Posted on Aug 2, 2023
What do you think about the "Veterans of Foreign Wars" (VFW) one day changing their policies to include veterans with no foreign service?
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The VFW which is appropriately titled "Veterans of Foreign Wars" has been a topic of discussion for many of today's Veterans. Should they one day changing their Policies to include Veterans who do not have a Overseas or 'Foreign' Way on their DD214. This has been an issue or at least a question for a long time. Veterans who serve do so at the whim of a detailer who sends them where needed. Many Marines I served with Volunteered for Afghanistand and/or Iraq dozen of time to no avail. In many cases they were 'NEEDED' elsewhere due to their expertise in a 'non-combat' field or MOS. One in particual was a Black Belt Marine Corps Martial Arts Program 'MCMAP' Trainer and trained new Officers at the OCS academy where young Lieutenants went to train and learn their 'Combat' skills. He was never allowed to deploy due to his expertise and eventually got out of the service without a Foreign Deployment through no fault of his own but now he is 'Penalized' for not having a Deployment. He has been told to 'Go join the American Legion' but all of our freind groups are VFW...
Deployment
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)
Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) - Afghanistan
South Korea
Posted 10 mo ago
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I spent two enlistments serving my country, one as a military police mos and the second as a 11b3p, but was never able to serve in a conflict or deployment. Received my second and final discharge on the day of the Panama Invasion. Was approached by a VFW group out west and told that since my separation date was the same as the invasion, I could join the local VFW. Never felt right that I could be allowed to and chose not to join. Once moved to the south, was approached again while riding with a bunch of veterans and then told I was “Not” eligible. Bottom line, I did not deploy, so VFW group is not for me. Lots of other veterans groups that due fit my service. That’s cool and I fully understand and not loosing sleep over it. Kind of like the Girl Scout vs the Boy Scouts, you have to go with the equipment and cards you were dealt!
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While I haven't really researched this thoroughly...... would one reason be that technology has changed. People are now able to participate and support the war efforts without stepping foot out of Conus.
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They may not have a choice. People aren't joining and to stay relevant they may need to change criteria.
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It's a good question but a tough decision for them. Those that served in the war zones deserve to be honored and their membership in the VFW helps honor them. With the limited wars we've had though, the VFW with it's present membership rules will dwindle to where it can't survive. And let's HOPE there are no major wars that would replenish the membership. Perhaps, out of necessity, they can open the gates a little without making it an all-or-nothing decision.
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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
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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IF THIS RULE IS CHANGE, THE ORGANIZATION WILL NO LONGER BE THE vfw, JUST THE W. jbOERDING
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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.
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