USC Chapter 2301

in effect

36 U.S.C. § 230101 Organization

(a) Federal Charter.—Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (in this chapter, the “corporation”), a national association of veterans who as soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen served this Nation in wars, campaigns, and expeditions on foreign soil or in hostile waters, is a federally chartered corporation. (b) Perpetual Existence.—Except as otherwise provided, the corporation has perpetual existence.

36 U.S.C. § 230102 Purposes

The purposes of the corporation are fraternal, patriotic, historical, charitable, and educational, and are— (1) to preserve and strengthen comradeship among its members; (2) to assist worthy comrades; (3) to perpetuate the memory and history of our dead, and to assist their surviving spouses and orphans; (4) to maintain true allegiance to the Government of the United States, and fidelity to its Constitution and laws; (5) to foster true patriotism; (6) to maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom; and (7) to preserve and defend the United States from all enemies.

36 U.S.C. § 230103 Membership

An individual is eligible for membership in the corporation only if the individual served honorably as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States— (1) in a foreign war, insurrection, or expedition in service that—(A) has been recognized as campaign-medal service; and (B) is governed by the authorization of the award of a campaign badge by the United States Government; (2) on the Korean peninsula or in its territorial waters for at least 30 consecutive days, or a total of 60 days, after June 30, 1949; or (3) in an area which entitled the individual to receive special pay for duty subject to hostile fire or imminent danger under section 310 or 351 of title 37.

36 U.S.C. § 230104 Powers

The corporation may— (1) adopt and amend a constitution, bylaws, and regulations to carry out the purposes of the corporation; (2) adopt and alter a corporate seal; (3) establish and maintain offices to conduct its activities; (4) make contracts; (5) acquire, own, lease, encumber, and transfer property as necessary and appropriate to carry out the purposes of the corporation; (6) establish, regulate, and discontinue subordinate State and territorial subdivisions and local chapters or posts; (7) publish a magazine and other publications; (8) sue and be sued; and (9) do any other act necessary and proper to carry out the purposes of the corporation.

36 U.S.C. § 230105 Exclusive right to name, seal, emblems, and badges

The corporation has the exclusive right to use the name “Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States” and its corporate seal and to manufacture and use emblems and badges the corporation adopts.

36 U.S.C. § 230106 Service of process

As a condition to the exercise of any power or privilege granted by this chapter, the corporation shall file, with the secretary of state or other designated official of each State, the name and address of an agent in that State on whom legal process or demands against the corporation may be served.

36 U.S.C. § 230107 Annual report

Not later than January 1 of each year, the corporation shall submit a report to Congress on the activities of the corporation during the prior fiscal year. The report may not be printed as a public document.