Which Vet organization does the most?

SSG Ed Mikus — Tue, 07 Oct 2014 11:29:21 -0400

Are you a member of the VFW,American Legion or DAV?

If you are not a member of one of these (and are eligible) why not? are there any good reasons for not joining?

PS. if you think these are just for post-military you are very wrong.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2014 12:18 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Oct 2014 12:18:47 -0400

I'm a member of the DAV. I like what they do for veterans, with their singular focus on disabled vets. Whenever I see a disabled vet - in person or "on paper" - I think, there, but for the grace of God, go I.

Response by SPC David Shaffer made Oct 7 at 2014 12:29 PM

SPC David Shaffer — Tue, 07 Oct 2014 12:29:18 -0400

I think they all carry their own weight. Just like anything else you look into, they all have their own strengths. I tried to join the VFW but because I didn't deploy overseas I didn't qualify. I am going to check into the American Legion soon though.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Oct 7 at 2014 4:05 PM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Tue, 07 Oct 2014 16:05:02 -0400

Interestingly enough let me lay my vote into perspective and please, no member of any organization need be offended, this is my active duty stance from what I have participated in to date. To date I have known many from each organization, but DAV seeks to educate those leaving the service in the benefits the VA makes available as we DO NOT know them when leaving active duty. The VFW and AL usually in my patronage are places to visit as watering holes for the local bike rides and a social environment. I am a life member of the VFW and have the recommendation for AL, but still find a lack of usage. All have hosted active duty functions with support and appreciation, but as to the Congressional push for the masses, I cannot speak currently. If I had to throw a guess out there, the one with the highest membership scroll has the best voice in the beltway. Otherwise, it is probably individually based on what you think you need from each one you become a member.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Oct 7 at 2014 4:05 PM

MSG Wade Huffman — Tue, 07 Oct 2014 16:05:21 -0400

Nope, can't answer that one. As a matter of fact, I don't believe that anyone one can without resorting to mere speculation. They all do great work at the state and national level. Each individual post does what it sees fit (I'll be the first to admit, some are better than others at the post level). Their focuses are all a bit different, but no one organization does more, overall, than any other. I, personally, am a member of VFW, American Legion, AMVETS, and IAVA and I support each of them, and I strongly encourage everyone to join at least one of these fine organizations.

Response by SGT Robert Hawks made Oct 7 at 2014 4:29 PM

SGT Robert Hawks — Tue, 07 Oct 2014 16:29:07 -0400

I have been a life member since 2000 they have always been supportive and are very active in veterans rights.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2014 5:45 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Oct 2014 17:45:48 -0400

Proud & Active Member of BOTH VFW & American Legion! American Legion has a larger membership, resulting in greater representation.

Response by MSG Greg Kelly made Oct 7 at 2014 7:14 PM

MSG Greg Kelly — Tue, 07 Oct 2014 19:14:18 -0400

WWP

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2015 9:48 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 21:48:09 -0500

WWP. I don't know the ins and outs of the entire organization but I know I see this organization alot more than I do the others. Time is probably the biggest reason you will get as to why us Actives have not joined. Hopefully everyone will join one when they retire and slow down a bit.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2017 9:42 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Mar 2017 21:42:54 -0400

The one that does the most is the one that does the most for you. I am a life member of all three and several other veteran organizations. Each of them has their pluses and their minuses, depending upon one's point of view at a given moment. Taken together, few countries in the world offer the levels of support to their veterans as the United States does. We are damn lucky to live here.