Although the local post, 8840,  began in 1974, its federal lineage traces back to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Department of New Jersey, which received IRS recognition in April 1967 as part of the nationwide VFW network.  
 

On the 31st day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and sixty eight, between Mary O. DePalma, widow, of East Main Street, in the Borough of Penns Grove, County of Salem and State of New Jersey, party of the first part and Penns Grove Memorial Post #8840, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, a non-profit New Jersey corporation, with its principal office at 78 Delaware Avenue, Penns Grove, New Jersey, of the second part; Witnesseth, that the said party of the first part, for and in consideration of the sum of ----- Eight Hundred  Twenty-Five ($825.00) Dollars ----- lawful money of the United States of America, does sell, convey and confirm unto the said party of the second part ALL that certain lot, tract or parcel of land and premises.    

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The building that to this day houses Penns Grove Memorial VFW Post 8840  was officially opened on March 18, 1974 by Fred DiPierto  to serve the growing community of Vietnam‑era veterans in Penns Grove and Carneys Point.  The Post joined a period of rapid VFW expansion across New Jersey, as returning veterans sought community, advocacy, and support. During this era, the VFW was instrumental in securing GI Bill improvements, expanding VA medical services, and fighting for recognition of Agent Orange exposure among Vietnam veterans.
 

Today, Post 8840 continues that legacy as an active 501(c)(19) veterans organization, recognized by the State of New Jersey and the IRS, and serving the Penns Grove, Carneys Point, and Salem County communities for more than 50 years.   In 2025, 8840 donated $5,250 to veteran and non-proft organizations and invested more $63,490 in facility improvements and modernization.