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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One that believes women can be Veterans also and don't shove us off to their "auxiliary". And ones that do events other than being a veteran biker gang.
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SPC Matt Ovaska
The Hells Angels were started by vets that couldn't find work so they fixed old Harleys. No one wanted to hire a machine gunner or flame thrower. You probably would not have fit in back then either...
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I joined the American Legion in a town north of me then I moved. My beef is they only seem interested in my participation when it comes time for dues. I can't get meeting info, can't even find where my local post is. I don't care what they might say to the State or Regional folks they truly do not care at the local level. Waste of my money and won't renew.
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SPC Robert Tuller
The Auxiliary has their own rules. You must be wife/husband/daughter of a member of The American Legion.
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Recently went to a vfw where I am a life member. Now being run a mix of Nam and Korea vets. I know someone who want to run, Iraq vet, but they do not want to give up position of authority or really want to change anything. Just have to wait them out I guess.
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LCpl April Michalik
The local AL I was a member of had a commander that had been in that position OVER 25 years. He finally stepped down I am sure from old age! They actually had a retirement party for him. Like he was retiring from an actual job,lol He treated the AL like his little empire. He rarely brought matters to the entire legion,instead acting like the legions saviour. When it came to matters involving the legion and Veterans,. That same commander asked me to go and help the ladies in the kitchen. As if I was an auxiliary memnber instead of an actual Veteran that paid my dues.
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COL (Join to see)
Force your way in! In many ways it's like being new in a military unit. Sometimes you have to prove yourself, once again. Earn respect. But both VFW and AL have rules - all qualified members have 1 vote. Sounds like this Commander was way out of bounds.
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LCpl April Michalik
COL (Join to see) - I was a full-time active member, I was the post Historian and public affairs rep. I started the posts FB page, I wrote articles for that post in the local newspaper every single week. AND I was a member of the Honor guard when there was a funeral I showed up and participated. I was also a district officer, second vice. I had no respect to earn, I did my part and I did the work for the slackers that sat and just watched me work! I KNOW the rules and I also know that these are nonprofit groups where every member is on the same level playing field. Your active duty status is not carried over to the Veteran groups. Where everyone is Just a Veteran. Yet many still tried to treat me like an Auxiliary member. Though I refused to be a member of the legion and the Auxiliary, What a waste of money to join the Auxiliary and be lumped in with women that try and run the post. Which I have witnessed in four different Veteran groups in the area I live in.
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My Father-in-law signed me up for the VFW while I was in Desert Storm. When I was discharged and moved my family here I checked out the club. I attended sporadically while on night shift. Once I got day shift I went on a regular basis, got elected treasurer, long story short, whenever I had an appointment with the Post Commander (retired gent) to go over bills and get checks singed he wouldn't show. Then all I got from other members was hostility for not having the accounts up to date. Of course when it came to drinking there was a lot of that. I don't drink and got tired of drunken accusations so I quit. Haven't been back in 20 some years.
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SPC Charles McFate
I have visited about 6 - 8 driving about 20+ miles from home. All but 1 seemed to be an old boys club type of mentality. No acknowledgment, some stare you down when you first walk in.like locals only. Not inviting at all. It was mostly about the cheap booze also...
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I have been to two different VFW clubs over the years. My impression was and still is that members regard it as an enlisted or NCO club. The biggest attraction is low-cost drinks, other than that, I see no reason to join. I am acquainted with several veterans who received help from VFW posts in filing for VA disability claims. The demographics in the country are changing and these fraternal organizations need to adapt to these changes. Would I consider joining a local Legion or VFW, no.
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TSgt David Olson
COL (Join to see) At 78 and disabled, it’s not in any plans. On occasion of both visits, I felt a definite chill when I walked.
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Offer space for big screen watching of sports, or a women veterans group gathering, etc. And yes, they absolutely need to be more community involved...find out about and show up at food drives, etc wearing something that identifies the legion (like a hat or jacket) and be ready with contact cards and to offer potential members tours of the post.
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I belong to both organizations. I’m retired and they are good for me. For younger vets they sponsor baseball, soccer, Boy & Girl Scouts, and etc. I really don’t understand why more vets don’t belong.
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TSgt David Marti
The answer to your question is plain and simple. The fact is, we don't want to belong to organizations that don't want us and openly disdain us!
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Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen
Good point, years back my grandsons Cub Scout Pack held its Pinewood Derby at an AL post. We had ex ludiveuse of an area but it reaked of smoke.
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SPC Fred Taber
That is the nice thing about Michigan, no smoking. Went to the VFW in Fort Sill a few times, love the place, BUT... that smoke was killing me.
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our problem is not many vets in the area, the VietNam guys have now taken over for WW2 and Korea as most of them have passed and those left are getting old. My post actively recruited Vietnam people and was very good at getting them involved but we are getting long in the tooth as well.
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LCpl April Michalik
most if not all of those long time members are also not that open to new ideas. Most folks are not interested in doing the samething the same way that has been done for generations..
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Sgt Jim Belanus
LCpl April Michalik - I wouldn't say that about the Post I belong to, thankfully there are a few gulf and Afgan vets are getting active and are doing a good job with our Post. Our Post also had a woman WW2 vet as commander in 1955 and a number of othe active WW2 women vets now the younger woman are also getting involved. Hopefull that the Organ. can go on.
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