ABOUT US

VFW Post 8495 was chartered in 1946 by a group of returning WWII veterans and has become the largest group of combat veterans in Monroe County. Membership in our post - as in any other VFW post - is limited to those who were awarded an approved campaign ribbon or combat action badge listed in the bylaws of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.



  "Locally, 95 Perinton and Fairport veterans established the Perinton Memorial Post #8495 on the VFW in November of 1946.  Official Recognition of the post and installation of officers took place in the Cottage Hotel on North Main Street.  


The Post first met in various places, including the Green Lantern Inn, the Cottage Hotel,the fire hall, the American Legion hall, and in members’ homes, but by 1948 had acquired land on Macedon Center Road where they planned to  construct their own building.  One of their many fund raising methods was the sale of 7500 "building blocks” at 25 cents apiece, eventually netting $2,321.  The concrete blocks were to create the foundation  for the building.  Combining successful fund raising with the talent of many of their members, the VFW’s new home was completed and dedicated in 1952." 


(Adapted from a column by Perinton Historian Jean Keplinger)





"The purpose of this corporation shall be fraternal, patriotic, historical, charitable and educational; to preserve and strengthen comradeship among its members; to assist worthy comrades; to perpetuate the memory and history of our dead, and to assist their widows and orphans; to maintain true allegiance to the Government of the United States of America, and fidelity to its Constitution and laws; to foster true patriotism; to maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom; and to preserve and defend the United States from all her enemies." 


Section 230102 of the Congressional Charter

 

 



 

OUR MISSION

Our Mission: To foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve our veterans, the military and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all veterans.

Our Vision: Ensure that veterans are respected for their service, always receive their earned entitlements, and are recognized for the sacrifices they and their loved ones have made on behalf of this great country.
 
Who We Are

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States is a nonprofit veterans service organization comprised of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, guard and reserve forces.

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.

Our voice was instrumental in establishing the Veterans Administration, development of the national cemetery system, in the fight for compensation for Vietnam vets exposed to Agent Orange and for veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome. In 2008, we 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. We were the driving force behind the Veterans Access and Accountability Act of 2014, and continually fight for improved 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, in 2005 the VFW became the first veterans' organization to contribute to building the new Disabled Veterans for Life Memorial, which opened in November 2010. And in 2015, we became the first supporter of the National Desert Storm War Memorial which is planned for construction at our nation's capital.

We have many programs and services that work to support veterans, service members and their families, as well as communities worldwide. Please check out our latest fact sheet or spend some time browsing our site to learn why No One Does More For Veterans.

 
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

DONATE TO PERINTON MEMORIAL POST

Our programs support our service members while they are on the front line, as they are being discharged and long after they return. Your tax-deductible donation will be immediately directed to the VFW programs where your support is most urgently needed.

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