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“Only by the united support of our membership in this great project can we discharge our obligation to our fallen and departed comrades. In order to insure the future continuation of the greatest work ever undertaken by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., it will be necessary to establish an adequate endowment fund.”
Robert G. Woodside, President of the VFW National Home for Children, as quoted in Foreign Service, VFW National Magazine, November 1931
The endowed history of the Life Member program is as old as the National Home. In the first few months of 1925, Past Commander-in-Chief Robert G. Woodside was named general chairman of a campaign to raise ten million dollars for an endowment fund. And so the National Home Life Membership program was launched.
The early years of the National Home perhaps best characterize the intangible benefits of Life Membership. The contribution to the future financial viability of the National Home has seen the endowment raise more than $11 million. The fee was originally $10, increased to $25 in 1952, and has been $35 since 2001.
Tangible benefits of Life Membership have come about more recently.
One benefit is Lifeline, a bi-annual newsletter especially
for Life Members. It is designed to keep Life Members informed about
the latest National Home happenings. The National Home also offers
a line of souvenirs specially designed for Life Members. All Life
Members now receive 10% off most National Home souvenirs.
Life Members visiting the National Home also receive a discount on
the already-reasonable rates at the on-campus Margaret A. Armstrong
Guest Lodge. Tours and visits from Life Members are always welcomed.
Contact the Public Relations Department for more information or to
schedule your visit.
Perhaps the most powerful benefit of Life Membership in the National
Home is members’ ability to vote when there is a vacancy in their
National Home District. Representatives from each National Home District
are elected to six-year terms, and guide the National Home through
leadership and policy-making. All Life Members are also entitled to
vote on amendments to the National Home Bylaws. Associate Members
do not have voting privileges, but are entitled to all other benefits.
The VFW National Home for Children Life Membership Program is the National Home’s oldest fundraising program. Money received for Life Memberships is placed in the Endowment Fund and earnings from the investment are used to help fund the National Home’s operating budget.
Investing $35 in a National Home Life Membership demonstrates a strong commitment to the mission of the National Home of caring for children while serving as a living legacy to our nation’s veterans.
For a printable version of the Life Membership application, click here.
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