A Band of Brothers and Sisters-- Part 6: Helping Vets

Both the VFW and American Legion have made significant strides to assist veterans.  The American Legion led an effort to create the U.S. Veterans Bureau, which later became today's Veterans Administration.  They also wrote the first draft of what is known as the G.I. Bill of Rights in 1944.  The American Legion also donated $1 million to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund for the construction of the "Wall" in Washington, D.C..

In the past three years, the VFW has helped veterans file claims needed to recover$6.9 billion in earned benefits and compensation from the Veterans Administration.  Since 2004, the VFW has also given about 3,775 grants to military families facing financial hardship

They also distribute the "Buddy" poppies each year which are made by disabled and needy veterans.  last year, ten million were distributed, raising $13 million for needy veterans.