Posted on Nov 19, 2013
Do you think the American Legion and the VFW need to adapt to the time?
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<font color="#000000" size="3" face="Times New Roman">
</font><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3"><font color="#000000"><font face="Calibri">I am recently retired from the Army. I was looking forward
to joining the American Legion and the VFW, which I did. What I did not expect
to find is how closed minded and out of touch these organizations are with this
current generation of soldiers. I would like to know if others feel the same
way and how they might suggest a way for these Organizations to 'get in
touch"?<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></font></font></font></p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Times New Roman">
</font>
</font><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3"><font color="#000000"><font face="Calibri">I am recently retired from the Army. I was looking forward
to joining the American Legion and the VFW, which I did. What I did not expect
to find is how closed minded and out of touch these organizations are with this
current generation of soldiers. I would like to know if others feel the same
way and how they might suggest a way for these Organizations to 'get in
touch"?<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></font></font></font></p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Times New Roman">
</font>
Posted in these groups: 
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
The American Legion
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) The American Legion
Posted 12 y ago
Responses: 72
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I hear these kinds of comments all the time. When I first got out I thought a lot of what people have said, that the VFW was out of touch with the times, that they don't get it. The truth is not that they don't get it, but that just as those that visit once might feel judged, so you are judging them, and the organization as a whole without giving them a chance.
Once I joined the VFW, started going to meetings, started communicating with the different levels I came to realize that the VFW is actually adaptable to fill the needs of the area and has adapted to the times, but as many of the members are older it is hard for them to make the changes locally without those that know how too. Because the VFW, American Legion and AMVets are adaptable is why there is not just one chapter, but many charters around the country. Though the needs of all veterans are basically the same, the needs of some veterans might change based on location, distance from services and availability of programs in the area. But also the VFW, the American Legion and AMVets can also provide special programs in their area based on interest. For example in my area there are a lot of veteran artists, as such the VFW and American Legion has become involved in the arts by running workshops, hosting and sponsoring events and supporting local art activities.
Believe it or not the VFW, American Legion and AMVets actually have a lot to offer veterans. While I can not speak for all areas, I know that in NY the VFW has programs to give computers and cars to veterans, supports the Veterans Homes, gives to Homeless Veterans, Sponsors Art for Veterans, helps the Student Veterans of America, sponsors Dogs for Veterans, gives scholarships to Middle School and High School Students, honors those that have passed from us, provides food pantries for veterans in need, sends care packages to veterans deployed, and many other programs that would go away without their support.
But the reasons for joining your local VFW, American Legion or AMVets go beyond just saving what seems to be a dying organization of guys and gals sitting around drinking. Besides being one of the oldest veteran organizations in the US. The VFW is responsible for the VA, the GI Bill, and the National Home for Children. The VFW, the American Legion and AMVets are also the only veteran organizations that have not only legislation groups in Washington, but also every state. These groups go to the State Legislation and to the Capital to fight for the rights and benefits of veterans. Right now both in New York and Washington we are fighting for Day Care extensions for veterans disabled in service, while many of the younger veterans don't have to worry about this now, there will come a time when they do, and we are working to introduce a bed hold policy for veterans in nursing homes that are paid for through VA benefits, as well as pushing for expansions to the Post 9-11 GI Bill and Patients Choice Programs. We are fighting to stop privatization of services and proposed reduction in veteran home loans. But if veterans today don't join and let these organizations dye then who will fight to keep these in the future?
Look these organizations are not perfect and can use help, and the only way that is going to happen is if you get involved. Understand that it may not be that the members of the local post don't want to help, it maybe that they don't understand the new systems in place, because they are not up on internet use, or running programs on the computer, and that is where you can come in and help them, so that you and them can help those in need.
Once I joined the VFW, started going to meetings, started communicating with the different levels I came to realize that the VFW is actually adaptable to fill the needs of the area and has adapted to the times, but as many of the members are older it is hard for them to make the changes locally without those that know how too. Because the VFW, American Legion and AMVets are adaptable is why there is not just one chapter, but many charters around the country. Though the needs of all veterans are basically the same, the needs of some veterans might change based on location, distance from services and availability of programs in the area. But also the VFW, the American Legion and AMVets can also provide special programs in their area based on interest. For example in my area there are a lot of veteran artists, as such the VFW and American Legion has become involved in the arts by running workshops, hosting and sponsoring events and supporting local art activities.
Believe it or not the VFW, American Legion and AMVets actually have a lot to offer veterans. While I can not speak for all areas, I know that in NY the VFW has programs to give computers and cars to veterans, supports the Veterans Homes, gives to Homeless Veterans, Sponsors Art for Veterans, helps the Student Veterans of America, sponsors Dogs for Veterans, gives scholarships to Middle School and High School Students, honors those that have passed from us, provides food pantries for veterans in need, sends care packages to veterans deployed, and many other programs that would go away without their support.
But the reasons for joining your local VFW, American Legion or AMVets go beyond just saving what seems to be a dying organization of guys and gals sitting around drinking. Besides being one of the oldest veteran organizations in the US. The VFW is responsible for the VA, the GI Bill, and the National Home for Children. The VFW, the American Legion and AMVets are also the only veteran organizations that have not only legislation groups in Washington, but also every state. These groups go to the State Legislation and to the Capital to fight for the rights and benefits of veterans. Right now both in New York and Washington we are fighting for Day Care extensions for veterans disabled in service, while many of the younger veterans don't have to worry about this now, there will come a time when they do, and we are working to introduce a bed hold policy for veterans in nursing homes that are paid for through VA benefits, as well as pushing for expansions to the Post 9-11 GI Bill and Patients Choice Programs. We are fighting to stop privatization of services and proposed reduction in veteran home loans. But if veterans today don't join and let these organizations dye then who will fight to keep these in the future?
Look these organizations are not perfect and can use help, and the only way that is going to happen is if you get involved. Understand that it may not be that the members of the local post don't want to help, it maybe that they don't understand the new systems in place, because they are not up on internet use, or running programs on the computer, and that is where you can come in and help them, so that you and them can help those in need.
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I'm a Vietnam vet and the Commander of our local AL post. We do work with the Veterans home and place flags on gravesite, work with the HS ROTC group and send kids to Boys State. I have given up trying to get young veterans into our post. I hear nothing but excuses and holier than thou statements from the younger vets. We don't smoke and we are not drunks but we do a lot of good for our community and I just want to tell these young guys to stop making excuses about being active in your community. I'm a combat veteran and I don't carry the chip on my shoulder like some of these younger veterans. Veteran organizations should be judged on the good they do in the community and not by some Hollywood image of Veterans. If you think that somehow you are morally superior to me then don't join us. We don't need you or want your holier than thou attitude.
The American Legion is the largest veterans group on earth. We have all the benefits of credit cards, insurance, travel, rentals as such a large group can posses. But we don't need some self righteous asshole coming up to us and demanding to know what we can do for you and then not being willing to engage in the local community. So it is time for you young vets to stop talking and step up to the plate. Stop feeling sorry for yourselves and now decide to better the community and state and country for all of our people. Talk is cheap and I seen nothing but talk coming from young vets. So join or don't join and stop talking about how we and the world needs to change. That is a fucking excuse for being afraid of life. So engage life or shut the fuck up.
The American Legion is the largest veterans group on earth. We have all the benefits of credit cards, insurance, travel, rentals as such a large group can posses. But we don't need some self righteous asshole coming up to us and demanding to know what we can do for you and then not being willing to engage in the local community. So it is time for you young vets to stop talking and step up to the plate. Stop feeling sorry for yourselves and now decide to better the community and state and country for all of our people. Talk is cheap and I seen nothing but talk coming from young vets. So join or don't join and stop talking about how we and the world needs to change. That is a fucking excuse for being afraid of life. So engage life or shut the fuck up.
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SPC Sean O'Sullivan
seems to me the one that needs a reality check is you. If you were my post commander I'd have already cussed you out for being such an arrogant, condescending ass. Talk about these young vets, how about the fact that a Nam vet is about 60 years old, or older. The Vets coming out today are in their 20's and 30s. I am fortunate that my post is awesome. We have vets from WW2, korea and Nam. Maybe you need to think back to why so many Nam vets didn't join veteran organizations for a long time. Because they were looked down upon by the older vets. they didn't have it as hard as they did in WW2 or Korea etc. etc. SOUND FAMILIAR. I am not overly active in my Post, because I have kids, and a job that ties me up most of the time. So why don't you get off you high horse, and instead of making bullshit blanket statements about younger vets, take a look in the mirror and ask yourself, IS IT THEM, or IS IT ME. Take some time to really understand where they are coming from. I'd say it some of both, but you sure as hell do have a chip on your shoulder and clearly you have already determined what is what. If you are afraid of having a discussion about the world, and what needs to change then you are an imbecile. you said engage life, or shut the fuck up, and that would also apply to you. If you want to turn away from a fellow vet because they don't act how you think they should its you that isn't engaging life, you are hiding from it like a coward.
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I personally think it is going to be Motorcycle clubs and associations that are going to get the younger veterans.
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Yes. I think a big turn off for many Post 9/11 vets is the far right wing conservative and evangelical views that these groups are a platform for. The AL seems to get just as involved in the gun lobby, immigration and religious issues as it does real veteran issues. While I do not consider myself left or right, I am bothered that to fit in to these groups I have to conform to an ideology that goes beyond the common thread of being a military veteran
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Of course today's soldiers are like no other before them the injuries memories are so destructive
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SPC Sean O'Sullivan
WHAT?? WW2 there were no rotations back to the world after a tour, the tour was the length of the war. All vets that served in combat have injuries and memories that are destructive.
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Depends on what's being considered. I don't mind viewing some of thing they do as tradition. My dad was WWII Vet attached to the AM-Legion for years. Nice friendly group of buddy's - they clicked well together "why change that?" Years later it was those memories of my dads time in the AM-Legion that lead me to the Legion, this was quite a bit bigger post about 10 times the people, programs , things happing, but its not the same. So Now I'm going to try the DAV less money for life time membership and some said they're real good for getting claims done " hence the name" DAV.
My next life time membership will be the VFW way cheaper than the Legion. One guy was explaining the exclusiveness of the VFW and end with saying Once your in the VFW you belong to the Legion.... I liked that. ( This is the change Id like to see be made - )
I have a lot respect for the Legion but anyone qualifies and to me something is missing , plus the life time membership is like $900.00 .. not me nor did my dad payout like that ..he played music for the legion for years.
Time to move on, unfortunately the only way to experience this is to actually join and learn. The DAV and VFW is where I stop worst case scenario - I made an effort and hope the $$ helps out, best case I can have little fun make friend or two get my claimed bumped up a little eventually enjoy belonging " I get tired of chasing down my own paper work" that's my best answer I have all the same question you do ! ! ! Happy Holidays
My next life time membership will be the VFW way cheaper than the Legion. One guy was explaining the exclusiveness of the VFW and end with saying Once your in the VFW you belong to the Legion.... I liked that. ( This is the change Id like to see be made - )
I have a lot respect for the Legion but anyone qualifies and to me something is missing , plus the life time membership is like $900.00 .. not me nor did my dad payout like that ..he played music for the legion for years.
Time to move on, unfortunately the only way to experience this is to actually join and learn. The DAV and VFW is where I stop worst case scenario - I made an effort and hope the $$ helps out, best case I can have little fun make friend or two get my claimed bumped up a little eventually enjoy belonging " I get tired of chasing down my own paper work" that's my best answer I have all the same question you do ! ! ! Happy Holidays
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It depends....the further one moves away from the cities, and into smaller towns, change comes real slow. Upper Midwest American small town culture can be biased. These organizations reflect their townie behaviors and can be observed as closed systems and in some cases nepotism is the norm. Outsiders beware...
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SGT Hiller. When I retired I joined the VFW. I did it because of their reputation of service to veterans (I haven’t been disappointed). I grew up in the 80s when Korea vets were starting to replace WW2 vets in leadership in the American Legion. I knew all about beer busts and Friday fish fries and I didn’t want anything to do with it (as a KFOR and OEF vet). My perspective changed here in Denver with VFW POST 1. They are the OLDEST VFW post and shifted from old-school to AMAZING. Check out the info below. No – not many posts are going to be this progressive. But it’s all about local leadership.
https://vfwpost1.org/
Right in the heart of Denver’s trendy art district.
https://vfwpost1.org/
Right in the heart of Denver’s trendy art district.
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I am a 46 YO Former Marine, and every service "club house' seems to be filled with smoke from cigarettes, and people that are 65+. If these service organazations want to survive, they need to reach out to younger veterans. I am a member of the DAV, but have never looked up their "club house" or if there is even such a thing for the DAV.
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