1. The VFW Riders Group is an official subordinate organization of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, established pursuant to Article XIII of the VFW Podium Edition and formally recognized by action of the 126th National Convention.

2. All Riders Chapters chartered by this Post shall operate under the authority of the National Organization, the Department of West Virginia, and the sponsoring Post, and shall remain subordinate to all higher‑level bylaws, policies, and lawful orders. 

Section 2 – Governance and Oversight

1. The Riders Chapter shall function as an organizational component of the Post and shall not possess independent corporate status.

2. The Post Commander retains ultimate supervisory authority over all Riders activities, finances, and compliance matters.

3. The Riders Chapter shall maintain an elected leadership structure consistent with National guidance and shall report regularly to the Post Commander and Post membership. 

Section 3 – Compliance with National Bylaws, Manual of Procedure, and Ritual

1. The Riders Chapter shall conduct all operations in accordance with:

   • The National Bylaws,

   • The Manual of Procedure,

   • The Ritual,

   • All lawful orders issued by National Headquarters, the Department, District, or Post.

2. No rule, policy, or procedure adopted by the Riders Chapter may conflict with any provision of the VFW Podium Edition or any directive issued by higher authority. 

Section 4 – Local Bylaws and Operating Procedures

1. The Riders Chapter may adopt local bylaws or standing operating procedures only with the approval of the Post Commander and a majority vote of the Post membership.

2. All local bylaws must explicitly state that they are subordinate to the National Bylaws, Department Bylaws, and Post Bylaws.

3. Any Riders bylaw or policy found to be in conflict with VFW governing documents shall be null and void upon discovery. 

Section 5 – Membership Eligibility and Conduct

1. Membership in the Riders Chapter shall be limited to members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Auxiliary who meet eligibility requirements established by National Headquarters.

2. Riders members shall conduct themselves in a manner reflecting the dignity, discipline, and values of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

3. Misconduct, insubordination, or actions bringing discredit upon the VFW shall be subject to disciplinary action under applicable sections of the National Bylaws and Manual of Procedure. 

Section 6 – Financial Controls

1. All Riders funds shall be held in accounts under the legal ownership of the Post and shall be managed in accordance with Post financial policies.

2. The Riders Chapter shall not maintain independent bank accounts, credit instruments, or financial obligations without explicit authorization from the Post.

3. All fundraising activities shall comply with National, Department, and Post regulations and shall be reported to the Post membership. 

Section 7 – Uniformity of Representation

1. The Riders Chapter shall use official VFW Riders insignia, branding, and identifiers only as authorized by National Headquarters.

2. No unauthorized patches, symbols, or representations implying independence from the VFW shall be worn or displayed. 

Section 8 – Dissolution

1. The Post Commander, with approval of the Post membership, may suspend or dissolve the Riders Chapter for cause, including but not limited to:

   • Failure to comply with Article XIII,

   • Financial irregularities,

   • Conduct detrimental to the VFW,

   • Persistent violation of lawful orders.

2. Upon dissolution, all Riders property, funds, and records shall immediately revert to the Post.