News & Events

“A Magical Place” That’s how one visitor described the VFW National Home after participating in the 19th Annual Junior Vice Orientation in Eaton Rapids, Michigan on May 19th and 20th. She joined 85 Jr. Vice Commanders and Presidents and their guests who traveled from states across the country. “The VFW has definitely invested well in providing the Home for deserving families,” commented Colleen Miller F…

From left to right: student Travis, Instructors Dakota and Bob, and student James Student Travis “Music touches the heart and soul like nothing else in this world, and the ability to play and create music is a healing force unlike any other,” says Guitars for Vets graduate Travis. This month the National Home celebrates the first “graduating class” of the Guitars for Vets program.   “I’ve al…

VFW National Home Program Director Angie Harkins knows firsthand how children who have a parent in the military are impacted. “My husband missed crucial years of our children’s lives due to being deployed,” she recalled. “He missed our son’s baseball games all through his teenage years and our daughter’s first birthday party and so many other events,” she added explaining that he was often deployed in h…

Kyle Tiffany “We speak the same language and civilians just don’t understand it,” says a veteran resident currently living at the VFW National Home. “The gamut of emotions is hard to express unless it’s to a fellow veteran,” says the former Navy BM2. She’s talking about her interaction with Kyle Tiffany, the VFW National Home’s Certified Peer Support Specialist who works with veteran residents to help th…

Guitars for Vets Chapter Opens at VFW National Home Dakota Wilson instructs National Home resident. VFW National Home Executive Director and veteran Mike Wilson cites music as one of the primary agents that brought him calm and peace. “It’s been huge for me,” he says. “We have so many vets working through PTSD and combat trauma that I knew we needed to offer this on campus.” The new Guitars for Vets c…

A self-described man who loves God and country, Trenton Pauley first heard of the VFW National Home from his VFW State Commander while he was State Senior Vice Commander in West Virginia. “He told me about the National Home,” Mr. Pauley said, “and how impressed he was with his visit, encouraging me to be sure to visit it too.” Which Mr. Pauley did… and was instantly impressed by the superb facilities…

Debbie Bodimer-Wilson’s brother was a Vietnam veteran. After he passed away, she learned she could join a VFW Auxiliary in order to help veteran families in need. “Before joining Auxiliary #3944 here in St. Louis, I had no idea how many veterans and families out there were struggling. I imagine coming out of the service and having nothing would be very hard. Veteran parents gave of themselves for our co…

On January 3rd, I celebrated one year as the Executive Director and on January 7th, the VFW National Home will celebrate 98 years of existence.  For 98 years we’ve supported Veterans and Families of the United States Armed Forces, the VFW, and the VFW Auxiliary.  We’ve come a long way! In just two short years we will celebrate 100 years!  We are working on the celebration and planning a lot …

America’s servicemen and women protect a proud nation. And at Christmastime, it’s especially important to honor their commitments, their sacrifices, and those who have unfortunately fallen. This year, we solemnly did our part through the unveiling of a living testament, our Veteran Tribute Tree, in honor of the veterans who are living, deceased, or deployed. Joining us for our inaugural dedication was t…

For 94 years, members of the Military Order of the Cootie have spread holiday cheer to National Home residents. Since 1928, Cootie Christmas has remained one of the most anticipated events here on campus. The Cooties came to town the week after Thanksgiving, traveling from far and wide to share the holiday spirit at the National Home. The festivities began on Wednesday with a spaghetti dinner hosted b…