Posted on Jun 14, 2015
So you went online and joined the VFW now what?
7.12K
29
24
4
4
0
Outside of joining to increase their political clout, what do you do?
For me, I just recently renewed and started the lifetime membership process for no other reason than the political numbers reason. VFW at the national level (like AFSA, AFA, American Legion, and whatever the sister service versions of those orgs are) do great work.
On a whim, last week, while leaving the gate, there is a VFW post literally right outside the gate and stopped in and "joined" that post. It really fit the image I grew up as a military brat of what the VFW was. A smoke filled bar. They even offered me a beer after the paperwork was done (which I declined as I was in uniform).
So now what? I don't really drink? I don't smoke and am actually allergic to cigarette smoke. They didn't even bother to tell me when the next meeting was or when the next event was. I did get a nifty keycard to get in the building.
So Team RP, what has been your experience?
Is this typical for a currently (or recently separated/retired) Service Member?
Senior VFW members, is this the welcome you want to give us?
Is the stereotype of the VFW being "old men drinking at a bar" really not a stereotype?
What does it say about a post if they don't have a "website" and/or active "social media"?
For me, I just recently renewed and started the lifetime membership process for no other reason than the political numbers reason. VFW at the national level (like AFSA, AFA, American Legion, and whatever the sister service versions of those orgs are) do great work.
On a whim, last week, while leaving the gate, there is a VFW post literally right outside the gate and stopped in and "joined" that post. It really fit the image I grew up as a military brat of what the VFW was. A smoke filled bar. They even offered me a beer after the paperwork was done (which I declined as I was in uniform).
So now what? I don't really drink? I don't smoke and am actually allergic to cigarette smoke. They didn't even bother to tell me when the next meeting was or when the next event was. I did get a nifty keycard to get in the building.
So Team RP, what has been your experience?
Is this typical for a currently (or recently separated/retired) Service Member?
Senior VFW members, is this the welcome you want to give us?
Is the stereotype of the VFW being "old men drinking at a bar" really not a stereotype?
What does it say about a post if they don't have a "website" and/or active "social media"?
Posted in these groups: 
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
The American Legion
Political Organization
Social
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) The American Legion Political Organization Social
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 10
5
5
0
There is a VFW post within 40 minutes of my home. Sadly, this stereotype fits them almost down to the 70's-era carpet on the floor. It is a smoke filled bastion of racism, sexism, and alleged drug related activity. One member even went so far as to tell me I wasn't welcome since I didn't serve during Viet Nam.
That was shortly after I retired. Needless to say, I haven't even darkened the doorway of a VFW since.
That was shortly after I retired. Needless to say, I haven't even darkened the doorway of a VFW since.
(5)
(0)
TSgt Joshua Copeland
MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P, ever consider making a complaint to the state to national level?
(1)
(0)
MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P
From what I gather, they have already been investigated several times. I'm sure by now some of those members have either passed away or left the organization. I had thought about checking into them again just to see if anything had changed in the five years since I initially made contact. You've got my curiosity up. I may do it just to satisfy the intrigue.
(2)
(0)
MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P
TSgt Joshua Copeland - I haven't forgotten about you. I haven't been able to make contact with anyone from the local post. I'll keep trying though. I have a contact point for a member so hopefully I'll know something soon.
(0)
(0)
2
2
0
Ok well first let me welcome you to the VFW. Now I will tell you if your around a base you will find the bar having VFW. But most other VFW do not have bar's anymore and are very open and welcoming. Now as for not having a social media site I would say its because most of the guys there don't know how to set one up and nobody has offered to do it for them. Im the Jr. Vice Commander at my Post 5578 Madison WV. we do many great things we are known thru out the state for our Honor Guard yet we did not have a website till I set 1 up on facebook 3 month ago. The thing about the VFW is if you don't like something about the local post become a active member in it you will find those that agree with you and get a few younger members to join and then change it. Everything in a post is done by votes. Someone makes a motion someone seconds it then talk about it or not but there is always a vote and if you have enough people thinking like you then it gets changed. All you have to do is step up.
On another note in the sate of WV there are only a hand full of post's with bar's out of over 100. Scout's Out
On another note in the sate of WV there are only a hand full of post's with bar's out of over 100. Scout's Out
(2)
(0)
2
2
0
Sadly, this has been my impression of our local post also. I'll be watching for some replies on this one. I suspect they will be along the lines of "be the change you wish to see".
(2)
(0)
TSgt Joshua Copeland
SGT Richard H., I had a degree of optimism when I drove up and seen that the post was an All State and All American Post.
(1)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google