Local Veteran-Friendly Establishments Need Us

2015-03-25T17:58:13-04:00

When I first left active-duty Marine Corps back in 1993, I walked away from a close-knit family and brotherhood that I had grown accustomed to over the years. I had gotten engaged and moved in with someone I fell in love with, and within a few years, our first child came along. My life was busy and exciting, but I never stopped missing what the Corps provided.

This was back in 1993, before the Internet was well known and established. People had AOL and CompuServe, and the really cool kids were using bulletin board systems for years, but it still wasn't all that great at bringing post-military-service people together.

After a few years, I looked into organizations like the Marine Corps League, the VFW, American Legion, and even the Masons. I was looking to capture what I had before, but I quickly realized that there weren't many younger people my age. After a few meetings, I just wasn't feeling it and I walked away.

When social media became a thing, and Facebook started to dominate the market, I discovered several groups dedicated to the Marine Corps. I felt connected again, and I was IN it. Discussing topics that mattered to military-oriented people - it was a powerful new way to connect, and I found myself constantly drawn to those communities. If I could get this much personal satisfaction talking with my brothers and sisters online, imagine how much better it would be face-to-face at a Legion, or VFW, or some other military-friendly establishment?

I ended up returning to the local Legion, but this time, I had a renewed outlook on the importance of these places. I wanted to get involved for the networking possibilities, the healing factors, and of course, to help reinvigorate these clubs who are seeing their numbers dwindle.

If you are a younger veteran or active duty serviceperson, please look up information on your local American Legion or VFW, and pay them a visit. Get a beer, buy a good meal, and shoot the breeze with WWII, Korean, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraq, and Afghanistan war veterans. It is worth it. It makes a difference.

As you look around each day, seeing the news or reading the paper, it is no surprise to see a nation torn apart. We have lost our way, and the soul of this country was sold off long ago. It feels like we are circling the drain. If we could all just come together, united under our love of country and service to protect our nation's citizens, I believe we would be better off. Better off as individuals, as veterans, as a local community, and as a nation.

I live in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and have been making regular visits to several local American Legions for over 3 years now. I am 44 years old now, and sadly, I am often the 'younger' face in the crowd. I hope and pray that more people my age, but especially those younger than me, will reconsider the Legion and give it another shot.

The Legion needs us. We need each other.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2015 10:01 PM

2015-03-25T22:01:18-04:00

I responded to this topic before. Vietnam vets were not welcome to join the VFW, American Legion, or any other association related to vets. I realize it's been 50 years and the mentality has changed. I don't belong to any of those groups now because I don't drink very much and I can't stand to be around cigarette smoke. The older members now are probably Vietnan vets. I just can't take that smoking.

Response by TSgt Carl Allen made Mar 25 at 2015 11:08 PM

2015-03-25T23:08:57-04:00

From a fellow young Legion member, thank you.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2015 9:35 AM

2015-03-26T09:35:51-04:00

When they open it up more to allow for Cold War Era vets and more open to women than maybe. My experience at the Legion Post in Illinois soured me on it.

Response by Cpl Anthony Pearson made Mar 26 at 2015 10:36 AM

2015-03-26T10:36:54-04:00

I'm glad you are all sharing your stories and experiences.

I promise you this... I plan on printing out our responses and will PERSONALLY deliver a copy to everyone VFW and Legion in my area. I will ask that their officers discuss the results at their meeting and STRONGLY consider what they are reading.

Smoking issues, snobby regulars, exclusivity, veterans treating other veterans like crap, etc.

THEY NEED TO HEAR THIS.

Once this discussion 'cooks' for awhile, I'd ask that some of you consider doing the same. Print the discussions, mail or hand deliver it to your local legions, and ask them to take a hard look at themselves.

Is it worth the effort? YOUR effort? I personally believe it is. Why? Our young men and women are returning from horrible wars with mental and physical scars. THEY NEED SAFE PLACES TO ASSEMBLE AND FEEL WANTED, CARED FOR, and NEEDED.

There are far too many suicides among returning veterans. They feel lost.

VFWs and Legions were meant to be SAFE ZONES for our veterans. For those who are not living up to this, we need to RUB THEIR FRIGGING NOSES IN IT. PERIOD.

And I'm all about getting in faces.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2015 10:59 AM

2015-03-26T10:59:12-04:00

Cpl Anthony Pearson for those in Maryland https://www.vfwmaryland.org/index.php?id=4

VFW Maryland: VFW Maryland Department

The website of the Department of Maryland, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.

Response by Cpl Anthony Pearson made Mar 26 at 2015 11:34 AM

2015-03-26T11:34:43-04:00

Another thing I want to add....

The leadership of these organizations are not set in stone. If a Legion is faltering and in need of change, there is nothing stopping you and your friends from joining the legion, running for office, and voting for each other to get into positions of leadership.

YOU CAN BECOME the leaders of your local organizations, and believe me - it is NOT hard to do. It takes work, and if you win, it takes commitment. I have personally seen this happen, and for one VFW in particular, it SAVED the place and turned it around.

They are more successful now than ever. Live bands, great food, a new outdoor 'tiki hut' inspired venue, and more. They place is thriving.

Response by Cpl Anthony Pearson made Mar 26 at 2015 11:38 AM

2015-03-26T11:38:41-04:00

For now, this is my primary legion:
1615 Sumner Ave, Allentown, PA 18102 - [login to see]

If any of you live nearby and want a beer (my treat), let me know!

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Mar 26 at 2015 11:39 AM

2015-03-26T11:39:52-04:00

I was in the American Legion/Legion Riders when I was stationed in San Antonio. Great bunch of guys in the Riders part. I had to be a member of the Legion to be a member of the Riders. I never participated in the Legion other then my induction.... was on the other side of the city.... Since moving to MT, I know there is both AL and VFW... I have not been to either one. I am considering visiting 1 or the other (or both) after I retire.... Have not yet decided yet. Lots of it will be based on my free time, the people that I encounter (do I WANT to be part of that group), and also the amount of camaraderie I will feel. I can drink beer in my house....there has to be more then just the bar to make me feel welcome.

Response by Cpl Anthony Pearson made Mar 26 at 2015 11:41 AM

2015-03-26T11:41:03-04:00

If you live near East Stroudsburg, PA, head over to this VFW:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/VFW-POST-2540/ [login to see] 00838

20 Fawn Rd, Stroudsburg, PA 18360 - [login to see]

You will NOT regret it. Great food, great venue, great people. Tell them Harddrive (Tony) sent you!

VFW POST 2540

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2015 12:03 PM

2015-03-26T12:03:14-04:00

I joined the Legion in 1975. I felt welcome and have since moved so that I have been a member in NE (2), IA(4), MN, PA(2), and KS.

I have never felt unwelcome. But, I am not a very active member except tor one place. The number indicate different towns in those states.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Mar 26 at 2015 12:46 PM

2015-03-26T12:46:32-04:00

You all are lucky, you have the choice not to go. Here in Denmark I got no choice. Yes I joined the VFW in my home town in Idaho just to have a connection, but it does me no good here. Online is my Vet family and I'm glad for it.

Response by SFC Charles S. made Mar 26 at 2015 1:09 PM

2015-03-26T13:09:09-04:00

You know, Military Service Organizations are only as good as the members that belong to them. I have been a Member of the VFW since 1990, when I was basically adopted by a Post. I was in the Desert in Desert Storm and they sent me a complimentary membership. When I got home I went to see what it was about. It was great, was welcomed with open arms and accepted like a lost brother. I moved and tried the VFW at the new location and they were basically old set in their ways WWII vets. They were not my age and didn't really want to try. I was turned off but keep trying. I found that in a town very near there was another VFW that was like the first one and they were very accommodating and open. I have since then become a member of the Legion and all of my Unit associations. You would be surprised at how many great people and fellow brother and sister veterans you will meet.

The Moral to this long story is, People are People... everyone has their ups and downs, likes and dislikes, if you don't find what you expect, keep at it and give them all a chance. Since I have never given up, I've always found posts that are wonderful and have things to do that I'm interested in. If Veterans don't join and participate not only will these organizations get stagnant but they will cease to be available. You have to go and get to know people and you have to become active.

Response by Cpl Andrew Tucker made Mar 26 at 2015 1:56 PM

2015-03-26T13:56:16-04:00

I was lucky enough to join a fraternity when I went back to school. It did, and still does, give me that sense of brotherhood that I missed. It wasn't the same, but it wasn't all that different either. Now, obviously, a married man or woman with kids is not gonna go Greek when they get out, but for the single/unmarried/no kids who get out, it's not a bad avenue to explore. I happen to luck out. My chapter of The Pi Kappa Alpha International Fraternity was such a mix of ethnicities and ages that moving into the house as a 24 y.o. vet wasn't weird. I wasn't the youngest by far, but neither was I the oldest. I had younger men looking at me to be a leader, and I had older men looking at me from a mentor standpoint. That and every time I'd leave to go to drill in uniform, it didn't hurt that there were always ladies around ;) lol. But I digress.

The point of this story is, whether it is Greek life if you're in school, an organization, a nfp, whatever it is, the trick to not feeling like you're missing that "something" that the military gave you is to GET INVOLVED. Now that I'm out of school and the Corps, I go to a nonprofit Christian gym that gives me that feeling I had in the Corps.

Hope this helps.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2015 2:01 PM

2015-03-26T14:01:35-04:00

I joined our local DAV last year once they started an auxiliary member chapter to help boost membership.

Response by SPC Donald Tribble made Mar 26 at 2015 4:25 PM

2015-03-26T16:25:58-04:00

Due to my service dates and lack of a foreign war, or any water for that matter, I do not meet the eligibility requirements for any of the VSO's

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2015 4:49 PM

2015-03-26T16:49:36-04:00

I joined the legion here to support a program they were running. It was great. Then i went to my first meeting, and they trotted these young men on stage talking about these are our Boys State / Nation candidates. I asked where the young girls were, Oops. They looked at me like i just pissed on their boots. How is it 2015 and programs like this are still locked into boys only. Next they brought out their Eagle Scout Scholarship winner to present him with an award, again i asked where the girl scout award was, again i must have pissed on their boots. No such program exists. So i told them i would not be back until they at least made a program for the young women in our country equal to the programs of the young men. One that my daughter could join. I keep getting the renewal notices, but their chauvinistic policies are still in place. So until the VSO's support fully the women of our nation, like they do the men, i will not step a foot into one, after all they need us to stay alive, we can live without them.

Response by PV2 Abbott Shaull made Mar 26 at 2015 9:01 PM

2015-03-26T21:01:25-04:00

You know one of the problem for us that served in the Cold War too many place have closed membership to us.

Response by SPC David Wyckoff made Mar 27 at 2015 9:33 AM

2015-03-27T09:33:16-04:00

I was asked to join a VFW chapter in a small town in CO when I worked in Colorado Springs, by a friend I worked with on base. I figured it was a good idea since my Dad and Gramps are both VFW members. Got a lifetime membership. I have moved twice since and each time the local chapter has been either indifferent, or down right deriding (cue the comment that Desert Storm wasn't a real war). So, I have lived in WY for four years now and still belong to that chapter in CO.
I would say my experience with the DAV in WY has paralleled that of the VFW. NOW, to be fair I have not really put any real effort into trying to intergrate myself into either of these organizations locally either. So the fault could be partly mine. I guess it was just easier to fall back on the self pity excuse of "I don't go where I'm not wanted" instead of digging in and trying to change things.
I feel I can do more as a vet, for vets by supporting and networking with other small veteraned owned businesses since I also own a small business. That has been my connection and outlet.

Response by SGT Richard Ellis made Mar 27 at 2015 10:44 AM

2015-03-27T10:44:30-04:00

Cpl Pearson, You are welcome to come to my VFW post any time you are near Nesquehoning, Pa, (right by Jim Thorpe), Post 8008 of which I am the Commander of.

I know that the VSO's have a stigma as being an "old fogies" club full of nothing but drunk old vets. We don't like that rep. We do a lot of work in our community and welcome the younger generation of Veterans and love their input that will help our organization.

Response by SGT Richard Ellis made Mar 27 at 2015 7:57 PM

2015-03-27T19:57:30-04:00

The U.S. Senate has declared 30 March Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day. I have called a special meeting at my VFW post for all area Vietnam Veterans in my area at 7:00 p.m. on Monday 30 March at my post.
It's not going to be anything fancy, just a "welcome Home hand shake and a thank you" from myself and the officers of my post. Reason being, is that this is a new thing, and no time to organize anything more fitting. Next year though I'm going to have a buffet dinner for our Vietnam War Brothers and Sisters from my area.

For those of you from out of my area, I also wish to say, Welcome Home and I wish I could shake your hand in person

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 11:40 PM

2015-03-27T23:40:21-04:00

I'm a life member of the American Legion and VFW. However, neither of these organizations are active where I live. The only organization I participate in at all is the local AMVETS. Much like Cpl Anthony Pearson , I'm typically the youngest person in there. The next youngest is in his 40's.

I've had mixed experiences with VSOs. My wife, a female Army Veteran, was essentially told to join our auxiliary. That frankly pissed me off. I've also encountered the superiority mentality described, where the older Vets talk down to the younger Vets. If VSOs want participation from younger Veterans, they need to give them an equal voice. Another point older Vets need to understand is that the younger generation is not retired like them. I've been given a guilt trip on more than one occasion because I haven't made events due to work. I've had mandatory overtime for the last 4 months. While I value what the VSO does, I still need to put food on my table.

Ultimately I'm a member because I think the organizations are valuable, but there's definitely room for improvement.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Apr 16 at 2015 3:10 PM

2015-04-16T15:10:51-04:00

Anthony,
Well said and it came from your Heart. Good Job Marine.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2015 11:33 PM

2015-05-03T23:33:20-04:00

Good article brother. We should do more and I want to do this year with my racing and biker friends who will help with this. My racetrack friends always do something and mostly in recognition.

Response by TSgt Christopher D. made May 3 at 2015 11:41 PM

2015-05-03T23:41:14-04:00

I joined the American Legion last year when I retired. Unfortunately, the local chapter isn't very active. At all. The VFW about 12 miles away is somewhat active, but they focus on fundraisers for charities, and not so much with helping other vets, that I'm aware of.

So, next week I am making my annual trip to the VA hospital to visit with our brothers and sisters. I don't need a group to do what I can to help take care of them.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 12:46 AM

2015-05-04T00:46:40-04:00

Cpl Anthony Pearson I will be getting hold of you soon to find ways of helping other veterans less fortunate.

Response by PO1 John Miller made May 4 at 2015 12:54 AM

2015-05-04T00:54:37-04:00

Great message. I myself am a member of the American Legion, VFW, Fleet Reserve Association, and DAV. Unfortunately I have never actually attended any meetings or functions but I do intend to start.

Response by PFC Scott Hicks made May 4 at 2015 2:57 AM

2015-05-04T02:57:07-04:00

I have been a member of both the VFW & American Legion. Sadly, locally and I can only speak about the local groups i have been a part of... full of a bunch of pissy old drunks that really only care about "their bar" and the price of their drinks. I havent seen a damn thing where they raised money to help anyone or any group. And when I asked the vfw i was a member of to donate $100 to a local school for the honors music program they said they are not in our city so too bad... the school is in the same county and less than 15 miles away and most of the members dont even live in the damn town where the VFW is located. At a legion post they were more concerned about the price of beer and hadnt raised money for anything other than improvements to their bar in over 10 years. I had enough. I refuse to return or pay any dues or membership fees.