Posted on Dec 16, 2021
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American Legion and VFW posts are losing members and not getting new ones. I had this discussion with several leaders in both organizations. Older members are dying and new members are not joiners. The older members are often not welcoming either. I think making them family oriented and getting more involved in their community events might cause them to gain more relevance and awareness. This change should increase and gain more members. Thoughts?
The American Legion
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
Family
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 516
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"...The older members are often not welcoming either...." DING! DING! DING!! We have a winner!!!
When you are repeatedly told, "You aren't a REAL veteran because you weren't in the 'Nam" it kinda sours your desire to join. I finally joined the local VFW post (via National membership) but rarely go there as I'm shunned, ignored, and often looked at with open hostility by the older members.
When you are repeatedly told, "You aren't a REAL veteran because you weren't in the 'Nam" it kinda sours your desire to join. I finally joined the local VFW post (via National membership) but rarely go there as I'm shunned, ignored, and often looked at with open hostility by the older members.
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LCDR Robert S.
Capt James Loper - I didn't know about the 'hostile fire/imminent danger pay' category. It seems to cover being in war zones that that the US was only involved in in an observer status. Is this correct?
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MSgt John Cina
Never had a want to join the VFW ever since they said Vietnam was not a foreign war years ago! I'm a life member of the Legion, but it's not a good drive for me, plus I'm not a local member! I found our local AMVETS to be a welcoming/friendly organization, and I go there often! I also attend meetings and ceremonials!
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SGT Wayne Smith
I served in Vietnam in 1967-68, combat Infantry. Came home with a Purple Heart and an Army Commendation Medal. A couple of years later I decided to join the local VFW. I was also told that I was not eligible since Vietnam was not considered a war! I did join the American Legion for a couple of years. Now the VFW is reaching out to me to join, as the WWII and Korean Vets have died off and they need new members. I haven't joined...guess I have too long of a memory. Time marches on......
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SSG Raul Alaniz
A few years back I join our local VFW, and Man, that was and I opener, but I'll just say this, nobody has to kick me in the teeth to tell me I'm not welcome here, for what reason I have no clue, it was kinda sad cuz I thought we were Brothers and Sisters in Arms, but, NOPE, not that way, never when back.
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When I got out the 1st time (1991), I went to the VFW that my grandfather had been a member of years ago. I was told that I had to be in a combat area. I told them I was a Desert Storm vet. I was promptly told that Desert Storm wasn't a real war.
I said "fuck em" and forgot about it.
A couple months later, I happen to be at an event that the local American Legion was sponsoring.
I got to talking to one of the members there, and before I knew it I was a member.
I've been a legion member now for 28 years.
The difference between the two is night and day.
The post I belong to understands that we need to appeal to families and less to veterans only.
We're a family oriented post now, and it's way better than it was before we had the "come to Jesus" discussion and went to family format.
We actively recruit female veterans, and welcome them to our post.
We give a voice to the wives and other family members as to the direction we want to go.
If someone has an idea, we listen. We don't just blow them off.
Our post is an open book and people like that. Having secrets is no way to operate.
The American Legion as a national organization is really promoting this format as well.
A lot of posts are coming around, some better than others.
I've been to VFW Posts for programs, I'm glad I was turned away. I find them to be codger hangouts. Places where old guys drink beer and bitch about things.
If that's your thing, go for it.
The VFW I 1st went to, has sold their building, members have mostly died off and is dying on the vine.
Yet, the American Legion just a few miles down the road will hit record numbers for membership, prospers and is super active within the community.
It all about attitude and the way you treat your members.
*** Shameless Plug Alert***
If you live in the Cincinnati area, and you're a veteran, come visit us at Williamsburg Oh American Legion.
I said "fuck em" and forgot about it.
A couple months later, I happen to be at an event that the local American Legion was sponsoring.
I got to talking to one of the members there, and before I knew it I was a member.
I've been a legion member now for 28 years.
The difference between the two is night and day.
The post I belong to understands that we need to appeal to families and less to veterans only.
We're a family oriented post now, and it's way better than it was before we had the "come to Jesus" discussion and went to family format.
We actively recruit female veterans, and welcome them to our post.
We give a voice to the wives and other family members as to the direction we want to go.
If someone has an idea, we listen. We don't just blow them off.
Our post is an open book and people like that. Having secrets is no way to operate.
The American Legion as a national organization is really promoting this format as well.
A lot of posts are coming around, some better than others.
I've been to VFW Posts for programs, I'm glad I was turned away. I find them to be codger hangouts. Places where old guys drink beer and bitch about things.
If that's your thing, go for it.
The VFW I 1st went to, has sold their building, members have mostly died off and is dying on the vine.
Yet, the American Legion just a few miles down the road will hit record numbers for membership, prospers and is super active within the community.
It all about attitude and the way you treat your members.
*** Shameless Plug Alert***
If you live in the Cincinnati area, and you're a veteran, come visit us at Williamsburg Oh American Legion.
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TSgt David Marti
SGT Chris Padgett I can tell you the ones in the Norfolk Virginia area that I visited a few years ago were NOT welcoming to a 20 year Air Force retiree.
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PO1 Earl McCreary
The American Legion I belong to at first was full of a bunch of Drama Queens. Joined the VFW a few years later. Now we do have some drama queens, but much better and we do a lot for our veterans and local community. Much more rewarding. I really think it depends on the post.
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Capt (Join to see)
SGT Robert Haynes - SIDE NOTE to Sgt Haynes, it is interesting (and sad) warriors like you who served during what could have been the worst war are not as respected. Not only did soldiers and sailors like you 1) have the courage to serve during this time, 2) you PREVENTED this conflict, and 3) *if* such a conflict would arise, what individual fighting would be involved in such a conflict? I salute you and your brothers and sisters!
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I had the same problem at the VFW post, I was told several times you didn't fight in a real war, The way we did in Vietnam. I'm sorry I was not old enough to serve in Vietnam, I served in Iraq and I'm an American Solider and proud that I served. We should respect each other and treat each other with Respect.
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SGT Ken Bell
Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen When and where did these people serve? Korea was never a declared war, and they don’t think Vietnam qualifies either, are they WWII veterans? Those are approximately 100 years old now.
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Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen
SGT Ken Bell I have no idea. This was back in 1976 time period, so I'd suppose WWII and Korea.
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PO2 David Reichert
Curiously, I heard the same thing from WWII/Korea vets when I got out in '73. They were not interested in Vietnam veterans. I don't think it was a prejudice against "our war", I think it is a generational thing. People tend to hang with people of a similar age and similar experiences.
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