Posted on Apr 26, 2021
What would you say are the pros and cons of joining organizations like the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion?
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A friend asked me if I planned on joining such veteran organizations, and I hadn't given it much thought at all. As it stands I doubt I would, at least not at this time.
If anyone has any experience with these organizations, perhaps you could give newer servicemembers a better understanding of their purpose and why someone would consider joining as a veteran of GWOT.
If anyone has any experience with these organizations, perhaps you could give newer servicemembers a better understanding of their purpose and why someone would consider joining as a veteran of GWOT.
Posted in these groups: 
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
The American Legion
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) The American Legion
Posted 3 y ago
Responses: 9
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Why wouldn't you? Our generation leans more towards groups like Wounded Warrior Project because they give away free stuff and trips but the traditional groups are more than just a place to get swag. They are safe havens for like minded individuals. They are also jumping off points for community projects and veteran outreach. When done right these groups can be fantastic. Don't count them out just because you are younger.
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BLUF: The perceptions are from my local post and may not reflect the VFW organization as a whole.
For me, there was a HUGE "con" to joining the VFW. When I first retired, I was eager to continue my camaraderie with fellow Veterans and have a place I could go to discuss issues that only another Veteran fully appreciates and understands. Imagine my dismay when I was told to my face "You aren't a REAL veteran because you didn't serve in Viet Nam. We don't want you here." Several years went by before I ever darkened their doorstep again.
A couple years ago, the State officers came in and cleaned house in the Post. They found members who were never eligible for membership in the first place, Post officers who were not properly performing their office functions, cronyism, and multiple questions as to financial discrepancies. Since that time, I had a co-worker who was a member of the VFW Riders group at the post. He convinced me to give the organization a chance to prove themselves a worthy cause and needed younger Veterans like myself to help rid the last vestiges of the past corruption. Long story short, I became a Post member and was accepted into the Riders. Since that time, I've enjoyed having like-minded individuals to ride and have fellowship with. The new Post leadership is smart enough to recognize the Viet Nam generation is quickly aging out and membership must be replaced by "new blood".
For me, there was a HUGE "con" to joining the VFW. When I first retired, I was eager to continue my camaraderie with fellow Veterans and have a place I could go to discuss issues that only another Veteran fully appreciates and understands. Imagine my dismay when I was told to my face "You aren't a REAL veteran because you didn't serve in Viet Nam. We don't want you here." Several years went by before I ever darkened their doorstep again.
A couple years ago, the State officers came in and cleaned house in the Post. They found members who were never eligible for membership in the first place, Post officers who were not properly performing their office functions, cronyism, and multiple questions as to financial discrepancies. Since that time, I had a co-worker who was a member of the VFW Riders group at the post. He convinced me to give the organization a chance to prove themselves a worthy cause and needed younger Veterans like myself to help rid the last vestiges of the past corruption. Long story short, I became a Post member and was accepted into the Riders. Since that time, I've enjoyed having like-minded individuals to ride and have fellowship with. The new Post leadership is smart enough to recognize the Viet Nam generation is quickly aging out and membership must be replaced by "new blood".
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I see no “cons” even if you join and don’t engage at all.
The “pros” are solidarity, funding, lobbying on issues relevant to our community. The large the group under and organized banner, the stringer that voice
The “pros” are solidarity, funding, lobbying on issues relevant to our community. The large the group under and organized banner, the stringer that voice
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