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

My grandfather was a member of the American Legion and his home was the post. I can remember going to pancake breakfasts and other fund raisers when I was a child. When he died, over 100 AL members were at his funeral. Back then, I did not know what the AL was. As a veteran myself now, I would be honored to join if allowed. I do not meet the "war" requirement. As far as the VFW goes, if I were eligible I would not join because they serve alcohol. As a recovering alcoholic, the last place I need to be is around a bunch of angry veterans who are drinking the woes away about their "wars."

Our VFW in Seattle is finally beginning to see GWOT vets funnel in. Our entire post is a welcoming post. Our current commander is a female veteran of the USAF. But, no one really thinks of her as "her." She is simply the commander. Our WWII veterans aren't able to come in much now that they are reaching their 100s. But, we have an active group of Korea, VN, Grenada/Panama/DS-DS/Somolia/Balkans, and GWOT veterans. Come by. You'll enjoy the stories. And, there will be a listening ear to hear your stories.

My local VFW always has a nice program on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. As a pilot of a World War II airplane, I approached them a few years ago asking if they would like to have a fly over when they do their presentation. Of course they always love it.
My grandkids and I sort of adopted a small local cemetery to keep the American flags flying on the veterans gravesites. The VFW graciously supplies us with the flags. Every Memorial Day we put new flags on all the gravesites and then maintain them all year long. Some get ragged and faded.
Everyone I have met at the VFW our first class people.
( I’m a national member of Amvets.)

Every American Legion post has a personality ie. NAM vets, legion Riders, post 9/11 vets, post politics, etc. May not be but one post located close enough to be active and if there's not a match with a person's interest then it's a deal breaker. Like the examples given in these posts, first impressions justify a second visit. Some common justifications are atmosphere, inclusiveness, friendliness, organization, respect for rituals and activities. In the AL training class, which isn't encouraged in most posts, members learn important things about the legion like the original intent and it being a rank less organization, i.e., no display of rank on the AL cover or attire although a small branch device is acceptable. in an environment where rank is their identity that's a hard concept. The veteran pecking order i.e., retirees, officers, rank, peace time service vets, or combat medals or the "I'm more of a veteran than you" attitude drives off new prospects. Peace time vets, guard and reserve memberships are welcomed on the membership rolls as are the dues but may not rate any benefits like a post military funeral or even a flag. Easy fix providing the "real vets" can get over their exclusiveness. Recognition of service can mean a lot as their contribution may not be recognized by the "grateful nation". Also, posts want to include resources from surrounding communities but tend to demonstrate favoritism for the post location. The AL training notes that member involvement is usually within a ten-mile distance but if the post doesn't include the new prospects town/community the participation incentive can be affected.
These issues can be affected by the leadership of the post officers but even at that, only so much can be done without buy in from the membership. Some would refuse to be inclusive even at the detriment of the post and the purpose of veterans' organization itself.

I am active in an ith T he e be American Legion and The Son's of the be American Legion at various levels above the local Post level. My two teenage son's are District Officers and my older Son assists me at the Division Level as my assistant Sgt-at-Arms. Yes, all the problems described happen in SOME posts. It truly is is a matter of getting out to here and finding a clubhouse you are comfortable at

I find this remark humorous as that is exactly the same thing Vietnam Vets got from the Korean and WWII and yes WWI Veterans. We didn't fight a 'real'war. haha . Yup time changes nothing.

I have been a member of the
American Legion for 40 years now. I used to be an active member, but not for the last 25 years. Legions I belonged to are too much about the Bars, and a cliquish membership. I wouldn't want to be a young guy trying to join nowadays.
The VFW. I have never been a member of the VFW, though I served more than honorably in Vietnam and all of my service life. Why? because I was not eligible to join. I am a Canadian citizen who left home to enlist in US Army. I served starting as a PFC and four months later was an acting Sergeant squad leader. The reason I din't have my stripes was because of all the Shake and Bakes we had in our Company. I had two under me in my squad. This was right after Ten in 68. The VFW did not allow foreigners to join their ranks. I was told several months ago that they changed this but haven't seen anything formal. I do live in the US married to a Maine gal for 54 years.
I wouldn't join them now if they gave me a free lifetime membership.

I never had a desire to join either. Why, so I could tell war stories that I won't even tell my Son's. I was way to busy enjoying life after I survived what I went through. My DIL asked me to write a story about combat, she expected the blood and gore I saw. I fooled her and wrote a love story I witnessed over there during combat.

The VFW turned away Vietnam Vets in the 60s/70s. Now they want us? Well screw 'em. can't say much about the Legion, don't know anything about them.

Armyman42*

Have found AL posts very closed and even hostile to new members. The veteran hierarchy prevails and instead of encouraging the celebration of experiences is used to maintain status, power and control. The old guy problem definitely exists but the post 9/11 vets have their prejudices that also make for an unwecolming environment. Got some real horror stories in searching for an inclusive post. If these folks would bother to open a manual or take the AL training course they would see the original intent was to to be rankless with even not having rank displayed on their covers or attire. I even started a post in an undeserved area and the district commander installed his post 9/11 cronies who later revolted saying they didn't want to do the ceremonies or follow the old AL system resulting in a post failure. It was taken over by the AL Riders and operating as a biker club and umconventetional renegade post with operating token post. After visiting with them there's justification for the district commander not wanting to install their officers. Each post has a personality and a candidate has to shop for a match. Unfortunately, my area is out of options for a compatable post.