Why have more of our generation not joined the VFW?

To answer the original question, I am yet to join, but from what I've seen there is a generational gap, in terms of leadership and what's going on at the post, but I digress for a bit - that might not be true for VFW's across.... I intend on joining, and who knows, maybe work to make a difference. I do think we should still be involved/connected somehow, as I see a unique benefit and bond we have, with nothing to lose.

I gotta pay my dues

I like your post and by the wording, it sounds like you are currently a VFW member. I have wanted to join a VFW post many times, but every time I don't, it's always for the same reason. Every VFW hall I've visited reeked of cigarette smoke. I'm not fond of the smoke, but my wife is extremely allergic to it. We would both love to find a group to be a part of like the VFW, but the smoke is the biggest turn off. My challenge to you and every VFW Post looking to improve its membership is to get rid of indoor smoking and pay the money to have the lingering smell removed.

I think a lot of it has to do with each individual VFW. As a child my grandfather and father would take me to the VFW. It was humbling to hear the stories and meet these great warriors. They invited all veterans in and did things for the whole family to be part of the organization. But when I joined my local VFW after serving in Iraq. That chapter was not very welcoming of the newer vets. Went out of there way to make the new vets feel unwelcome and did nothing to include our family's. After there number started to dewidle the new commander started to ask way the new vets wouldn't come to the VFW. It was explained that the no cursing rule, watching horse racing on all six tv during the play offs, and doing nothing for family involvement, etc had pretty much killed the new generations want to go there. Six years later and lots of trying on the VFWs part still have not repaired the gap that was made. I myself as a life member and friend with several older vets might go three or four times a year.

Good topic! I agree, our generations have not shown much interest in sustaining these kinds of institutions/organizations like the VFW that were started by our fellow warriors in the past. I'm the Post Adjutant now for my VFW, after only 1 year of membership, so - called answered. But I'm 51, and was a career Army officer. What we've really been discussing at Post #3282 is how to reach out to young Vets of OIF/OEF and what kinds of services or programs could we offer that would be of benefit to them. We're working with the VA locally, Embry Riddle, and Team RWB.

Why aren't more vets joining the VFW? Because no one really gives a crap anymore. It goes both ways, the public and especially politicians don't care about us. No one is really proud to be a vet of Iraq or Afghanistan because nothing we've done has changed either country; what is there to be proud of?
Advocating for vets? Is that why it's been almost a year and a half since I first applied for my vehicle modification but it's still "being processed" by the VA? I was Med-boarded for this condition, my application should be open and shut. After my first deployment the VFW reps were on us like hawks; probably looking for new dues. After 2004 they largely stopped showing up at airports or homecomings; why?

I joined the VFW upon retirement from the USAF just 8 months ago. Signed up for a year membership, which I will probably change to a lifetime membership. Went to one meeting at my local post here in MD and was dismayed at the lack of enthusiasm towards recruiting new members, the lack of organization towards social media outreach programs. I have never been called nor emailed. I have a friend in FL who is very active in the VFW and I am a member of their FB page. I see wonderful projects and get togethers that they are involved in. I am of the opinion that today's vets want to join and be part of a team that performs civic activities that benefit the community. I don't think any of us IRQ/AFG vets want to sit at a lodge drinking beer and talking about the not so old days. We want to get involved and participate and we want an organization that is active not passive.

Unfortunately, I am not qualified to join the VFW. However, I fully support and encourage those who are to join.