About

What is the VFW?

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States is a nonprofit veterans service organization comprised of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, guard and reserve forces. We trace our 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. Our voice was instrumental in establishing the Veterans Administration, development of the national cemetery system, in the fight for compensation for Vietnam vets exposed to Agent Orange and for veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome. We have many programs and services that work to support veterans, service members and their families, as well as communities worldwide.

Support of military families

VA claims assistance, legislative advocacy, troop support programs, youth activities, community service and scholarship are a few of the ways we work to give back to those who've given so much for all of us.

Our Core Values:

Always put the interests of our members first
Treat donors as partners in our cause
Promote patriotism
Honor military service
Ensure the care of veterans and their families
Serve our communities
Promote a positive image of the VFW
Respect the diversity of veteran opinions

Community outreach

For 100 years, SGT Charles A. Fricke VFW Post 805, including all its feeder units, has consistently supported fellow Veterans, their families and their communities. It regularly organizes life-saving community blood drives; leads patriotic community parades; and maintains and provides one of the most active and prestigious Honor Guard and Color Guard teams in the St Louis metropolitan area. Post 805 continues to support our local, State and National governments; serves in our public and private classrooms teaching Patriotism and Americanism to our youth; and continues to work tirelessly to aid and assist fellow Veterans, their families, and the community at-large.

History of our post

25 Jul 1921: Erwin I. Dann Post 805 musters in Waterloo, IL
18 Jul 1924: Belleville Post 1299 musters
25 Feb 1925: East St. Louis Post 1300 musters
8 Jun 1927: Post 805, Post 1299 and Post 1300 consolidate as Erwin I. Dann Post 805 in East St. Louis
26 Jun 1946: O'Fallon Post 3468 musters
15 Oct 1946: Sgt Charles A. Fricke Post 8475 musters in East St. Louis
15 Feb 1950: Post 3468 purchases 223 W. 1st St. in O'Fallon, IL
1 Mar 1966: Post 3468 changes name to Walter Alexander Post 3468