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

1. I can't join VFW because I served in between wars, so not eligible.
2. DAV--Also don't qualify as I didn't serve in time of war.
3. American Legion--Don't qualify for also.
Basically I'm a veteran, but don't qualify to join most veterans organizations.

I joined a local Legion Post and the one time I entered, it smelled of cigarette smoke and spilled old beer, the food was not good and even though it was my local post, the first impression was not a warm welcome, I never returned and this year did not renew my membership.

I know for me it's about not having enough time to truly devote to an organization. We kids going in three different direction s from football, gymnastics, and horse back lessons it hard to find time for me. I used to go to the American Legion when I first got out but I was single and had more time to spare.

I have seen American Legions all my life, and then joined one, but I don't especially see how they can be healthful to the veterans, what are the benefits of joining, except for a club like environment for veterans. When I got out of the USMC in the 1970's no one informs you of what your benefits are. Back then once you told the Marine Corps you were not re-enlisting they practically threw you off base.

I have joined american legion but i have never stepped foot into any of these Organization, nit because i don't want to but i don't know what goes on within them. I believe if we as the next generation of veterans knew more about it or even had an older vet as a sponser to introduce us to them we would go and preticipate more.

I came back from Iraq and became a Life Member of the VFW. However, I only attended a couple of meetings. It was a lot like the stereotypes: a bunch of cranky old guys sitting around, drinking, complaining or telling stories. I was regarded with cool disdain or disinterest, like I was upsetting something carefully balanced by being there.

The activities were/are uninteresting; bingo, hot-dog feeds, teaming up with the Boy Scouts to organize proper old flag disposal ceremonial burns, etc.

Then there were meetings-- The meeting opened with a prayer, then they discussed these above-mentioned events, then there was a break with a prayer, then we re-convened. We ran through a list of members who had died since the last meeting and had another prayer, then some final discussions, and a closing prayer.

People, if I want church, I'll go to church, okay?

The place just seemed to be repository of tales of glory days and lamentations. I'm not saying these old guys need to go freestyle rock climbing or something, I understand that many just enjoy resting and talking with their old friends. But that seems to be about all there is. If today's veterans are going to go to the trouble for a face-to-face meeting, then we'd prefer to do something more active and dynamic. Sitting around talking and complaining and drinking, hell, we already do that on the internet and we don't have to drive home afterwards (hah).

Living in a small town doesn't help lots of older vet's with old ideas we all want younger members but they just aren't there .

After I left the Army I joined the VFW. I didn't do too much with it at first but then I moved. When I arrived at my new location, I thought it was awesome that the VFW was right behind my apartment. However, when I went in there I was not made to feel welcome. Many members glared at me as they were all significantly older. I was asked for my member card anywhere from 5 to 10 times in a single visit. I finally had enough and stopped going and let my membership lapse. I figured if they didn't want me there then I really didn't want to be there. One thing I did notice was that all of the events were geared towards the older crowd, so that might be a factor in some cases.

I know I'm going to sound a little rude here but I am not trying to be rude or disrespectful to anyone.
The main reasons I think people don't want to join Veteran organizations is the perception of the good old buddy / buddy system, or the drinking and swapping sea stories.
I have been to a few different Veteran organizations and they were your typical watering holes filled with guys reliving the glory days.
Some promise help like the DAV, but the ones I met here locally are a bunch of talkers who do nothing more than talk. At a recent job fair in Oxnard, the DAV seemed more focused on their buddies than any of the other veterans who they did not know. They had some swag bags but they selectively passed them to their buddies. I got a business card and a "brother you should come to a meeting".
I know there are lots of good Veteran organizations out there but sadly there are far too many watering holes that do nothing much except collect dues.

Perhaps, as happened to me, they do not feel welcome when they enter the club. When I went to join I had to search for the person I need to see to join. When I found him I was treated as a second class person. I never did feel welcome as at the time most of the veterans were WWII and Korean War veterans. Those of us who were Vietnam vets were not welcome. It was our fault the war was lost.