For over 110 years, the VFW has cared when no one else did, making the non-profit veterans' organization the veteran's greatest advocate. Thanks to grassroots efforts by its million-member membership and supporters, when the VFW charges up Capitol Hill, senators and representatives listen and legislation is born. Here are the following principles guiding VFW in its legislative initiatives: # Veterans must not have to wait for benefits to which they are entitled. Veterans must be ensured access to high-quality medical care. # Veterans must be guaranteed timely access to the full continuum of health-care services,including long-term care. # Veterans must be assured burial in state or national cemeteries in every state. # Specialized care must remain the focus of the Department of Veterans Affairs. # VA’s mission to support the military medical system in time of war or national emergency is essential to the nation’s security. # VA’s mission to conduct medical and prosthetic research in areas of veterans’ special needs is critical to the integrity of the veterans health-care system and to the advancement of American medicine. # VA’s mission to support health professional education is vital to the health of all Americans. The VFW has been unwavering in its devotion “to honor the dead by helping the living”. Our VFW and Auxiliary members carry out this mission by promoting good will, patriotism and youth scholarship. Their commitment is demonstrated through national veterans and legislative services, military assistance and community service programs, youth activities and scholarship programs, as well as millions of volunteer hours in their local communities each year.