The Military Order of the Cootie of the United States is a non-profit Veterans Service Organization. We are known as "The Honor Degree of the VFW" and our members are comprised of the officers and leadership of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Membership in the MOC is recognition of outstanding service to the VFW and its programs.
Founded in New York City on September 17, 1920, the MOC is based on the principals of good humor and fun. Over the past ninety years, the Cooties have provided social and entertainment programs to members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. as an Ancillary unit within the organization. Since 1923, our first year as a part of the VFW, the Cooties have worked hard to further the aims of the VFW while adding to it the frivolity known as Military Humor to the serious work of our parent organization. What would ultimately become known as the VFW National Home for Children, a sprawling campus of homes in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, started out as the brainchild of the MOC. We firmly believe in caring for the widows and children of our Armed Forces. Literally millions of dollars have been raised and donated to help "our kids" over our history; starting with the library, the swimming pool, the Fire Department, and a host of other projects designed to make life fun and educational for the children during their stay at the National Home.
With the outbreak of World War II, the Cooties recognized a need to entertain hospitalized troops and veterans during their confinement and rehabilitation at Veterans Administration facilities throughout the country. Our service program is described as a directive to "Keep 'em Smiling in Beds of White." Each year the Cooties volunteer thousands of hours of time worth over ten million dollars to DVA Hospitals and domiciliaries throughout the United States. This work, in addition to the hours of service donated as active members of the VFW, set the members of the MOC apart as Foreign Service and Combat Veterans who are fully engaged in their communities, and their fellow comrades in arms and their families. Our distinctive red hat and unusual uniform sets us apart and draws attention to the plight of those less fortunate than ourselves. We sacrifice a little of ourselves to bring a smile or a laugh during a difficult time for our heroes. We seek others like us to join and help us help them during stress and times of anxiety.
"Keep 'em Smilin' in
Beds of White"
"Closer than a Brother,
Busier than a Bee"
"Increase and Multiply"
"Honor, Loyalty,
Perseverance and Industry"
"The Honor Degree
of the VFW"
The Military Order of the Cootie is an organization within an organization. Much like the Rangers, Airborne, or Special Forces are all part of the Army, the Cooties are a part of the VFW. It is a distinction reserved for "active" members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars; those who have succeeded as an officer on any level, or who have demonstrated ability as a leader of a major Post committee or function. These Comrades-in-arms have a special place reserved for them in the MOC; a place of recognition for efforts made by those who want to make a difference in the world around them. In addition to the important work of the VFW, Cooties take on the added responsibility of support for the kids at the VFW National Home for Children in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. In the spirit of taking care of our own, we follow our self-appointed directive to "Keep 'em Smilin' in Beds of White," and support the hospitalized veterans in VA Medical Facilities, domiciliaries, and hospitals around the United States and worldwide. These efforts earned us the title of, "The Honor Degree of the Veterans of Foreign Wars," a title that we hold as precious and one that we take seriously. Our local units or "Pup Tents" as they are commonly known, recruit thousands of new VFW members each year. Though small in number, we raise thousands of dollars for our local Post programs; thousands more for the National Home, and millions of dollars in volunteer credits at VA Medical Centers each year. Our distinctive red hat is earned by effort and a sign of recognition. It is the badge of honor for those committed to the values of the VFW and the extra effort of being a Comrade, "Closer than a Brother - Busier than a Bee.”You probably already know some Cooties, since nearly every officer on every level of the VFW is also a member of this elite society.
The prime directive of the Military Order of the Cootie is to Have Fun. It is the Preamble of our Supreme By-Laws. It is the glue that holds us together and makes us special. It is what helps us to hang on and give that last push to get us over the top for a program when things get tough. Our hat, our uniform, even our name is designed to bring a smile to those who come in contact with us. As our hero, The Great Blue Louse instructs us, "A smile is the one thing that you can give that you will always get back," we strive to bring humor to our efforts, to our fellow veterans and to those less fortunate than us.
As a small assembly that oftentimes acts a little off-beat within a larger, more serious organization. We are always looking to "Increase and Multiply." If what you've read here has piqued your interest, we have more information for you. If this sounds like something you might be interested in doing, we want to know about you. If you are not currently a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., we can help you take that first step. If you are currently a member of the VFW and would like to have more information about our work, contact us at gotcooties.org or call us at 210-688-9312(Post 7108 Office Number)
Already a fellow Cootie ---> Cootie Depot: https://lotcs.org/index.html
For a complete list of events, see our calendar
Our programs support our service members while they are on the front line, as they are being discharged and long after they return. Your tax-deductible donation will be immediately directed to the VFW programs where your support is most urgently needed.