Are groups like the American Legion and VFW too Right Wing Conservative for the new generation of Veterans?

The vast majority of military veterans I know are conservatives. as are the members of every VFW or AL post to which I have belonged. Our values center around patriotism and defending the American flag. It sounds like you are asking these organizations to apologize for that. We have a POS president who's been going around the world apologizing for America and what we've done throughout history. The VFW and the AL have nothing for which they should or ever will apologize. Nor will I ever apologize for idolizing the men of the Greatest Generation who accomplished the most dramatic history-changing task since the beginning of time. Those men are my heroes, as are all war veterans of this country.

If a bunch of 23-year-olds think that what the VFW and the AL stand for and what they do is irrelevant and antiquated, more power to them to start their own fraternity that's more socialistic and left wing.

Speaking strictly for the American Legion, I'd have to say the question "should not" apply. The American Legion prides itself on being non-partisan. Any time a politician speaks to Legionnaires at a Legion function or event they are told upfront and in no uncertain terms they need to address veteran issues and they cannot "stump" for election or re-election. Of course, we know that veterans (okay, especially "older" veterans) typically tend to lean a bit to the right side of the political spectrum, however, every program carried out by the American Legion is devoid of partisan politics and focus on Children and Youth, Veterans, Rehabilitation and National Security. The primary purpose of the Legion is stated in one of it's bylines "Still Serving America". The Legion serves America's veterans and their families, by fighting for veterans benefits and the adequate care for veterans and their families.

A number of years ago I had the privilege to be a team member on a community project sponsored by my employer to paint the American Legion building in our community. A handful of Legionnaires were on hand to provide some limited assistance as well as provide lunch for the volunteers.
I took the time to walk through their building and noted the fruits of their efforts displayed on their walls. The vast majority of those displays were reminders of the sacrifice made by WWII and Korean War Veterans. Some of these Veterans were young enough to have also serve during the Vietnam War.
I didn’t notice any specific endorsement of religion, however, I did notice a reverence to Christian values; which seem to be on par with what I see in the military today.
As we grow older the majority of us actually gain some wisdom, as well as a measure of regret over how we have conducted our lives. In the eyes and dialog of older Veterans I noticed they are quietly more interested in assisting the younger Veterans through the mine field of life than reliving the past. We are a very impatient generation and I think we need to sit back and not be so impatient with those we often consider out-of-date. In some cultures the old generation is held in high esteem and is given a wide berth of respect. This is often not true in our culture today. Consider one day you will be standing in their shoes. I say, joint the American Legion so that someday you may have the wisdom to address the concerns and issue you hold dear today.

First off, religion and politics are not the focal point of ANY congressionally chartered veteran's group. In fact, their bylaws explicitly prohibit those activities as core activities. Do they lobby for veterans' issues? Absolutely! And they should. But they do not engage in partisan politics. Like your GI Bill? How do you think you got it? Like your VA home loan? Again, how do you think you got it? Do they still believe in the flag and one nation under God? With all their heart. It's called patriotism.

By the way, religious belief is not a condition of membership. But we do have prayers and the Bible is displayed because the vast majority of veterans are Christian as is the vast majority of American's. Don't like? Then propose a change to the bylaws. One's absence or silence is acquiescence.

I am 44 and I am the adjutant of my VFW post. I am by no means old. We are changing the face of the post each time we recruit new members. Instead of complaining about the relevance and acceptance of the veterans' organizations, try joining them and changing their makeup and direction at annual elections when you run for office. That is what I do.

Damn Good Question and I suspect you are on to something. Yes I am a Lifetime Member of the VFW but you are right. Get really tired of hearing FOX Talking Points constantly Regurgitated by the Older Veterans. Definitely a Turn off for us Younger Folks.

I think it has less to do with politics as much as overall priorities. Many of the new age Veteran NPO speak to what younger veterans want to do. Sports, parties and fun activities. Wounded Warrior Project will send you to concerts, water sports or even fly you to a city of your choice for a full expenses paid bike riding adventure. Many of the older vets want to hang out and drink. That isn't appealing to everyone.

The problem with the new age NPOs is that they are flashy but have no real content or agenda. They also have no voice on capital hill when it comes to veterans rights and issues. I only see DAV, American Legion and VFW storming the hill for change or voicing true problems.

As a founding member of a non-profit geared towards younger veterans, most of the members I've worked with embrace conservative values relative to the general population that never served and sacrificed in uniform. We host Outdoor Adventures, Disaster Missions, and helping brothers and sisters in need. Our guys love shooting guns, obstacle course races, are Patriotic, Ronald Reagan fans, etc.... They tend to hate the liberal / socialist / politically correct agenda's in our country.

The primary reason that led us to start a non-profit was the American Legion and VFW's were not providing a variety of fun, action based activities that challenged us physically and mentally. The Legion played a huge role in my WWII dad's life in the 40's and 50's. It was a drinking club / safe house / social network where veterans were comfortable and had fun. In todays world, the formal meeting structure and lack of activities may not appeal to younger vets, but the organization still serves many older veterans. I think it's the activities and mission, not the conservative culture that leads vets to other non-profits.

Social Media also fills many gaps for today's veterans. A lot of military units have private face book pages where members can communicate and support each other. So the old brick and mortar non-profit halls like the Legion and VFW have been replaced with technology based member networks.

Please look at Concerned Veterans for America. We are neither left or right and only work on Veterans issues.

Iknow that this is what has kept me from participating. I am a Vietnam Era (mid 60's) disabled retired Marine and the WW II and Korean War makeup just was a turn off. I think if you looked you would find a lower rate of participation for my contemporaries than for any other group. Maybe some guys joined when they were older, but right after ser ice, practically no one joined these organizations.

Justmy opinion. I couldld be wrong.

I am a paid up for life American Legion member. The American Legion is apolitical with the exception of lobbying for Veterans and our benefits. There American Legion also gets involved in maintaining civil rights for Veterans so that we also can enjoy the benefits we served to protect. When there is a political issue of the day as appears in each monthly issue the American Legion publishes the viewpoint of both the Democrat and Republican Congressional supporter or opponent. If younger Veterans using things such as the GI Bill or enjoy the prospect of VA or retirement benefits then they are taking advantage of programs that were lobbied for by the American Legion.

I read the American Legion magazine as middle of the road moderate and it could only appear to be right wing from a far left perspective.