Which Veteran/Military Organizations are you a member of, are you an active member, and why or why not?

SSG Bethany Viglietta — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 14:46:32 -0400

Response by SSG Ed Mikus made Apr 7 at 2016 2:48 PM

SSG Ed Mikus — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 14:48:52 -0400

Just the VFW, I joined in Korea because they were friendly and had a bar. I bought a life membership because i believe in what they do.

I haven't joined others because i haven't made an effort to and they have not made an effort to find me.

I am not currently active in any post because my life is pretty full with 3 kids.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Apr 7 at 2016 2:50 PM

SrA Edward Vong — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 14:50:39 -0400

Just Rallypoint.com, and I was separated as of Feb, 2015. I don't get along with many veterans so I have yet to join any organizations.

Response by CPO Amb. Terry Earthwind Nichols made Apr 7 at 2016 2:58 PM

CPO Amb. Terry Earthwind Nichols — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 14:58:20 -0400

Life member VFW. A good place for my era. There is a movement afoot to start a new association more relative to post Vietnam. More support with less/no self medicating. I'm a supporter of such a group as I no longer wish to sit around and drink all the time.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Apr 7 at 2016 3:09 PM

LTC John Shaw — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 15:09:26 -0400

I don't have any friends in the national veterans orgs, not sure any appeal to me.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Apr 7 at 2016 3:12 PM

SFC J Fullerton — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 15:12:49 -0400

American Legion. Got signed up by a family member back in the early 90's who paid my dues ever year at my hometown post while I was on active duty. I still maintain my membership, mainly to support the efforts of the national organization lobbying for vet issues. Not really active with a post, but did recently attend a few meetings. Still kind of feeling it out. No interest in joining the VFW.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2016 3:19 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 15:19:54 -0400

Haven't been a part of any yet. I have been to a few American Legion's and maybe a VFW but never been a member.

Response by PO1 Michael Fullmer made Apr 7 at 2016 3:32 PM

PO1 Michael Fullmer — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 15:32:56 -0400

I belong to the DAV & American Legion. I am not active in either, mainly, 1. because the mtgs before I get off work (1800), 2. DAV meet over 25 miles from home, and AmLeg (still run under a "good ole boy" mindset and their mtgs are also before I leave work. Also I don't smoke or drink and feel out of place and that makes me feel less welcome on the rare occasions when I do drop by.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2016 3:37 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 15:37:56 -0400

SSG Bethany Viglietta I am a lifetime member of the VFW. I am a member at large and have never been to a VFW Post. I joined the VFW because a VFW Veteran Service Officer helped me with my Agent Orange claim. I donate money every year to the DAV, but I am not a member. If I ever have free time, I might consider going to a Post to see what goes on there.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Apr 7 at 2016 3:48 PM

SSG Carlos Madden — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 15:48:11 -0400

This is a great question. I've been wondering recently if it's even a necessity for the post 9/11 veteran to have brick and mortar establishments like the VFW. In a lot of ways places like Facebook group pages and RallyPoint have replaced much of the social and organized network that organizations like the AmLegion and VFW historically provided.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2016 3:56 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 15:56:19 -0400

American Legion and the Scottish-American Military Society-Liaison Officer for Post 53. Pretty active. Great opportunities to continue to serve alongside fellow veterans.

My father was very active in his post when I was a kid-Practically "grew up" at the Legion Hall in some ways. They sponsored our BSA troop and Explorer Post-both of which I was heavily involved in. Now, I figure it's my turn, and I suppose my son will be introduced to it much the same-once he's out of short britches ;)

I guess I don't "get" the label of "a bunch of drunks"...Maybe that's just not the "norm" down here in the South, and maybe I just always had a good experience with the Legion. I'll confess that maybe I'm a bit of a "throw back" for my age, and am equally 'turned of' by some of my own generation's "stereotype"...Perhaps I'm more comfortable around the Old Dudes.

To each their own.

What I do know is that the Legion and VFW are pretty instrumental in helping Vets navigate the VA application process and provide a huge level of support to local communities. Sometimes, the "Good Old Boy" network isn't so bad when it is all said and done.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2016 3:59 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 15:59:46 -0400

If Professional Organizations are included in this, I am the Top 3 President where I am stationed. Obviously I am very active with my Top 3 and my goals have been to promote Professional Development and Mentorship among the ranks, boost the knowledge of our Junior NCOs and ensure the latest and greatest information / happenings in the Air Force is disseminated to everyone. It has been an outstanding year.

Unlike some other Top 3 groups, we don't spend a lot of time and effort on fundraisers though we have long standing commitments to events in our community that they donate a portion of the proceeds to us. We use the funds to recognize our members when they make rank, sew on, win awards and we also host the annual SNCO Induction Ceremony for our Command.

Response by PO2 Teall Haycock made Apr 7 at 2016 4:02 PM

PO2 Teall Haycock — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 16:02:50 -0400

FreedomHunters.org ! These guys are awesome!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2016 4:12 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 16:12:01 -0400

VFW, American Legion, Iraq and Afghanistan Veteran's of America (IAVA), AUSA and Adjutant General Corps Regimental Association (AGCRA).

Response by TSgt Jacob Perryman made Apr 7 at 2016 4:20 PM

TSgt Jacob Perryman — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 16:20:41 -0400

Team Rubicon (http://www.teamrubiconusa.org), it keeps a strong post service veteran network and the disaster response mission keeps a sense of purpose and helps struggling communities post disaster.

Response by SSG(P) Ell Pizarek made Apr 7 at 2016 4:22 PM

SSG(P) Ell Pizarek — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 16:22:56 -0400

I had joined the VFW, however as you may have seen in several post, many including myself stopped going because it is simply a place to go and drink. What you may find once you get out and start a new job, is that your employer may have some sort of group. AT&T has a veterans organization that primarily communicates over social media, but contributes to the benefit of the military community active and non.

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Apr 7 at 2016 4:29 PM

CPT Joseph K Murdock — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 16:29:22 -0400

I use to volunteer at the VA geriatrics but they did not keep to the activity schedule, so I disengaged myself. I want to sit in on PTSD groups.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2016 4:34 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 16:34:41 -0400

IAVA

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Apr 7 at 2016 4:48 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 16:48:29 -0400

I joined the VFW when I got out in 1968 but found it was not that welcoming or so I thought in my Post traumatic mind anyway never went back and did not regret my decision I guess I am not a joiner which is funny because I joined the Army in the first place

Response by PO2 Robert Aitchison made Apr 7 at 2016 4:52 PM

PO2 Robert Aitchison — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 16:52:52 -0400

Just the DAV, when I went through my TAP class the instructor suggested we join any of the vets groups and said it really didn't matter which. The DAV sent me a membership form a couple months after I separated so I joined up.

Only gone to one meeting a couple years ago, was probably the youngest person there by at least 20 years.

Response by SPC Shane Drum made Apr 7 at 2016 5:03 PM

SPC Shane Drum — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 17:03:39 -0400

America Legion active post participation

Response by TSgt Thomas Monaghan made Apr 7 at 2016 5:28 PM

TSgt Thomas Monaghan — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 17:28:39 -0400

American Legion, Air Force Sargents Assoc

Response by SFC Everett Oliver made Apr 7 at 2016 5:46 PM

SFC Everett Oliver — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 17:46:08 -0400

I have been a member of the American Legion for the past 17 years. The past 5 as a Post Commander and the 3 before that as Vice Commander. Locally my post is one of the few VSO's that does not operate a bar and are active in the local community. With the village and with the school. That plus the American Legion has the most pull in Washington. Or so we are led to believe...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2016 5:54 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 17:54:08 -0400

I always joking my local VFW and I also spend a significant amount of my off duty hours with an M/C that deals with Veterans causes.

Response by PO1 Brian Austin made Apr 7 at 2016 5:54 PM

PO1 Brian Austin — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 17:54:26 -0400

Former member of VFW and the American Legion. Found the VFW (tried two posts) to be very clique'ish along with a lot of drinking themselves stupid. I was called a "f**king pu$$y", because i politely declined a beer and told the guy "thanks but i don't drink and drive." The Legion wasn't quite as bad, though they did have a good Sunday brunch. They do good things for vets, but i'm just not much for drinking anymore and i don't smoke.

Response by Sgt Joe LaBranche made Apr 7 at 2016 6:32 PM

Sgt Joe LaBranche — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 18:32:04 -0400

I am a member of the VFW, DAVID, Purple Heart, American Legion, Marine Corps league, but only semi-active in the VFW. I no longer drink, so there is no real interest to go to the Post. I do attend the monthly meeting for the VFW. All these organizations need to change and implement a family focused atmosphere. All need to become more involved with their communities, while providing financial, emotional, spiritual, and physical support to veterans, their family members, and family members of our fallen.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2016 8:27 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 20:27:09 -0400

American Military Partners, VFW active in both.

Response by PO1 Gene Barfield made Apr 7 at 2016 8:59 PM

PO1 Gene Barfield — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 20:59:49 -0400

I'm a life member of both the American Legion, and of American Veterans for Equal Rights (AVER) (at: http://www.aver.us), which is the nation's and the world's oldest veteran service organization for lgbt veterans. I'm proud to be a former national president of AVER. I'm happy to be a fairly new member of RallyPoint too!

I'm also National Co-Coordinator of Operation Restore Advocate Heal (O.R.A.H.) (at: https://www.facebook.com/ORAH2014), an organization providing support, services and resources for service members who were harassed, investigated or discharged due to sexual orientation or gender identity issues.

I'm very active in all three groups, and proud to be so!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2016 9:10 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 21:10:23 -0400

Special Forces Association (Life time member over XXX decades) great Americans & fun partiers, American Legion (comrades across services and across decades) opportunity to continue service to America- mentoring kids, helping hospitalized VETS, great motorcycle gang, Military Officers Association (MOA) looking out for VETS. They lobby Congress to support Service Members. All have benefits and current info.

Response by CPO Emmett (Bud) Carpenter made Apr 7 at 2016 9:12 PM

CPO Emmett (Bud) Carpenter — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 21:12:17 -0400

Vietnam veterans of America. We work closely with all veterans organizations

Response by PO3 Sandra Gomke made Apr 7 at 2016 9:46 PM

PO3 Sandra Gomke — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 21:46:44 -0400

Not really in any veterans organizations. Not sure why not. Haven't gotten around to it since I am an active member of the Blue Star Mothers of America. Have been for 10 years. That keeps me pretty busy. But I do work with the VA with the BSM. I hope that counts! :D

Response by SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint made Apr 7 at 2016 10:19 PM

SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 22:19:38 -0400

Team Red White and Blue is a great one for PT and some social. Problem is this retiree is not going to pass my next PT test...oooppss, I do not have a PT test! The other organization is a charity run with ALL unpaid volunteers with all money going to scholarships. http://www.LintCenter.org We have awarded 40 scholarships since 2007. Next scholarship competition deadline is 31 July.

The Lint Center for National Security Studies, Inc.

Empower, Enhance, Enable

Response by SSG Leroy Farmer made Apr 7 at 2016 11:01 PM

SSG Leroy Farmer — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 23:01:39 -0400

Life Member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. I got great representation from the Veterans Service Officer

Response by SP5 Joel O'Brien made Apr 7 at 2016 11:20 PM

SP5 Joel O'Brien — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 23:20:28 -0400

Life member of the VFW. I live in Vermont, the post is in Berlin, Germany. It goes without saying I've never been to one of their meetings. Except for a wedding reception, I've never even been in a VFW location. I was with the American legion for a short while, but haven't been for many years. Once or twice a year they send a mailer asking me to consider a return.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2016 12:58 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 00:58:03 -0400

American Legion. There is politics. But the beers are cheap..

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Apr 8 at 2016 1:54 AM

Capt Seid Waddell — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 01:54:18 -0400

None. Got a bad reaction when I first got out and never went back.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2016 9:11 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 09:11:24 -0400

I am a member of IAVA, but don't attend functions. I have no interest in VFW or American Legion. and if Rallypoint counts, I guess I do that too

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Apr 8 at 2016 11:09 AM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 11:09:02 -0400

DAV, JWV, IAVA, Transgender AVA...

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Apr 8 at 2016 11:58 AM

Capt Brandon Charters — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 11:58:00 -0400

I recently joined IAVA and am really impressed with the local outreach and veterans activities they support. They also do a terrific job in creating awareness around veteran benefits programs...especially those that are up for being reduced or cut down by reform bills.

Response by Cpl Tom Williams made Apr 8 at 2016 12:49 PM

Cpl Tom Williams — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 12:49:06 -0400

Team Rubicon - because the mission of veterans responding to disasters is fantastic. Team Red White and Blue - engaging veterans with other veterans through fitness. The Mission Continues - veterans performing service projects to help their community

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2016 1:06 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 13:06:48 -0400

Life member of the VFW and NGAI (National Guard Association of Indiana), yearly member of American Legion and EANGUS

Response by PO2 Steven Barkley made Apr 8 at 2016 2:09 PM

PO2 Steven Barkley — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 14:09:43 -0400

American Legion, not very active with them though due to small post here in Colorado.

Response by TSgt Jack Manigold made Apr 8 at 2016 2:36 PM

TSgt Jack Manigold — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 14:36:35 -0400

I am not a member of any organization in my city. They are interested in drinking and talking about how the new generation don't know what the real military was like. They do not really get involved in the community. On top of that they don't take too kindly to suggestions that change the way they do business.

Response by SPC Jillian O'Malley made Apr 8 at 2016 2:44 PM

SPC Jillian O'Malley — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 14:44:47 -0400

None, unless you count RallyPoint. I served in the Army 2001-2006. 2 tours in Iraq. Visiting my local VFW, I was brushed off and told I would be better suited for the women's auxiliary. The American Legion I pretty much got the same treatment. I joined IAVA online, but the atmosphere seemed negative. I was a part of Team Red, White, and Blue since I am an avid triathlete and runner, but we had a falling out in 2014 and I moved on. I am currently pursuing my bachelor's degree at Kansas State University, I tried hanging out in the veteran's lounge, but all my fellow veterans in there were so negative and "woe is me" and I was put off by it as I am generally a positive person. So really its just RallyPoint and the people I served with that I keep in contact with via Facebook

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2016 5:16 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 17:16:26 -0400

Free and accepted Mason's, for the brotherhood.
Marine Corps League for like minded individuals and because I earned it.

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Apr 8 at 2016 5:28 PM

SGT Jerrold Pesz — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 17:28:06 -0400

I have been a member of the American Legion for many yearsbut have rarely been active mostly because I either lived too far away or the meetings took place while I was at work. I also donate to the VFW, DAV and occasionally a few others.

Response by SGM Mike Hardin made Apr 9 at 2016 1:13 PM

SGM Mike Hardin — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 13:13:31 -0400

I am a life member of the VFW, I didn't join until about 2 or 3 years after I retired. The main reason I joined was because of my Dad. My Dad was a Korean War Veteran and never joined any of the Veteran/Military Organizations until about 2010. But it was not my Dad that did this it was my Mom who signed him up as a life member of all the groups. By then my Dad was in the final stages of Alzheimer's and the Veteran's Organizations came to his assistance and helped my Mom deal with his final preparations. And in the end the VFW Color Guard handled his funeral with full honors. That is why I joined, don't hang out at the bar but the VFW will take care of you in the end.

Response by SGM Mike Hardin made Apr 9 at 2016 11:03 PM

SGM Mike Hardin — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 23:03:12 -0400

Guys it ain't about cheep beer and hanging out at the bar in a VFW or American Legion. If you were dissed because of one reason or another then YOU are thin skinned and need to reexamine why. We are all brothers & sisters, hell I am closer to my fellow service members then my blood kin. You need to look beyond the bar & and the cheep beer. All of these organizations have a world wide view of taking care of other service members. They also have the ear of many in Congress of all political parties and will help you. The one Military Organization that helped me the most was Texas Vets. They helped me when I retired to go back to college and they helped me to buy a house. You need to also look at your home state Veterans Organization because some are really looking out for you. So don't talk shit about Veterans Organizations just because you think they are for old folks... they exist to also help you. And it ain't about beer!

Response by MSgt Wayne Morris made Apr 10 at 2016 8:48 AM

MSgt Wayne Morris — Sun, 10 Apr 2016 08:48:10 -0400

I tried the local Legion once, stayed about 10 minutes and never been back. Smelled like an ashtray and just people sitting around drinking. Never went to the VFW as had already heard from fellows in my age group the same situation existed there as at the Legion (more of a good old boy club) who really wanted just their drinking buddies there. I have moved on from my service days and am still in touch with many of those I served with, so that is all good with me.

Response by SPC Edward Robinson made Apr 10 at 2016 9:33 AM

SPC Edward Robinson — Sun, 10 Apr 2016 09:33:32 -0400

I belong to none and will never join them what so ever. I am a Veteran of the Army, served ten years with a Honorable Discharge.

My reason is that my father died on active duty after having served 22 years and he had just re-enlisted for another five years before the accident in 1962. My brothers and I were sent first to the I.O.O.F Children's Home in Checotah, Oklahoma when I was nine years old after that my four older brothers went to foster homes while my two younger brothers and I were sent to the American Legion Children's Home (now called Marland Children's Home) in Ponca City, Oklahoma. I left the American Legion Children's Home in August of 1969 at the age of 17 then joined the U. S. Army in October of 1969. I left the place because I knew they would not come after me when I turned 17 years old. The experience my brothers and I went through left a very bad taste from staying at both places. When we informed people in town about what went on out there we were punished for it because they would turn around then call the place to tell them what we were stating.

When I was stationed in Germany in Kaiserslautern I received a letter from my youngest brother that the State of Oklahoma finally came out to investigate the place only after one of the children were beaten and thrown down the stairs into the basement. What I had seen of the men who ran the place and the members of the American Legion I have no respect for them. That is why I would never join them what so ever.

Life has moved on and I have survived and doing well for myself. I am the last of my brothers the others lived life to the best they could with what they went through. I have no regrets from what life has given this one. The lesson I learned as a child you need to listen and believe what a child tells you and not to misjudge them.

Response by LCpl Brian Maloney made Apr 10 at 2016 1:35 PM

LCpl Brian Maloney — Sun, 10 Apr 2016 13:35:13 -0400

Team Red White & Blue (TeamRWB.Org) Gets me out of the house. Connect with Military member and Civilians. This group also got me running again. Highly suggest people check them out.
The Mission Continues (missioncontinues.org) Although I haven't been active this past year, this is an outstanding group of Veterans serving their local community.
IAVA (IAVA.Org) This was the first non profit I joined. I got to meet Linkin Park and watched them perform. Best day ever! Since that event, I started hosting IAVA VetTogethers at MMA Fights. I did that for a year and a half. Event hosting is stressful as hell. I needed a break.
Student Veterans of America (studentveterans.org) This is a great group if you are looking to connect with fellow Veterans at your school.

Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made Apr 10 at 2016 6:49 PM

MAJ Keira Brennan — Sun, 10 Apr 2016 18:49:10 -0400

VFW here. Lifetime member.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Apr 10 at 2016 8:51 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Sun, 10 Apr 2016 20:51:46 -0400

Life member VFW. No post here in Denmark, so not active. I just felt the need to be a member after retirement. I like getting the mag when sent out, a connection to the States for me.

Response by SGT Paul Mackay made Apr 12 at 2016 6:41 PM

SGT Paul Mackay — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 18:41:08 -0400

VFW, DAV

Response by MSgt Richard Rountree made Apr 26 at 2016 9:52 PM

MSgt Richard Rountree — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 21:52:24 -0400

VFW, Life Member since 1991, Active (Past Quartermaster and Commander at Milan MI., Commander (current) at Maybee MI. Also active in legislative call to actions. Why? Because if free citizens do not participate in government, they will be ruled by inferior men.

American Legion, Milan MI. Trustee (past) for several years. No longer locally active because of location change. Active in legislative call to actions. Why? Because if free citizens do not participate in government, they will be ruled by inferior men.

Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA), Life Member since 1976. Not active except for legislative call to actions. No chapter near my location. Why? Because if free citizens do not participate in government, they will be ruled by inferior men.

Are you starting to see a pattern here?

Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Life Member at large. Active in legislative call to actions. Why? Because if free citizens do not participate in government, they will be ruled by inferior men.

National Association of Uniformed Services (NAUS), Life Member. Active in legislative call to actions. Why? Because if free citizens do not participate in government, they will be ruled by inferior men.

Repetition is good...it helps you learn.

U.S. Military Vets MC (USMVMC) (a 501c(19) national non-profit organization), Life Member (earned, not bought). Active. Chapter President since 2008. Provides two-wheel therapy, camaraderie, and Brotherhood for qualified veterans who are also motorcyclists. Why? Because we can.

(RANT ON) Let me give all of you a that are making excuses of why you don't participate in (fill in the blank) veteran's organization a clue. The Government is not your friend. These veteran's organizations are our collective voice in the halls of Congress and in our state legislatures. Without a unified and steadfast membership that back them up, this voice is less effective. To have strong representation for veterans in government, these organizations must stay alive and viable. Why? Because if free citizens do not participate in government, they will be ruled by inferior men. These veteran's organizations are our (veterans) conduit to influence our government on veteran's issue. These long standing entities have the networks, the contacts, the know-how, and the resolve to represent you as a veteran. Why would you throw all that away and re-invent the wheel?
(RANT OFF)

So, my challenge to you...stop making excuses and choose one or more of these organizations to support with your money (a membership), your time (your leadership), and/or your voice (call to action writing or calling your senators or congressman). If everyone does a little then no one has to do a lot.

Why? (you know why by now)

Because if free citizens do not participate in government, they will be ruled by inferior men.

NOTE: If you prefer the PC version, simply substitute the word 'men' with the gender neutral pronoun of your choice.

Response by SSG Jeremy Kohlwes made Apr 29 at 2016 10:15 PM

SSG Jeremy Kohlwes — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 22:15:32 -0400

I am a member of the American Legion and a life member of the VFW and DAV. The DAV is the one I am most active in but I get involved with all three throughout the year. They all have great resources for Veterans to use, especially in dealing with the VA.

Response by SGT James Hammons made Aug 17 at 2016 10:58 AM

SGT James Hammons — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 10:58:07 -0400

VFW, active member because the face of the organization is changing to meet the needs of a new generation and we need new fresh ideas, CVA, active because legislation is important to maintain benefits and to be the watchdog for veterans. Heroes on the Water, IAVA, and WWP.

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Oct 28 at 2017 5:28 AM

CW5 Jack Cardwell — Sat, 28 Oct 2017 05:28:11 -0400

The VFW Post I belong to has no bar. At meetings the main focus is on current and future projects.

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Oct 28 at 2017 9:17 AM

SSgt Jim Gilmore — Sat, 28 Oct 2017 09:17:44 -0400

Life Member VFW Post 12146 (Rayong, Thailand)
Life Member American Legion Post TH-01 (Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand)
Life Member DAV Post Nomad 52 (Indianapolis, Indiana)
Life Member VVA Chapter 0295 (Indianapolis, Indiana)
Life Member TREA (The Retired Enlisted Association) (At-Large Member)
I am most active in VFW and American Legion. As an Ex-Pat, it is essential that Americans have a community, if you will, that allows us to look after each other. Primarily, we assist other Veterans to get health care for service connected conditions.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Nov 22 at 2017 10:27 PM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 22:27:40 -0500

Member of the American Legion and life member of AFA. I am not very active in either one. I am currently busy as a volunteer with Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Nov 23 at 2017 2:43 AM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Thu, 23 Nov 2017 02:43:53 -0500

Member and 6 term Past Commander of American Legion, Post 208 and also Member AMVETS, Post 495 both in Millis, MA. Life Member of the AFA, Air Force Association, Life Member of the Air Force Security Forces Association and also Member of the Air Force Sergeants Association. The American Legion is the Veterans organization I spend the most time with and currently 1st Vice Commander and Post Service Officer. The Legion in addition to our regular meetings also has a Veteran's Coffee at the post every Thursday morning year round which I always go to.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Nov 23 at 2017 6:59 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Thu, 23 Nov 2017 06:59:23 -0500

Joined the American Legion, try to help out when my schedule is not overly hectic.

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Nov 23 at 2017 9:29 AM

CW5 Jack Cardwell — Thu, 23 Nov 2017 09:29:26 -0500

VFW Small post
Lots of community interaction.