The American Legion and VFW will almost certainly die off. Will it really matter to younger veterans?

Considering it was the post commander who I talked to told him I had an electronic DD214. He told me I could leave until I went and printed it off. Then told me that I had an attitude.

PO3 Doug Connell - Looks like the attitude is top down. Sorry leadership.

I can’t comment on your situation or the post you wanted to join. Has a legion member for 41 years and Recently Past Post Commander. I have never heard of a Post that intentionally turn away prospective members. All Post commanders are well aware of their dwindling numbers. Their members are all aging or dying out. So new members is a top priority for that post survival. I joined upon leaving Active Duty. My first post was upstate NY. The WWII vets were quiet until they got to know you. Luckily I was in my hometown and fairly well known. I wasn’t very active due to job and family constraints.
I was always welcome and when I showed up in my Army uniform at any post they always brought me a beer.
I retired to Florida and transferred to a Post in DeLand, FL. They were also very welcome to have a new member to Share the load of running the post and programs they supported. I was made great friends and realized how small the Veteran’s world is, no matter what Branch.
Veterans have a bond that is stronger than you realize. If you move to a different state and want to know the best places to get you car fixed your home repaired or who t o purchase items and services ,ask the post members and they well help you.
I currently reside in Gastonia NC. I was first treated as a Yankee, now I an a damm Yankee and golf , play Cards , march in the Veterans Day and Memorial Day parades we have an Honor Guard started with Legion Men, we are doing 120 Military Funerals on average a year providing veterans families with Military Honors they earned.
You may want to look at what you can do to help the Post and they well help you!
American Legion is always changing to meet the needs of Veterans. One issue that younger Veterans can help with is the use of computers and digital age changes.
To parafraze President Kennedy said Ark not what your Country can do, ask what you can still do for your Veteran friends and comrades?
It would be ashamed to let the American Legion Post die. They have helped Vetrans since 1918. Who’s going to provide funeral services at your grave?
CSM R.Sleeper

When I was discharged in 1969 the WWII vets disparaged us Vietnam Veterans. So I did not join the local VFW.

Spot on.

First thanks for joining, second don't give up, or give in. I had it hard at first, but I showed them it works and now I get great support from the members. This last year we had our first African American Female County Commander, and while some of them were not sure at first, at the end of the year she was far more respected than before. We have to remember that nothing good comes easy.

Glad to have you in the VFW Captain! Don't be dissuaded - volunteer for a position no one else will do and then make a difference! Pretty soon, you will look around and those holding you back will be gone!

SPC Britany, you’re absolutely right—there is a reluctance to join an outdated structure. As a member of the American Legion, I’ve found that many of its routines haven’t changed since my father’s time as a Korean War veteran. Friday dinners, 50/50 raffles, and bike gatherings still dominate the calendar. The membership is mostly elderly, and when I joined, the reception was lukewarm at best. It felt more like, “Welcome—what war did you fight?” than a genuine embrace.

I’d love to see the Legion evolve into something more inclusive and dynamic. Imagine if it sponsored programs like Guitars for Vets, or offered spaces where families could gather for jam sessions, potlucks, and youth activities. These could help children and young adults understand the adventures, challenges, and personal fortitude it takes to be a veteran—and the pride that comes with taking the oath of service.

With less than 0.04% of the American population joining the military, the need for change is urgent. Without it, we risk losing future generations of veterans. The Veteran Service Organization (VSO) plays a vital role, and if it fades, so too will many of the services that support our community.

Thank you for your service—and for speaking up.

MAJ (Join to see) - I totally agree, Major. I just had this discussion with my wife. Online communication is nice and all, but nothing beats a face to face conversation. I told her that I joined Rally Point because it provides me an opportunity to talk to other veterans, some with different experiences, no matter the subject matter. But there is something more fulfilling about talking to someone over a beer and plate cheese sticks. Whether we are talking about veterans' issues or what our winter projects are going to be, there is just something about an in-person meeting that surpasses an internet posting. I think that's much more personal to be face to face and with our younger generations face glued to their smartphones, they may not be geared toward that.

Rallypoint is great, but it doesn't feed homeless Vets, or get them a hotel room, or a haircut. RP doesn't drive a Vet to his VA appointments, or serve coffee/donuts there every week. VFWs and American Legions... do that, and much more, in thousands of Communities all over the USA!

MSgt David Hoffman - I wasn't making any assertions about RP members, MSGT Hoffman, and in no way was I disparaging anyone on this feed, personally. And you are right - members of these VSOs do the things I described. I have yet to see, though, the Rallypoint platform, itself, turn into an organizing platform for charitable endeavors is all. (I'm sure, BTW that are examples of that out there.) The VSO itself is chartered to support these activities and has a physical location in a Community. So the leadership, communications and follow-through are facilitated by that relationship between the VFW and the VA, or the other Veterans group, or the Veterans in need themselves. VFWs and American Legions and the conflict-based groups... are a catalyst for charitable action - bringing together members, resources and partners. This is all I am getting at.

MSgt David Hoffman - BTW - it is the same oat our Post - we have close to 1,000 members but 30-40 people who are regular volunteers and about 8-10 core people who are running this place on a daily basis. That's a whole other conversation!!

There has been a serious problem with “Gatekeeping” at many chapters of both organizations for years. When I got off active duty in ‘92 I checked out my local VFW, and it was made abundantly clear that that Desert Storm and Panama weren’t “real” wars. Thought about going back when I got back from Afghanistan, but it was the same crop of Vets, just 15 years older. I’ve heard countless examples of the same treatment from other Vets of my generation and younger.

The word 'shameful' comes to mind in this regard. One can understand your action.

My father, a WW2 vet & 20 year career man with the AF, observed first hand the shameful way his son-in-law (Marine 65-69) and son (Navy 68-72) were treated by both the AL & VFW; he refused to join either organization.

I remember walking into my first AM Legion and a few of the Korean War Vets said where did you serve I said VietNam and they said you LOST...My response was "Not while I was there." They had nothing else to say. I never went back. I am a Life Member of the VFW (At Large) I have been to many great Posts in America. They all have their clique's and their politics but they also have some great people. Find the winners and stick with them.

And now the Vietnam vets are doing the samething to the Desert Storm and GWOT vets.

But it is so much more than that, it is not just about connecting, it is about fighting for expanded benefits, helping in your community, taking care of those that can't care for themselves. But also that face to face is important. Without seeing a veterans face, it is hard to know they are suffering. More young veterans are dealing with PTSD than ever before, and many stay locked away behind their computers and don't get out. Because they suffer alone 22 veterans a day take their lives. How can we help them if we don't talk to them, and see their pain. How can we connect truly by merely typing on a keyboard, when that personal connection means so much more.

Welcome to RallyPoint Gina!