[Renderofveils]

Not being qualified for membership in the VFW I'm not thoroughly familiar with their policies but in order to gain membership in the VFW don't you have to certify (prove?) that you,as a uniformed member of the US Armed Forces,served honorably in a combat theater?

According to the VFW of CT, your application is reviewed by three members to verify that you served honorably overseas and were awarded an appropriate campaign ribbon. They've got an eligibility form posted.

http://www.vfwct.org/pdfs/eligibility05.pdf

[Mach9]

Sounds reasonable. More than what the VA does.