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
Responses: 37
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I am a life member to both the Am Legion an the VFW.
Both Organizations have helped me both as an Active Duty soldier and as a veteran. When I was still active both in N.C. and in AL, when the unit wanted and needed a large meeting, we rented the space at the local Post or Homes. I feel that I wouldn't have been able to rent these if I wasn't a Member-at-Large.
Now that I am living in rural Oklahoma, I try to stay active with both , but alas I have failed to do so while the staying on the tread mill of life making a living.
Both Organizations have helped me both as an Active Duty soldier and as a veteran. When I was still active both in N.C. and in AL, when the unit wanted and needed a large meeting, we rented the space at the local Post or Homes. I feel that I wouldn't have been able to rent these if I wasn't a Member-at-Large.
Now that I am living in rural Oklahoma, I try to stay active with both , but alas I have failed to do so while the staying on the tread mill of life making a living.
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MSG Donald R. Lee, M.B.A.
I agree PO1. I also believe that they benefit current service members because the benefits the VSOs are fighting for now will be the benefits that those service members enjoy later (or maybe are enjoying now, like the Post-911 GI Bill).
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I think that all veteran organizations have something benificial to offer. It depends on what you are looking to get out of them.
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I left the service 30 years ago. I never joined or considered joining any Veterans group. Some I would not be eligible for others I would. One of the biggest issues I see are there are simply too many of them. VFW, AMVETS, American Legion and the list goes on and on and on. Veterans have watered down their voice by having so many organizations representing them.
It seems that too much time is spent by veterans organizations in extracting more benefits (money) from the government.
It seems that too much time is spent by veterans organizations in extracting more benefits (money) from the government.
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From my point of view, they are all equally worthless. I am service connected disabled at 90%, I have PTSD, Anxiety disorder, a fused spine, repaired left labrum, and a repaired right ankle. I am unable to work, I tried for 6 months to find a job that had reasonable accommodations, the VFW has been unable or unwilling to put me into contact with someone who can get that 100%. I live in Virginia and they still want taxes, even though I can't work, the only way I can get relief is with the 100%. The VA drags their feet on everything they do, they have cancelled my appointments the same day I get there, they have made appointments that I missed because the notification process is non-existent.
I don't go to those places you listed because they are no help to me.
I don't go to those places you listed because they are no help to me.
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Veterans would have zero benefits if it weren't for the VSO's. Someone has to speak up for the soldier. Think of the VSO's as a union rep. Each seems to serve a certain niche. But their goal is unified to a certain extent.
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I hear that some people get help but after 17yrs and a medical retirement I don't feel like I am taken seriously, or that my opinions matter. I don't even know where to go for help in the town I currently live in.
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SSG(P) D. Wright Downs
Some of the people who represent the MEN's organizations do not respect the women veterans. There are still some Posts that so not want women in them..that was my experience in two different organizations i two different states. I hear there are still some like that. They push the auxiliaries for women...deal breaker for this female soldier. I found people who were members of organizations who had female officers. HOOAH!!
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Cpl Michael Etherton
Lots of hard feelings on this issue! VSO's are out there. Join them and attend their meetings. Something you like, support it. Something you don't like try to change it. Just don't quit because you don't get your way right now. The AL and the VFW have programs for the youth of the community. you get what you put into it.
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