Founded in 1899, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, also known as VFW, is a fraternal organization that advocates for veteran s rights and offers community-based services. The organization has more than 2.3 million members in over 8,300 posts worldwide. It offers the Military Assistance Program, which includes family support, employment opportunities and financial aid-related services. The organization also provides the operation Uplink, which provides phone cards for troops and hospitalized veterans. VFW sponsors various educational awards and organizes essay competitions. The organization offers Voice of Democracy, Patriot s Pen and Veterans in the Classroom programs. Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States provides vocational training, rehabilitative and health care services.