What service organizations do you belong to? Do they have a military/veteran component?

SN Vivien Roman-Hampton — Wed, 10 May 2017 21:09:26 -0400

What were the deciding factors that helped you narrow down your choice of organization? What do you enjoy most about the organizations you belong to?

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 10 at 2017 9:24 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Wed, 10 May 2017 21:24:04 -0400

Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW Past Commanders Club Lifetime Membership for Both. American Legion, NCVA Navy Cryptologic Veterans Association. I have let me Legion and NCVA Membership Lapse but I can Fix that. Why Because I can.

Response by LCpl Emanuel W. made May 10 at 2017 9:39 PM

LCpl Emanuel W. — Wed, 10 May 2017 21:39:26 -0400

Marine Corps League. Our detachment is very active within the county. We're in charge of Toys For Tots for this county since there's no reserve unit here. Very active with funerals and military honors. Marine Corps birthday ball every year. Actively helps out veterans in need.

Red Rose Veterans Honor Guard. Veterans from all branches that actively honor our fallen brethren by folding and presenting the flag to next of kin at the burial site.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made May 10 at 2017 10:17 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Wed, 10 May 2017 22:17:50 -0400

I belong to AA that's about the only one I can handle,for me anyhow.

Response by CWO2 John Markiewicz made May 10 at 2017 10:30 PM

CWO2 John Markiewicz — Wed, 10 May 2017 22:30:52 -0400

Disabled American Veterans, National Order of Trench Rats, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Fleet Reserve Association, Military Officers Association, United States Submarine Veterans, Inc., and Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks.

All are military/veteran related organizations except the Elks, though the Elks do have a strong link to veterans an a very active veterans program.

I am most active in the Disabled American Veterans, the National Order of Trench Rats and the United States Submarine Veterans, Inc because, in the case of the first two, the emphasis is on service to veterans in assisting them get their benefits from the VA and volunteering in the VA hospitals, in the Submarines it is more of a Fraternal nature due to the extremely close relationship and camaraderie shared by Submariners on active duty and forever after.

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made May 11 at 2017 9:19 AM

SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM — Thu, 11 May 2017 09:19:39 -0400

I currently don't belong to an Organization because I'm on the fence about this whole thing because let me explain something to you, While I was deployed to Iraq Ladies from AM VETS ?. Sent us care packages and our team signed a flag and I presented it to them when I came back , I even stood on the corner with them waving American flags have people hook their horns for the TROOPS in my Dress uniform, people laughed at me. Later I presented this flag to this organization and now it is their main display when you walk in the only thing missing is a data plate. I was going to buy, until the president said " Come down and have beer and bring your $30 to become a member to our club and you can drink anytime." What makes you think I want to come to your organization and drink with a bunch of old veterans and when I was their I did not see one guy my age, SO I kept in touch but every time they email they never forgot to ask for the $30 dollars. Here, I my life on the line and brought a flag back for them and all they want from me is $30, It like the paperboy asking for his $2 in that movie. REALLY I think for the nice thing I did, they should of made me a year member and maybe I would shared a drink with them. But I noticed a lot of these Organization are about drinking and smoking, yeah I'll tell me war stories but stop asking me for $30. So I'm not saying don't give to Mil organization like VFW but if someone keeps asking you for your money, do you think they want your fellowship? Just putting out there.

Response by PO3 Sandra Gomke made May 11 at 2017 12:42 PM

PO3 Sandra Gomke — Thu, 11 May 2017 12:42:09 -0400

I belong to the Blue Star Mothers of America. I joined 8 years ago when my son entered the US Army. I did it because I couldn't find folks who understood what it meant to be an Army Mom. I stayed because I see a lot of good being done for active duty service members and veterans. We also support the Gold Star families here in Colorado. And, I volunteer at the VA with Recreational Therapy. All because a lovely lady on the Parents of Deployed Soldiers Facebook page said I should find my local BSM chapter. And, of course, I found all of you at RP!!
Now, as a Navy veteran, I do not belong to any veterans organization.
My husband, a Marine, was invited to join the local American Legion but, I wasn't. That's Ok. I'm not interested. Why? Because I am not "Auxiliary". I'm a VETERAN. Just because I'm female doesn't negate that fact. So, until that changes, I have no interest in VFW, Am. Legion or any other men's groups. If I want to "drink and smoke", I can do it at home. ;)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2017 1:18 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 May 2017 13:18:59 -0400

DAV

Response by SGT Jim Arnold made May 12 at 2017 6:29 PM

SGT Jim Arnold — Fri, 12 May 2017 18:29:29 -0400

i signed for the VFW most of the men of that post were WW2 /Korean/Vietnam vets and I was the youngest @45 lol