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

Can't speak for the American Legion, but two things turned me off from the VFW when I joined. First was all they seemed to be about was assigning me tickets to sell, or something similar on a consistent basis as a nearly constant fundraiser effort. Didn't see much in the way of assisting the community. The other, call me petty I suppose, but calling each other "comrade" made my skin crawl. Our adversaries called themselves "comrade" or "tovarich" all the time.

It would make it easier if those who served their time State Side had an idea of where we stand. I volunteered to serve in 1965. It seems those of us who served during the years of the Vietnam War were given some credit and are due to some respect for our service. No matter where we served during the action.

MAJ Robert H. Two items. First - Make the Post facility non-smoking. The Bristol TN building is like an ashtray with a roof. The leadership of the Legion needs to emphasize health.
Second - Have a defined community support mission beyond keeping the bar open.

I am a member of both and find value. Unfortunately, the relevance is lost on many OIF and OEF veterans. Why should they join and participate? What is the direct relevance to them as veterans?

In my experience, these questions are hard to answer for the VFW and American Legion leaders.

When I visited the VFW and Legion posts in 1979, I got tired of being told by the Korean vets that we wouldn't " make a pimple on their asses" Vietnam or not.There was no brotherhood. I walked out and never looked back.

Why only asking about American Legion and VFW? AMVETS is a national VSO that is open to all U.S. Service Members including Reservists and National Guard personnel. I am a life member of both Legion and VFW as well as other military organizations. I believe that younger Veterans do not see the value in joining VSOs because they don't want to sit in a bar drinking, gambling, or listening to stories. You are correct when focusing on families and community outreach. I had a discussion with a younger Veteran who was married with children. He asked what the post had to offer families. I am thankful to those Veterans from WWII, Korea and Viet Nam eras who made today's support of our military possible. Thanks for bringing this discussion string up.

Make them more than just Vietnam veterans!

They are kind of “clickish” in my experience and not the most open to new ideas. Like any organization they need to be open to change, look to modernize and their leadership at the national level need to reflect this.

I am a member of VFW, too young for VN. I have Never heard anyone disparaged for Iraq or other conflict. VFW members have all been welcoming. Many members are eager to find new members because the Viet Nam era guys are dying off.

As a Indian guy born and raised in the United States a lot of Americans can't tell the difference between Iraqi, Iranian, Afghan, or any other race from that side of the world and automatically think I'm some kind of muslim terrorist. When I go to the VFW there's no hostile looks or treatment. After earning a combat infantry badge and purple heart at the ripe age of 19, I can relate with the Vietnam vets of fighting a war and coming back home to be disrespected by society. The VFW is full of a lot of awesome people in my experience.