VFW DEPARTMENT OF FLORIDA
543 NE SANCHEZ AVENUE
OCALA, FLORIDA 34470
352-622-5126
The VFW traces its 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 with what would 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. By 1915, membership grew to 5,000; by 1936, membership was almost 200,000. 
Since then, the VFW's voice had been instrumental in establishing the Veterans Administration, creating a GI bill for the 20th century, the development of the national cemetery system and the fight for compensation for Vietnam vets exposed to Agent Orange and for veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome. In 2008, VFW 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.
Besides helping fund the creation of the Vietnam, Korean War, World War II and Women in Military Service memorials, the VFW in 2005 became the first veterans' organization to contribute to building the new Disabled Veterans for Life Memorial, which opened in November 2010.
Annually, the nearly 2 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliaries contribute more than 8.6 million hours of volunteerism in the community, including participation in Make A Difference Day and National Volunteer Week.
From providing over $3 million in college scholarships and savings bonds to students every year, to encouraging elevation of the Department of Veterans Affairs to the president's cabinet, the VFW is there.
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VFW DEPARTMENT OF FLORIDA
STATE HEADQUARTERS
543 NE SANCHEZ AVENUE
OCALA, FLORIDA 34470
STAFF INFORMATION
To reach any of the office staff please call State Headquarters at 352-622-5126 or e-mail at the e-mails below
STATE ADJUTANT/QUARTERMASTER
EUGENE "GENE" PERRINO SR.
E-mail: gperrino@vfwfl.org
STATE ASSISTANT ADJUTANT/QUARTERMASTER
CHRIS ALLEN GATES
E-mail: cgates@vfwfl.org
Post & District Audits, Insurance, Annual District and Post Inspections and assists the State Adjutant/Quartermaster
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY TO THE ADJUTANT/QUARTERMASTER & ADMINISTRATIVE FINANCIAL ASSISTANT
CHRISTINE "CHRIS" HARRIS
E-mail: statecg@vfwfl.org
Post & District 990's, Quartermaster & Accountable Officer Bonds, Canteen Employees & Bingo Bonds, Invoices, Donations, and Banking, Headquarters Bulletin & General Orders, District Meetings, Raffle tickets information, Officer Invitations, Department Banquets, By-laws Processing, Eligibility Challenges, Post Consolidations, All State Information, Special Orders, Disciplinary Actions, Speeches and State Functions Set up & Agenda.
WEBMASTER & ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
ROSALIE INTERDONATO BICE
E-mail statercp@vfwfl.org
Website questions, Tax exemption 501c letters, ROTC & JROTC certificates, Post, Officer & Directory Information Changes, Committee Information Changes, Latest News, Buddy Poppy orders, Post Visitations, Election Reports, Website Changes, Webmaster of Social Media Groups, Posting Post & District pictures of major events, Post Program Reporting Accounts and Post email questions.
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