08/31/2026
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Not just another date, August 31 marks the end of Operation Iraqi Freedom, which began in 2003 and asked hundreds of thousands of Americans to serve and sacrifice with courage far from home.
Nearly 4,500 U.S. service members did not return home.
Another 31,994 service members were wounded in action.
And still today, injuries and illnesses have emerged, persist, and are diagnosed years later.
The mission ended. The effects of service did not.
Veterans returning home have continued to experience health conditions associated with the hazards and exposures of military service. A reminder of the magnitude of what service members have been asked to do and the responsibility that comes with asking them to do it.
Honor the Contract is a reminder of the commitment made when these men and women raised their right hands and signed their enlistment contracts.
Those benefits are not charity. They are not a handout. They are not something a Veteran must prove they deserve. And they should not be up for negotiation after the fact. They were earned.
The VFW continues to call on our nation to Honor the Contract,
Oppose Section 108 of the Take Care of America's Veterans Act,
Stop the reduction of future Veterans' disability compensation to fund other provisions of the legislation
Pass TCAVA without asking one generation of Veterans to sacrifice benefits earned by another.
On this commemoration day, we remember those who served, honor those who never came home, and recognize the strength and sacrifice of the generations who answered the call.
