This question has been broached before on RP. VSOs that have social events tend to be older vets, and do little to appeal to younger ones. VSOs that do service and just have business meetings aren't very sexy.

There are also myriad sociological factors that define the ethos of younger vets. One big one is the multiple extended deployments to Iq and Af. Many of these vets just can't take being around others. War stories are very triggering, and you always hear them at VSOs...

My VFW post is populated by a bunch of old farts sitting on top of a substantial bank account. What's wrong with these young guys and gals? They could easy inherit the organization and do some good with it. I doubt we'll object. In fact, we'll be happy to see them make good use of it.

As a Veteran, I agree, the VSOs don't seem very "inviting" to newbies (especially, younger ones). I'm not sure how (or who) can change a culture like that but I think it would be a great venue for this generation to use as a social gathering arena.