What would you say are the pros and cons of joining organizations like the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion?

2021-04-26T01:42:05-04:00

A friend asked me if I planned on joining such veteran organizations, and I hadn't given it much thought at all. As it stands I doubt I would, at least not at this time.

If anyone has any experience with these organizations, perhaps you could give newer servicemembers a better understanding of their purpose and why someone would consider joining as a veteran of GWOT.

Response by LTC Stephan Porter made Apr 26 at 2021 2:00 AM

2021-04-26T02:00:37-04:00

I see no “cons” even if you join and don’t engage at all.

The “pros” are solidarity, funding, lobbying on issues relevant to our community. The large the group under and organized banner, the stringer that voice

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Apr 26 at 2021 2:53 AM

2021-04-26T02:53:04-04:00

BLUF: The perceptions are from my local post and may not reflect the VFW organization as a whole.

For me, there was a HUGE "con" to joining the VFW. When I first retired, I was eager to continue my camaraderie with fellow Veterans and have a place I could go to discuss issues that only another Veteran fully appreciates and understands. Imagine my dismay when I was told to my face "You aren't a REAL veteran because you didn't serve in Viet Nam. We don't want you here." Several years went by before I ever darkened their doorstep again.

A couple years ago, the State officers came in and cleaned house in the Post. They found members who were never eligible for membership in the first place, Post officers who were not properly performing their office functions, cronyism, and multiple questions as to financial discrepancies. Since that time, I had a co-worker who was a member of the VFW Riders group at the post. He convinced me to give the organization a chance to prove themselves a worthy cause and needed younger Veterans like myself to help rid the last vestiges of the past corruption. Long story short, I became a Post member and was accepted into the Riders. Since that time, I've enjoyed having like-minded individuals to ride and have fellowship with. The new Post leadership is smart enough to recognize the Viet Nam generation is quickly aging out and membership must be replaced by "new blood".

Response by MAJ Dale E. Wilson, Ph.D. made Apr 26 at 2021 4:53 AM

2021-04-26T04:53:19-04:00

When I retired in '91, I followed up on the recommendation of the doctor who did my retirement physical and filed for VA disability. While waiting (seemingly interminably) for my C&P physical at the San Francisco VAMC, I started reading copies of the various VSOs' magazines. All the while, I looked around at the packed waiting areas and vets sleeping along the walls in hallways.

By the time I left I decided that, although I knew I couldn't be active in all, my membership in most would add to their numbers--which gives them credibilty with Congress when they present their legislative "wish lists" to the House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committees each spring. The DAV and VFW both have solid service officer programs to help vets filing VA compensation and pension claims.

In the end, I became a life member of all the VSOs for which I was eligible except for AMVETS and the American Legion: VFW, DAV, VVA, MOPH and the Combat Infantrymen's Assn. I've served in leadership positions at the chapter and state level in all of them and at the national level in the MOPH.

The latter VSO is struggling now because we are literally a "dying breed." At age 70, I'm amonng the youngest Vietnam vets. . . .

Bottom line: forget the old saw that VSOs are places for rummies and bullsh--ers. Your membership will help these organizations continue to represent your interests before Congress and give you ample opportunities to fellowship with and help your fellow vets. I've found it to be a very rewarding experience.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2021 6:13 AM

2021-04-26T06:13:32-04:00

PROs: a lot of community involvement. Extended comradery, jokes and stories from older vets.

CONs: good ole boy system could be present. Fakers could be there. Not enough younger war vets (a lot of them feel it's a waste of time). Some members in positions of trust doing shady shit.

And these are just some things I saw in my own VFW chapter.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Apr 26 at 2021 11:18 AM

2021-04-26T11:18:13-04:00

Why wouldn't you? Our generation leans more towards groups like Wounded Warrior Project because they give away free stuff and trips but the traditional groups are more than just a place to get swag. They are safe havens for like minded individuals. They are also jumping off points for community projects and veteran outreach. When done right these groups can be fantastic. Don't count them out just because you are younger.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Apr 26 at 2021 9:29 PM

2021-04-26T21:29:01-04:00

The last meeting I went to they were still arguing about the meeting starting at 0900 or 0930 when I left at 1030. A waste of time

Response by SFC Randy Hellenbrand made Apr 26 at 2021 10:49 PM

2021-04-26T22:49:06-04:00

Look out for ones that have become political. I'm surprised that the members of the one in my little town here in WI aren't wearing jackboots.

Response by MSG Barbara Lawson made Dec 15 at 2023 9:58 PM

2023-12-15T21:58:41-05:00

I didn't join the American Legion until I was 60 yo. I knew several of the members as we had been stationed together at on time or another. But ... the reason I initially joined was because, as a member, it was cheaper to rent the hall for a personal function. I asked for an application, submitted my DD214, and was approved for membership within a week. I was sworn-in at the next Regular Meeting. Because my friend was in the Honor Guard, I stated I was interested in joining that as well. Before I left my very first meeting, I was outfitted with everything I needed. That was 8 years ago and just one of the many reasons that I drive 50 minutes each way to attend civic ceremonies, all military ceremonies, holidays, parades, dedications and, most importantly, Veterans Funerals and Graveside Services. Not everyone joins the Honor Guard though. That's okay. Another big reason for joining the VFW or the American Legion or the AMVETS or the DAV, or any one of so many more military organizations, is because of the camaraderie. Being with people who speak the same language and understand what you are talking. Being with people who are more than willing to listen to your stories and their willingness to share theirs. Being with people that just plain understand what you went through ... what you are going through now, today. And, being with people who just might know who you need to see, what you need to do, to help with what you are experiencing. It's something to think about. I'm glad I joined the American Legion. In fact, I am a PUFL, Paid Up For Life.

Response by SFC Robert Walton made Dec 16 at 2023 2:47 PM

2023-12-16T14:47:52-05:00

Each group has good intentions and are only as good as the Commander.
They have some fun and interesting and honorable things in each as well so you go visit and make up your mind whether it is something you would like to do or not. Most are involved in Veterans day parades. Independance Day parade, funeral details for Veterans and More. They are also good with VA assistance keep you out of the bar's and other such places that you probably don't need to be at anyway, They do have connections to VSO, Jobs, Real-estate.
Nothing to worry about go visit if it is not you thing move on. Just Don't be one of those who will always wonder, Go find out.