Posted on Jul 14, 2015
Are new Vets getting involved in orgs like VFW or American Legion? If so which ones & why? If not, why not?
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Earlier this week there was an article in the Washington Times, http://bit.ly/1rqsg9c, about younger Veterans bypassing the American Legion and VFW for more modern organizations like Wounded Warrior Project, Team Rubicon, Got Your 6 and Team RWB. Kate Hoit was the service member profiled who stated "she will never join the VFW or the American Legion." She also said those "organizations are unwelcoming and out of touch with the needs of post-Sept. 11 veterans who served in Afghanistan and Iraq." There have been several responses to the Washington Times article including a post on the American Legion's blog site, http://bit.ly/1wtIYe9, calling out Ms. Hoit as not being an uninterested bystander and perhaps being a straw man for the old versus new Veteran Service Organizations.
My question is are the older more established organizations working to get younger veterans into their ranks and leadership or are older vets dominating these organizations and not wanting to allow younger vets to enjoy the cameraderie that was denied them outside of these organizations.
FULL DISCLAIMER: I am a member of BOTH the American Legion and VFW, I am a member of Post 5 of the American Legion in Nashville, Tennessee and a Member at Large of the VFW. I also participate in events put on by the Wounded Warrior Project, such as the recent 8K Race in Franklin, Tennessee.
My question is are the older more established organizations working to get younger veterans into their ranks and leadership or are older vets dominating these organizations and not wanting to allow younger vets to enjoy the cameraderie that was denied them outside of these organizations.
FULL DISCLAIMER: I am a member of BOTH the American Legion and VFW, I am a member of Post 5 of the American Legion in Nashville, Tennessee and a Member at Large of the VFW. I also participate in events put on by the Wounded Warrior Project, such as the recent 8K Race in Franklin, Tennessee.
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