What would make American Legions and Veteran of Foreign War posts more appealing to join for you?

As a VFW member I have ridden across the country and stopped at chapters in many states. The problem isn't with the VFW, it is with the leadership in each chapter. New blood in charge makes a world of difference. Some places are just a bar to allow the old guard to hang out together in peace, and that is all they want. Like any other group, if that isn't what you want, go elsewhere. If that is what you want, or they want, leave them alone to do their own thing. We have chapters here on the western slope of Colorado that do both, the bar is for the old timers, and the rest of the building is used for family get togethers, boy scout events, fund raisers, all kinds of public events. Just because an old soldier is a grumpy old bastard, doesn't mean they are wrong or need to change their place to fit you.

Joined the American Legion in Mississippi and then moved to Texas. Can’t get the local post to transfer my membership, so I guess I’ll just remain a Mississippi post member and not attend.

I belong to both the American Legion and the VFW, but I rarely go to post functions (I play taps for them from time to time for veterans funerals, and ceremonies on Memorial and Veteran's day). I don't attend the post regularly because I don't need a cheap place to drink, and not much else seems to happens there anymore. I tried to get the post more active, and I'm a former White Hat VFW commander. Several times functions I offered to run were voted down by the membership. I gave up!! If you want to get and keep younger members you need to be active and visible in the community. Younger vets will volunteer and join a good cause, they won't waste their time and money going to pointless meetings where nothing is accomplished. I may try to go back again but it's been several decades since I've attended a meeting, if it's more of what I experienced before I won't stay long.

I have been a member of the American Legion for 11 years. But I seldom participate because every legion post I have been affiliated with revolved around the bar. And many had smoking within the post. There are many good thing the AL does but it has to come into the 21 st century and welcome all veterans and show what the true brotherhood can be and should be. I am a Vietnam Era vet and I have spent years not be welcome by fellow veterans, vilified by the public and up until a couple of years ago the government. Things are slowly getting better b I think now us "old farts" have to look ahead and make these fine organizations better for the next generation of veterans. I'm willing to help! Are you?

I'm a member of American Legion post 472 Youngstown, OH. The "Leadersip" is like being in a COMMUNIST STATE! OLD, antiquated ONE WAY! Their way OR THE HIGHWAY attitudes. Don't listen to the members ideas so the veteran member don't go to the meetings. A lot of these older veterans think it's still 1970 and don't respect anyone that's not a Vietnam vet.. The VFW and AMVETS in this area is the same way! These clubs will be closing within 10 years when all these old pr!cks finally die off. I used to say welcome home to all the Vietnam vets but anymore, they're the most selfish, self centered, people I've met so for that, Scr*w your welcome home and scr*w you. We all fid our job, you're not special!! Those that are special, WWII and Korean Vets.. the VN Vets, NOT SO MUCH!

Many of them still smoke in the facility as it is private organization. Very unappealing, otherwise I would be a lifetime member.

Both the Legion and the VFW in my town are very welcoming to younger veterans. I've never heard any of them state anything but respect towards the newer veterans. As a member of both, and in the leadership of one of them, I can attest that the veterans I have met show nothing but respect to any veteran that has served honorably. As a matter of fact, the VFW has leaders that served in the current wars. There are other veterans organizations out there as well. I am a member of the Society of 40 Men and 8 Horses. This organization started out as an honor society of the American Legion but separated from the Legion in the early 60s. They are a smaller organization and are always looking for new members. They take their name from the fact the boxcars that took troops and supplies from port to the front lines in WWI would hold either 40 men or 8 horses. This organization supports many of the same causes the Legion and VFW do, besides supporting veteran causes their biggest causes they support are the Merci(Gratitude) Boxcars that were a gift from France after WWII for sending 700 boxcars of food and grain after WWII. They other big cause they take pride in is Nurses Training and provide scholarships routinely both locally and nationally to students pursuing nursing degrees. Those of you who love history would love this organization because they do preserve a little known piece of American History that everyone should know about. If anyone has a question about this organization, you can contact me at [login to see]

There's nothing they can do to make it more appealing for my wife and I. I was medically discharged in 1993, and joining was never a thought for me. 1. It's mostly a social club with a bar. My wife and I are not bar people. We never went to the Enlisted nor NCO CLub once during my 11 years of service. 2. My wife and I are both non-smokers. We don't like the smell of cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and stale beer that has been spilled and absorbed into the wood. 3. Nothing good ever happens in bars. Nothing!

With that in mind, I'll say this. I owned a Mobile Disc Jockey Service for 22 1/2 years. I've done many weddings and parties inside the clubs. They all had dark paneling and smelled. I couldn't wait to get out of any of them!

I know they have gatherings and cookouts, but my wife and I are pretty much homebodies and enjoy family gatherings rather than social gatherings.