The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States began in 1899 after veterans returned home from the Spanish-American War of 1898 and the Philippine Insurrection of 1899-1902. In 1914, several separate veteran societies merged in the spirit of comradeship and to secure benefits for veterans, becoming the nation's first chartered veterans' service organization. Today, the national organization includes more than 5,750 posts worldwide, with approximately 1.5 million VFW and VFW Auxiliary members who support a vision that veterans are respected for their service, always receive their earned entitlements, and are recognized for the sacrifices they and their loved ones have made on behalf of the country.