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

The VFW still struggles with "it's a boys only drinking club". Yes I known it is not. But that is the image the generalbpublic has.

Also, younger qualifying veterans are sometimes made to feel their "war" wasn't a real war.

And, many of the "old timers" shun qualified female veterans and try to push them to the Auxillary which in turn shuns certain family members from joining.

I cannot speak as to the American Legion as I am not member, but I am a life memeber of the VFW and was once active in my post. No more though due tobinternal politics and outside perceptions.....

Don't feel alone.
When i was released from the hospital and discharged in 1970 I went to the local VFW post and was told that Nam was not a real war.
The American legion had the same response.
I have avoided both since then and as far as I am concerned any vet who has served deserves to belong to one of these organizations.
Any Nam vet who feels that the combat vet's of Desert Storm or later war's have not fought a real war needs some consoling.
Just my opinion but if we don't include and welcome then these org. need to die out.

Unfortunately not all halls are friendly which is unfortunate as well as being in areas that is less than inviting and not enough parking

I am a Member of the VFW, and have reason to go to a local American Legion post occasionally. I have not gone to my VFW post yet, but don't feel the draw at this point. I feel welcome by my host at the Legion, but that is where it ends. I may not have done what they did, but the same is also true of what I went through. If that is the issue, Vets need to remember that this is a brother and sisterhood that brings us together. These organizations are killing themselves from within.

The few times I went to a VFW it was expected to drink and smoke...well, I quite both so I can live longer and healthier. The vibes I get from that, on top of being a woman combat veteran, is not cool. Either I was sexually harassed or dismissed as a spouse...both are offensive.

For women it’s worst. The older men call you baby, which is offensive.

Female, non-Christian and progressive. Definitely not welcome.

I went to join the American Legion located jointly with the VFW. First question I got was “Are you here to apply for the waitress job?” I gave it a year but I still feel out of place. I go with a friend to sing karaoke at his VFW and it’s filled with smoke. I’ve ventured in a few other times but it always seems the same: a few at the bar hunched over their drinks and a gauntlet of smoke to walk through.

A thorough cleaning would be a great start, outside smoking. Love the karaoke. Sing or be a spectator. An occasional guest speaker would be welcoming.

At the VFW post I belong to many members want to make the meeting into a political debate. Even as a veteran we should be committed to our oath and A-political status. It is hard to build comradery and contribute to the community and the members when the setting is hostile and unproductive

On my 3rd AL membership. The 1st one, we lost the land to a city zoo. The 2nd one was too far away and the 3rd one, I have visited about. 3 times over the last 4-5 years. They recently sent me an offer for a lifetime membership for $600.00. If I had that much extra funds, I would not buy a membership. Plus , they put a 2 week time limit on all their offers.