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 4 y ago
Responses: 568
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Closure is a good recommendation. According to the the VFW, the last conflict that counted as a war was World War II. If true, that the rolls are dying out and closure is the best answer.
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SSG Brian Flick
If that is what your wish is then, please enjoy. I listen to all vets no problem with what war they served. Happy to listen. And yes, sometimes war is just that. But it is your experience and that is worth a listen. We also have our stories, regardless of service, rank, and job title. I am a proud member of a family with an extensive background in the military both combat and otherwise.
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SMSgt Bob W.
Brian, my stories are memories--some good, some bad. For me, telling them today, no one would understand. Today is a different era of military, people and social acceptance. Some people do need to tell it to stop reliving it. For them I am sorry. For you, the best in your endeavor to help others.
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PO3 Ron Baker
Generally speaking, you will find the following chart to include the dates of eligibility for most Wartime Veterans and Surviving Spouses. However, following the chart you will find a more complete explanation from Title 38 Code of Federal Regulations. (EN 3 USCG 68-72)
PERIODS OF WAR START DATE END DATE
WW II December 7, 1941 December 31, 1946
KOREAN CONFLICT June 27, 1950 January 31, 1955
VIETNAM ERA February 28, 1961 May 7, 1975
(If service was in the Republic of Vietnam)
VIETNAM ERA August 5, 1964 May 7, 1975
(If service was not in the Republic of Vietnam)
PERSIAN GULF WAR August 2, 1990 Continuing
PERIODS OF WAR START DATE END DATE
WW II December 7, 1941 December 31, 1946
KOREAN CONFLICT June 27, 1950 January 31, 1955
VIETNAM ERA February 28, 1961 May 7, 1975
(If service was in the Republic of Vietnam)
VIETNAM ERA August 5, 1964 May 7, 1975
(If service was not in the Republic of Vietnam)
PERSIAN GULF WAR August 2, 1990 Continuing
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I became a “Life Member” of the VFW in 93. Haven’t been inside a VFW hall since 2000. Sad, aint it?
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My WWII dad was in both Legion and VFW. He suggested I should join. I am not interested when the highlight of these organization is "The Bar". Also, do not have much interest in war stories. It has been about 50 years since VN and no one gave a shi$ then, and no one does now. If either of the Legion or VFW did something greatly useful that would mingle in the community, I would have been interested. (Have you ever been in these organizations windowless buildings? It is depressing! The disgusting smoke yellow stain on ceiling tiles and walls is also enough to make anyone leave. Not for me.
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Stop being just a bar and be more inclusive to all veterans. These groups change the eligibility criteria because their memberships are declining, but they still are not inclusive to all veterans by practice.
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My father told me when I was young he hoped I’d never be able to join the VFW. Was brought up around VFW American Legions and on the whole have always loved it. As with any group there are always the butt heads who think they speak for the whole group. It’s not the case. I can not believe that in today’s mind set that one person being a jerk would let another form an opinion good or bad about such a situation. Just my thoughts.
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The few, very few VFW posts I have visited have been populated more by non vets than vets. They seem to be operating as a local bar rather than a meeting and social gathering place for veterans. I have seen questionable fundraising activities, one was for my own stepdaughter’s husband, where the proceeds went to someone totally different Than to support her husband who was in a vegetative state. The money did not go to my stepdaughter, her kids, or to help pay for medical bills. It just disappeared. The only possible way I would get involved with either organizations locally is if the entire leadership was replaced
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I joined the American Legion, day one out of service. WW2 vets some did not treat Vietnam vets as equals calling Vietnam and Korean War both police actions and one WW2 women vet said what did the Vietnam girls do for their country, WW2 women were POW’s in Philippines. Unfortunately Vietnam vets have become the same way. My Legion Post is seen as a corrupt bar, unwilling to help younger vets or even theNational Guard Family Readiness Group. Racism towards Mayor, who is a retired decorated colonel. And crazy veteran molesting VA nurses, leads the way.
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Honestly, if their Posts responded to e-mails. I have contacted 2 posts here in northern Alabama since retired and gotten back dead air.
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SSG Brian Flick
VFW Tower Post 10692, Grafenwöhr. 1,061 likes · 7 talking about this. Located on post in Grafenwoehr, Germany right behind the garrison HQ, building 505.
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