American GI Forum Founded in 1948 as a Veterans Organization, in Corpus Christi, Texas, to address the problems of discrimination and inequities endured by Hispanic veterans after World War II. Through the efforts of many of the organization’s early leadership, the AGIF grew to other states and has chapters throughout the United States. Though predominantly Hispanic, the AGIF is a fully interracial U.S. veterans and family organization.

In 1998 on the 50th anniversary of the organization, the U.S. Congress Chartered the American GI Forum as a Veteran's Family Organization. The AGIF has maintained a leadership role in many communities and has gained respect among all ethnic groups.

The American GI Forum is a tax-exempt 501(c)4 corporation with a 501(c)3 sub component.

American GI Forum Women & Youth The Women’s Forum has members from all walks of life. The women administer volunteer programs, dedicate hours to its communities and to veterans, and raise money to support its own programs, as well as other worthwhile charities familiar to Americans. They assist with leadership training of the Forum’s Youth that is very much a part of the State Organization. The Women officers are also members of the State Executive Board of Directors as is the Youth Chair. The women and youth are voting delegates at all gatherings of the AGIF.

National Board of Directors While originally organized to expand The American GI Forum, the AGIF State Organizations and at-large-chapters serve as members of the Board of Directors and must abide by the rules, motions and resolutions duly passed by the Conference or a duly called Board of Directors meeting. Each of State selects a Commander, Chairwoman and Youth Chair to represent the chapters in their region at 3 Board of Directors Meetings yearly. They may elect other officers as needed at their yearly meetings. They also present resolutions, motions and ideas pertinent to their respective regions. These are presented to the body of delegates at each State Conference.

The National Conference The AGIF-US annual meeting, a three day event, is the known as the National Conference and is the supreme ruling body of the organization. Local chapters bid to hold the National Conference two years in advance. Each of the Forum’s duly formed Chapters is entitled to a minimum of six voting delegates to the national conference. A chapter will be granted one extra delegate, a member in good standing, for each additional 10 members. All delegates must be present to vote. Thirty days prior to the conference the National Treasurer provides each chapter with their voting strength. The annually elected Executive Board rounds out the group of delegates present. The national conference delegates alone have the authority to approve changes to the American GI Forum of the U.S. constitution and bylaws. It is also responsible for passing programs that determine the course of the Forum, setting dues, assessments and fees for the upcoming year, and proposing resolutions and goals to the national conference.

Family Patriotic Organization The three entities make the American GI Forum a family patriotic service organization. Through chapters located in 40 states and Puerto Rico, the American GI Form of the U.S. embodies the spirit of America that has prevailed through war and peace. The Texas group, American GI Forum of the US is truly an American Patriotic Family Organization and stands behind America and her ideals.