Posted on Aug 15, 2014
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Our WWII Veteran ranks are very thin, and we are losing many Korean War Veterans now. Vietnam Veterans are in their upper 60s or 70s already. My point is, our stories and our history is shared across the generations in lodges and halls across the country, but fewer Veterans are joining these organizations post military. Who will tell their stories when they are all gone....who will tell our stories? Curious to others opinions on this subject! Thanks in advance! AATW!
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 238
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Because they are old and out touch, and don't want to change. I am a post Vietnam veteran with more combat experience than most Vietnam Vets, and while I thank them all, and thankful for them all, I don't think they want the younger generations around. They like the old smoke filled bar, the war stories, and don't seem to want change or us.
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I am an active duty soilder and I have been inthe military for 4 years now and this is the first time I am hearing that younger veterans can join these organizations. The reason why most younger veterans don't or have not joined is because1. Initially when a young person thinks of these organizations they see people who have served for over 10+ years and belive that their short term of service does not add up to that standard. 2. They didn't know that they could join. Just a thought.
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I am a life member of my VFW POST 307 in Rochester,Ny. I became a member while on block leave after coming home from Iraq (OIF 1 2003-2004) Assigned to the 801st MSB,101st Abn Div from 2003-2013
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These organizations were meant to help veterans and to fight for their rights. These days that isn't as much of an issue.
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A lot of the younger veterans see the VFW and American Legions as a place to go just to drink and smoke. Often times they do not receive what they see as a warm welcome from some of the older generation. Also, a lot of the younger ones are more into physical fitness rather than sitting and drinking. I think that if some VFWs or whomever were to sponsor 5ks or some stuff like that it could possibly draw in the younger crowd and start changing perceptions - because as we all know perception is everything :)
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The reason I feel is, I don't feel like I belong. My service and deployment time just feels like it's a joke in comparison to what they did during their time. Those guys have done so many things that I feel most of us will never be able to hold a candle to. Some real heroes.
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I hope to be more active in one or both organizations, I just seem so busy that I don't know how I can fit it in.
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My two cents. VSOs should not be "for" GWOT vets yet. Very few of us need the benefits. (Same thing for the VA). We are still working and getting other benefits. In 10ish years when we are ready to take over the responsibilities from the "Nam" vets and are starting to think about civilian retirements we can start talking about it. But I am sure the Nam guys got the same treatment from WW2 guys.
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I fully intend on joining the local American Legion as soon as I am a little more financially stable. Currently I belong to the Knights of Columbus & am very active w/ the patriotic portion of it. My dad is a member back in my hometown & speaks rather highly of it.
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My thought, too many organizations. Consolodation needs to happen in order to pool funds and increase outreach and influence.
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SGM Matthew West
Agreed to an extent. The VFW has been around since September 29, 1899, The Legion since March 15, 1919. The issue I see, if all of these "new organizations" would have joined the existing ones, we would have a massive increase in numbers when going before Congress to get things passed. Just my opinion.
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