This is how we can better serve our veterans

I want to be very clear, this is my personal opinion, nothing in this post is the opinion of the American Legion, Operation Code, or any other Veterans Service Organization, VSO. I write Command Posts with the sole intent of helping veterans, and sharing ideas on what we can do to serve each other, and our country. That being said I think there are many ways that we can all come together, work as a team, and solve problems for those we served with.

The “traditional” VSO

I am a member of the American Legion. We are a federally chartered organization with the four main pillars of service around Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children & Youth. I am proud to serve as a member in my local community, with my personal goals to find ways to help other veterans find meaningful work, whether volunteer or career.

One of the advantages of being such a large VSO is having the ear of Congress to lobby on behalf of Veterans and their families. I have to admit, seeing our National Commander testifying in front of congress gives me a sense of pride. National VSO’s have an ability to help shape laws and improve care and service for those who have sacrificed. There are rules, bylaws, and significant structure.

The new “startup” VSO

I also work with a few smaller “startup” type VSO’s. Operation Code for example is a small organization focused on helping Veterans who want to get into computer programming. I try to offer help where I can for organizations like this, mostly by connecting people who can help. As time allows I try to get involved with others, mostly just trying to talk to other Veterans and encourage them to find a way to get involved.

The smaller VSO’s seem to attract a younger crowd, more OEF/OIF veterans and with good reason. While they do not have the lobbying power, they are able to appeal to the desire to continue with the mission they left behind when exiting military service. Much like high tech startups, they are disrupting what has traditionally been the domain of the large and established VSO’s.

How do we all help vets?

As many of the veterans serving in the legacy VSO’s such as the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and many others continue to age, they seem to struggle to maintain membership, to attract younger leaders to move their agenda forward.

For the newer VSO’s a lack of organization, and a smaller focus is both a positive and a challenge. Their lack of access to lawmakers and the sheer number of smaller organizations not only dilutes the potential impact, but also the membership and donation pools.

With the combined mission to help veterans, it seems that the best outcome is for these organizations to look at ways they can combine their efforts. The smaller VSO’s can benefit from the structure and access, and the larger established VSO’s can continue to serve while continuing to grow and add new members.


As we all look for new ways to continue to serve, it is imperative we remember the true mission. It isn’t about me, it isn’t about you, it is about serving our veterans. We must put aside our personal pride, our desire to be in the spotlight, and focus on the mission. Joint operations are often the most successful, and we need to focus on working as a big team. Whether officially or not, collaboration is the key to our future success, cooperation will help all VSO’s win not because we are perpetuating the organizations, but because we are serving, together.