VFW magazine is the official publication of the Veterans of Foreign Wars with a circulation of 1.3 million.
VFW magazine has been the voice of the overseas war veteran for more
than a century. In November 1904, the first issue of the magazine's
predecessor publication appeared for members of a fledgling
organization called the American Veterans of Foreign Service.
Though only a handful of Americans were aware of it even back then, the
nation was engaged in a war with fanatical Moros (Muslims) in the southern
Philippines in 1904. Teddy Roosevelt was President, and he was
determined that veterans of that war (then in its second year) be
treated with respect.
Fatefully, a similar situation exists today. The difference now is that
there is a highly respected organization available to meet the needs of
veterans returning from the war zones in Afghanistan and Iraq. And
VFW's magazine is still here more than 110 years later to ensure
recognition and respect for them.
From humble beginnings as a four-page newsletter, The American Veteran of Foreign Service
evolved into a magazine that is counted among the top 60 publications
(in terms of circulation) in the United States. That is something to
boast about considering the fact that 19,500 magazines are published in
this country each year.
For more than 10 decades--through five lengthy wars and numerous smaller campaigns--VFW
magazine and its predecessors have taken up the cudgels on behalf of
war veterans. From travel pay to a bonus to the GI Bill to VA health
care, the magazine has spoken for the organization on matters of
critical importance.
The magazine has strived to keep up with the times, but at the same
time preserving the traditions held dear by members. Magazine covers
have illustrated contemporary artistic styles and highlighted events
reflective of the respective decades.
Circulation flowed with tide of membership. From only 1,000 subscribers in 1910, it peaked at 2,167,788 readers in 1992.
VFW's Publications Department has won more than 120 awards to date for the magazine, Checkpoint newsletter, books and graphic pieces.