Posted on Jun 30, 2021
Which has better perks, the American Legion or the VFW?
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I am considering joining one. I am eligible for both. Which has better perks? Looking to be a member to network, drink, and grab a meal occasionally. Thanks!
Posted in these groups: 
The American LegionAmerican Legion Auxiliary
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
Membership
The American LegionAmerican Legion Auxiliary Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Membership
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 7
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Honestly, it's really going to depend on the American Legion Post or the VFW Unit.
Not unlike Army units, some are better than others.
When I got out, I went to the local VFW and was promptly told I couldn't join their unit because Desert Storm wasn't a real war.
I went to a American Legion I was told was active in the community, I haven't been happier.
At the same time, the town over has both and the VFW is active and the Legion isn't.
Having said that, most of the VFW's I've interacted with have a considerably older membership. Not all, but most. They also seem stuck in the past and are slow to adapt.
I guess the best way to judge is, if you go in, does it feel welcoming? Does it feel more like a dive bar? Are they active in the community? Look for things like Christmas programs, scholarships, boy/girl scouts, senior programs, veteran causes, etc.
Remember, most veterans organizations are non political and rank means nothing.
I belong to D.A.V., American Legion, and AMVETS. I'm still sore about how I was treated at the VFW, so "F" em'.
My preference is the American Legion. It's much more organized, less of a clique atmosphere and way more programs available.
I wish you were near Cincinnati, I'd be able to turn you on to the better posts and who to avoid.
Not unlike Army units, some are better than others.
When I got out, I went to the local VFW and was promptly told I couldn't join their unit because Desert Storm wasn't a real war.
I went to a American Legion I was told was active in the community, I haven't been happier.
At the same time, the town over has both and the VFW is active and the Legion isn't.
Having said that, most of the VFW's I've interacted with have a considerably older membership. Not all, but most. They also seem stuck in the past and are slow to adapt.
I guess the best way to judge is, if you go in, does it feel welcoming? Does it feel more like a dive bar? Are they active in the community? Look for things like Christmas programs, scholarships, boy/girl scouts, senior programs, veteran causes, etc.
Remember, most veterans organizations are non political and rank means nothing.
I belong to D.A.V., American Legion, and AMVETS. I'm still sore about how I was treated at the VFW, so "F" em'.
My preference is the American Legion. It's much more organized, less of a clique atmosphere and way more programs available.
I wish you were near Cincinnati, I'd be able to turn you on to the better posts and who to avoid.
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Sgt Dennis Doty
Completely agree with Sgt Padgett. It has been my observation over the years that more VFW Posts tend to be drinking clubs and, although you can find the same at the Legion, they tend to be more active in the community. But as Sgt Padgett said, it's going to be up to each individual Post or Unit and their leadership.
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MAJ Ronnie Reams
Well, they were right, Desert Storm was a UN Chapter 7 police action, like in Korea.
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SGT Chris Padgett
MAJ Ronnie Reams - As I recall, that really wasn't what they meant. The place was full of Korean and Vietnam vets who seemed pretty salty about Desert Storm and a 100 hour war. I've been told several times that was "real combat". I dunno, seemed pretty real to me.
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They are good organizations, but their membership focuses on older generations (Korean War, Vietnam era, etc.). Consider Team RWB, Team Rubicon or IAVA if you are looking for service members or veterans that are your age group (e.g. Iraq, Afghanistan era).
https://americanhomefront.wunc.org/2015-11-13/beyond-american-legion-younger-veterans-look-for-new-connection
https://americanhomefront.wunc.org/2015-11-13/beyond-american-legion-younger-veterans-look-for-new-connection
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It can vary from post to post. I have been to plenty of Legion Halls and VFW Halls that have been better/worse than others.
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