Veterans

VFW - Veterans of Foreign Wars

About Us

Across America, the initials VFW are a familiar sight and symbolize a commitment to the nation both at home and abroad.

Who We Are

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States is a nonprofit veteran's 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. 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 that would eventually band together and 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. Today, membership stands at more than 1.4 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary.

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. In 2008, we 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 service members, and members of the guard and reserves, fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. We were the driving force behind the Veterans Access and Accountability Act of 2014, and continually fight for improved VA medical centers services for women veterans. The VFW's legislative advocacy efforts were also the driving force behind the passage of the 2019 Blue Water Navy Veteran Act, and the passage of the 2022 Honoring Our PACT Act, which the VFW considers one of the most significant pieces of veterans legislation in history.

Besides helping fund the creation of the Vietnam, Korean War, World War II and Women in Military Service memorials, in 2005 the VFW became the first veterans' organization to contribute to building the new Disabled Veterans for Life Memorial, which opened in November 2010. And in 2015, we became the first supporter of the Desert Storm and Desert Shield Memorial which broke ground in July of 2022.

We have many programs and services that work to support veterans, service members and their families, as well as communities worldwide. Please check out our latest fact sheet or spend some time browsing our site to learn why No One Does More for Veterans.

Pinal County VA Clinic

Our Pinal County VA Clinic in Casa Grande provides primary care and specialty health services, including registry exams, telehealth, care for Veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, and more.

Care Funding Solution

Arizona Medicaid Planning Services

"Care Funding Solutions is a fee-for-service organization that offers services about Arizona Medicaid Planning by helping families shelter and protect assets, plan for, and assist in the ALTCS Medicaid Long-Term Care Program in Arizona. We also help Veterans to get qualified for Veteran Pension in Arizona. We provide Professional Value-Added Services about Long Term Care Planning, Income Only Trust, Legal Documents and Medicaid Plans."

What is ALTCS?

"Is your elderly or disabled family member in need of additional care, but worried about the expenses that come with long-term care? Arizona’s Long Term Care System (ALTCS) provides monetary assistance for continuing care to disabled and senior citizens. Our services about Arizona Medicaid Planning assist families in planning, qualifying for, and applying for ALTCS benefits due to long and complicated qualification process. We will walk you through ALTCS Qualification, ALTCS Homecare Benefits, Legal Documents, Veterans Benefits, and Long-Term Care Assurance Planning."

For more information check the website.

Care Funding Solutions is one of several firms in Arizona that help individuals/couples qualify for ALTCS. These firms have the knowledge required to help qualify for ALTCS AND often preserve individual/family assets in doing so. This is considered a controversial topic in Arizona. You should plan on doing your research about ALTCS and the qualifying process in advance.

Vet Resources

Resources for Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors
Subscribe to #VetResources to receive their weekly newsletter for Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors.
Get your free Veteran ID Card - Your service can get you free event tickets and entry to national parks, discounts from retailer, restaurants, hotels, recreational activities and many other perks.

Also learn about upcoming events, free lifetime passes to national parks, how service dogs can help Veterans with PTSD, jobs, discounts and VA news.

Additional Information Available on: Health Care, Disability, Education and Training, Careers and Employment, Pension, Housing Assistance, Life Insurance, Burials and Memorials and Records.

Casa Grande VA Clinic

The Casa Grande outpatient clinic provides primary care and specialty health services, including mental health care, optometry, physical and occupational therapy, social work, women’s health services, and more.

VA Expanding Health Care Access to Millions of Veterans

"All veterans who have served in combat zones since the Vietnam War, along with veterans who were exposed to hazardous materials while training or on active duty, will become eligible March 5 to enroll directly in health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs, the agency announced Feb. 26.

The move speeds up the expanded benefits, which were mandated by the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act that President Joe Biden signed into law in August 2022. Instead of the phased-in approach called for in the act — a process expected to take years — millions of veterans will become eligible for health care without having first to apply for VA benefits.

Check this AARP site for more information on the accelerated implementation of the PACT Act:

VA Health Care Expands for Millions of Veterans (aarp.org)

How women Veterans can learn about VA health care services

Health care is an inevitable need for all. Women Veterans have unique physical, mental and spiritual needs that can be met through VA health care. Yet only 44% of women Veterans are currently enrolled in VA health care.

Health care decisions can be overwhelming, and women Veterans might ask themselves “Where do I start?” The following guide gives useful tips on how to be informed about VA health care as a woman Veteran.

VA Nursing Homes, Assisted Living and Home Health Care

As a Veteran, you may be able to get assisted living, residential (live-in), or home health care through VA. Find out how to access these long-term care services.

What kinds of long-term care services does VA offer for sick or disabled Veterans?

Our long-term care services include:

. 24/7 nursing and medical care
. Physical therapy
. Help with daily tasks of living (like bathing, dressing, making meals, and taking medicine)

. Comfort care and help with managing pain

. Support for caregivers who may need skilled help or a break so they can work, travel, or run errands.

You can get this care in many different settings—some run by VA and others run by state or community organizations that we inspect and approve.

Care settings may include:

. Nursing homes
. Assisted-living centers
. Private homes where a caregiver supports a small group of individuals
. Adult day health centers
. Veterans’ own homes

You can learn more about the different types of care on this page or review our guide to long-term services and supports.

Find a VA accredited representative or VSO

An accredited attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative can help you file a claim or request a decision review. Use our search tool to find one of these types of accredited representatives to help you.

Use this site to find an accredited representative to assist you.

Welcome to Tracy P. MacPherson- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 12043

For Veterans & Community - Here to Serve

Greetings to Veterans:

Our local VFW Post #12043 in Maricopa is here (directions) to serve you. As American veterans and troops who have served abroad and fought hard to preserve our way of life, we honor you. From the Revolutionary War to today’s Global War against terrorism, most have put their lives in harm's way. Many have paid the ultimate price to protect the freedoms we have. There are others, even in our own community who take these values for granted. Together we can change the miss conceptions.

AARP Veteran Report Newsletter

Sign up for AARP Veteran Report, a free twice-monthly newsletter that salutes military service and celebrates the contributions of military families to our country and our communities.

AARP Veteran Report provides practical help and news you can use, as well as inspring stories twice per month. We’ll also share other occasional emails, including giveaways and special offers.

Arizona Department of Veterans' Services

Serving Arizona's Veterans as They Have Served Us

The Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services (ADVS) provides direct services to Veterans through the administration of 50+ professional benefit counselors located throughout the state - helping Veterans connect with their VA benefits, two skilled-nursing Veterans' Home facilities in Phoenix and Tucson provide short and long-term care (with new homes under construction in Flagstaff and Yuma), and three Arizona Veterans' Memorial Cemeteries: in Sierra Vista, Camp Navajo near Flagstaff, and in Marana north of Tucson.

Is ADVS the same as the VA?

No. We are not the VA (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs). Rather, we work with the VA and other entities, both public and private, to assist Arizona's veterans and families in gaining access to benefits to which they are entitled. As an Arizona state agency, we assist our veterans in numerous ways, many of which are outlined within the pages of this website.


In addition, the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services provides critical, state-wide coordination and technical assistance to services and organizations serving Veterans. This includes activities such as coordinating services across private and public sectors in serving targeted populations such as Veterans experiencing homelessness, and special needs for the growing population of Women Veterans - many of whom are at-risk, as well as building community capacity to address Veteran employment and higher education.

Services provided by the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services were instrumental in connecting Arizona’s over 500,000 Veterans with over $399 million in Compensation, Pension, Educational and Medical benefits, and grants from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs in FY 2017. With each passing year, we strive to Serve More Veterans Better.

Mesothelioma & Veterans

"About 30% of annual mesothelioma claims come from veterans. You might have a high risk of asbestos exposure if you served in military occupations from 1930 to 1980. Every branch of the military relied on asbestos. VA benefits are available to veterans with mesothelioma."

"Since 2006, The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com has been helping connect people impacted by mesothelioma and asbestos exposure with reliable information, world-class treatment, legal services, and so much more."

This website should be a useful tool if you are a veteran or searching for information for a veteran suffering from an asbestos related disease. It appears to be well vetted but take the time to review and understand the material being made available to you.

Please note: "The information on this website is proprietary and protected. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Any unauthorized or illegal use, copying or dissemination will be prosecuted. Please read our privacy policy and disclaimer for more information about our website.

Asbestos.com is sponsored by law firms. This website and its content may be deemed attorney advertising. Prior results do not predict a similar outcome. For more information, visit our sponsors page."

American Legion

Mission, vision and values

The American Legion is built on a promise from men and women who swore with their lives to defend and protect the United States through military service. The promise begins at enlistment, grows through training and discipline in the U.S. Armed Forces and continues after discharge, as veterans in service to community, state and nation.

In times of crisis, The American Legion steps into the turmoil and fights to provide needed assistance for others.

Young people who seek positive opportunities turn to The American Legion, which has mentored generations into responsible citizens.

Veterans in need of advocates to help them achieve meaningful careers, educations, health-care services, friends and stable homes are supported every day, free of charge, by The American Legion.

Active-duty, National Guard and Reserve personnel have dedicated supporters in The American Legion. A strong and well-resourced national defense is, and has always been, a central purpose of the organization. As former troops, Legionnaires understand the importance of home-front support.

Legionnaires constantly remind communities that freedom and prosperity come with a price, a price often paid in blood. They know the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day. They raise the money, put in the hours and bring into existence monuments and memorials to “preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in all wars.”

The American Legion salutes the flag and asks all others to show respect for the unity, freedom and hope it represents.

Among American Legion members, there is no rank or prejudice, only purpose. A veteran is a veteran. And the purpose of veterans in The American Legion is to strengthen the United States of America through programs, services, compassion and actions that have proven vital, timeless and life-changing for over a century.

AARP - VA’s Aid and Attendance Benefits Can Cover Long-Term Care Costs for Veterans

Qualifying veterans can receive up to $2,727 each month to help pay for care

"The crushing cost of long-term care can quickly deplete your retirement savings. It’s one of Medicare’s big gaps: Medicare does not pay for long-term care in a nursing home or assisted living facility and it provides very limited coverage for home care."

"But many veterans are eligible for a valuable benefit to help with these expenses. The Department of Veterans Affairs’ Aid and Attendance program can pay as much as $2,727 per month in 2024, with benefits that can continue for the rest of their lifetime."

Check out this recent article from AARP on an important benefit available to veterans.

K9s for Warriors

The Nation’s Largest Provider OF SERVICE DOGS FOR VETERANS

Determined to end veteran suicide, K9s For Warriors provides highly trained Service Dogs to military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma.

With the majority of dogs coming from high-kill rescue shelters, this innovative program allows the K9/Warrior team to build an unwavering bond that facilitates their collective healing and recovery.

Roughly 20 veterans die by suicide every day, and K9s For Warriors is determined to change that. K9s For Warriors exists because of a fierce dedication to saving the lives of both veterans and rescue dogs. This program is backed by scientific research and empowers veterans who fought for our freedom to live a life of dignity and independence.

Graduates of the program are able to live a life that they previously did not think was possible. Many have reunited with their families, gone back to school, found renewed enjoyment in life, and significantly reduced their medications.

Bernie G. Crouse American Legion Post 133

Our Regular Post Meeting is the third Thursday of every Month at 1900 Hours

Since our charter in 2010, our American Legion Post has been welcoming Veterans from all branches of our Armed Forces. Today we continue to welcome all military personnel serving our country. Joining our Post enables you to continue serving your God, Country and Community.

The main goal of our Post is to support veterans, veterans families and local youth programs.

If you are a veteran and need assistance of any kind please contact our Service Officer (See Officers Page).

Our Post supports or sponsors the following youth programs:
-American Legion Baseball
-The American Legion Law Enforcement Career Academy (ALLECA)
-Boys State Program
-Cub Scout Troop #997, Boy Scout Troop #993 and Venture Crew #2993

Our American Legion Auxiliary is very active in the community and supports a Girl Scout Troop.

Let’s talk about suicide prevention resources for Veterans

When you’re in crisis, it can be hard to see a way forward. And when you get to that point, suicide may seem like the only option. It’s not.

Preventing Veteran suicide is VA’s top clinical priority, not only because we want to save lives, but also because we know it’s possible to prevent suicide.

The thought of getting support can be daunting if you’ve been suffering silently. But there are resources available and people who want to help you.

Where to start:

If you’re thinking about hurting yourself, having thoughts of suicide, or becoming self-destructive, the caring, qualified responders at the Veterans Crisis Line are ready to listen and help you make a plan to stay safe.

Day or night (24 x 7), you can call:

dial 988, then press 1

chat (VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat)

text (838255) to receive crisis support.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Phoenix Regional Office

Veterans Service Organizations

The following Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) are located at the Phoenix Regional Office:

• American Legion, 602-627-3281
• American Ex-Prisoners of War, 602-627-3296
• American Veterans, 602-627-3276
• Arizona Department of Veterans Services, 602-627-3261
• Disabled American Veterans, 602-6273286
• Paralyzed Veterans of America, 602-627-3311
• Vietnam Veterans of America, 602-627-3299

VA Benefits Office at Central Arizona College

Military & Veteran Education Services

Central Arizona College (CAC) is proud and honored to serve Military and Veterans students, along with their spouses and dependents, for their education needs.

CAC has been approved by the State Approving Agency (SAA) to administer the VA Education Benefits program and is approved for Military Tuition Assistant (TA) for all branches of the United States Armed Forces. The Military & Veteran’s Services Department at CAC is located at the main campus in Coolidge, Arizona, and is excited to help students in getting started using Military or Veterans benefits here at Central Arizona College.

City of Maricopa Veterans Center

Bernie G. Crouse American Legion Post 133

Our Regular Post Meeting is the third Thursday of every Month at 1900 Hours

Since our charter in 2010, our American Legion Post has been welcoming Veterans from all branches of our Armed Forces. Today we continue to welcome all military personnel serving our country. Joining our Post enables you to continue serving your God, Country and Community.

Our American Legion Auxiliary is very active in the community and supports a Girl Scout Troop.

Blue Star Mothers -

Our history:

In June of 1960, Congress chartered the Blue Star Mothers of America as a Veterans Service Organization (VSO). Blue Star Mothers of Maricopa AZ, AZ7 was chartered in 2013.

We have evolved to also provide support for active military and their families, promote patriotism, assist local veteran associations, volunteer with the VA Hospital in Tucson, AZ to help our country remain strong.

Monthly meetings are held the third Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. all associates, members and potential members are welcome to attend.

Blue Star Mothers of Maricopa, AZ AZ7

Mailing address: PO Box 1397 Maricopa, AZ 85139


WELCOME TO TRACY P. MACPHERSON - VFW POST 12043

For Veterans & Community - Here to Serve

Greetings to Veterans:

Our local VFW Post #12043 in Maricopa is here to serve you.  As American veterans and troops who have served abroad and fought hard to preserve our way of life, we honor you.  From the Revolutionary War to today’s Global War against terrorism, most have put their lives in harms way.  Many have paid the ultimate price to protect the freedoms we have.  There are others, even in our own community who take these values for granted.  Together we can change the miss conceptions. 

Link to VFW Post 12043 website:

Tracy P. MacPherson VFW Post 12043 (vfw12043.org)

The Pact Act and Your VA Benefits

The PACT Act is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances.

This article from the US Department of Veterans Affairs addresses the provisions of the PACT Act.

The PACT Act adds to the list of health conditions that we assume (or “presume”) are caused by exposure to these substances. This law helps us provide generations of Veterans—and their survivors—with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve.

This article will help answer your questions about what the PACT Act means for you or your loved ones.

You can also call us at 800-698-2411 (TTY: 711). And you can file a claim for PACT Act-related disability compensation or apply for VA health care now.

Hospice of the Valley Salutes Program

SALUTING OUR VETERANS - Honoring those who served

Hospice of the Valley has specially trained volunteers who have not only served our country in uniform but are committed to saluting our veterans from every generation, who are facing end of life.

OUR SALUTING OUR VETERANS PROGRAM INCLUDES:

. A visit from a volunteer who also is a veteran.
. A special lapel pin honoring the patient’s military service.
. A gift of a flag to the patient’s family.
. Participation in community events recognizing veterans.
. Support from staff trained in issues that could emerge at end of life,
such as post-traumatic stress syndrome.

Volunteers meet with patients, listen and share stories about military service, and confer the special lapel pin and flag gift. Salutes volunteers say family members often say they hear stories about their loved one’s wartime experiences for the first time during a Salutes visit. The trust and camaraderie between fellow military veterans brings comfort to both.

Accessing Veterans’ records from the National Archives or National Personnel Records Center

Are you looking for your service records, or those of a family member?

The National Archives in St. Louis, MO, is the official repository of millions of records for all military personnel—from all service branches—who served during the late 19th and 20th century.

Vet-IT

"Vet-IT is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing support and resources for veterans. Our mission is to connect veterans with the many resources they are entitled to, such as healthcare, education, employment, and housing assistance. We understand that transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging, and that's why we're committed to ensuring that veterans have access to the help they need."

Veterans or individuals wishing to donate to veteran needs should check their website.

Arizona Veterans' Benefits Guide and Newsletter Signup

A new Veterans' Benefits Guide was published in October 2021. This new comprehensive Arizona Veterans' Benefits Guide was released as a downloadable PDF file for our Veterans and constituents.

Use this website to access the Guide.

While there, sign up for the Newsletter:

Veterans' Burial Benefits: A Comprehensive Guide

This guide is a very comprehensive compendium of burial resources and benefits for veterans prepared by AFTERALL.

AFTERALL™ is the trade name of a network of licensed funeral, cremation, and cemetery providers associated with the Foundation Partners Group, LLC. - copyright 2024, all rights reserved.

A great resource for questions and explanations of burial rights and support for veterans.

Veterans Crisis Hotline

Are you a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one?

You're not alone—the Veterans Crisis Line is here for you. You don't have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to call.

Care doesn’t end when the conversation is over. Our responders can connect you with the resources you need. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to use the Veterans Crisis Line.

Launched in 2007, the Veterans Crisis Line started with 14 trained responders working out of a call center in Canandaigua, N.Y. It’s grown to include an online chat and text service with 500 responders in three call center locations. Because many responders are Veterans, they’re familiar with the challenges Veterans face.

Continuing care after the call, chat, or text, Veterans Crisis Line responders can refer Veterans to a local suicide prevention coordinator (SPC). Available in each VA medical center across the country, SPCs can connect Veterans to the counseling and services they need.

Responders are also available 24/7 to help active-duty service members and their families and friends through a crisis through the Military Crisis Line. Service members, including members of the National Guard and Reserves, along with their loved ones, can Dial 988 and Press 1, chat online at MilitaryCrisisLine.net, or send a text to 838255 to receive free, confidential support.