[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 30 (Thursday, February 25, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E219]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF VFW POST 5277

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                          HON. DANIEL WEBSTER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 25, 2016

  Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, this year, the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 5277, William Alfred Suggs Memorial Post in 
Clermont, Florida, celebrates 70 years of service to veterans and their 
families.
   The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is a strong advocate for veterans 
ensuring they receive their earned entitlements and the care they 
deserve. The history of the VFW dates back to 1899 when veterans of the 
Spanish-American War and the Philippine Insurrection founded 
organizations to assist wounded and sick veterans with securing 
benefits as there was no medical care or veterans' pension. Some of 
these veterans collaborated and started organizations which would be 
known as the VFW. The first chapters, founded in Ohio, Colorado, and 
Pennsylvania, quickly expanded reaching over 5,000 members by 1915; by 
1936, membership had grown to nearly 200,000.
   The VFW was an instrumental voice in the establishment of the 
Department of Veterans Affairs, GI Bill for the 20th century, national 
cemetery system, and compensation for Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent 
Orange and veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome. The VFW 
championed the 21st century GI Bill, passed in 2008, providing 
educational benefits to active-duty service members, and members of the 
Guard and Reserves.
   It is my distinct pleasure to commend the VFW Post 5277 on their 
70th anniversary, and I join the VFW in expressing appreciation for our 
veterans and those currently serving in the United States military.

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