Posted on Feb 26, 2016
Are groups like the American Legion and VFW too Right Wing Conservative for the new generation of Veterans?
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Given the societal change in this country that has been integrated into the Armed Forces, do younger veterans share the same views and attitudes of the traditional veterans clubs?
Are you uncomfortable participating when everyone else is considerably older and have different views? Should religion and politics be a focal point for Veterans Organizations?
Are you uncomfortable participating when everyone else is considerably older and have different views? Should religion and politics be a focal point for Veterans Organizations?
Edited 10 y ago
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 64
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Well SFC, you pose 4 questions. First of all, the younger generation has no knowledge of what WW1, 2, or Korea went through. Our values are considerably higher than those of today. If you feel you do not want to be part of any activities of your local club, feel free to do so. Some of us enjoy these activities and feel that some how we are giving back.
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SFC J Fullerton
Thank you sir. To be clear, I haven't given any opinion here that opposes these organizations. The questions I have raised are to get a better understanding of the perception of these groups by the younger generation of vets. Nationally, these groups are struggling to attract the Post 9/11 veterans. The future of the TAL and VFW depend on this generation for its long term survival. So, the questions I raise are more out of concern not criticism.
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MSgt Marvin Kinderknecht
You have every right to be concerned. When I first joined we had dances and dinners, etc. As the crowd grew older this sort of faded away. Now just sit at the bar and drink. smoke got so bad I had to quit. Younger kids need to take over (lots of work which nobody wants to do). My son-in-law is a perfect example. They are more than willing to let him do it all. Roll up your sleeves and dig in. Make your club so good Vets will knock the door down to get in. Lots of Luck
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SSG Ray Elliott
I'm a Past White Hat Commander of our local VFW post, we used to have dinners fund raisers etc. These activities started to taper off to the point where I volunteered to organise a party to raise funds for a local veterans project the idea was voted down because nobody wanted to be bothered to help. Although I still maintain my membership in both the VFW and American Legion I don't go to meetings anymore because they meet for the sake of meeting and hitting the bar afterwards. The Auxiliary is the active arm of our local post.
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I don't think so, we at VFW Post 8175 Elkton Memorial, have a cross section, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan. We have also adopted a Hos and Heroes Chapter, A Disabled American Veterans Chapter and a Paralyzed Veterans Chapter.
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With the charter/post structure of these organizations, does the strict democratic system create an unnecessary bureaucracy? Especially if less than 20% of a post membership participates and attends meetings? That would indicate that 80% of members support the national mission of the group, but are apathetic to active participation in the local post. Would a different organizational structure similar to professional military associations be more productive that the "pulpit and gavel" of the traditional fraternal club model?
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CPO Greg Smith
The biggest reason for the bureaucratic pace of the VFW and AL, in my opinion, is the one-year elecion cycle at the State and National levels (works great at the Post-level). The constant campaigns for one-year terms means the leadership cannot fully-focus on the longer-term. They have a year and then the priorities and message are reset again. The officers "in the chairs" don't have time to create an internal version of WWP, Team Rubicon, or RallyPoint before startups are able to, even though VFW and AL had the funding and established organizations before the startups were conceived.
The VFW and AL should replace the C-in-C position with a similarly qualified veteran CEO under a 3-year contract, who reports to National Council officers elected by the States, who act as a Board of Directors for the organization. States should hold concurrent 3-year elections for States Commander so that the National team can sync with State leadership.
My 2cents.
Greg Smith
VFW Connecticut State Commander 2014 - 2015
Beirut (83/85), Grenada (83), GWOT (01) Army / Navy
The VFW and AL should replace the C-in-C position with a similarly qualified veteran CEO under a 3-year contract, who reports to National Council officers elected by the States, who act as a Board of Directors for the organization. States should hold concurrent 3-year elections for States Commander so that the National team can sync with State leadership.
My 2cents.
Greg Smith
VFW Connecticut State Commander 2014 - 2015
Beirut (83/85), Grenada (83), GWOT (01) Army / Navy
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SFC J Fullerton
Very insightful, thank you. Would local charters/posts in their current form be obsolete under this proposal?
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Every member of the organizations you are speaking about has the same vote, no matter what their age or how long they have been a member. The VFW, for example, has done much for today's veterans. As we speak delegations from every state are in Washington DC in force on Capital Hill meeting with members of Congress. Last week our National Commander met with President Obama one-on-one. If you haven't already, join and be a part of the solution.
Greg Smith
Greg Smith
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SFC J Fullerton
Thanks for the input Sir. I do believe that both the AL and VFW are important and instrumental in lobbying for veterans issues.
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I pray that every veteran regardless of age shares the same values such as Love of GOD, love of Family and love of Country! Last night at AL Post 233 monthly meeting I fellow shipped with a Veteran that was 20 years my junior! We listened to reports of the work done to assist other veterans, our school aged youth with various projects and our community. We reminisced about our service days and how we would do it all over again to defend the principles upon which our great Country were formed. There is a bond among 1%'ers that transcends age!!!
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Frankly I am not sure since I have not joined either one. As a older vet, but having been in Iraq and Afghanistan I don't think what I have seen within them fits me right now. I join Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Association. It seems better suited to our younger Vets. I will say that if larger groups of today's Vets join then the dynamic might change. As to whether they are too right wing, let's face it, the average Vet is generally right of center.
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Is it important to you as a veteran to be part of a local veterans club and participate in the traditional activities such as fund raisers, annual parades, burial details, school visits, etc.? YES
Should religion and politics be a focal point for Veterans Organizations? NO
Should religion and politics be a focal point for Veterans Organizations? NO
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I'm tired of being told I need to moderate to accommodate liberals. Let them start their own organization with their own values.
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PO3 (Join to see)
Instant answer there. I get out in a few months and lean to the left, but I'm not entirely sure what my political stance has to do with wanting to be part of an organization that is supposed to be politically neutral. It worries me that the benefits of joining may not be worth the hassle of simply being "branded a liberal" stated above.
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SSG Trevor S.
SFC J Fullerton - I don't buy into all of tge conservative bailiwick. I am fiscally and defense conservative while socially liberal aside from abortion. I also don't go to the VFW for politics and a side if beer. I go for brotherhood and a side if beer. I don't have to 100% agree with everyone there. I also don't seek to change them enmass.
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SSG Trevor S.
PO3 (Join to see) - my own experience on the local level is nobody really cares about your leanings in a local post. You may disagree with some of the lobbing stances though.
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No, yes, yes, no, yes. But your second to last question is too presumptuous....they do not have different views than I unless you mean they are mostly democrats, which they are.
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