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

I am a life member of the VFW in Caldwell, Idaho even though I live in Denmark. Why? It is a connection home. I felt the need to belong to the VFW, but not too many Posts in Denmark. I really wish sometimes I had the chance to do all the things all you vets CONUS have a chance to do.

It is all in what you as an individual make of it. I belong to both and enjoy both.

Too conservative? Some of the greatest debates I have ever had occurred in the AL over the issues of gun rights, homosexuality in the military, social programs, etc. I have engaged with members who run the gambit from open homosexuals to far right “Freemen”. And we have had great times debating the issues at hand. But at the end of the day we slapped each other on the back and walked away as friends. Because we all shared that mutual respect of being veterans. If you go in looking for a fight you will find one. These are veterans just like you, and they will turn into the challenge just like you. If you go in and treat everyone with respect then you will be treated with respect. Even when you disagree.

Too old? You are missing something vital here. As an OEF/OIF veteran I have greatly enjoyed talking to veterans from Vietnam, Korea and WWII. These guys are tremendous sources of knowledge. I can say that I have been granted the great honor to meet warriors from previous generations who fought at Khe Sanh, Chosin Reservoir, Tarawa, Bastogne. My God these are living pieces of history. They don’t tell their stories to just anyone. But to another vet they will open up and share, if you will do the same.

I know one AL in Savannah, GA that is the "in place" for lesbian gatherings on Thursday nights and homosexual gatherings on Friday nights. It also has one of the most popular Canteens going for the local college crowd. The Veterans can either hang out in the public Canteen or move to the private members only area in back. There is another AL in Savannah that hosts dancing groups that range from Belly Dancers to Line Dancers four or five nights a week.

If you want your local AL or VFW to be more modern and offer more in the way of fitness activity and sports related activities. Then get involved and volunteer to head up something. If you just want to show up and drink, then don’t expect the Post to read your mind and offer what you want.

This isn’t Burger King. You want it to offer more, then volunteer and start the offering.

Use of the term "Right Wing" identifies you as the outlier. The Constitution and patriotism isn't a "wing."

I feel that these organizations have stood up for patriotism and traditional values that have been passed down from generation to generation, and not only that, they have events that can be enjoyed by vets of all ages. As our schools shift more to the left, it is imperative that we not abandon our core beliefs for political correctness. We also have to show younger veterans that we are with them when it comes to getting their benefits or those who might be going to school and face an onslaught of criticism from the pc crowd who are still out there that think they should be ashamed of being a veteran. I'm a member of the Legion and soon AMVETS as well.

It's a shame that the corrosive influence of politics is now damaging the image of our tried and trued Veteran organizations! I think the biggest thing is to stay relevant especially with the younger vets. I can see the differences in how topics are approached between the IAVA and the VFW as an example. I'm a member of both. Rally Point is inclusive and respectful of its members' input. I'm always learning new stuff. The generational gap can be bridged if we listen, roll up our sleeves, revise objectives, and get to work on it.
http://m.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/oct/19/younger-veterans-bypass-vfw-american-legion-for-se/

Here is my response from the Hurst Post in Texas, We do not talk about each others politics and CVA does not talk about politics, we do however hold to our core values. Veterans issues and veterans themselves are first and foremost on our mind. I myself am probably more toward the middle.

We all swore a oath to uphold and obey the Constitution of the United States of America. These organization only appear to be right wing to those individuals who like some elected officials forget their oath and want to rewrite the Constitution to match governments in Europe that do not hold the same values that our founding fathers did.

As a Member of both the American Legion and the VFW, I 100% agree with your Post PO2 Gerry Tandberg.
Without the support and encouragement from the members of these two organizations, I would not be the person I am today. Vietnam and Desert Storm. There were members that had the experience to recognize the challenges, and what was available to help because of their organizations efforts with Washington DC. They both have "challenges" but the real deal is that they help young or old members with no political requirement needed.
No one is forcing anyone to join. Look at it and see how you joining, along with your Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, Coast Guard buddies, can make a difference in the programing. No need to be whining or complaining, do what you can to make it your Post. Get involved. Each Legion or VFW Post is different but basically and foundationally the same. Focused on the Veteran and our challenges. Join . . . make a difference in your community.

This question is a interesting one for me for we at my Vet organization just asked this very same question about you younger guys and how to get you to come to our orgnization. Which is pretty hard already for we live in a dry county and all other clubs I have seen from Arizona to here are centered around the bar. Which to me is heading the wrong direction. I belong to the VFW riders group and the American Legion Riders which both are even tighter group than the clubs themselves. WE meet every Monday and Friday for coffee talk out different ideas of how to get you guys to come out to coffee. You don't even need to be a member to enjoy a cup of joe. I think that is how we all are, wanting to open a line of communication between us and you to figure out what it is exactly you guys need/want. I am not from the Veitnam war but I socialize with them for they are the largest group. That does not mean I dislike them, I find myself a kindred spirit with them for I am only a Cold war Vet. I find that does not matter because I have my own crosses to bare and some have had the honor to hear about them. They are also closer to my age and I am getting benefits from the VA under the Veitnam era GI Bill. I would suggest visiting every club around where you live and visit and see if there is one you like. Please do not go in and set at a table by yourself drink a drink and leave. Give it a chance tell them your new and would like to know something about the club before joining and ask them the hard questions and I am sure you may get some back.

History has proven that every generation brings with it new ideas, achievements and setbacks. Today's generation, in my opinion, is technologically advanced and living in the "ME" era (personal needs come first). Instant gratification is key to their survival (just watch and see what happens when a 20-something cannot find a good WiFi signal). Forgive my digression; values have changed between yesterday's and today's generations. This directly affects our social outlook. While older Vets want to meet in person and discuss religion and politics, younger Vets would rather FB and chat online. Religion and politics are not, in my experience, the younger generation's concern. They tend to take more of a "live and let live" position. To that end, I would opine that ours (the older Veteran organizations) is a dying class. Once we are gone, teleconferences and chat rooms will be the new way of doing things.

Now, my question is: What can be done to preserve tradition between the new and older Veteran generations?