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I understand that the VFW is an abbreviation for Veterans of Foreign Wars and time served overseas in a deployment situation is a requirement to join. I am not discounting deployments by any means at all! Believe me, I am thankful for the men and women that sacrificed time away from their families, friends and everything else they hold dear while deployed. The question I would pose is, don't all veterans support the fight overseas? I am curious on the climate of this question and I appreciate your responses.
Posted in these groups: 
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
The American Legion
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) The American Legion
Edited 10 y ago
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 37
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You're able to join the VFW Auxiliary if you are a spouse, widow, or widower of a Veteran of a Foreign War.
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No, because each VSO was formed with specific criteria for their membership. Simply put:
* VFW requires foreign soil service (http://www.vfw.org/Join/Eligibility/)
* American Legion requires service during wartime
* Army & Navy Union USA and AMVETS require simply that one served honorably
These criteria directly relate to their ability to be non-profit VSOs in accordance with their charter.
Each of these VSOs also have subordinate organizations which one can join to allow support and participation in their local chapters.
* VFW requires foreign soil service (http://www.vfw.org/Join/Eligibility/)
* American Legion requires service during wartime
* Army & Navy Union USA and AMVETS require simply that one served honorably
These criteria directly relate to their ability to be non-profit VSOs in accordance with their charter.
Each of these VSOs also have subordinate organizations which one can join to allow support and participation in their local chapters.
VFW - Veterans of Foreign Wars USA
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the US is the official nonprofit service organization for USA military veterans benefits, VFW programs, community service, patriotic and world events, American flag sales, and services to military veterans and communities.
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My civilian side of me posted as a health inspector, the military in me says...we really should be getting along and not creating subsets within our organization (and I mean the military as a whole). We should not be excluding each other as vets/current members/etc. But a club is a club and days are numbered unless you continue to have war to make it possible to make folks eligible for membership. That's got to be the worst sustainability plan I have ever heard of though.
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Pretty sure there are some basic & common requirements for membership.. like fighting in a foreign war. When I first had the time to get out & visit my local VFW's, I was extremely disappointed: Each one of the chapters was typified by a gaggle of gin-swilling old timers. They swore like sailors (which I suppose is OK) and blew cigar smoke about the room. My "sponsor" seemed more interested in my money --vice recruiting a fellow vet. They are competing for "young blood" in their ranks. Unfortunately, the VFW seems to be a dinosaur model. It's difficult for an dying organization to recruit new membership when they're killing themselves with stories like those listed here.
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I went to a post when I first retired. I found that post attracted in mostly members that wanted to sit around and boast inflated stories. That's not the kind of thing that interests me. I know they do a number of great things as a organization but overall seemed like a social club for big fish stories.
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VFW - Veterans of Foreign Wars
We understand the unique bond you share with other veterans of overseas conflicts because we too, have been there. Since 1899, the VFW has been the nation’s leading veterans service organization in the fight to better the lives of all those who’ve worn the uniform of the United States military. No matter which conflict called you to service, we invite you to join us. Stand strong with the other 1.4 million members of the VFW as together, we...
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SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S.
SSgt Michael Orcutt The American Legion will welcome you with open arms. Around here the AL lounge beats the heck out of the VFW.
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SSgt Michael Orcutt
In Northern Colorado our AL is a little shack compared to some of the other AL's i've seen. I will still look into it and see what I can do to help
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SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S.
SSgt Michael Orcutt I just joined a newly formed AL post .. so small we have to meet at the fire station. It gives me the opportunity to help build the post and set the traditions. Only downside is I have to drive to the big city to use the lounge.
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