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Our History
BORN OF WAR
AMVETS was born of war, for the cause of peace. In December of 1944, nine veterans organizations across the nation, made aware of each other by a Collier’s magazine article, met in Kansas City, Missouri to form a national organization. They adopted the name “American Veterans of World War II”. A newspaperman, trying to fit the name of the veterans organization into a headline, created the abbreviation “AMVETS”; a name which was eventually officially adopted. AMVETS first national convention was held in Chicago in October of 1945.
FEDERAL CHARTER
On July 23, 1947, President Truman signed a bill, passed unanimously by the 80th Congress, to grant a federal charter to AMVETS. By request of AMVETS, the charter was amended in 1950 to open membership to veterans who served during the Korean Conflict, and was amended again in 1966 to open membership to Vietnam veterans. In May, 1984, a charter amendment was again brought before Congress requesting that eligibility be extended to include those who served after May 8, 1975. This bill was passed on May 17, 1984 and subsequently signed into Public Law 98-304 on May 31, 1984 by President Ronald Reagan.
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AMVETS DEPARTMENT OF OHIO
AMVETS Department of Ohio was founded on the 14th day of June 1946 and Chartered by National Headquarters on the 10th day of September 1946, John L. Smith signed the charter for the AMVETS Department of Ohio. Carl Freudenberg proudly served the Department of Ohio as our first State Commander from 1945-1946.
PREAMBLE
We, the American Veterans who have served or are serving in the Armed Forces of the United States during and since World War II, fully realizing our responsibilities to our community, to our state, and to our nation, associate ourselves for the following purposes: To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States, to safeguard the principles of freedom, liberty, and justice for all; to promote the cause of peace and good will among the nations; to maintain inviolate the freedom of our country; to preserve the fundamentals of democracy; to perpetuate the friendship and associations of these veterans; and to dedicate ourselves to the cause of mutual assistance, this by the Grace of God.
What We Do
AMVETS engages in a range of activities and programs to address the needs of veterans, including
the following:
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ADVOCACY
AMVETS is involved in legislative advocacy to promote policies and laws that benefit veterans. They work to ensure that veterans receive the support and benefits they deserve.
VETERANS SERVICES
The organization offers a variety of services to veterans, such as career assistance, education support, and mental health resources. They aim to help veterans successfully transition to civilian life.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
AMVETS is active in supporting local communities and veterans' initiatives. This may include scholarships, community events, and partnerships with other organizations to address the unique challenges veterans face.
MEMBERSHIP
AMVETS has a membership structure, and individuals who have served in the U.S. military, including the National Guard and Reserves, are eligible to join. Members often participate in the organization's activities and contribute to its mission.
HONOR AND REMEMBRANCE
AMVETS is involved in honoring veterans and military personnel who have served their country. This may include ceremonies, events, and memorials.
BORN OF WAR
AMVETS was born of war, for the cause of peace. In December of 1944, nine veterans organizations across the nation, made aware of each other by a Collier’s magazine article, met in Kansas City, Missouri to form a national organization. They adopted the name “American Veterans of World War II”. A newspaperman, trying to fit the name of the veterans organization into a headline, created the abbreviation “AMVETS”; a name which was eventually officially adopted. AMVETS first national convention was held in Chicago in October of 1945.
FEDERAL CHARTER
On July 23, 1947, President Truman signed a bill, passed unanimously by the 80th Congress, to grant a federal charter to AMVETS. By request of AMVETS, the charter was amended in 1950 to open membership to veterans who served during the Korean Conflict, and was amended again in 1966 to open membership to Vietnam veterans. In May, 1984, a charter amendment was again brought before Congress requesting that eligibility be extended to include those who served after May 8, 1975. This bill was passed on May 17, 1984 and subsequently signed into Public Law 98-304 on May 31, 1984 by President Ronald Reagan.
​
AMVETS DEPARTMENT OF OHIO
AMVETS Department of Ohio was founded on the 14th day of June 1946 and Chartered by National Headquarters on the 10th day of September 1946, John L. Smith signed the charter for the AMVETS Department of Ohio. Carl Freudenberg proudly served the Department of Ohio as our first State Commander from 1945-1946.
PREAMBLE
We, the American Veterans who have served or are serving in the Armed Forces of the United States during and since World War II, fully realizing our responsibilities to our community, to our state, and to our nation, associate ourselves for the following purposes: To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States, to safeguard the principles of freedom, liberty, and justice for all; to promote the cause of peace and good will among the nations; to maintain inviolate the freedom of our country; to preserve the fundamentals of democracy; to perpetuate the friendship and associations of these veterans; and to dedicate ourselves to the cause of mutual assistance, this by the Grace of God.