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Membership
General Membership Requirements
IT'S THE LAW: While specific membership requirements are addressed below, the minimum requirements for Canteen membership (considered a private social club by the PA Liquor Code) are the same; petition by written application, investigation of the applicant, and admittance by ballot of voting members. Although the initial dues payment is required with application, an applicant will not gain member privileges until the above requirements are met.
All applicants, regardless of membership type, are required to fill out the appropriate application, make the required initial dues payment and provide required documentation. All applicants will provide a photo ID (preferably a current driver's license) as proof of identity.
Completed applications and initial dues should be submitted not later than seven days prior to the scheduled meeting where the applicant will be considered for membership. This allows sufficient time to review the application, complete any necessary investigation and other administrative requirements.
Applications received within seven days of a scheduled meeting may be deferred for consideration to the following scheduled meeting.
Active Members
Active members are members of VFW Post 9639 and the Post Canteen. Active members of VFW Post 9639 are also members of the National Organization. Active members hold voting rights in the Post and the Post Canteen. A current VFW Active Member or Life Member card is considered valid proof of membership in both the Post and the Canteen.
Membership Requirements: Applicants must have served honorably (possess an honorable discharge if not currently serving) in the Armed Forces of the United States. They must have served in a qualifying foreign campaign and provide proof of qualifying service (preferably a DD Form 214). Qualifying Medals.
Membership Dues: Initial membership dues are $25.00. Annual membership dues (renewal) are $24.00. Life memberships are also available and dues are based on the age of the applicant. Special promotions are sometimes available.
Scheduled Meetings: Post meetings are restricted to Active VFW members and are scheduled for 7:30 PM on the fourth Thursday of each month except November when it is the fourth Wednesday. If the standard meeting night falls on a holiday, the meeting may be rescheduled for an earlier date.
Auxiliary Members
Auxiliary members are members of the Ladies Auxiliary to VFW Post 9639 and the Post Canteen. Members of the Ladies Auxiliary to VFW Post 9639 are also members of the National Organization. Ladies Auxiliary members hold voting rights in the Ladies Auxiliary only. A current VFW Ladies Auxiliary Member or Ladies Auxiliary Life Member card is considered valid proof of membership in both the Post and the Canteen.
Membership Requirements: Applicants must be not less than 16 years of age, the wife, widow, mother, stepmother (who have performed the duties of a parent), grandmother, daughter, grand-daughter, foster and step daughter (16 years old or older and whom the duties of parent were preformed), sister, half-sister, and foster and step-sister (who attained that status prior to age 16), of persons who were or are eligible for membership in the VFW of the United States. A DD Form 214 or other verification of eligibility must accompany the application or be on file at the Post.
Membership Dues: Initial membership dues are $20.00. Annual membership dues (renewal) are $16.00. Life memberships are also available and dues are based on the age of the applicant.
Scheduled Meetings: Ladies Auxiliary meetings are restricted to Ladies Auxiliary members. Meetings are scheduled for 7:00 PM on the third Thursday of each month. If the standard meeting night falls on a holiday, the meeting may be rescheduled for an earlier date.
Associate Members
Associate members are Veterans who do not meet the foreign combat service requirements for Active membership. Associate members are members of the Post Canteen only. Associate members do not have voting rights. A current VFW Post 9639 Canteen Member card is considered valid proof of membership in the Canteen.
Membership Requirements: Any Veteran may join the Canteen as an Associate member. Applicants must be sponsored by an Active member who must be present at the meeting when the applicant is considered for membership.
Sponsorship is a significant element in the investigation process whereby the Active member vouches for the applicant's character.
Membership Dues: Membership dues are the same as Active Membership dues.
Scheduled Meetings: Canteen meetings are held immediately following the scheduled Post meeting as detailed under the Active member section, above.
Social Members
Social members are members who do not meet the requirements for any other type of membership. Social members are members of the community who support Veterans, Veterans' programs and share the patriotic ideals of the parent organization. Social members are members of the Canteen only. Social members do not have voting rights. A current VFW Post 9639 Canteen Membership card is considered valid proof of membership in the Canteen.
Membership Requirements: Any person, of good character and not less than 21 years of age, may join the Canteen as a Social member. Applicants must be sponsored by an Active member who must be present at the meeting when the applicant is considered for membership. Sponsorship is a significant element in the investigation process whereby the Active member vouches for the applicant's character.
Membership Dues: Membership dues are the same as Active Membership dues.
Scheduled Meetings: Canteen meetings are held immediately following the scheduled Post meeting as detailed under the Active member section, above.
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