Paul G. Mahoney Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 4372
We are a proud and dedicated community of veterans who have served in foreign conflicts. Our mission is to honor the sacrifices made by those who have defended our country and to provide a supportive environment for veterans, their families, and the Odessa community.
Founded on the values of service, camaraderie, and commitment, Post 4372 is a place where veterans come together to share experiences, offer support, and give back to the community. We are dedicated to providing veterans with access to essential resources, as well as hosting events and programs that foster fellowship and advocacy.
Whether you are a veteran seeking support or a member of the community looking to get involved, VFW Post 4372 is here to serve. We are proud to be a part of Odessa, Texas and welcome veterans from all regions to join us in honoring our shared legacy of service and sacrifice.
Thank you for visiting, and we invite you to explore the ways you can be a part of our mission.
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) History
The VFW traces its roots back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War
(1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902) founded local
organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service: Many
arrived home wounded or sick. There was no medical care or veterans'
pension for them, and they were left to care for themselves.
In their misery, some of these veterans banded together and formed
organizations with what would become known as the Veterans of Foreign
Wars of the United States. After chapters were formed in Ohio, Colorado
and Pennsylvania, the movement quickly gained momentum. By 1915,
membership grew to 5,000; by 1936, membership was almost 200,000.
Since then, the VFW's voice had 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 for
compensation for Vietnam vets exposed to Agent Orange and for veterans
diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome. In 2008, VFW won a long-fought victory
with the passing of a GI Bill for the 21st Century, giving expanded
educational benefits to America's active-duty service members, and
members of the Guard and Reserves, fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The VFW also has fought for improving VA medical centers services for women veterans.
Besides helping fund the creation of the Vietnam, Korean War, World
War II and Women in Military Service memorials, the VFW in 2005 became
the first veterans' organization to contribute to building the new
Disabled Veterans for Life Memorial, which opened in November 2010.
Annually, the nearly 2 million members of the VFW and its
Auxiliaries contribute more than 8.6 million hours of volunteerism in
the community, including participation in Make A Difference Day and
National Volunteer Week.
From providing over $3 million in college scholarships and savings
bonds to students every year, to encouraging elevation of the Department
of Veterans Affairs to the president's cabinet, the VFW is there.
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