AMVETS

AMVETS (American Veterans) is a United States veterans service organization founded in 1944 and chartered by an act of Congress in 1947. It describes itself as the nation's most inclusive Congressionally-chartered veterans service organization, representing the interests of 20 million veterans and open to anyone who has served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves. With more than 250,000 members nationwide, its mission is to enhance and safeguard the entitlements for all American veterans who have served honorably and to improve the quality of life for them, their families, and the communities where they live through leadership, advocacy and services. The organization traces its roots to 1944, when veteran volunteers began helping World War II veterans obtain federal benefits. On December 10, 1944, eighteen delegates representing nine veterans clubs met in Kansas City, Missouri, and founded The American Veterans of World War II. On July 23, 1947, President Harry S. Truman signed Public Law 216, making AMVETS the first World War II organization to be chartered by Congress. The charter has since been amended to admit members who served in different eras. AMVETS operates through a volunteer-led structure with elected and appointed officers at national, district, department and post levels. Its national headquarters is located in Washington, Pennsylvania, with a National Capital headquarters in Rockville, Maryland. The organization administers its work through the Office of the National Commander and departments covering service, programs, legislative, membership, administrative, finance, human resources, and communications. Key activities include VA claim filing assistance, employment assistance, scholarships, voluntary services, military honors, Americanism programs, and events such as Rolling to Remember and Founding Forward. Beyond direct services, AMVETS is widely known for its thrift-store retail operations, commonly branded as AMVETS Thrift Stores. These stores sell donated clothing, furniture, household goods and other items, generating revenue that supports veterans' programs and services. The thrift chain gives the organization a significant consumer-facing retail presence across the United States, complementing its advocacy and charitable work. AMVETS has made a long-term economic impact by providing assistance, jobs, and services to veterans and their communities for nearly 80 years. It remains active in the 21st century, continuing to serve new generations of veterans and their families.

AMVETS traces its origins to 1944, when veteran volunteers began helping veterans of World War II obtain the benefits promised them by the federal government. As millions of veterans returned from the war, it became clear that a nationally organized assistance effort was needed. The leaders of this new generation of veterans wanted their own organization rather than joining older established national groups. On December 10, 1944, eighteen delegates representing nine veterans clubs met in Kansas City, Missouri, and founded The American Veterans of World War II. Less than three years later, on July 23, 1947, President Harry S. Truman signed Public Law 216, making AMVETS the first World War II organization to be chartered by Congress. Since then, the original charter has been amended several times to admit as members those who served in different eras. Today, membership in AMVETS is open to anyone who is currently serving, or who has honorably served, in the U.S. Armed Forces from World War II to the present, including the National Guard and Reserves. As a volunteer-led organization, AMVETS annually elects and/or appoints officers at the national, district, department and post levels. Each August, representatives from these levels attend the AMVETS national convention to make decisions on issues affecting veterans and the organization. Over the decades, AMVETS has grown and evolved to serve each new generation of veterans and their families. In 1946, the Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) was founded to provide for veterans in VA healthcare facilities. AMVETS has long been a proud member of the VAVS National Advisory Committee, with many generations of AMVETS Family members volunteering through VAVS to assist hospitalized veterans in hospital wards, nursing homes, end-of-life care programs, foster care, community-based volunteer programs, and veteran outreach centers. In 2023, AMVETS Family members provided more than 32,000 hours volunteering in the VAVS program. AMVETS has also developed a significant retail presence through its thrift stores, commonly known as AMVETS Thrift Stores. These stores accept donated clothing, furniture, household goods and other items, sell them to the public, and use the proceeds to support veterans' programs and services. The thrift chain operates across the United States and provides both revenue and employment opportunities. Today, AMVETS is headquartered in Washington, Pennsylvania, with a National Capital headquarters in Rockville, Maryland. It has more than 250,000 members nationwide and describes itself as representing the interests of 20 million veterans. The organization continues to focus on advocacy, programs and services, including VA claim filing assistance, employment assistance, scholarships, voluntary services, military honors, Americanism, and events such as Rolling to Remember and Founding Forward. As it moves further into the 21st century, AMVETS maintains its commitment to preserving freedom and serving veterans.

• 2023

  AMVETS Family members provide more than 32,000 hours volunteering in the VAVS program.

• 1947

  President Harry S. Truman signs Public Law 216 on July 23, making AMVETS the first World War II organization to be chartered by Congress.

• 1946

  The Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) is founded to provide for veterans in VA healthcare facilities.

• 1944

  Eighteen delegates representing nine veterans clubs meet in Kansas City, Missouri, and found The American Veterans of World War II on December 10.

The nation's most inclusive Congressionally-chartered veterans service organization, veterans serving veterans.

• AMVETS Thrift Stores

  Retail chain selling donated clothing, furniture, household goods and other items to support veterans' programs.

• VA Claim Filing Assistance

  Assistance for veterans in filing claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

• Employment Assistance

  Programs to help veterans find employment.

• Scholarships

  Scholarship programs for veterans and their families.

• Voluntary Services

  Volunteer programs including VAVS participation.

• Military Honors

  Programs providing military honors for veterans.

• Americanism

  Programs promoting Americanism.

• Rolling to Remember

  Annual event honoring veterans and raising awareness.

• Founding Forward

  Program or event supporting veterans.

1. 1AMVETS: Serving American Veteransamvets.org
2. 2History | AMVETS National Siteamvets.org
3. 3VAVS | AMVETS National Siteamvets.org
4. 4How we serve American Veteransamvets.org