Which has better perks, the American Legion or the VFW?

2021-06-30T19:30:50-04:00

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!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2021 7:38 PM

2021-06-30T19:38:27-04:00

CPT Private RallyPoint Member Here is a previous post. I am a life member of the VFW and VVA, but have not been to a post.

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/between-the-american-legion-and-the-vfw-which-is-the-better-organization-to-be-a-part-of-and-why

Between the American Legion and the VFW, which is the better organization to be a part of, and...

American Legion or VFW? Which is the better organization to be a part of and why?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2021 7:46 PM

2021-06-30T19:46:59-04:00

CPT Private RallyPoint Member Each one has it's own "personality". Just visit different ones until you find one that fits.

Response by SGT Chris Padgett made Jun 30 at 2021 10:57 PM

2021-06-30T22:57:43-04:00

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.

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Jul 1 at 2021 6:00 AM

2021-07-01T06:00:09-04:00

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

beyond-american-legion-younger-veterans-look-for-new-connection

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jul 1 at 2021 9:09 AM

2021-07-01T09:09:27-04:00

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.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Jul 1 at 2021 9:27 AM

2021-07-01T09:27:01-04:00

Know what you are joining

Response by CDR Terry Boles made Jul 1 at 2021 12:16 PM

2021-07-01T12:16:41-04:00

As I've moved around the country posts from the same or different organization can be vastly different from place to place. In Chandler AZ, the American Legion (AL) post 2-blocks away from my home was open daily at noon; had a kitchen and chef with meals 4-days a week, bingo, dances, huge assembly halls, very active in the community, RV park on the grounds etc. The local VFW and AL post, not so. Where I live now, Colorado Springs, is very hit or miss with the different organizations. Heck, the local VFW post in Fussa Japan (outside Yokota AB) was more active than some posts here in the states.

As others have stated, reach out and see which organization meets your expectations wherever you are. I recently became a life member of VVA and looking into them locally; I'm not giving up!

Good luck!

Response by MSG Thomas Currie made Aug 19 at 2022 3:15 PM

2022-08-19T15:15:35-04:00

Neither organization has any "perks" beyond being a member of the local group. In any mid-size or larger city there will be several of each to choose among. Visit both to see which is a better fit for you.

By the way, there is nothing wrong with joining both - especially if you travel outside your local area.