John Kline: “as a lifetime member of VFW Post 210 in Lakeville, Minnesota, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 663, a…”

“as a lifetime member of VFW Post 210 in Lakeville, Minnesota, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 663, a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The VFW traces its roots back to 1899, when veterans of the Spanish- American War and the Philippine Insurrection founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service. Before that time, many of our veterans would return home wounded or sick. There was no medical care or veterans' pension for them, and they were left to care for themselves. The founders of the VFW sought to remedy that and provide support and encouragement to all of our veterans who had served in foreign wars. Their mission statement was straightforward, "to honor the dead by helping the living." Over time their mission expanded to "ensuring rights, remembering sacrifices, promoting patriotism, performing community services, and advocating for a strong national defense." They have a rich history of advocacy. The VFW has been instrumental in establishing the Veterans Administration, creating a GI bill for the 20th century, the development of the national cemetery system, and the fight to ensure combat wounded veterans from all wars receive proper compensation. In addition, they have been a powerful force behind the creation of the Vietnam, Korean War, World War II and Women in Military Service Memorials.”