Posted on Apr 8, 2015
Veterans: Have you joined the American Legion or VFW? Why or why not?
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As I wrote this, responses to that question were arriving every minute from the "Vietnam Veterans Only" group on Facebook. It seems my question hit a nerve. Take a look at a random sampling of the responses in the image...
Can you imagine my surprise?
I was fortunate that, when I completed my tour of duty in Vietnam, I was assigned to a post in Hawaii where there was little hostility between the military and civilian communities. Thus, I was spared the abuses that many Vietnam Veterans experienced on their return to CONUS (the Continental United States). I am appalled to learn that my comrades could not find sanctuary even among other veterans. It seems “The Greatest Generation” wasn't as great as I once believed.
On Veterans Day and Memorial Day over the years, as we passed Veterans soliciting donations in exchange for a “Buddy Poppy”, my wife would ask me, “Why don't you join?” I merely shrugged and replied, “Those organizations are for 'real' soldiers. They don't want any REMFs hanging around.”
REMFs are Rear Echelon Mother F*****s, the ones who served “in the rear with the gear”. To be more precise, they were the commanders who sent troops in harm’s way, often disastrously, without exposing themselves to danger. So no, I wasn't one of those and, in truth, there weren't many “rear areas” in Vietnam. Base camps, such as the one to which I was assigned, were located all over the countryside and every perimeter was a front line. Also, in addition to administrative duties, I was a platoon leader for the base camp security force inasmuch as I was a trained infantry officer. Thus, my real reason for not joining, I suppose, was that I never felt the need.
Things changed as news broke about the scandals within the Veterans Administration. As we learned of Veterans dying while languishing on secret waiting lists and other systemic failures, I decided that I had to do something. We were taught as Soldiers to take care of one another on the battlefield. How could we do any less in these circumstances?
I joined both the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars and attended a couple meetings for both. The VFW post in my community seemed better organized, and I began focusing my attentions there; however, I intend on devoting more time to the American Legion once I'm settled into the VFW.
We visit patients at the Veterans Hospital in Long Beach and the Navy Hospital near Camp Pendleton 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. Like all other VFW posts, we contribute to our national organization and the homes they maintain for widows and orphans of Veterans who have fought in foreign wars.
I'm sure the activities vary from one post to another, but there hasn't been any drinking or smoking at mine (yet).
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.
Can you imagine my surprise?
I was fortunate that, when I completed my tour of duty in Vietnam, I was assigned to a post in Hawaii where there was little hostility between the military and civilian communities. Thus, I was spared the abuses that many Vietnam Veterans experienced on their return to CONUS (the Continental United States). I am appalled to learn that my comrades could not find sanctuary even among other veterans. It seems “The Greatest Generation” wasn't as great as I once believed.
On Veterans Day and Memorial Day over the years, as we passed Veterans soliciting donations in exchange for a “Buddy Poppy”, my wife would ask me, “Why don't you join?” I merely shrugged and replied, “Those organizations are for 'real' soldiers. They don't want any REMFs hanging around.”
REMFs are Rear Echelon Mother F*****s, the ones who served “in the rear with the gear”. To be more precise, they were the commanders who sent troops in harm’s way, often disastrously, without exposing themselves to danger. So no, I wasn't one of those and, in truth, there weren't many “rear areas” in Vietnam. Base camps, such as the one to which I was assigned, were located all over the countryside and every perimeter was a front line. Also, in addition to administrative duties, I was a platoon leader for the base camp security force inasmuch as I was a trained infantry officer. Thus, my real reason for not joining, I suppose, was that I never felt the need.
Things changed as news broke about the scandals within the Veterans Administration. As we learned of Veterans dying while languishing on secret waiting lists and other systemic failures, I decided that I had to do something. We were taught as Soldiers to take care of one another on the battlefield. How could we do any less in these circumstances?
I joined both the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars and attended a couple meetings for both. The VFW post in my community seemed better organized, and I began focusing my attentions there; however, I intend on devoting more time to the American Legion once I'm settled into the VFW.
We visit patients at the Veterans Hospital in Long Beach and the Navy Hospital near Camp Pendleton 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. Like all other VFW posts, we contribute to our national organization and the homes they maintain for widows and orphans of Veterans who have fought in foreign wars.
I'm sure the activities vary from one post to another, but there hasn't been any drinking or smoking at mine (yet).
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.
Posted in these groups: 
The American Legion
Camaraderie
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
Command Post
Millennials
The American Legion Camaraderie Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Command Post Millennials
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 202
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Reading these responses I think that I might need to seek out my VFW or AL and check it out. Up until reading this I have always felt that I didn't belong. The thougts i justified this feeling was telling myself because I am a girl they won't accept me since most are from the older generation that still views women in the military as weird, or that I am a girl that was a mechanic, or that I only spent 6 years in and choose to get out for my daughter as I was a single parent that I somehow wouldn't meet their standards of a true veteran. There are probably more but these seem to be the recurring ones.
After reading I think this would solve an endless discussion between my husband and I on how can we help our fellow vets. I think may also give us peace of mind to be around people that still share the same pride and honor around it have no one to share it with.
Thank you!
After reading I think this would solve an endless discussion between my husband and I on how can we help our fellow vets. I think may also give us peace of mind to be around people that still share the same pride and honor around it have no one to share it with.
Thank you!
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PO2 Matthew Ward
CPT Jack Durish Sir, yes you did. I am Gold Legacy Life Member of the VFW in the Department of Oklahoma.
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PO2 Matthew Ward
PO3 (Join to see) Sister, don't let those guys stop you from joining, if that Post will not accept simply because you are a female then try to make contact with the District and State Commanders, this last thing the VFW National or Department is a "civil" discrimination law suit.
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PO2 Matthew Ward
PO3 Dawn Austin There some Operations during that time frame, just depends on where you were at during that time.
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PO2 Matthew Ward
Capt Seid Waddell Sir, you should since I joined the VFW there have been National CinC's who are Vietnam Vets.
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I have to both, but on a personal note, I don't personally care if you are a POG, or not, a self described REMF (Currently "Fobbit") or Toc ranger and what have you. We all put the uniform, we are swore an oath, we are told what to do and sent.
I have seen good posts out there and my take that every post be it VFW of AL, are very different, even though they belong to a national charter. We have all sorts of veterans, in my personal experience, have had my frictions with all sorts of veterans, which if they say something I don't agree, they will definitely hear my opinion, as well as the reason. No one can compare wars, the circumstances, the enemy, all have different details, but it could have been the same hell for some.
I firmly believe that if you have served for years, and or have been deployed to a war zone, is that there is a real disconnect with most civilians, with aggravating circumstances if you return home to a very liberal city, say San Francisco, or Boston, New York City, is different on that sense, but the underlying sentiment of the self professed "experts". They are a dime a dozen and if you look in my other posts, I carry crude ugly videos and pictures of what our enemies done to civilians, as an ace of spade to show if needed went the "want to see proof"
These 2 organizations are a lot more helpful in finding like minded individuals that you can be having fun with, not only because you can speak you mind explicitly, they will join you with their stories. It is finding peace and quiet, surrounded by fellow soldiers.
I have seen good posts out there and my take that every post be it VFW of AL, are very different, even though they belong to a national charter. We have all sorts of veterans, in my personal experience, have had my frictions with all sorts of veterans, which if they say something I don't agree, they will definitely hear my opinion, as well as the reason. No one can compare wars, the circumstances, the enemy, all have different details, but it could have been the same hell for some.
I firmly believe that if you have served for years, and or have been deployed to a war zone, is that there is a real disconnect with most civilians, with aggravating circumstances if you return home to a very liberal city, say San Francisco, or Boston, New York City, is different on that sense, but the underlying sentiment of the self professed "experts". They are a dime a dozen and if you look in my other posts, I carry crude ugly videos and pictures of what our enemies done to civilians, as an ace of spade to show if needed went the "want to see proof"
These 2 organizations are a lot more helpful in finding like minded individuals that you can be having fun with, not only because you can speak you mind explicitly, they will join you with their stories. It is finding peace and quiet, surrounded by fellow soldiers.
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CW2 (Join to see)
Excellent observations; you hit the nail on the head--if you meet the organization's membership criteria then you belong as a member regardless of the duties you were assigned to perform in the military. There is no duty position on a TDA or MTOE document titled as "Unnecessary Unit Member", we all have an assigned duty to perform which enables our unit to succeed in its mission.
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SFC (Join to see)
The word "Fobbit" is so annoying. I get it, combat arms guys like to run their mouths. I run my mouth back. Thick skin people.
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PFC Jonathon Luken
Also just because you were a fobbit doesnt mean you didnt do guard duty or get mortars dropped near you.
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I am a life member of the VFW, and on a year to year basis with the American Legion as well as the DAV. I do what I can but feel that there is more to be done by all of these groups. We have the few drunks and smokers in some of these organizations, but they are few. God bless the Veterans from Korea, Vietnam, And the current conflicts, you all deserve more than you get. Thanks for your service.
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No.
I am a lifetime member of Association of the United States Army (AUSA), The Mititary Police Regimental Association (MPRA), the Faternal Order of Police (FOP), the International Chiefs of Police Association (ICPA), and the US Army Ranger Association. That is enough.
I never joined the VFW, DAV, or Legion, nor do plan to. Why should I? Why would I? They are dated organizations who don't embrace change, or Soldiers of the modern era (post Vietnam), in my view.
I get tired about hearing about the Nam, from guys who spent 6 months deployed, and many of whom were not even in the field. It seems everyone I meet was special operator... Who knew there were so many... I think they have no concept or respect for the modern Soldier, or what they deal with. Everything was harder back in the day. My deployment time is relatively low by most MP standards today. In 33 years I deployed 7 times, not including training missions, and have close to 36 months in combat... Which by today's standard is low.
The VFW, Legion etc are doomed if they don't focus on attracting post Vietnam era service members.
Many have asked me, but no one can articulate why I would/should join.
Tell me why I should join, and what these organizations do to help. AUSA can articulate that.
I am a lifetime member of Association of the United States Army (AUSA), The Mititary Police Regimental Association (MPRA), the Faternal Order of Police (FOP), the International Chiefs of Police Association (ICPA), and the US Army Ranger Association. That is enough.
I never joined the VFW, DAV, or Legion, nor do plan to. Why should I? Why would I? They are dated organizations who don't embrace change, or Soldiers of the modern era (post Vietnam), in my view.
I get tired about hearing about the Nam, from guys who spent 6 months deployed, and many of whom were not even in the field. It seems everyone I meet was special operator... Who knew there were so many... I think they have no concept or respect for the modern Soldier, or what they deal with. Everything was harder back in the day. My deployment time is relatively low by most MP standards today. In 33 years I deployed 7 times, not including training missions, and have close to 36 months in combat... Which by today's standard is low.
The VFW, Legion etc are doomed if they don't focus on attracting post Vietnam era service members.
Many have asked me, but no one can articulate why I would/should join.
Tell me why I should join, and what these organizations do to help. AUSA can articulate that.
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SFC David Pope, MBA
In my AL post, I have helped out with several honor guards at funerals and parades in the community. We have a few WWII vets still kicking around, one of which landed on Utah Beach. These veterans don't sit around comparing who had it harder, they share together as brothers in arms, who all swore the same oath in different generations. Many of us never saw combat, and those that did do not flaunt it.
It was through this organization that I was able to present my grandfathers flag to my mom at his funeral. We raise funds for youth to attend Freedom Academy every year. They get an idea of what the men and women of this country sacrificed so we can have the freedoms we enjoy.
DAV is all about helping veterans navigate the VA's red tape jungle, they provide transportation to and from VA medical facilities. One of my former 1st Sgt's drives the DAV van from St George to Salt Lake City one day a week. That is 300 miles one way. He doesn't get paid to do it, he volunteered to serve his fellow veterans. These groups provide thousands of volunteers to help with hospitals, clinics, community and children organizations. Many of these vets would die if they didn't have something to do. This continues to give them purpose and continue the mission beyond the foxhole.
It was through this organization that I was able to present my grandfathers flag to my mom at his funeral. We raise funds for youth to attend Freedom Academy every year. They get an idea of what the men and women of this country sacrificed so we can have the freedoms we enjoy.
DAV is all about helping veterans navigate the VA's red tape jungle, they provide transportation to and from VA medical facilities. One of my former 1st Sgt's drives the DAV van from St George to Salt Lake City one day a week. That is 300 miles one way. He doesn't get paid to do it, he volunteered to serve his fellow veterans. These groups provide thousands of volunteers to help with hospitals, clinics, community and children organizations. Many of these vets would die if they didn't have something to do. This continues to give them purpose and continue the mission beyond the foxhole.
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SSG (Join to see)
I have not joined one since I just retired in August but have been considering it. Any suggestions as to which one is the best??????
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PO2 Rev. Frederick C. Mullis, AFI, CFM
Col, with all due respect, you do not know what you are talking about because your data is in great error. The groups you belong to I will ask one question, is either the AUSA or the MPRA considered a Service Organization? I have never seen them listed as Service organizations like the Legion, DAV, 40 & 8 or the VFW . There are certain advantages you have when you are members of a Service Organization like quick access to Congress. for one. You were correct about change not happening in the Legion after Korea but that has changed drastically. As I said before the Concept of the Legion Posts all being bars is changing. those few posts that still do have a bar, it is not the central aspect of the post, it is usually set aside in a different room from the Meeting room where the families have their dinners, the Auxiliary met and the SOL met. We are active not only in the Boys State and Girl's State, NJROTC activities, Oratory Contests, Jr. Law Enforcement training, Fire Arms training for youth, and that is just a short list. Keep in mind, that if you are using any of your GI benefits or have used them, you can thank the American legion because it was the Legion that Lobbied the Congress to get them introduced and passed and insures they are kept up to date with every Congress.
WHY should you join the American legion? To work for yourself and every other veteran of the United States and every veteran who will come after you. That's Why!
WHY should you join the American legion? To work for yourself and every other veteran of the United States and every veteran who will come after you. That's Why!
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CW2 Jalistair B
I read your post and didn't see any malice behind it. The reality is that VFW and AL is focused on the Vietnam Vet. There is nothing wrong with that, I support them, will talk to them, and will talk to anyone else I see with some old unit hat or other identifying feature. However, I don't fit in with the Vietnam crowd and have no desire to attempt to.
Then of course I have not joined ANY post military organization other than RallyPoint if you can even count that. Part of this is because I almost never drink and my perception is that these are simply drinking clubs. Another reason is that life keeps moving on and I don't have time to just hang out. When my day is done I am tired and don't want to do anything other than hang out in my own home. Call me anti-social but I don't even want buddies coming by when the day is done.
Then of course I have not joined ANY post military organization other than RallyPoint if you can even count that. Part of this is because I almost never drink and my perception is that these are simply drinking clubs. Another reason is that life keeps moving on and I don't have time to just hang out. When my day is done I am tired and don't want to do anything other than hang out in my own home. Call me anti-social but I don't even want buddies coming by when the day is done.
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I thought about it, but I haven't really for one reason. I cannot handle anyone else telling me about their war stories. I was in Ar Ramadi in 2005 and I've found solitude is the only way I can keep it together.
I wish that were not so however.
I wish that were not so however.
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CPT Jack Durish
We all have to find our own path however there's nothing that says we can't help each other find it
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PO2 Rev. Frederick C. Mullis, AFI, CFM
Eric, I have not told a single person about anything that happened in Vietnam, Except the Shrinks at the VA, now I do Brag about my Ship, The USS Enterprise. but War Stories are best kept for the HERO's
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CW2 Jalistair B
Hello Eric, I have found that the best thing for keeping things together is to spend time alone, reading my Bible, and praying to God.
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I'm not a veteran of a foreign war. I also don't relate well with other veterans, so I doubt the American Legion would want anything other than my money.
The American Legion seems great, but like I said, I doubt I'd be welcome. I'm not even allowed in my local VFW for voicing opinions (when directly asked) that in their eyes make me some sort of turncoat. I'm not un-american.
Bust because I think anyone's religion shouldn't be in anyway endorsed by our government, or that I think the president shouldn't be blatently disrespected (just criticised to an extremem degree when appropriate), I'm asked to leave and not come back. Turned me off to all the VFW posts.
The American Legion seems great, but like I said, I doubt I'd be welcome. I'm not even allowed in my local VFW for voicing opinions (when directly asked) that in their eyes make me some sort of turncoat. I'm not un-american.
Bust because I think anyone's religion shouldn't be in anyway endorsed by our government, or that I think the president shouldn't be blatently disrespected (just criticised to an extremem degree when appropriate), I'm asked to leave and not come back. Turned me off to all the VFW posts.
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CPT Jack Durish
I suspect that you have the same problem whenever you attempt to influence others with an ideology that they don't share. I've had the same problem.
I'm a Jew and a pariah in my family because I don't adhere to the accepted Leftist ideology that permeates "our kind". Sadly, I don't share your choice of being able to walk away. Unfortunately for the family, I don't walk away. Out of respect, I don't goad them with my views however I also never fail to defend myself when attacked.
Sadly, it seems that those on the Left have a tendency to swarm an outlier and insist on badgering them if they think they can get away with it, then cry foul when they meet resistance.
That being said, I must admit that veterans tend to be vocal in their politics. It may be caused by the fact that they've been forced to remain mute during their time in uniform even when serving Administrations that place ideology above the best interests of the nation. So please find it in your heart to forgive them and soldier on even if you take the path less traveled by your brothers and sisters in arms.
I'm a Jew and a pariah in my family because I don't adhere to the accepted Leftist ideology that permeates "our kind". Sadly, I don't share your choice of being able to walk away. Unfortunately for the family, I don't walk away. Out of respect, I don't goad them with my views however I also never fail to defend myself when attacked.
Sadly, it seems that those on the Left have a tendency to swarm an outlier and insist on badgering them if they think they can get away with it, then cry foul when they meet resistance.
That being said, I must admit that veterans tend to be vocal in their politics. It may be caused by the fact that they've been forced to remain mute during their time in uniform even when serving Administrations that place ideology above the best interests of the nation. So please find it in your heart to forgive them and soldier on even if you take the path less traveled by your brothers and sisters in arms.
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SPC (Join to see)
I appreciate your response. Rereading my comments above, I could seem like someone who likes to rock the boat whenever i meet others with different viewpoints. This may be true up to a point, but when I mean to support or even join an organization, I do so accepting who they are and how I'm expected to operate within their structure. I guess it's just not for me. Military and VFW is a far from the only way to continue to serve veterans and the public.
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PO3 Nichalas Enser
Can understand your position, SPC (Join to see) . It is hard to quantify - a PUFL/Lifelong member of both the 'National' AL Post and At-Large VFW, myself, but have, mostly, stayed away from the local posts, for now.
Both organizations really do good work, on the whole, especially with Congress and the Federal Government. The local posts vary, greatly. Some are active, with a Post Home/Hall, youth programs, et cetera - at others, you are lucky if they have a monthly meeting. A single Post, just like a single unit in the military, is not the way to define the entire organization. Truly hope that you can find one that fits your ideals a bit better, SPC.
As for me, when some time comes up, will check out the local meetings, a bit more, and *hopefully* find one that has a Post Home/Hall and folks willing to put in some community service - not only relive the past. Like 'sea stories' and such, a lot - but do not want that to be the only thing we do.
Both organizations really do good work, on the whole, especially with Congress and the Federal Government. The local posts vary, greatly. Some are active, with a Post Home/Hall, youth programs, et cetera - at others, you are lucky if they have a monthly meeting. A single Post, just like a single unit in the military, is not the way to define the entire organization. Truly hope that you can find one that fits your ideals a bit better, SPC.
As for me, when some time comes up, will check out the local meetings, a bit more, and *hopefully* find one that has a Post Home/Hall and folks willing to put in some community service - not only relive the past. Like 'sea stories' and such, a lot - but do not want that to be the only thing we do.
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SFC J Fullerton
I find the right wing evangelical conservative politics, and bitching about Obama and the liberals a turn off. I don't consider myself left or right, but seems like you have to fall in line with their ideology to fit in, and if you don't you are a liberal lefty and not one of them. Screw that.
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Like a few people in my generation of Iraq and Afghanistan vets, I was against joining a VSO. I've seen a number of VFW and Legion meetings where there were a lot of drunks.
I gave the local American Legion post a chance after seeing them at a parade and running a barbecue. I asked about their advocacy programs, and was struck by how involved they are in the community, not just for veterans but for youths as well.
I joined up on the spot and have been at every meeting since.
I gave the local American Legion post a chance after seeing them at a parade and running a barbecue. I asked about their advocacy programs, and was struck by how involved they are in the community, not just for veterans but for youths as well.
I joined up on the spot and have been at every meeting since.
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CPT Jack Durish
SSG Tim Everett Your comment echoes a point I've been attempting to make at my VFW post. You don't attract members if all you offer is a monthly meeting. You need "activities". Activities make your organization visible in the community and interesting to prospective members. Different activities will appeal to different people.
At least, that's my opinion and we all know what we said about those...
At least, that's my opinion and we all know what we said about those...
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SSG Tim Everett
Your opinion has a large amount of logic and fact to it. If the VFW and other VSOs wish to prosper, they need to be able to attract people NOW. No offense is intended but the people who constitute a large percentage of the membership bases are veterans of WW2, Korea, and Vietnam. They aren't getting any younger. Meanwhile Generation GWoT is interested in activities. People in my generation and younger can go out to bars and get drunk there, if we want.
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PO1 Jeff Doan
I joined the VFW in 1998, A Life Member since 2000. Although I have not made it to a meeting in more than 10 years (weird work schedule), I see a lot of activity from our local VFW Post as well as others in the local area. During one of the last meetings I attended, the discussion was about how to attract more membership. I commented" Look around you! This is a room full of Old Farts! In order to attract younger members, you have to offer something other that the bar, country music on the Juke Box, and a monthly bitch session. Since then, the community involvement had greatly improved! Offering activities for the VA Hospital patients, community projects, benefits and such! The membership is now about 25 years younger on average, with the Old Farts being in the minority! Although I used the VFW Service Officer for my initial and most subsequent VA disability claim, I have found the DAV in our area to be more effective. Mainly because of their accessibility. Unfortunately, claims is about all the DAV does in my area! We cannot get volunteers to drive for the DAV, helping transport Veterans for medical appointment, etc! I would encourage ALL Veterans to find a VSO that suits you....and JOIN! GET ACTIVE! HELP YOUR COMRADES!
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I'm sure I could google this, but the RP family is so helpful. Which organization requires combat experience for membership? That was always my understanding, and that's likely to be a major part why I haven't looked into either. I have favorable opinions of both organizations, but always felt that they were more targeted to Veterans/Retired members, versus those actively serving.
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MAJ (Join to see)
CW3 Eric W. S. I guess my favorite was probably the AL in Manitou Springs, and then VFW 101 in Colorado Springs.
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CW3 Eric W. S.
MAJ (Join to see) - I work on Shaw, I live in the Columbia area. Too many issues with all of them in the Columbia - Lexington area.
In Colorado, I tried post 3917, post 6461 was one of the worst in my life, post 101 was somewhat welcoming on the first time, but since I didn't open my wallet that night, I was shunned very rapidly.
In Colorado, I tried post 3917, post 6461 was one of the worst in my life, post 101 was somewhat welcoming on the first time, but since I didn't open my wallet that night, I was shunned very rapidly.
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MAJ (Join to see)
CW3 Eric W. S.
I don't know the ones in Columbia at all. I know the Commander at 101 switched out soon after I left in 2008. Sad to hear it wasn't welcoming for you.
I don't know the ones in Columbia at all. I know the Commander at 101 switched out soon after I left in 2008. Sad to hear it wasn't welcoming for you.
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PO2 Rev. Frederick C. Mullis, AFI, CFM
Lt Carpenter, If I may interject, As a recruiter for the Legion in SC, PLEASE do not Join at Legion.com Go to your Local American Legion Post and sign up. If you sign up with the national you will pay way too much. Go to your Local Post. You pay the Post fee who them sends it to the State after taking their small bit out the state takes their cut and then sends it to the national. PLUS you are part of a Local Active POST not part of an inactive State post. There are people who join just to have the card and never go to a meeting. What's the point of being a member? Join, have friendships, be active, Go to parades, Activities! Enjoy and have fun. Once you join DO NOT FORGET, to sign up for your FREE insurance. $1000.00 D&D of $5000.00 if you are in any activity with the Legion or driving to or from and have your cap in the car. I keep my cap in the car all the time, because I am always recruiting!
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I am a Member "at large" for the VFW (Basically I belong to the Virginia VFW roster, but not to a specific Post).
I joined a few years ago, mainly as part of the "numbers game." The political reality is having more numbers gives organizations like this more power on Capitol Hill, and my $45~/year is worth at least that much.
The VFW also actively helps Vets, specifically with things like "fighting the VA" which I just count as a plus.
Excluding bingo nights, I've never stepped foot in a Post, so my experience is limited in that regards.
I joined a few years ago, mainly as part of the "numbers game." The political reality is having more numbers gives organizations like this more power on Capitol Hill, and my $45~/year is worth at least that much.
The VFW also actively helps Vets, specifically with things like "fighting the VA" which I just count as a plus.
Excluding bingo nights, I've never stepped foot in a Post, so my experience is limited in that regards.
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SGT Rick Ash
I am a member of the local VFW and everybody I have spoken with one-on-one is involved in one of several campaigns. I have hooked up with the "VA Fighters" given my ongoing claim. It IS well worth the dues.
We have an awesome location and facility. Second floor with multi-window views of Market Street. We even have our own parking lot and that will come in very handy on "Court Days". Nothing to do with a court of law but here in KY it's a once or twice a year gathering of farmers, gardeners and local artisans all selling their product. The little town of 10,000 swells to twice that size and it's always a blast.
This VFW Post has been around since 1945 and we have a charter member that served in the ARMY in WWII. Great stories and I believe he lives for the meetings... :-) I joined to be around people with like military experience.
We have an awesome location and facility. Second floor with multi-window views of Market Street. We even have our own parking lot and that will come in very handy on "Court Days". Nothing to do with a court of law but here in KY it's a once or twice a year gathering of farmers, gardeners and local artisans all selling their product. The little town of 10,000 swells to twice that size and it's always a blast.
This VFW Post has been around since 1945 and we have a charter member that served in the ARMY in WWII. Great stories and I believe he lives for the meetings... :-) I joined to be around people with like military experience.
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I'm a life member of the VFW. Served as the Post Chaplain for 3 years and was in charge of the Honor Guard for 8 years. Always looking for fellow members of Desert Storm. The Iraq and Afghan Vets need to step up too. The VFW and American Legion have a very powerful voice in Washington. Lets work together for a more powerful voice on Veteran Affairs.
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