Would you join The American Legion or the VFW? Why or Why Not?

2017-10-28T01:34:26-04:00

I joined both the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and attended a couple meetings for both. The American Legion post in my community seemed better organized, and I began focusing my attentions there.

We visit patients at the Veterans Hospital in DC and Northern Virginia to cater events for them, sponsor student competitions and award prizes for scholarship, sanction Boy Scout units, and provide honor guards for Veterans' burials as well as community events. One of our most valuable services is helping Veterans apply for VA benefits and shepherding them through the red tape jungle.

To be honest, there are a few WWII and Korean Veterans still hanging on, but Vietnam Veterans seem to predominate, at least among those who attend meetings. I'm especially happy to see younger veterans fresh from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq joining. Hopefully, we can help them network for education and job opportunities as they transition to civilian life.

I certainly won't be displaying the behavior Vietnam Veterans experienced when they attempted to join, and I won't permit it to go unchallenged if others try.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2017 1:47 AM

2017-10-28T01:47:24-04:00

Cpl Jason Feimster For many years, I donated money to the VFW, but was not a member. I became a lifetime member about five years ago because they helped me with my VA claim. I am a member at large, and have never been to a post.

Response by CPL Dave Hoover made Oct 28 at 2017 2:46 AM

2017-10-28T02:46:13-04:00

If you qualify, both. American Legion you have had to serve during certain dates, for VFW I believe you have had to serve in war for all certain amount of time. The American Legion I more certain of, VFW not so much.

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Oct 28 at 2017 5:19 AM

2017-10-28T05:19:26-04:00

I joined a VFW in a very small community. Around 66 members total with about 20 active. We do a lot in the community but so many in the post are aging out. A few Korean Vets but the majority are Viet Nam vets. We have a few Iraq and Afghanistan Vets but it seems the younger Vets shy away from the VFW and the AL.

Response by 1SG Russell S. made Oct 28 at 2017 8:05 AM

2017-10-28T08:05:37-04:00

Once retired I tried the local VFW. Lots of members and a woman's auxiliary but I just could not connect. They seemed to be still in 1990 or so with the smoky bar and ways of doing stuff that I suppose the members like. I wish them well.
I rather go to a group meeting at the VA Vet Center and talk about stuff that is relevant to me.

Response by SPC Casey Ashfield made Oct 28 at 2017 11:33 AM

2017-10-28T11:33:13-04:00

I have considered joining either one but have not. Fellow Veterans in my age group have had less than amicable experiences joining the older vet organizations. Most Veterans my age are joining IAVA instead.

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Oct 29 at 2017 2:52 PM

2017-10-29T14:52:25-04:00

I would join both as they support the veterans is so many ways including the families of soldiers, sailors and airmen who paid the ultimate sacrifice. They are advocates for veterans benefits as well.

Response by SGT David T. made Oct 30 at 2017 7:58 AM

2017-10-30T07:58:54-04:00

I had a bad experience with the VFW so I wont join any of them. I was a member for a while and found that the organization wanted my money but not me. I would go into VFWs and it was clear I wasn't welcome there. I would be harassed every few minutes to show my membership card because they couldn't fathom the idea of a younger vet. So after a few times of this, I washed my hands of it all, let my membership lapse and never went back. Maybe when the older ones die off, I might try it again. I know that sounds bad, but I have zero interest going somewhere I am not welcomed.

Response by SSgt Holden M. made Oct 30 at 2017 9:11 AM

2017-10-30T09:11:16-04:00

I initially thought about both when I was getting out but every American Legion or VFW seemed to be that they were mainly my parents age or older and had bars and the only thing really to do there if there wasn't a special event was to drink. Being a younger guy in my late 20's with a wife and two boys. I had my time of that before I got married. Also it feels like when you tell somebody that is older that there just doesn't seem to be a place for us there usually say something about both organizations fighting for veterans rights on capital hill and with more or less words basically telling us it's our duty as veterans to join those organizations, and saying that we shouldn't be joining organizations that are more focused on Post 9/11 veterans.

But I am open to the idea of checking out my local American Legion. I have heard good things about them. It is tough to figure out the balance between taking care of yourself and taking care of your family and not stretching yourself to thin. I joined the Masons because of the brotherhood is very similar to when I was in and my Grandfather and Father are Masons. Also my oldest son is in cub scouts and both boys are in Awana through a church so it's tough to find the time to be active in any other organization along with all the chores around the house and still have time to just enjoy some good family time.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Oct 30 at 2017 10:04 AM

2017-10-30T10:04:42-04:00

I am a life member of VFW, Legion, DAV, I concur that the VFW seems stuck in the past in many posts, mine included. I am an officer in our legion post, because they are active, and trying to be more active. I joined all because -how can I complain about what they are doing if I don't have a vote? Bottom line go where you can do the most good and be happiest

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Oct 30 at 2017 10:07 AM

2017-10-30T10:07:13-04:00

Thought about it, but I'm not much of a joiner kind of guy. Besides, hanging out at the ol' Legion hall doesn't sound like a good use of free my time.

I respect what these organizations do on a national level, but, well, as I said, its not my thing.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2017 10:46 AM

2017-10-30T10:46:02-04:00

I was a VFW member, and I can only speak for the Posts around me. Biggest Bunch of unprofessional's I've ever had the misfortune to meet. I tried, gave it time, joined the house committee, became adj. all they really liked to do was fight among one another, disrespect one another drink and gamble. yup illegal gambling was normal SOP. they even argued about who did more for the veterans. So around my area Let them Die out, as all they do is give Veterans a back eye

Response by CW5 Edward "Tate" Jones Jr. made Oct 30 at 2017 10:56 AM

2017-10-30T10:56:45-04:00

I am a "Life" member of the VFW. It provides me another avenue to help both Veteran and Active Soldiers. Being co-located with the US Army INTEL School we have an active Post and an active Mentorship program.

Response by PO2 Rev. Frederick C. Mullis, AFI, CFM made Oct 30 at 2017 11:20 AM

2017-10-30T11:20:13-04:00

QUESTION: WHY do people wait till they are discharged or retire to join the American Legion?? The American legion is NOT just for Veterans or retirees. Active Duty can also join the Legion. With your family as members they have a place to go to for fun and activities, they have a bunch of Friends who are there at a moments notice. If the Service member is called up, deploys or is shipped out, the Family has extra friends and family close. Those members in the Legion will have various jobs and talents that can be useful when the Service Member is away. either able to do certain things or know people that can do whatever is needed, Auto mechanic, Air Conditioning/heater repair, Plumbing, Electrical. and there are always a few Police Fire and EMS people who are in a Legion Post.
Talk about an extended FAMILY. THAT IS THE American Legion.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2017 11:27 AM

2017-10-30T11:27:05-04:00

Every VFW club I have ever been in was full super-smokey and full of old guys that were not interested in talking to younger vets.

No thanks.

Response by SPC Diana D. made Oct 30 at 2017 11:45 PM

2017-10-30T23:45:01-04:00

I think the American Legion would get more members if they weren't so restrictive on the dates of service. There are a lot of veterans who would join but can't. Those of us that served during peace time are not eligible for American Legion or the VFW.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Oct 31 at 2017 1:52 AM

2017-10-31T01:52:30-04:00

I've spent Six terms as Commander of American Legion, Post 208, Millis, MA and the elected Officers now are mostly Viet Nam or Persian Gulf War Veterans in our post. We still have some very active Korean and WWII Veterans in our membership and some that still hold elected or appointed offices. I'm also a Member of AMVETS Post 495 in Millis, MA as well. The legion post here many yeas back invited every Viet Nam Veterans they could get in touch with in the town of Millis and hosted a free dinner just for them at the Post Building. I was like a High school reunion for me as a lot of My fellow classmates from Millis High School Class of 66 came. It seems about 80% of the guys i graduated with went in the service either right away as enlisted men or later as Officers. The majority of them still live in this town and raised their own children here as I also did.

Response by PO1 Patrick Mann made Oct 31 at 2017 8:07 PM

2017-10-31T20:07:27-04:00

I Have joined both . My posts are VFW 261 Lawrence Indiana, and
American Legion 495 of Indianapolis. I would love to see the younger Vets coming in and give us ideas on what to do to attract more. I don't think either organization will grow with out the younger vets joining. It is true that Vietnam Vets are prominent but I'm a Desert storm vet and over 50. And it is true that the post have bars and things geared to the older generation , my post would love to offer more to younger vets , we just need to figure out what they would like so they can participate. You cannot effect change from the outside. if you want things different than what they are now, Join and help change it for the better.

Response by CPL Kirby DeHaven made Jul 12 at 2018 3:07 PM

2018-07-12T15:07:13-04:00

I was a member of the American Legion, sadly I will no longer continue as a member due to the local posts support of the VSO officer in Randolph County, IN Mike Kennedy. He was intoxicated and yelling at a recovery home for veterans in Winchester, IN. I lost my job as director 6 weeks after reporting this incident, there were other witnesses and it was documented. I thought the safety and well being of veterans, especially those in a recovery home, would at least make the local post support me and the witnesses to his criminal behavior in front of our nation's most vulnerable veterans. By the way, Mr. Kennedy was veteran of the year in Indiana last year. Keep it classy Indiana

Response by MSgt Stephen Council made Jul 12 at 2018 6:44 PM

2018-07-12T18:44:59-04:00

I dont drink...

Response by PO2 Paul Martin made Jan 25 at 2019 4:17 PM

2019-01-25T16:17:27-05:00

I was a member since I got out of the military. I will not be continuing my membership with The American Legion because it does not reflect my views on America. The legion is for old angry Republicans, which I have never been. Newsflash Democrats serve in the Military whether or not We get YOUR approval! Start being supportive vice judgmental. No one but old Republicans want to hang out in a smoky bar. I really thought going out telling young people would make a difference, but we never did anything like that. Just drink and complain about Pelosi, Obama, whine, Whine more and drink! Why not feed and clothe homeless Veterans?????

Response by CSM Tommy Nester made Jan 28 at 2019 6:12 PM

2019-01-28T18:12:43-05:00

I have been a member of both. I am a Accredited Veterans Service Officer and over the past 23 years have helped 100s of Veterans of every war from WW II to current operations. I have helped veterans, their families with financial aid from the VFW. We don't care if they are members but locally we are what they have to help them. No other organization does more for Veterans.

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Apr 26 at 2019 8:25 PM

2019-04-26T20:25:16-04:00

I joined both. Here ln Thailand
Got immediate response from VFW
Nothing from American legion
Wasted 25 bucks

Response by SPC Patricia Banks made May 14 at 2019 7:15 PM

2019-05-14T19:15:29-04:00

Yes each VSO is different-we try a variety of Posts and focus in on our Regional Office to help inbound Veterans with hospitalizations to cheer up so they heal faster.

Response by Sgt William Troskey made May 17 at 2019 8:08 AM

2019-05-17T08:08:48-04:00

I wish I could join. I served during peacetime. I got out 3 weeks before the American Legion's "Lebanon/Grenada" eligibility date.

Response by SP5 Dennis Loberger made May 27 at 2019 6:02 PM

2019-05-27T18:02:03-04:00

I joined the American Legion 10 years ago in Cedarburg. Since then I have served as Post Commander, County Commander and currently as Finance Officer at our post. We are very active in our community as well as. We have 347 members and about 50 active on a regular basis (being in Wisconsin, we have a number of snowbirds). There is also a Post in Grafton and they have about 292 members. Many of our members are also members of the VFW. The VFW is a combination of both communities. I went to one of their meetings and there were 8 VFW members at the meeting. Our post is the best thing to happen to me since leaving the military outside of my family

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Jun 14 at 2019 12:22 AM

2019-06-14T00:22:07-04:00

I have joined the American Legion, Post 208, Millis MA where I served 6 terms as Post Commander and also am a Member of AMVETS. Post 495, Millis, MA. i do attend meetings for both. I'm also a Life Member of the Air Force Association (have attended a few meetings but or recently) as well as the Air Force sergeants Association and the Air Force Security Forces Association,(neither of which I've ever attended a meeting) I've no objection to joining the VFW but I guess I already belong to enough Veteran's organizations. I spend most My time with the American Legion post and remain on the Executive Board, serves as 1st Vice Commander and as Post Service Officer.

Response by CPL Barbara Buck made Jun 15 at 2019 10:05 AM

2019-06-15T10:05:16-04:00

My husband is 100% but I see no reason for me to join I am not combat related but I have not seen the comraderee or the personal touch with any people in either post the warmth or ability for anyone to reach out touch base or check family

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Jul 26 at 2019 2:48 AM

2019-07-26T02:48:49-04:00

I have already and still am an active Member of the American Legion and also the AMVETS. I had considered joining the VFW and have nothing against doing that but just how many things can You belong to. the others keep Me busy anyway especially the American Legion. I'm also a Life Member of the Air Force Association and the Air Force Security Forces Association.

Response by SSG Robert "Rob" Wentworth made Jan 17 at 2020 12:57 PM

2020-01-17T12:57:07-05:00

I personally joined the VFW, because they have helped so many Veterans with their many medical issues post-VietNam, & Afghanistan.... I know their $$ are going to great local causes...

Response by SFC Dennis A. made Jan 17 at 2020 1:24 PM

2020-01-17T13:24:12-05:00

I'm a life member, unfortunately our local VFW wasn't. It has pretty much died out due to lack of participation and members.

Response by LCpl April Michalik made Mar 18 at 2022 6:08 PM

2022-03-18T18:08:50-04:00

I've now been a member of the American legion and VFW auxiliary ( peacetime Marine) and my experience sucked as a female veteran. When I needed other veterans to have my back. It became a soap opera due to the civilian Auxiliary women. Any group filled with a majority of one sex is a red flag! I was accused of chasing after married men. When I was behaving like any other Veteran attended events. Because I had female body parts that's how I was treated. A legion commander even lumped me in with the Auxiliary old ladies! Yeah I'm not interested in joining any veterans group at this moment. Those posts left a bad taste in my mouth! FYI I was very active and motivated to help my community until those that were threatened by my presence ganged up on me like little children.

Response by SP5 Renee Reif made Apr 7 at 2022 2:57 PM

2022-04-07T14:57:08-04:00

Nope.
1. This focus on religion is BS. There ARE "atheists in foxholes" and we are being alienated and excluded. Nonxtians are overtly excluded-Jews, Muslims, Native Americans, Pagans, Sikhs...
2. NOT all veterans are right-wing or even conservative, and we choose to avoid the extremism we see in some of these environments.
3. These locations cater to old, white males primarily, and until you decide to accept the vast diversity that is our military, and veteran population, we have no reason to go to these places.
4. These orgs focus on veterans who have combat deployments, even though most of us have contributed in significant ways; these groups invalidate our service.
5. These groups specifically EXCLUDE and/or minimize females and our contributions, still treat us like 2nd class members.
6. These groups are still not always SAFE for women, mentally, emotionally, or physically.

Response by CPT Peter Grafton made Apr 7 at 2022 7:58 PM

2022-04-07T19:58:51-04:00

I was a Legion member for years at our state's mother post. They seemed very focused on fund raising to improve the hall's bar and facilities, and part of that fund raising was promotion of how much they did for the community.
As a Scout leader and member, I asked them with a long advance notice to participate, sponsor, assist with functions we were doing. Rarely, never got even a response. When I did, always got the story they didn't have time, funding, etc. as I watched bar improvement occuring at the post.
Others my age and more active in the post were super excited for about the first 12 months, attending all meetings and trying hard to find a place. Eventually, all of them have left as I have. I am over 50, and our group, in our town feels we have no voice, no input and are continually shut out.

Response by SP5 Renee Reif made Apr 11 at 2022 5:55 PM

2022-04-11T17:55:19-04:00

Thing is, organizations that don't evolve with the times will disappear. Younger and future veterans will create/find what we need- even if it's not what our fathers had.

Response by SP5 Renee Reif made Apr 13 at 2022 12:50 AM

2022-04-13T00:50:46-04:00

one thing I would say is that we have to separate the local posts from the activities of the national organization. the national level organization does a lot of important lobbying for all veterans. The lobbying activities of the national organizations is a different mission from the local posts. It's too bad that the local posts influence our personal experiences.

Response by SMSgt John Windham made May 26 at 2022 11:42 AM

2022-05-26T11:42:45-04:00

Nope—too much -ism in the rank and file

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Aug 12 at 2022 6:37 PM

2022-08-12T18:37:09-04:00

NO!!! This is a group of Vets who want everything to stay the same and do not want any new blood or ideas to confuse them. This is a dying social club who is too blind to see it coming. CLOSE ALL THE VFWs. Do cities a favor and reduce DUIs.

Response by SSgt Charles Dengler made Aug 16 at 2022 6:10 PM

2022-08-16T18:10:47-04:00

I am a Life Member of the VFW and a Legionnaire. I encourage everyone to join both if eligible to do so. Most clubs are always looking to recruit more members to ensure these posts remain open. If you are in the Harrisburg PA area visit Highspire VFW Post 8638, you will be welcomed.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2022 3:28 PM

2022-08-18T15:28:34-04:00

My VFW (Post 10218, El Monte, CA) is very active in our community and has done a lot to keep all Vets in the for front of our community. We push Vet issues in our community and don't let people forget that we exist and our service matters. Where other Vet groups have dropped the ball in our community.

Response by CPO James Barnhart made Dec 28 at 2022 6:18 PM

2022-12-28T18:18:08-05:00

I was a member of the AL for one year. Only attended once and never went back. I didn't see any reason to go. Never missed it.
I went to a VFW and saw the smokey bar and left. And, I saw those same bars in Florida, Tennessee and Arkansas.

Response by SPC Casey Ashfield made Dec 31 at 2022 2:39 AM

2022-12-31T02:39:11-05:00

Some changes in thinking since my last comment here. I have joined the American Legion and Disabled American Veteran's. Haven't been too impressed with the AL precense in the area yet. I visited one local branch that was Cold War vets with chips on their shoulder for GWOT veterans. If I can't find a local chapter I like, I'll let this membership lapse.

DAV has been a sleeper. I already attended one meeting as a guest and they had me sold with even their small showing of members so I joined them at the end of last month. Just waiting on my membership card and secret handshake instructions.

Response by SFC Scott Parkhurst made Feb 27 at 2023 5:44 PM

2023-02-27T17:44:24-05:00

Nope… at least not where I’m from… all I’ve ever heard is “you’re not a real veteran”. Okay fine… I’m sure my Vietnam dad who served over there would like you to say that to his face and all my other relatives who were in a war… and my adopted dad… I was taught to respect my elders so that’s what I do… I just smile and nod and walk away…

Response by Sgt Teri Henson made Feb 27 at 2023 10:33 PM

2023-02-27T22:33:35-05:00

I’m a member of the American Legion. I’m the only active female in my post!

Response by SCPO Lloyd Sikes made Feb 27 at 2023 11:31 PM

2023-02-27T23:31:36-05:00

I joined both, the American Legion in 1980 and served in all officer positions. I joined the VFW in1999 and am still an officer, First Vice in my Post. Glad I joined both,met a lot of other Vets, made some lifelong friends, and enjoyed war stories.

Response by SPC Matthew Birkinbine made Aug 22 at 2023 5:25 PM

2023-08-22T17:25:46-04:00

If I could find it in the budget I would. I don’t like nickel and dining things and I don’t have the funds saved up yet for a lifetime membership. There’s no room in the budget for a $5 sandwich much less monthly dues to any service org I might wish I had time for.