Do you think the American Legion and the VFW need to adapt to the time?

They definitely need to reach out to younger veterans. However, I wouldn't compromise many of the patriotic traditions which I believe even younger soldier appreciate. I have seen some changes in the Legion. Ie the Riders groups didn't exist in the 50s or 60s (or at least not very well known) ; that put a very positive image on biking. Perhaps more social functions that are more appealing to younger people like dances with a DJ (even I lost it with most music after the 70/80s but if it brings it more younger vets so be it) However, it hard to get young people with jobs, family and children to join anything these days. If they do, it just on paper. I belong to Coast Guard Auxiliary and even though they do more to work with the active service people and do active things like boating patrol, their average age is lower to mid 60s. People dont seem to have time for these things until they retire and the kids are grown!

I just joined the one in Panama City Beach and am looking forward to contributing and hopefully raising interest with the younger veterans in the area. So far most of the folks I have met are extremely nice, considerate and open minded.

I joined the VFW after my first deployment in 04. Luckily the post I joined already had a younger administration in place & was slowly making changes to entice the younger combat vets to join.

I believe it takes both sides to open up and except each other! Older VFW/Legion members and young veterans.

Also, when younger veterans have family. It is hard to have the time to take part in events and/or help out with their Posts. I know this from my own experience.

I have recently just got back involved with both only within the past couple of years. Between going on Disability permanently and my youngest of 4 graduated from High School in 2013. I have found to have more time to get involved.

I think a lot of this is a goes back to What SSG Woods said we as veterans need to get into these organizations and try to make them better. There are a lot of older generations holding it down in the VFW and American Legion but i think that's as much our fault for not being more active in these organizations as their apparent stagnation.

When I retired I looked into the local VFW, its cheap its literally 5 miles from my house and yet I have not attended a single meeting. I have been stuck in a long commute but it really is my failure that i have not tried to be more active.

Sounds campy and 80s but only WE can fix this problem and prevent forest fires. LOL

The Legion and VFW do good work in certain areas but I agree they are a bit behind in others. I think that is just a function of the time they came into being and the majority of their membership not being Post 9/11 vets. There is definitely a generational divide.

Check into Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. That was the first veteran organization I joined. I think you will find them more of what you are looking for.

http://www.iava.org

Membership is free - you paid your dues when you served. There is no "Womens Auxiliary" because we recognize women in uniform fought along side men and are not auxiliary to anything.

IAVA is not one of the Congressionally "sponsored" VSO's that are authorized to assist with claims and have reps at VA Hospitals, etc. But IAVA is very effective at getting policies beneficial to our generation of vets through Congress. The Post 9/11 GI Bill is one of the best things IAVA has accomplished in our short history.

What keeps me away from the American Legion and VFW's are the smoke filled meetings they have. I want to be a part of these organizations but I do not want swim in smoke doing it.

It is very simple the younger Veterans need to step up and become the leaders of these organizations. But unfortunately they are geared for the retired person.

My Dad used to be very involved with the VFW near my home, during the Spring Semester I would stop there on my way home. I realized, the are out of touch, I'm not sure if it's the small town mentality or the old generation mentality. But yes, I do agree if they want their membership to grow they'll need to adapt.

When I got out (1979) I went to follow in my fathers footsteps and join both vfw and American legion. I was refused entry into both. Both told me Vietnam was NOT a war, sorry, you're not allowed. But, I could join the auxiliary. Lets say I have a rather bitter opinion.