Membership Types

This is a comprehensive list of JWV membership and patron types. As an inclusive organization, we offer opportunities for all to join and contribute. We welcome all American Jewish veterans to become members and continue the proud tradition of service to our country and Jewish community.

Are you Jewish and currently serving in the military? We offer free membership to in-service members!

Not a veteran, but Jewish and grateful for their military service to our country? You are invited to support and uphold our values as a patron.

The parent, spouse, sibling, or descendant of any Jew that served in the U.S. Military is also eligible to join the Auxiliary.

Printable membership forms:

  1. Printable ROTC, Active Duty, or Veteran Membership Form
  2. Printable Patron Membership Form
  3. Printable Auxiliary Membership Form

Membership Types:

  1. Regular Member
  2. Associate Member
  3. Life Member and Associate Life Member
  4. In-service / Contracted ROTC member

Special Member Types:

  1. Distinguished Life Member
  2. Honorary Member
  3. Posthumous Member

Patron Types

  1. Patron Donor
  2. Life Patron

Regular Member

Regular members are the lifeblood of JWV. An honorably discharged, Jewish American veteran, that was on active duty during the time of a US war or conflict, is eligible for Regular membership. S/he must support the values of JWV, including Jewish faith, universal liberty, and veteran comradery.

An individual must have served in the US Armed Forces, National Guard, or Reserves during the time of a war or conflict, such as Operation Enduring Freedom or operations in Grenada in the 1980s.

Associate Member

Associate members enjoy nearly the same benefits and privileges as Regular Members. There are two paths to Associate membership, either:

  1. A Jewish veteran that was honorably discharged from the US Armed Forces, National Guard, or Reserves, after active duty service NOT during a war or conflict. OR
  2. An individual who served on an allied force during a war or conflict, received an honorable discharge, and later became an American citizen. For example, if a Jewish soldier served in the Australian Army during the War in Afghanistan and then became a US citizen, he is eligible for Associate membership.

Life Member and Associate Life Member

An individual eligible for Regular membership is welcome to invest in Life Membership. Equally, an Associate Member may invest in Associate Life Membership. Life membership is a mutual lifetime commitment - you care for JWV and JWV cares for you!

After investment, a Life Member/Associate Life Member is no longer obligated to pay annual dues.

In-Service Member

Active duty Jewish servicepersons (US Armed Forces, National Guard and the Reserves) who uphold the values of JWV are eligible for In-Service membership. Also, ROTC Cadets who have contracted with one of the services (therefore are in the Reserves) are eligible for In-Service membership. Annual membership is FREE while on active duty AND for the first year out of the service!

Special Member Types

Distinguished Life Members:

Any veteran otherwise eligible for Regular or Associate membership, is a service-connected paraplegic, or double amputee, or is suffering from a service-connected total blindness, may be awarded Distinguished Life Membership after investigation by the National Executive Committee.

Honorary Member:

Any US citizen who has performed distinguished service to our country and/or organization may be elected an Honorary Member at National Convention.

Posthumous Member:

Any veteran otherwise eligible for Regular or Associate membership, who is deceased, may be added to the JWV roster by next of kin. If death occurred while active duty, membership dues are waived. All Posthumous members are included on the TAPS Report.

Patron Types

Patron Donor

Any supporter of the organization that upholds, reflects and pursues the values of JWV may become a Patron. They are often family of members, local community leaders, and veterans of other faiths. While not members, Patrons are welcome to engage with their local Post and support JWV programs. They are not eligible to hold elected JWV office or act as a delegate. Patrons are encouraged to invest annually in the same dues amount as JWV members.

Life Patrons

Any supporter of the organization that upholds, reflects and pursues the values of JWV is eligible for Life Patronage. After investment, Life Patrons are relieved of annual dues.

For detailed explanations of membership, please consult The National Constitution and ByLaws. For Patron details, consult The Manual of Ceremonies, pp. 36.