Posted on Oct 28, 2017
Would you join The American Legion or the VFW? Why or Why Not?
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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.
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.
Posted in these groups: 
The American Legion
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
The American Legion Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
Posted 7 y ago
Responses: 42
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.
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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.
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SFC Jim Ruether
SP5 Renee Reif - Hi SP5 Reif, I think I know where you are coming from. I was a young recruit and was invited to join the America Legion but was subsequently not invited to belong in the VFW. The reasoning at one time was that those who fought in sustained battle over a specific amou nt of day qualified then for inclusion in the VFW. Several members of the VFW stated their view and basically said if you weren't in combat you didn't measure up according to the VFW by-laws. With clubs closing left and right across our country we need to change the by-laws and include every vet in the memberships of these two great clubs. I believe that the Son's and Daughter's be allowed to be members fully fledged members as well. If they respect our flag, respect our country and want to serve their communities I say let them in and give them a welcome pat on their backs for doing so. I hope that my explanation is how you feel. because a veteran is a veteran. We all raised our hands and took an oath to defent our country agaisn't all enemies.
I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."
We should remember and take pride in this oath because only 7% of the qualified indivividuals in our country have taken this oath.
Thank you for your service to our country and be forever proud of that fact.
I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."
We should remember and take pride in this oath because only 7% of the qualified indivividuals in our country have taken this oath.
Thank you for your service to our country and be forever proud of that fact.
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SFC Jim Ruether
SP5 Renee Reif - My two Vietnam Uncles both belong to the VFW where I don't or cant.. My two uncles stood up for me and said if this club wouldnt serve their nephew who was a veteran too but not from a foriegn war then they would grab about 18 or so club members and we'd find a bar where we could all drink together. The VFW changed its mind in a hurry and althought I am not a VFW member I enjoy having beers with my uncles and a dozen guys I work with on road construction at my VFW......
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SFC Jim Ruether
SP5 Renee Reif - The thing is that it only takes one negative voice or one negative act and a group will follow along. I just tried to help this VFW that was slowly heading for bankruptcy. By doing good deeds my name came up and I was recognized for doing good things for the clug, by promoting the club with fund raisers, Vet meals on wheels, art work showing their own units in combat in the Solomon Islands, Korea, Germany, Italy, Vietnam, Desert Storm, ets. I cooked and served many meals to be eaten at the club and the next thing you know is the club is showing a profit and its getting new carpeting donated from a local furniture store. I worked hard to help make the club function and grow. I wasn't the Lone Ranger eith.. By setting a good example more vets participated and we were a team, a squad, a platoon, a company. We honored local individuals in our clubs with flags flown over their FOBs now proudly displayed in the club. Vets would come into the club and when asked to join you could hear the vets say why not instead of why should I.
I see that you went to OCS or Officers Candidate School. Did you get your Bars? It takes a lot of hard work and studying to graduate. I stayed in the enlisted ranks myself and just like my uncles, cousins, and my dad, we or I was the backbone of the ARMY. Thanks for your service to our country. It will have been as much a stepping stone for those Americans who follow in your bootsteps as it will by those who lead from your example.
I see that you went to OCS or Officers Candidate School. Did you get your Bars? It takes a lot of hard work and studying to graduate. I stayed in the enlisted ranks myself and just like my uncles, cousins, and my dad, we or I was the backbone of the ARMY. Thanks for your service to our country. It will have been as much a stepping stone for those Americans who follow in your bootsteps as it will by those who lead from your example.
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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
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