Posted on Jun 16, 2015
Do you believe Veteran's Organizations are beneficial to Veterans only, Veterans and Current Service Members, or no one at all?
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I have recently joined some Veterans Organizations and am surprised that more veterans are not members. Many of the benefits (especially for military retirees) we enjoy are due to the efforts of these organizations. I realize that some local organizations are better organized, have a larger membership, and/or are more active in the community, but nothing can be done without the support of the membership. Some organizations even give out "free" memberships (for a year) to returning vets from OIF or OEF. Most memberships cost about $30-40 a year and ask only one night a month to meet. Seems a small cost for all that they have done for me.
But how does everyone else feel about it? I'm sure others have had different experiences (some good, some bad) with their local organizations. Not looking to bash any particular group; just curious about your overall opinion of the value and effectiveness of these groups. Maybe there's some stereotypes that need to be changed. Thoughts???
But how does everyone else feel about it? I'm sure others have had different experiences (some good, some bad) with their local organizations. Not looking to bash any particular group; just curious about your overall opinion of the value and effectiveness of these groups. Maybe there's some stereotypes that need to be changed. Thoughts???
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
The American Legion
AMVETS
Posted >1 y ago
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i am a past post commander of a VFW post in PENNSYLVANIA in the 70s and when i ask for help being a VIETNAM VETERAN i was told by the VFW and the LEGION that they were not going to do a F---ING thing for us VIETNAM VETERANS so i quit both the VFW and the LEGION and have not or do i intend to give then a second thought you can send this to there national headquarters if you want i dont care.
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There are so many different Veterans organizations that they are weak and ineffective. If they would join together and become one organization actually fighting for all Veterans then they would have a strong voice and be able to make a real difference!!!
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MSG Donald R. Lee, M.B.A.
Appreciate your perspective, SFC Holland. I would say though that some of the differences in the organizations are due to the different focus (and therefore eligibility requirements) they have, i.e., VFW vs. American Legion, etc.
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SFC Roc Holland
I understand the different focus yet I still believe that they would be a stronger voice for all of us if there was one large group and had different departments/divisions etc. I thnk if this were to ever happen a lot more for Veterans and their families would get done.
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SFC Roc Holland
I agree they are all great organizations yet as several people have pointed out the ROA puts things out for the benefit of Officers. So does the Moaa and several other Officer organizations yet their only focus is for officers. There are also many enlisted organizations focusing only on enlisted issues. That was the basis for my original comment. There are at least 41 organizations for veterans. How much more would the folks on the hill pay attention and listen and how much more would get done if they were to join forces and become one large organization lobbying for ALL veterans. Yes I realize there are different issues for officers, warrant officers and enlisted but even if they had separate departments/divisions as "One Voice" where all veterans had joined hands and were looking out for each other I feel a lot more would get done for all.
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These organizations are wonderful and provide needed services & support to those who served and are serving. The ROA puts on a Joint Officer Professional Development Seminar multiple times each year that enhances leadership skills to junior officers O1-O3.
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Yes, these organizations benefit both vets and service members alike. I would like to see more of the current generation of vets join these organizations. But I know that they will balk at the idea of joining or decline altogether using the excuse that they are for "old timers."
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MSG Donald R. Lee, M.B.A.
I agree with you TSgt Hurley. "Younger" vets and service members do need to take an interest in these organizations. It is the benefits they fight for today that they will enjoy tomorrow.
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Even thought the VFW and the American Legion do some good things. Mostly they spend it drinking. At least here where I reside. And I don't care to be around a bunch of drunks telling tall tales. I can do that in the privacy of my own home. been there, done that, and got the cookie
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SFC Henry Bartosik
SFC Henry Bartosik - I call it as I see it. And you cant say PTSD for everything. Fact is they have nothing better to do than drink. Even the old sheriff is one of them. Scary part is he is in there with a weapon. So the individulals I speak of I know of.
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MSG Donald R. Lee, M.B.A.
SFC Bartosik, I appreciate your perspective on this issue. It is disappointing to see some local organizations that fit the unfortunate stereotype as you describe. However, I'm sure you'd agree that there are a number of organizations that have done a tremendous amount of good for the veterans community at large, and in many cases, on the local level as well. I appreciate your input.
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SFC Henry Bartosik
Most veteran agency's I agree help the vet and service members. But from my perspective they are far and few between. Those that actually help I support whole heartedly. The others I wouldn't give the sweat off my brow.
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SGT Richard Ellis
You have not found the right post. That is a stigma that too many people had. Try coming to My VFW and that will totally change your thoughts as to the VFW.
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Yes they do help as long as the Soldiers or Veterans use the things that are available to them
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The VSOs are very useful and relevant, but many soldiers are poorly educated on the services that they provide. This is why we as leaders have a duty to ensure that our juniors get educated. Sadly the ACAP program does not delve further into the services they provide. I for one told everybody I came across what is available from the respective VSOs. They are especially good at helping you get the benefits that you have earned, and teaching you how to effectively navigate all the red tape. The more they know now, the better off they will be when it comes time to hang up the uniform for good.
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My father was a VFW member. I haven't officially joined a particular group but have benefited showing my DD 214 while traveling. It's nice to find a safe haven when traveling.
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Throughout the years, those of us have all served together in some capacity, supporting the same goals of freedom. Just because you weren't in actual combat, we still supported each other in our endeavors, and deserve the bennies. Vets for vets...we gave...we're entitled. I think, that many aren't informed of what's been established for them. I'm with the American Legion, & active with out local VA Hospital. Even though there are "loopholes" in the system, it still gives great service and support to those in need.
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VFW does great things for the military community.
My understanding is that you had to have been in service during a period of war to join the VFW and cold war era only veterans do not qualify for membership. Is this still correct?
My understanding is that you had to have been in service during a period of war to join the VFW and cold war era only veterans do not qualify for membership. Is this still correct?
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LCpl (Join to see)
VFW is combat vets ONLY American Legion is serving DURING any war-time and AMVETS I believe ANY service period qualifies you.
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SFC Steven Wheeler
Thanks for the information Greg. We had a discussion a while back on a Pershing Missile Yahoo group with vets that where cold war era soldiers that could not join the VFW because of the timing of their enlistment. It seems that Congress has a say in who can and cannot join. They were trying to get the Cold War time added to the list of conflicts in which the Pershing missile system played a pivotal role.
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Suspended Profile
Steven, there are Veterans who served in the 80's who can't join the Legion, too. It's based on the limits of eligibility in the VSO's charter with Congress.
SGT Richard Ellis
AFEM makes you eligible. If you have that on your DD214 or any Combat Zone campaign Medal you are eligible for VFW. (Korea Service from 1950 thru present are eligible. The Korean War is still just under a cease fire, and not actually over).
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