What do you think about the "Veterans of Foreign Wars" (VFW) one day changing their policies to include veterans with no foreign service?

You're kidding, right? It's called Veterans of FOREIGN WARS. As well, it's chartered by Congress for its specificity. So regardless of how you feel emotionally I doubt any name change will occur

The debate about the VFW's policies regarding overseas deployments on a DD214 has been ongoing, and it's a valid point of discussion. It's essential to remember that veterans serve wherever they are needed, and sometimes, their expertise in non-combat roles keeps them from having overseas deployments, which is beyond their control. Instances like the one you've mentioned, where a Marine with valuable skills was never deployed, highlight the complexity of this issue.

Ultimately, the VFW's policies may need to evolve to reflect the changing nature of military service and the contributions made by veterans who, despite not having foreign deployments, have dedicated their time and expertise to the armed forces. Inclusion and recognition should be based on a veteran's service and commitment, regardless of the specific details on their DD214. As discussions continue, it's essential to consider the unique circumstances that many veterans face during their service and how these should be acknowledged and honored within veterans' organizations like the VFW.

I am in a kind of funny position. I can join the VFW as an Army of Occupation Berlin Brigade Veteran. Before the Legion opened up to all Veterans, I could join it because I served during Grenada and also Lebanon.
Go to the VA I am a peacetime Vet. If you look at that time period, a lot of in-service deaths. Just no declared war. Not serving during a declared war really limits VA benefits.

IF THIS RULE IS CHANGE, THE ORGANIZATION WILL NO LONGER BE THE vfw, JUST THE W. jbOERDING

My perspective: Service organizations are losing members because of age. 600 Vietnam vets are dying daily. I see no reason to deny a service member, whether combat or noncombat, membership. We ALL worked for the good of the mission.

Col Randall Cudworth eloquently stated all the facts related to the subject. I totally agree with everything he said and can only add some personal views!

I emphasize with service members who wanted "Foreign War" service but were not able to get the assignment. By comparison, I know guys that "wanted" the Medal of Honor but were never in a position to show their bravery... They are not eligible to join the MoH Society and I seriously doubt the rules will ever change to allow them to join.

To qualify for membership in the VFW you MUST meet the following TWO requirements:
1: Honorable Service – must have served in the Armed Forces of the United States and either received a discharge of Honorable or General (Under Honorable Conditions) or be currently serving.
2: Service in a war, campaign, or expedition on foreign soil or in hostile waters*. This can be proven by any of the following:
- An authorized campaign medal (DD214 can be used to verify)
- Receipt of Hostile Fire Pay or Imminent Danger Pay (verified by a military pay statement)
- Service in Korea for 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days.

Nobody is penalized for not having foreign war service. The lightest definition for penalize is to be put in an unfavorable position or at an unfair disadvantage. There is no unfavorable position or unfair disadvantage... They have the largest Veterans' Service Organization that will accept their membership -- The American Legion. TAL operates over 10,000 posts and, as the largest VSO, they support over 2.3 million members.

Organizations that significantly change their historical membership requirements are at risk of a reduction in members. A good example is the Boy Scouts of America. In 2019 they changed membership requirements to allow females into the organization. From 2019 to present, their membership has declined 43% . The membership requirement change is not totally responsible for the decline. However, it is a significant contributor.

It will be 50 years next Aug 2024 when I went in and I'm so glad I never went into Combat after seeing people coming home from Vietnam being called baby killers and worse. I did six years and got out a very small time compared to my whole life. Went in at 17 young and dumb-Never even think about joining any clubs to hang out and drink and tell stories. Not my thing. Women and Men have no idea how the military was treated back in the '60s and early '70s The same people who used to spit at us are in charge now.

Unfortunately membership in all organizations of this type is sagging dramatically and the influx of younger members is just not happening. In order to continue the organizational mission into the future decisions have to be made that will not sit well with current members. I don't think the leadership can be faulted for taking steps in trying to preserve the future of any organizations. Will it work? Only time will tell. When the Reserve Officers Association took in members of the Retired Enlisted Enlisted Association and merged with them it did not help at all. In fact membership numbers decreased. Tough calls! Personally I belong to the American Legion and would not qualify for membership i the VFW as it stands now. Would I join if the policy changed? Probably not. At 80+ years old I have membership in too many organizations and don't need to join any more. But then again the VFW and other such organizations are not looking for guys like me. They want and need 'young blood'!

With the plethora of veteran service organizations, you can belong to more than one.
Then again with our recent experiences with deploying troops so often and so widely it's more about defining what constitutes the war part.

That is what the American Legion is for. Semper Fi