Do you believe Veteran's Organizations are beneficial to Veterans only, Veterans and Current Service Members, or no one at all?

I have been a lifetime member of the DAV since 1999. I think they do great work to helping veterans.

We can't make an absolute determination on ALL orgs. Some are good. Some are terrible.

I think the intent is to help everyone.....but at least at the local level many organizations only end up looking out for the good 'ole boys or the locals......they want nothing to do with those of us that were transplanted by service or life......in other words if I did not you know you in high school I don't want to know you now.

I am a member of IAVA, Team Red White and Blue & The Mission Continues. Each one is a little different, but I highly recommend them all and the other groups mentioned.

I'm a life member of the VFW.. I joined on mid-tour leave during my first tour. Proud day for me.. Then I actually tried to go hang out at one and was made to feel unwelcome. 'You gotta be a vet to come in here.." Won't be back. Have no time for them.. wish I could get my life member money back..

MSG, There is a HUGE stereotype with the VFW. What I have always observed and heard was that these places are full of a bunch of old men and some older women who only play bingo and BBQ. They go there for the cheap drinks and B.S. It also smells in the few that I have been in. Yes, to answer your question there is a huge stereotype with this organization. Some young veterans feel that there isn't a place for them or their modern ideas to "ramp up" the organization to be able to do more for the veteran.

I still have heartburn about the way the VFW treated early VN vets...sorry, but that is the way it is. I saw bad blood in families up close and personal. DAV and American Legion did not get ruthless as I saw the VFW get. When they saw they would die out, puff, they turned around and started to look and act as brothers. The Vn vets who are in the leadership could not have acted better. In fact, the VVA motto is what has helped all the veteran organizations work for the betterment of all organizations . I have had no dealings with AMVETS. American Legion works with young people through baseball, oratory and citizenship, Girls state and Boys State. these are very important. Work for the betterment of the whole family ad therefore the country.

I definitely believe that these organizations benefit veterans and their social members. I am a lifetime member and 5 time commander of the American Legion and belong to the VFW also. For what you pay for membership is definitely worth the lower priced food and beverages. I don't know about the other Legions and VFW's, but we also offer free cover for bands and sometimes free food. We honor past commanders and 50+ years of continuous membership with a catered dinner every year as we do veteran on Veteran's Day. Our SAL (Sons of American Legion) get the same. We also have Easter Egg hunts and Christmas parties for the veteran's children and each child gets a present and we do not spare on the price of these gifts. But that is not the main purpose of our establishments. We donate thousands of dollars to the less fortunate/volunteer organizations/schools/other veteran organizations in our community to include Food Bank, Humane Society, Fire Company, Fix-A-Pet, Salvation Army to name a few. I recommend that if you are a vet, that you look into your local veteran organizations in your area and join. We also pay active duty's memberships. We are always in need of more veterans! If you need assistance in finding a veteran's organization in your area, please contact me and I will be more than happy to help you find one!

They all do good things, keep their local populations aware of veterans participation, and contribute to the local communities. I don't join because the last time I joined something it took twenty years of my life and my health so I'm through joinin'.

I'm not much of a joiner of anything. I belong to a couple of lineage organizations but no longer am able to travel 1100 miles round trip for the annual meeting and other functions at least three times a year.
We haven't been to church in a while. Many years as a Deacon wore me out and the younger people act like it's an options to fulfill their duties. I'm 64 and I felt like it was time for me to step down. It seems too many people were relying on me to cover their shifts and close up and it was the only way to have time to myself.
My impression of the American Legion was of too many men drinking too many beers. And I don't feel like rehashing old stuff over and over. I enjoy an evening of poker or pinochle but no one seems to play cards any more. My Grandfather and I used to sit for 8 hours at a time playing about 30 different card games but he's been gone since 1984 so I guess that's how long it's been since I played.