Montana VFW Keeps Going Strong In State

During the week that Veterans Day is recognized, state residents should be aware that the Montana VFW is still advocating for veterans and interested in continuing its growth.

Jeff Schepp, state adjutant/quarter master,said, “We’re still going strong and working on membership.”

In fact, the Montana VFW has been number one in the nation for recruiting veterans for each of the last five years.

“It shows that the VFW has done a good job of recruiting and maintaining members,” Schepp said.

The state’s current membership stands at 7,700.

“We’re working on getting the younger generations involved,” Schepp said.

The organization will be holding its 104th state convention in Miles City next June. Wolf Point is part of District Five. Among the most active VFWs in the region are Glasgow, Malta and Plentywood.

“The goal is getting the younger veterans to see what VFW can do for them,” Schepp said.

He explained one benefit is navigating the Veterans Affair system in order to make sure the veterans receive the services that they deserve.

The VFW is comprised of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, guard and reserve forces. 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. There was no medical care or veterans’ pension for them, and they were left to care for themselves. Since then, the VFW’s voice has been instrumental in establishing the Veterans Administration, creating a GI bill for the 20th century, developing the national cemetery system and advocating for compensation for Vietnam vets exposed to Agent Orange and for veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome.

Currently, Schepp said VFW is working to get the Major Richard Star Act passed by Congress. The act permits medically retired veterans with less than 20 years of service and combat-related injuries to receive both their full retirement pay and disability compensation.

Successful programs conducted by Montana FFA include the Buddy Poppy campaign. Funds raised help in communities and with veteran related projects.

Each year, Montana VFW conducts Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy contests for students. Students can win up to $35,000 through the contest.