Jul 15, 2025
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO) officially signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) today during NACVSO’s annual conference at the Louisville Convention Center. This landmark agreement authorizes the cross-accreditation of representatives between the two organizations, significantly expanding access to critical services for America’s veterans, their families, and survivors.
The ceremonial signing was conducted by VFW National Veterans Service Director Mike Figlioli and NACVSO National Service Director Mike Farmer with veteran advocates from across the nation in attendance to witness the event.
“With today’s signing of this historic MOU, we expand the manpower and technical capabilities of our two great organizations, the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO) and the VFW,” said Figlioli. “Both organizations share the same mission and vision – to provide veterans, family members and their survivors with their rightfully earned benefits – ALWAYS FREE OF CHARGE! This agreement adds another 2,200 professionally trained, VA-accredited representatives to the VFW's already extensive worldwide cadre in providing this critical service.”
The agreement formalizes a collaborative framework that will allow cross-accredited service officers to represent claimants under the VFW’s accreditation, enhancing responsiveness, increasing coverage, and streamlining the delivery of VA benefits assistance across all levels of government.
Figlioli also recognized key leaders and advocates who made this milestone possible.
“The VFW would like to thank Ed Zachary for his efforts in laying the groundwork for this agreement, NACVSO President Christopher Hinton, First Vice President Andrew Tangen, National Service Director Michael Farmer, and all the members of NACVSO for making this shared vision a reality. VFW looks forward to the great successes we will achieve together on behalf of those who deserve it the most.”
“We’re excited to expand our ability to serve veterans through this partnership with the VFW,” said NACVSO National Service Director Mike Farmer. “This agreement strengthens our shared commitment to ensuring veterans, their spouses, and dependents receive every benefit they’ve earned – and opens the door to more training, collaboration, and impact in our communities.”
This MOU reflects the VFW and NACVSO’s joint commitment to ensuring that no veteran is left behind in the claims process and reinforces the long-standing tradition of veteran service organizations working hand-in-hand to protect and defend the rights and dignity of those who served.
About NACVSO: The National Association of County Veteran Service Officers is a professional organization of accredited veteran advocates serving veterans and their families at the county level. NACVSO is committed to ensuring that all veterans receive the benefits and recognition they have earned through honorable service to the United States. For more information, visit the NACVSO website at nacvso.org.