Lebanon, PA VFW History:
In 1906, Veterans of Foreign Service, Post 12 was chartered in Lebanon. In 1914, the Post 12 amalgamated with the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Fuhrman, Post 23, Veterans of Foreign Wars.The name change occurred in honorable memory of the late Private Fredrick W. Fuhrman who was the first soldier from Lancaster/ Lebanon Counties whom perished during the Spanish American War. Private Fuhrman, 21 years of age, lost the battle to typhoid fever while serving our nation aboard the ship, the "Seneca", on 29 July 1898. He was very popular and loved by his comrades because of his kindness and diligent service to his country. Fuhrman was known as an honorable man, which led his squadron to take the risk of giving him a proper burial which included full military honors. Under the cover of night, they took his remains to dry land, and laid his body to rest until February 1899. Monies were donated and raised to return his remains home. Private Fredrick W. Fuhrman was placed in his final resting place at the Woodward Hill Cemetery in Lancaster County. National VFW History:
The VFW traces its 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: Many arrived home wounded or sick. There was no medical care or veterans' pension for them,and they were left to care for themselves. In their misery, some of these veterans banded together and formed organizations with what would become known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. After chapters were formed in Ohio, Colorado and Pennsylvania, the movement quickly gained momentum. By 1915, membership grew to 5,000; by 1936, membership was almost 200,000. Since then, the VFW's voice had been instrumental in establishing the Veterans Administration, creating a GI bill for the 20th century, the development of the national cemetery system and the fight for compensation for Vietnam vets exposed to Agent Orange and for veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome. In 2008, VFW won a long-fought victory with the passing of a GI Bill for the 21st Century, giving expanded educational benefits to America's active-duty servicemembers, and members of the Guard and Reserves, fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. The VFW also has fought for improving VA medical centers services for women veterans. Besides helping fund the creation of the Vietnam, Korean War, World War II and Women in Military Service memorials, the VFW in 2005 became the first veterans' organization to contribute to building the new Disabled Veterans for Life Memorial, which is being constructed in Washington, D.C., and is expected to open in 2010. In 2001, VFW unveiled its tribute to service and country with its dedication of Centennial Plaza. Annually, VFW members and its Auxiliary contribute more than 13 million hours of volunteerism in the community, including participation in Make A Difference Day and National Volunteer Week. From providing $2.5 million in college scholarships to high school students every year to encouraging elevation of the Veterans Administration to the president's cabinet, the VFW is there.
