Department of Illinois
2022-2023
Marvie Wisniewski, President
Welcome to the
Department of Illinois VFW Auxiliary website!
On May 26, 1925, the Department of Illinois Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States was instituted. The membership consisted of women from different walks of life joining together to improve the lives of service members, Veterans, their families and our communities. At the National Convention in 2015, the bylaws were changed to allow eligible male spouses and family members to join the Auxiliary. At this time, the organization underwent a name change removing the word “Ladies” from its name. The organization became known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the Unites States Auxiliary Department of Illinois. Although the name was changed, the mission of the VFW Auxiliary did not change and the members, both male and female, continued working to improve the lives of our service members, Veterans and their families and our communities. The 2022-2023 Auxiliary year for the Department of Illinois VFW Auxiliary began with membership of just over 18,000 and most of those members are divided among the 16 Districts within the state.
What does the VFW Auxiliary do?
Annually, the National VFW Auxiliary provides programs for the Departments, Districts, and Auxiliaries to promote through the projects that are completed by them. The programs promote patriotism; provide community outreach; encourage volunteer work in the area VA facilities, hospitals and nursing homes; raise awareness of Veteran-related legislation while promoting contact with elected officials; and provides area youth with scholarship opportunities.
Please feel free to explore the website. Under the “About Us” tab, meet our Department Line Officers and District Presidents. Under “Resources”, check out our newsletter, “The Reveille” or view the 2022-2023 Department Program Book. Don’t miss the Department Chairmen’s updates and bulletins under “Programs”.
If you have any questions or are interested in becoming a member, please let us know by using the information located under “Contact Us”.
Thank you for visiting!
We hope to meet you soon!
