1935-established Catholic veterans group is 8,000 people strong, welcomes new members

by Charlton Meginley

By Charlton Meginley
Contributing writer

In late August, many of you may have seen thousands of American Legion members wearing their hats and T-shirts around the metro area as the Legion was holding its annual conference in New Orleans.

Yet, while the Legion was holding its conference, a different convention was concurrently being held by another veteran service organization (VSO): the Catholic War Veterans of the United States of America (CWV).

Founded in 1935 in Astoria, New York, blessed by Pope Pius XI that same year and earning a congressional charter in 1982, the CWV is rooted in Catholic action and defending the principles of democracy. There are currently about 8,000 members nationwide.

If you’ve never heard of the CWV, you’re not alone. It was only a few months ago that I discovered this small but historical group while doing research on other major VSOs.

As a cradle Catholic who spent most of my entire professional life in military service, I was instantly drawn to this organization. At the group’s annual banquet, I was afforded a few minutes to address what the CWV personally means to me. The answer was simple: My identity has always been rooted in my faith, family and country, and the CWV is the embodiment of who I am.

But I also reminded the CWV that although we are veterans of political conflicts, we are still very much on “active duty” as the war between good and evil rages on. We, as an organization, must be unrelenting in our battle against wickedness of the devil.

Whether we are supporting veterans in need or speaking out against the destruction of human life, our charge will only end when our time on this earth is complete. “For God, For Country, For Home” – it’s not just the motto of the CWV; it is how each of us should live our lives.

Membership in the CWV is not restricted to “wartime” service; any baptized Catholic, currently serving or honorably discharged with at least 90 days of active-duty service, is eligible. Also, family members of the CWV are welcome to join its auxiliary.

For more information about the CWV, visit thecwv.org, or email me at [email protected].