Korean War Veterans Association, Inc.

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Korean War & Korea Defense Veterans

A Continuity of Service in the Defense of Freedom

With over 50,000 historical members, the KWVA is the world's largest organization for Korean War Veterans.

Caring for Our Veterans

ABOUT US

WHO WE ARE

The Korean War Veterans Association (KWVA) is a federally tax-exempt organization incorporated in New York on June 14, 1985, to unite those who served in Korea and continue benevolent work on their behalf.

The association was chartered by Congress on June 30, 2008, and operates from its national headquarters in Beaufort, South Carolina, supporting members worldwide.

Through elected leadership and active chapters, KWVA advances advocacy, remembrance, and fellowship for Korean War and Korea Defense Veterans.

Learn more about KWVAMEET OUR LEADERSHIP

OUR MISSION

MISSION STATEMENT

The pledge our founders made in 1985 still guides KWVA chapters as they support veterans, families, and the people of the Republic of Korea.

Care for Our Veterans

The association aids members, spouses, and families in need, honoring one of the seven founding purposes set in 1985.

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Support a Free Korea

ROK-sponsored Revisit Korea tours keep veterans, families, and allies connected to the people they defended and the alliance they forged.

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Perpetuate Our Legacy

The Graybeards chronicles first-hand accounts and keeps members connected so their stories endure for future generations.

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Identifying Our Missing

Volunteers with the Korean War MIA Family Outreach project reconnect families with defense officials to advance DNA matching and remembrance efforts.

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Remembering Our Fallen

Twice a year, the KWVA partners with donors to honor the sacrifices of those who served during the Korean War by laying wreaths at the Korean War Veterans Memorial in D.C.

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Maintain Our Memorial

Projects like the Korean War Veterans Digital Memorial permanently preserve interviews, artifacts, and teaching tools.

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40 Years of service since incorporation in 1985

40 Founding members gathered in Arlington in 1985

9 Scholarships awarded yearly to Korean War veteran descendants

4 Issues of The Graybeards magazine mailed annually

GET INVOLVED

BECOME A MEMBER

If you served honorably in Korea since September 3, 1945—or outside Korea between June 25, 1950 and January 31, 1955—you qualify for Regular membership in the KWVA.

Legacy and Associate memberships welcome descendants and supporters who share the association’s aims, ensuring every generation can uphold the mission.

Apply online Membership details Pay dues

PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES

WHAT WE DO

KWVA programs reconnect veterans with the Republic of Korea, share their experiences with

students and civic groups, and invest in the families who carry their legacy forward.

KWVA Wounded Warrior Visit to TBI Ward at Walter Reed at Bethesda - March 2023 Memorial Day Washington DC 2023 Wreaths Across America Sept 2021 See the photos from the memorial services for POW / MIA Cpl. Daniel De Anda KWVA Vice President McCarthy, KWVA 2nd Vice President McHugh, and KWVA President Brodeur lay wreath at KW Memorial - March 2023 Memorial Day Washington DC 2023 KWVA presentation of donations to our Wounded Warriors at Bethesda - March 2023 2023 National KWVA Convention in Orlando - October 2023 Memorial Day Washington DC 2023 KWVA National Board Meeting Washington DC - March 2023 MOH Hector Cafferata ship dedication - Oct. 2023 KWVA BOD presents donations to Semper Fi / America's Fund and the Wounded Warrior Project at Walter Reed. - March 2023 Wreaths Across America Sept 2021 Veterans Day 2022 - Korean War Memorial KWVA Wounded Warrior visit at Bethesda - March 2023 Memorial Day Washington DC 2023 KWVA National Officers visit DC ARMY Aviation Unit - March 2023 Memorial Day Washington DC 2023 Memorial Day Washington DC 2023 Veterans Day 2022 - ANC KWVA National Board Meeting Washington DC - March 2023 MOH Hector Cafferata ship dedication - Oct. 2023 Memorial Day Washington DC 2023 KWVA National Officers lay wreath at Korean War Memorial DC - 2023 KWVA National Board meeting briefing by Congressman Brian Mast DC - March 2023 KWVA BOD visits Dr. Williamson, staff and our wounded warriors at Walter Reed at Bethesda. - March 2023 Memorial Day Washington DC 2023 2023 National KWVA Convention in Orlando - October 2023 2023 National KWVA Convention in Orlando - October 2023 Memorial Day Washington DC 2023 KWVA National Board Meeting Washington DC - March 2023 Memorial Day Washington DC 2023 MOH Hector Cafferata ship dedication - Oct. 2023 DPAA Washington DC Briefing - March 2023 KWVA National Board Meeting Washington DC - March 2023 Memorial Day Washington DC 2023 South Korean President Yoon visits Washington DC and Boston for 70th Anniversary of Korean War Memorial Day Washington DC 2023 73rd Anniversary of Korean War Ceremony at Fort Belvoir Army Museum

Revisit Korea Tours

South Korea's Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs now administers subsidized pilgrimages so veterans and families can return to the Republic they helped defend.

VIEW PROGRAM DETAILS

Wreath Program

The KWVA Wreath Program honors the enduring sacrifice of Korean War veterans through solemn tributes at the Korean War Veterans Memorial.

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Academic Scholarships

Nine annual scholarships—including two $1,500 awards—support descendants of Korean War veterans pursuing higher education while honoring the legacy of veterans' service.

SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

HOW YOU CAN HELP

SUPPORT OUR MISSION

The KWVA is incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, making every contribution tax-deductible. Gifts sustain veteran assistance, remembrance initiatives, and outreach.

You can dedicate a donation "in memory of" a loved one, champion The Graybeards, or equip our outreach through official merchandise and annual campaigns.

• Designate the KWVA General Fund.
• Help cover The Graybeards publishing costs.
• Honor someone with an "in memory of" gift.

Make a donation Shop KWVA store