Why are fewer young Veterans joining Veteran organizations (VFW, American Legion) post military service?

Well I cant speak for all, but this day and age the youth is more digital. I see a lot of Vets like myself basically tell our stories more anonymous online. I dont go to these service orginazations because I dont either have transportation and I live in a more rural community. They always remind me of my grandpa who served in WWII and that feeling of sadness because of losses both in and out of active duty. It is my past and it was an experience that will haunt me till I am cold in the ground. But it has made me who I am today.
I hope this answers some of your question.

Unfortunately the posts in my state were managed poorly and went under. The posts were more concerned with getting membership to keep people at the bar. I am a lifetime member and tried joining to separate posts in my state and had the same experience at both. Granted we served and have our entitlements, but I also believe in giving back to the community. I've never experienced this climate in my state.

I would like to think it's the attitude of the post but mainly the attitude of the individual veteran. In today's society we are linked by technology through numerous of sources. I believe in general that today's young men and women want to join but don't want the responsibility to go with it. I maybe wrong but I doubt it very much.
VFW Life Member 1994

Semper Fidelis,

J.K.Kaupe, Jr.

have them quit discriminating against female veterans. they were in the local VA clinic when I stepped off the elevator for a doctor's appointment and they just ignored me. they ignored me when I was walking back to the elevator after my appointment.

if they aren't going to show any interest in talking to me, why should I approach them?

My own experience, after my Vietnam vacation, twice, I was invited to join the VFW in my hometown. Went to the meeting and was surprised to find over 50% of the members were National Guard guys who hadn't been anywhere. Nothing against The guard, but I was under the impression that VFW meant Veterans Of Foreign Wars. Before young Guard guys get all pissed, this was in 1971. You young guys can Google how many Guard units were called up. It was before the "One Army concept.

This is a concern. I am a Post member and mystified by the lack of interest by the younger generation. I am concerned that Veterans may loose benefits if there are no Veterans organizations to fight for our issues to Congress. I would be interested in the comments if others.

Traditional veterans' organizations have, in my opinion, become far too politically oriented, and often consist of members who tend to glorify war. The only political involvement any of these organizations should have is to stand as a voting block in opposition to any military action or war that is not in response to a direct act of war perpetrated against the United States AND declared by the US Congress.

I went to the VFW next to my home and the guys said what is Operation Enduring Freedom? It was like a private club and I wasn't invited...8818, but 2422 was very welcoming, but 2400 miles away...

One of the problems we have in recruiting members for our VFW Post is that that local National Guard unit has more members who live outside of the city. This also applies to the local Arm Reserve Unit. I believe that our veterans organizations have to establish programs which the younger veterans can relate to. I think a lot of them look at those of us who are current members as a bunch of "old fogies" who are to old to do anything.

1SG Okerson, I belong to several, but I am annoyed at the amount of Spam and marketing mail I get. I understand very well that the organizations have to operate as a business to survive. One site gave my info to the VFW, a good organization, marketers and I have been getting spammed by them and foundations supporting them. This has made me reconsider joining. There is a better approach to the problem as many here have given their ideas -- just don't spam or mail bomb me.