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

I'm a Generation Xer, not a Millennial, but that means I'm still a good standard deviation or two lower than the mean age of most members. Obviously generational differences come into play, but how exactly, I don't pretend to know. I just know in my case, I considered joining the local Legion, but in reality, I'm just not a "joiner" kinda guy.

I don't want to see these things pass into history, but I do not see myself belonging with them either.

If either of these two organizations die not only will a major part of our history die with them but the "bargaining chips" for the younger generation will die with it. The men and women who are VSOs are the people who know the ins and outs of the VA and are most instrumental to getting claims filed on behalf of the veteran. Will it matter? You can bet your disabilities it will.

When you lose your voice(s) in DC, there will be nothing to stop the erosion of care, disabilities and benefits. You need look no further back than Vietnam. The late Col. George "Bud" Day, a Medal of Honor recipient, fought tirelessly for one primary benefit. Those of us serving even as late as the 70s were told that if we signed up and served for 20 years honorably, we would be given lifetime medical care. This promise was later reneged on by our elected representatives in DC...and allowed to stand by the courts!

That is just one example of how our government is screwing us. Another example is the fight over Agent Orange exposure for those who served in Thailand, Guam, Korea and some other places. The prevailing attitude among those vets is: deny, deny, deny until we all die. IF you allow the VFW, American Legion, AMVETS, DAV and any other service organization to die off, you will die off with no one to speak for you.

I'm 64 years old. My health is deteriorating in part due to my service. I paid my nickle and took my chances. I would rather have my health but the money helps a little. VA disability benefits must be increased so that those veterans with service connected disabilities can have some semblance of a normal life. IMO, the rates of compensation for the disabled veteran MUST be increased by a minimum of 25%. The VA Health Care System mus be revamped. To his credit, Sec'y Bob McDonald has been trying but his efforts are being stonewalled. Again, the elected representatives in DC are to a major extent are responsible.

In less than 60 days a new Commander in Chief will take office. One of Mr. Trump's campaign promises was to take care of the Veterans. Let's make damn sure he keeps that promise. You need to do your part too. You need to join a service organization...several if you can to assure our voices are heard by the bureaucrats in DC.

there is a new generation coming Up...

I'm not sure these organizations have a lot to offer Veterans who are still working and raising families. That will probably change once they can afford to retire and all the kids have left the nest.

there are not many vets anymore, In this area it is rare for even 1 graduate to enlist. The force is a shadow of what it was in 74 when I took a discharge. The guard and reserves are being concentrated in the larger towns and the small town units are closed, thus removing candidate's for membership in a vet org. Vet. orgs. is worth saving and the work they do in support of vets is needed. The VA would not exist if not for the Doughboys returning from WW1, had not organized and put heat on congress to take care of these gassed and shot up and PSD soldiers returning home.

I’ve found that the older generations are as coarse as they come. The challenge that your war wasn’t a real war is a grumpy old buzzard’s way of a friendly challenge. Some times. Other times, it’s a grumpy old buzzard just being an arse hole. Regardless, my question for the newer vets is “how do you want to be greeted?”. How would you like to be greeted when you enter one of these organizations?
I retired in ‘07. I am not a joiner. I’m a member of the Marine Corps League. I like being around fellow Marines. FYI, after the Marines, I joined the Air Force. No, I don’t go to meetings. My last 10 years in the Air Force was nothing but meetings. I really hate meetings. Anyway, the service organizations are about the members. If you want to be a part, cool. After you and a bunch of your friends join, you can make the changes you want to see. You have to be a member to do so. I would challenge a group of the current wars Veterans to choose an organization and join it with the intention of making it a welcoming place for all Veterans.
Anyway, thank you for listening.

Without a bar they would already be gone.

Probably one of few Rally point members that can join the VFW and could join the Legion before the loosening of the rules as a "peacetime" vet. Army of Occupation qualifies me for VFW and served during Grenada qualified me for the Legion. Lets not forget those that lost their lives in Lebanon!
Aside from that I just feel the service organizations like the VA is far to beholden to the political parties and Washington F-ery. Also in my area I believe there are more civilians involved with the VA and VFW then actual veterans. They tend to be dive bars.

Short answer, no. These VSOs never adapted to the new veterans, never marketed services of value to the younger generation.

As a life member I've seen my own post close. Both VFW and American Legion.

I'm just not drawn to any of their programs. Either they quickly evolve or die.

I moved to a town in Northern Maine and had my membership put on that Post. I went to three meetings. The most members who were there was six! This was a Mill town where the Mills in the area all shut down. Many people left and the remainder just didn't see the reason The commander of this post was trying his best to the disillusionment of some members, who for some unknown reason fought this guy tooth and nail.
It is a sad requiem but when we die off the Legion will die off. The VFW with some of their archaic rules should have died off sooner.
I am a Canadian Vietnam Veteran. Combat Veteran, twice decorated, and I was not allowed to join the VFW because I was a Canadian who gave up a lot to be here. I have carried a Green Card for well over fifty years. I love the USA, and I love my own Country Canada. I am 81 now and moving back to Colorado to be with my children, and will transfer to the Post where I had served for over twenty years, and held Office. I do believe they are doing well there yet, I will see in a couple months when I leave this beautiful State for the smog laden area of Denver.