Industry • Comradeship • Perseverance

Military Order of the Cootie

“We Pick Our Company” — a subordinate and auxiliary order to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.

Membership Application Membership Eligibility

MOC HONOR DEGREE
OF THE VFW

Membership Eligibility Why Cooties? History Service Annual Trek Higher Education Contacts

“We Pick Our Company”

While the Military Order of the Cootie is desirous of increasing its membership, it is particular as to who may become a member.

By invitation, persons making application for membership in the Military Order of the Cootie shall have done much toward the promotion of the greater VFW.

Applicants must have been active members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars for at least six months and have completed satisfactory service on a Post committee, satisfactorily performed Post duties, or actively participated as a leader of Post functions.

The applicant’s Post Commander and Post Adjutant certify eligibility by signing the MOC Application.

From the By-Laws

The Military Order of the Cootie is recognized as a subordinate and auxiliary order to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.

It is considered the “Honor Degree” of the parent organization.

Only active members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States shall be eligible for membership in the Military Order of the Cootie.

Membership is continued and conditioned upon retaining active membership in the VFW.

The objectives of the organization are to promote social and reunion features among members and keep alive the spirit of optimism and humor so characteristic of American servicemen.

Membership Eligibility

The VFW Certificate of Eligibility confirms that the applicant has been a member of the VFW for the preceding six months and has fulfilled at least one of the following qualifications.

Held a Post Office

The applicant held an office within their VFW Post.

Served on a Committee

The applicant served on a VFW Post committee.

Performed Post Duties

The applicant satisfactorily performed duties for their VFW Post.

Open Membership Application

“Why Cooties? Aren’t They…?”

Yes, they’re just what you think they are!

When our organization was founded, most VFW members were World War I Veterans. They looked for something humorous that they all had in common.

Many non-combat hours were spent attempting to rid themselves of these parasites. Our forebears decided to emulate the qualities of the louse.

Industrious

When you found one, there was usually a dozen more nearby.

Fraternal

Cooties worked together to remain with their host.

Persistent

Once they decided on a host, they remained on the job through thick and thin.

“Closer than a brother, busier than a bee.”

We work hard for our Posts. We work together to further their aims. We remain steadfast to one another, increase our circle of friends within the VFW, and have fun doing it together.

“Closer Than a Brother”

Organized September 17, 1920, in Washington, D.C., a number of VFW members and others recognized the need for an organization that would provide comic relief to Foreign Service veterans.

On August 30, 1923, at the National Encampment of the VFW held at Norfolk, Virginia, the MOC became the official “side degree” of the VFW, ancillary to the parent organization.

Originally classified as the “Fun Degree,” the organization brought membership closer through social activities and provided a diversion from the serious business normally conducted during local, state and national VFW gatherings.

“Busier Than a Bee”

VFW National Home

The MOC began programs supporting the VFW National Home for Children at Eaton Rapids, Michigan.

Projects included providing books for the children and supporting facilities such as Cootie Field, the swimming pool, bathhouse and boat dock through donations and fund-raising activities sponsored by local Pup Tents.

Hospital Visitation

With the outbreak of World War II, the MOC visualized the need for hospital visitations and entertainment for hospitalized veterans.

The program “Keep ’em Smilin’ in Beds of White” was inaugurated to serve veterans receiving hospital care.

Blood Program

The Supreme Blood Program highlights the Community Activity program of the VFW.

The Supreme Organization recognizes Cooties for donations of blood and blood products made in support of community blood banks.

Industry, Comradeship & Perseverance

Members strive to emulate the organization’s mythical leader, the Great Blue Louse, while following the motto:

Industry, Comradeship and Perseverance

Annual Trek to the Tomb of the Unknowns

The Military Order of the Cootie has gathered on a yearly basis for over 69 years to pay tribute to those who answered the call of our nation at the Tomb of the Unknown, Arlington National Cemetery.

Each year a maximum of 450 wreaths are presented at the Tomb of the Unknown and the Argonne Cross by units of the Military Order of the Cootie.

Arlington National Cemetery will always be a place of hallowed memories and a “Shrine of Each Patriot’s Devotion.”

“Higher Education”

The Christie Braun Supreme Scholarship Program, sponsored by the Military Order of the Cootie, is designed to provide college education assistance for students graduating from the VFW National Home.

In addition to undergraduate degrees, the program sponsors technical school scholarships and post-graduate scholarships for National Home alumni selected annually.