown medical staff—EA+ comes to your rescue with services vital in an emergency. Whether a few states away, or around the world, EA+ provides 24-hour assistance for veterans while traveling, every time you travel. EA+ is available at an incredibly affordable rate just for VFW members and their families. Read more here.
25) Military Veteran Medicare Plans - VFW's exclusive providers for military veteran Medicare plans help pay for out-of-pocket expenses that aren't covered by Medicare, and gives veterans more options for their health care. From Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage and a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, these VFW-sponsored plans are offered through national top-rated insurance companies. Read more here.
2) Discounts at our Post - Free use of the hall for your events. All veterans get a discount on Thursday evening from 6- close Members also enjoy a free Christmas Dinner annually.
3) A Voice in the Community - Attending our meetings is a great way to help determine which area organizations we should support and in what ways - through volunteerism, financial donations or other means. Right here in Osakis, YOU can be a voice for a non-profit, youth or community organization you support.
4) Carry On the Tradition - We trace our 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 that would eventually band together and 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. Today, membership stands at nearly 1.7 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary.
5) Financial Grants - We understand the challenges veterans, service members and military families can face and believe that experiencing financial difficulties should not be one of them. That's the premise behind the VFW's Unmet Needs program. Unmet Needs is there to help America's military families who have run into unexpected financial difficulties as a result of deployment or other military-related activity or injury. The program provides financial aid of up to $5,000 to assist with basic life needs in the form of a grant -not a loan- so no repayment is required. To further ease the burden, we pay the creditor directly. Read more here.
6) Student Veteran Support and Scholarships - Today's veterans can face any number of obstacles while furthering their education. Taking advantage of all the benefits you've earned and DESERVE shouldn't be one of them! This is why we have teamed up with Student Veterans of America and Sport Clips Haircuts to provide the assistance you need. Read more here.
7) Transition & Employment Services - When you leave military service behind, the transition to civilian life can often be turbulent. From understanding how your military skills translate to the civilian world, to facing the world of resumes and stressful interviews, the VFW's Transition and Employment services are committed to providing all service members and veterans with the resources and assistance they need to find a job befitting of their skills and military service. Knowing what civilian employers are looking for helps the VFW provide you with resume and interview tips that really work. We're dedicated to providing you with key resources and services designed specifically to help you find meaningful work! Read more here.
8) VA Claims & Separation Benefits - As the largest organization of combat veterans, we understand the frustrations that can arise when transitioning out of the military or filing a claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs. The claims process can be confusing and one that service members and veterans shouldn't try to navigate alone. That's why the VFW's National Veterans Service (NVS) was established to help all veterans, service members and their families. NVS consists of a nationwide network of VA accredited service officers and Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) representatives who are experts in dealing with the VA and are the key to your success. We recover approximately $1 billion in earned benefits and compensation for veterans each year and are here to help you cut through the bureaucratic red tape. Read more here.
9) Vision Care Discounts - Save big on vision care with your VFW membership. Prices vary by vendor and vendor location. The deepest discounts can be found at Target Optical, JC Penny Optical, Pearle Vision Centers, and Sears Optical. Read more here.
10) Pharmacy Discounts - Save up to 75% on every FDA-approved prescription medication. Read more here.
11) Hotel Discounts - Save 15-20% when you stay at Motel 6 and Wyndham Hotels across the country! Read more here.
12) Car Rentals Discount - Save with Alamo, Enterprise and National! Save up to 25% when you rent a car with one of these preferred retailers with your VFW Membership. Read more here.
13) Emergency Phone Service - Assurance Wireless provides Veterans with a valuable service for those who may be struggling, allowing them to stay connected to employers, doctors, family and opportunity. Assurance Wireless, a Lifeline Assistance program brought to you by Virgin Mobile, is proud to help by offering eligible veterans: • A FREE cell phone • 250 FREE voice minutes each month • 250 FREE texts each month • No Annual Contract • Nationwide Sprint® Network coverage • Voicemail Account, Call Waiting, Caller ID • 911 Access
Read more here.
14) Dell and Garmin Discounts - Save big money when you shop at Dell or Garmin with your VFW Member Number! Read more here.
15) Phone and Service Plan Discounts - Save 10-17% on service plans and save big money on equipment when you join Sprint or T-Mobile. Read more here.
16) Golf Discounts - Military Tee Times believes none are more deserving of a day of R&R on the greens than those who have served and continue to serve our country here at home and around the world. As a thank you to all who have and continue to wear the uniform –– for their courage, commitment and sacrifice –– we’ve worked with golf courses across the nation and abroad to offer up to 15% off select tee times. As the exclusive golf booking service of the VFW, Military Tee Times is proud to provide an easy way for all VFW members to enjoy golf by offering exclusive savings on tee times at thousands of courses in the U.S. and worldwide. Read more here.
17) Automobile and Home Insurance Discounts - VFW has chosen USAA Insurance to offer auto and homeowners insurance for VFW members and their families. Since 1922, USAA has been committed to serving our military and veterans who have honorably served our country. USAA has the history and strength you can count on to insure your home, your autos and more. Read more here.
18) Pet Insurance Discounts - Pets are unpredictable. While it’s hard to anticipate accidents and illnesses, VPI Pet Insurance makes it a little easier to be prepared for them. From routine office visits to significant medical incidents, VPI provides protection for pets when they need it most. Policyholders are free to use any licensed veterinarian anywhere, even while away from home. Best of all, specially negotiated group rates make this peace-of-mind protection even more affordable. Read more here.
19) Health Insurance Discounts - VFW approves national top-rated insurance companies to offer insurance products for veterans to support a healthy lifestyle, and help with expenses for cancer treatment, hospital stays, and dental procedures, all at affordable group rates. Read more here.
20) Life Insurance Discounts - The VFW understands how important it is to plan for the future. Life insurance provides a layer of financial protection so family will be taken care of when the day of your passing comes. VFW has worked with national top-rated insurance carriers to offer you options and benefit levels that meet the varied needs of today’s VFW members. From life insurance plans that require no medical exams to insurance plans with limits up to $3,000,000, insurance for grandchildren, and additional accident insurance, VFW has your life insurance needs covered. Read more here.
21) Personal Accident Insurance: $1,000 No-cost Benefit - All VFW members in good standing receive this Personal Accident Insurance protection at no cost to them. Read more here.
22) Long Term Care Insurance Discounts - Long-term Care Insurance can protect your retirement savings and help you maintain your independence while providing you with quality-care options both in your home or in a facility. Long-term Care Insurance also provides relief for family members. Through ACSIA Partners, the VFW offers a broad selection of long-term care plans, services, underwriting and premiums to meet the needs of veterans who are VFW members. This coverage is also extended to spouses, children, parents, in-laws and friends. Read more here.
23) Funeral and Cremation Planning Assistance and Discounts - VFW deeply values the sacrifices made by its veteran members in serving our country and protecting our freedom. That's why VFW approves national top-rated companies who share that same respect for veterans, to offer valuable benefits and services that help veterans plan for their future, and enjoy living in the moment. Read more here.
24) Discount on Emergency Travel Assistance - If you get sick or hurt while traveling—in a place you don’t know, with unknown medical staff—EA+ comes to your rescue with services vital in an emergency. Whether a few states away, or around the world, EA+ provides 24-hour assistance for veterans while traveling, every time you travel. EA+ is available at an incredibly affordable rate just for VFW members and their families. Read more here.
25) Military Veteran Medicare Plans - VFW's exclusive providers for military veteran Medicare plans help pay for out-of-pocket expenses that aren't covered by Medicare, and gives veterans more options for their health care. From Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage and a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, these VFW-sponsored plans are offered through national top-rated insurance companies. Read more here.
As a VFW member, you can also:
- Join the VFW Action Corps is the our national grassroots advocacy network comprised of more than 300,000 VFW members and patriotic supporters of veterans. This group stays up-to-date on the issues facing our veterans, our military and their families, standing ready to email, write, call and visit our nation’s lawmakers to make their voices heard. The VFW Action Corps is free and open to all patriotic Americans who care about the military and veterans’ communities. Read more here.
- Participate in community events, including youth activities and those honoring our military and Veterans. Our Post proudly supports our community.
On a larger scale, these are some of the things the VFW does for ALL Veterans:
National Security & Foreign Affairs - Through our National Security & Foreign Affairs (NSFA) program, we present our views to government agencies on issues ranging from quality of life improvements for service members to promoting democracy abroad to the full accounting of those missing in action. The NSFA program articulates a national security and foreign affairs policy that calls for a strong national defense and quality of life improvements for military personnel, retirees, and their families; guarantees our integrity as a nation; promotes our democratic ideals and interests abroad; and seeks the fullest possible accounting of all military service members from all wars. This includes foreign travel and fact-finding trips by national officers and staff to gain firsthand knowledge of military and diplomatic operations around the world and across the country. These missions further serve to validate the requirement to pursue key issues of concern to our military forces and national interests abroad.
VA Health Care Watch - In the wake of the access crisis that rocked the VA health care system in 2014, we've spent countless hours testifying before Congress on veterans health care benefits and working to assist veterans affected by delays in accessing VA care. All we've ever asked of VA is they provide timely, easily accessible and high quality care for veterans. In effort to continue holding VA and America's legislators accountable, we've compiled a series of reports evaluating the state of VA health care and the implementation of important reforms created by the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act. Read more here.
National Legislative Service - The location of our Washington, D.C. office allows us to monitor all legislation affecting veterans, alert VFW membership to key legislation under consideration and to actively lobby Congress and the administration on veterans' issues. National Legislative Service advocates on veterans' behalves. By testifying at congressional committee hearings and interacting with congressional members, the VFW has played an instrumental role in nearly every piece of veterans' legislation passed since the beginning of the 20th Century. Everything we do on Capitol Hill is with the VFW’s priority goals and veterans' well-being in mind. With the strength of the more than 1.7 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliaries, our voice on “the Hill” cannot be ignored!
Among the VFW's most recent and important legislative victories was making college education affordable for military service members with the signing of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and ensuring America's service members and veteran receive the care they deserve by passing the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act. Read more about our 2017 Initiatives here.
VA Health Care Watch - In the wake of the access crisis that rocked the VA health care system in 2014, we've spent countless hours testifying before Congress on veterans health care benefits and working to assist veterans affected by delays in accessing VA care. All we've ever asked of VA is they provide timely, easily accessible and high quality care for veterans. In effort to continue holding VA and America's legislators accountable, we've compiled a series of reports evaluating the state of VA health care and the implementation of important reforms created by the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act. Read more here.
National Legislative Service - The location of our Washington, D.C. office allows us to monitor all legislation affecting veterans, alert VFW membership to key legislation under consideration and to actively lobby Congress and the administration on veterans' issues. National Legislative Service advocates on veterans' behalves. By testifying at congressional committee hearings and interacting with congressional members, the VFW has played an instrumental role in nearly every piece of veterans' legislation passed since the beginning of the 20th Century. Everything we do on Capitol Hill is with the VFW’s priority goals and veterans' well-being in mind. With the strength of the more than 1.7 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliaries, our voice on “the Hill” cannot be ignored!
Among the VFW's most recent and important legislative victories was making college education affordable for military service members with the signing of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and ensuring America's service members and veteran receive the care they deserve by passing the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act. Read more about our 2017 Initiatives here.