Do you believe Veteran's Organizations are beneficial to Veterans only, Veterans and Current Service Members, or no one at all?

MSG Donald R. Lee, M.B.A. — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 00:22:47 -0400

I have recently joined some Veterans Organizations and am surprised that more veterans are not members. Many of the benefits (especially for military retirees) we enjoy are due to the efforts of these organizations. I realize that some local organizations are better organized, have a larger membership, and/or are more active in the community, but nothing can be done without the support of the membership. Some organizations even give out "free" memberships (for a year) to returning vets from OIF or OEF. Most memberships cost about $30-40 a year and ask only one night a month to meet. Seems a small cost for all that they have done for me.

But how does everyone else feel about it? I'm sure others have had different experiences (some good, some bad) with their local organizations. Not looking to bash any particular group; just curious about your overall opinion of the value and effectiveness of these groups. Maybe there's some stereotypes that need to be changed. Thoughts???

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 16 at 2015 12:35 AM

PO1 John Miller — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 00:35:12 -0400

Both vets and retirees!

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2015 2:34 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 02:34:59 -0400

All VSO's had helped every veteran and their family in need. There are some that are highly qualified in what they do best. Membership, VA Claims, Representation as the veterans Power of Attorney and so on. I have worked with most of the Big Guns. DAV, VFW, PVA, AMVETS, American Legion, Blind Veterans, Purple Heart, NACVSO, Fleet Reserve Ass., State of California and Hawaii. Ex-POW's and the County of San Diego. Look at what the VSO's bring to the table for the veterans and their families. That's your answer you will be seeking.

S/F,

JK

Response by SSG Kevin McCulley made Jun 16 at 2015 3:12 AM

SSG Kevin McCulley — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 03:12:47 -0400

I'm a life member of the VFW.. I joined on mid-tour leave during my first tour. Proud day for me.. Then I actually tried to go hang out at one and was made to feel unwelcome. 'You gotta be a vet to come in here.." Won't be back. Have no time for them.. wish I could get my life member money back..

Response by LCpl Brian Maloney made Jun 16 at 2015 3:21 AM

LCpl Brian Maloney — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 03:21:19 -0400

I am a member of IAVA, Team Red White and Blue & The Mission Continues. Each one is a little different, but I highly recommend them all and the other groups mentioned.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2015 8:05 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 08:05:50 -0400

I think the intent is to help everyone.....but at least at the local level many organizations only end up looking out for the good 'ole boys or the locals......they want nothing to do with those of us that were transplanted by service or life......in other words if I did not you know you in high school I don't want to know you now.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jun 16 at 2015 1:31 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 13:31:43 -0400

We can't make an absolute determination on ALL orgs. Some are good. Some are terrible.

Response by SPC Allison Joy Cumming made Jun 16 at 2015 2:08 PM

SPC Allison Joy Cumming — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 14:08:30 -0400

Well as you can tell by my hat I belong to at least on VSO Organization. I am a member of the VFW, DAV and the American Legion.

All assist veterans, their families and active military. As for what you get out of being a member, well like anything in life you get out of it what you put into it.

Fact is the true "power" of a VSO is in it's membership numbers. The more members the larger the voice.

Remember active duty members can NOT advocate for themselves at all, therefore we become the voice that has their back until they transition to veteran status.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 16 at 2015 5:44 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 17:44:30 -0400

If they help a veteran they help the family, helping a family helps the community.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2015 8:08 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 20:08:56 -0400

Although I have never used the services. I did like being a member of the American Legion.
They do real good things for soldiers, veterans, and the community.

The benefits were about the same as with having AAA membership, and are not able to be used as an additional discount.

Response by SGT Thomas Lucken made Jun 17 at 2015 1:13 PM

SGT Thomas Lucken — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 13:13:13 -0400

Veterans organizations if ran right at local level, can be beneficial to the community also!

Response by SGT Robert Hawks made Jun 17 at 2015 2:06 PM

SGT Robert Hawks — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 14:06:48 -0400

I have been a lifetime member of the DAV since 1999. I think they do great work to helping veterans.

Response by TSgt Gwen Walcott made Jun 17 at 2015 2:33 PM

TSgt Gwen Walcott — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 14:33:46 -0400

I used to belong to both the American Legion and VFW.
My impression of both (as well as many civilian clubs and Civil Air Patrol) are that they are primarily organized as a general "coffee clatch" for extraverts to congregate and relieve boredom or just pass time with.

Contraindicated for those of us that are introverts. If they DID something other than beat their chests proclaiming how good they are or selling hamburgers, or just shooting the defecants and drinking beer (and soliciting $$$$$$$), maybe they might be worth something.

They might be of some benefit to active duty people trying to maintain a hold of hometown culture --- and again for extraverts to justify living; but otherwise -- they do NOTHING for me -- so I separated from them

$0.02

Response by SFC Steven Wheeler made Jun 17 at 2015 2:35 PM

SFC Steven Wheeler — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 14:35:32 -0400

VFW does great things for the military community.

My understanding is that you had to have been in service during a period of war to join the VFW and cold war era only veterans do not qualify for membership. Is this still correct?

Response by SGT Charles Cameron made Jun 17 at 2015 3:16 PM

SGT Charles Cameron — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 15:16:04 -0400

Throughout the years, those of us have all served together in some capacity, supporting the same goals of freedom. Just because you weren't in actual combat, we still supported each other in our endeavors, and deserve the bennies. Vets for vets...we gave...we're entitled. I think, that many aren't informed of what's been established for them. I'm with the American Legion, & active with out local VA Hospital. Even though there are "loopholes" in the system, it still gives great service and support to those in need.

Response by MAJ Karen Shive made Jun 17 at 2015 3:16 PM

MAJ Karen Shive — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 15:16:35 -0400

My father was a VFW member. I haven't officially joined a particular group but have benefited showing my DD 214 while traveling. It's nice to find a safe haven when traveling.

Response by SGT Jason Weisbrich made Jun 17 at 2015 3:24 PM

SGT Jason Weisbrich — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 15:24:10 -0400

The VSOs are very useful and relevant, but many soldiers are poorly educated on the services that they provide. This is why we as leaders have a duty to ensure that our juniors get educated. Sadly the ACAP program does not delve further into the services they provide. I for one told everybody I came across what is available from the respective VSOs. They are especially good at helping you get the benefits that you have earned, and teaching you how to effectively navigate all the red tape. The more they know now, the better off they will be when it comes time to hang up the uniform for good.

Response by SSG Jeffrey Landry made Jun 17 at 2015 3:41 PM

SSG Jeffrey Landry — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 15:41:52 -0400

Yes they do help as long as the Soldiers or Veterans use the things that are available to them

Response by SFC Henry Bartosik made Jun 17 at 2015 4:14 PM

SFC Henry Bartosik — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 16:14:16 -0400

Even thought the VFW and the American Legion do some good things. Mostly they spend it drinking. At least here where I reside. And I don't care to be around a bunch of drunks telling tall tales. I can do that in the privacy of my own home. been there, done that, and got the cookie

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2015 4:23 PM

LCpl Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 16:23:18 -0400

AS a whole they are beneficial veterans, current troops AND the civilian communities. However, the current state of the local organizations in towns, cities, suburbs is all but good. 80-90% can't even field a full roster of members. As a former Legion Commander, Officer for AMVETS, member of the Marine Corps Association and Marine Corps League, when they function like they should they are an asset.

Reviving an almost dead post of 79 memberts with only 7 active members is a 24/7 job. You spend more then half of the time fighting the old members who don't want change or want to lose control. Most snubbed the Vietnam vet in the 60's-70's and 80's which led to bad blood in recruiting for the next 20 years. Recruiting is the lifeblood. VN vets still won't join and the current vets don't want to join a post with 8-9 70-80 year olds who do nothing. Every veteran from 1990 Golf War until today are eligible to join one of the organizations, yet the vast majority of the VFW, Legion, AMVETS can't get anyone to join and over 75% have closed their doors or function with 8-9 members , over 70 years old, who do nothing but maintain the name. So when they function like many of the remaining ones do, active recruiting, help returning vets, contribute to the community they serve a purpose.

Response by TSgt Scott Hurley made Jun 17 at 2015 5:09 PM

TSgt Scott Hurley — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 17:09:36 -0400

Yes, these organizations benefit both vets and service members alike. I would like to see more of the current generation of vets join these organizations. But I know that they will balk at the idea of joining or decline altogether using the excuse that they are for "old timers."

Response by SSG Timothy McCoy made Jun 17 at 2015 5:44 PM

SSG Timothy McCoy — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 17:44:56 -0400

I am a life member to both the Am Legion an the VFW.
Both Organizations have helped me both as an Active Duty soldier and as a veteran. When I was still active both in N.C. and in AL, when the unit wanted and needed a large meeting, we rented the space at the local Post or Homes. I feel that I wouldn't have been able to rent these if I wasn't a Member-at-Large.
Now that I am living in rural Oklahoma, I try to stay active with both , but alas I have failed to do so while the staying on the tread mill of life making a living.

Response by PO2 Robert Cuminale made Jun 17 at 2015 6:32 PM

PO2 Robert Cuminale — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 18:32:27 -0400

I'm not much of a joiner of anything. I belong to a couple of lineage organizations but no longer am able to travel 1100 miles round trip for the annual meeting and other functions at least three times a year.
We haven't been to church in a while. Many years as a Deacon wore me out and the younger people act like it's an options to fulfill their duties. I'm 64 and I felt like it was time for me to step down. It seems too many people were relying on me to cover their shifts and close up and it was the only way to have time to myself.
My impression of the American Legion was of too many men drinking too many beers. And I don't feel like rehashing old stuff over and over. I enjoy an evening of poker or pinochle but no one seems to play cards any more. My Grandfather and I used to sit for 8 hours at a time playing about 30 different card games but he's been gone since 1984 so I guess that's how long it's been since I played.

Response by TSgt Mario Guajardo made Jun 17 at 2015 7:32 PM

TSgt Mario Guajardo — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 19:32:00 -0400

They all do good things, keep their local populations aware of veterans participation, and contribute to the local communities. I don't join because the last time I joined something it took twenty years of my life and my health so I'm through joinin'.

Response by Lt Col James McMichael made Jun 18 at 2015 8:51 AM

Lt Col James McMichael — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 08:51:36 -0400

These organizations are wonderful and provide needed services & support to those who served and are serving. The ROA puts on a Joint Officer Professional Development Seminar multiple times each year that enhances leadership skills to junior officers O1-O3.

Response by COL John Power made Jun 18 at 2015 9:36 AM

COL John Power — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 09:36:19 -0400

I think we need to participate in the process of supporting or opposing legislation, advocating for our population, and helping other veterans. If we don't do our part to take care of our own, why should we expect others to do so? I'm a member of MOAA, the VFW and the American Legion. They are helpful and effective in representing us in the halls of Congress. We need that.

Response by SFC Roc Holland made Jun 18 at 2015 9:44 AM

SFC Roc Holland — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 09:44:40 -0400

There are so many different Veterans organizations that they are weak and ineffective. If they would join together and become one organization actually fighting for all Veterans then they would have a strong voice and be able to make a real difference!!!

Response by SSgt Paula Szanca made Jun 18 at 2015 11:03 AM

SSgt Paula Szanca — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 11:03:16 -0400

I definitely believe that these organizations benefit veterans and their social members. I am a lifetime member and 5 time commander of the American Legion and belong to the VFW also. For what you pay for membership is definitely worth the lower priced food and beverages. I don't know about the other Legions and VFW's, but we also offer free cover for bands and sometimes free food. We honor past commanders and 50+ years of continuous membership with a catered dinner every year as we do veteran on Veteran's Day. Our SAL (Sons of American Legion) get the same. We also have Easter Egg hunts and Christmas parties for the veteran's children and each child gets a present and we do not spare on the price of these gifts. But that is not the main purpose of our establishments. We donate thousands of dollars to the less fortunate/volunteer organizations/schools/other veteran organizations in our community to include Food Bank, Humane Society, Fire Company, Fix-A-Pet, Salvation Army to name a few. I recommend that if you are a vet, that you look into your local veteran organizations in your area and join. We also pay active duty's memberships. We are always in need of more veterans! If you need assistance in finding a veteran's organization in your area, please contact me and I will be more than happy to help you find one!

Response by CW3 Guy Snodgrass made Jun 18 at 2015 1:10 PM

CW3 Guy Snodgrass — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 13:10:23 -0400

I am a life member of the VFW. I also don't wish to "bash" any particular organization. When I first retired I attended dutifully and went there on Saturdays for breakfast. I was involved. But there seemed to be the same "clanish" mentality that was prevalent in the army and nothing was going to change that (at least-not before I left, maybe it has changed).
I still consider myself as part of the "younger" crowd (I first enlisted in 1981). It seemed instead of trying to "make things happen" they were more interested in their pet projects and yes, get "$$$$" much like the NRA. I am still a life member of the VFW and believe in taking care of our soldiers, sailors, marines and air men, but getting involved with the same grinds as were prevalent in the service, is not the way.
I agree, we must become involved, but the "leadership" of this institutions needs to listen to some of the new ideas that are brought to them as well. "Business as usual" will not work if this institutions plan to recruit our younger brothers and sisters.

Response by PFC James Sander made Jun 18 at 2015 6:07 PM

PFC James Sander — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 18:07:10 -0400

i am a past post commander of a VFW post in PENNSYLVANIA in the 70s and when i ask for help being a VIETNAM VETERAN i was told by the VFW and the LEGION that they were not going to do a F---ING thing for us VIETNAM VETERANS so i quit both the VFW and the LEGION and have not or do i intend to give then a second thought you can send this to there national headquarters if you want i dont care.

Response by PO1 Peggy Weldon Perales made Jun 19 at 2015 12:32 AM

PO1 Peggy Weldon Perales — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 00:32:17 -0400

I hear that some people get help but after 17yrs and a medical retirement I don't feel like I am taken seriously, or that my opinions matter. I don't even know where to go for help in the town I currently live in.

Response by SSG(P) D. Wright Downs made Jun 23 at 2015 2:15 PM

SSG(P) D. Wright Downs — Tue, 23 Jun 2015 14:15:39 -0400

I still have heartburn about the way the VFW treated early VN vets...sorry, but that is the way it is. I saw bad blood in families up close and personal. DAV and American Legion did not get ruthless as I saw the VFW get. When they saw they would die out, puff, they turned around and started to look and act as brothers. The Vn vets who are in the leadership could not have acted better. In fact, the VVA motto is what has helped all the veteran organizations work for the betterment of all organizations . I have had no dealings with AMVETS. American Legion works with young people through baseball, oratory and citizenship, Girls state and Boys State. these are very important. Work for the betterment of the whole family ad therefore the country.

Response by SSG Izzy Abbass made Jun 23 at 2015 3:25 PM

SSG Izzy Abbass — Tue, 23 Jun 2015 15:25:17 -0400

I was the Commander of the very first VFW Post in the country - John S. Stewart Post 1 - in Denver CO. Served for 5 years and I only got involved because the Post ran into some financial issues. I can say with great pride that we not only turned the Post around, we have expanded. We are not your typical VFW Post with a bunch of cranky old guys, wearing funny hats, drinking cheap been in a dark, smoke filled bar. We are extremely active and we don't even have a bar.

I'm a huge believer that we should not segregate Veterans away from society, we should serve as a bridge between the community and Veterans. There are over 2,500 bars in Denver and we can go drink at a different one every night and get a heck of a discount (and I like do drink myself). We are located in the heart of the art district, all the artwork on the first floor of our Post is done by Veterans, have a huge number of women Veterans and student Veterans and offer Yoga 1x per week, art therapy programs a couple of times a month and screen Veteran made movies 1x per month. We are very active and very engaged. http://www.vfwpost1.org

VFWs and other legacy organizations are important - the whole reason there is a Post 9-11 GI Bill and previous versions is because of organizations like this. They help with expediting claims and they do a lot of good. Are there problem Posts and Members? Of course there are. The core of the organization is important though. If you want to change these problem Posts, get involved. I too have heard the not being wanted comments. Heck, the older timers used to refer to me and others as the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. It's changed now. We have lots of Nam Vets and OEF/OIF vets as members. That change only comes with getting involved though.

The First Post - Denver | Veterans of Foreign Wars VFW Post 1

Veterans of Foreign Wars VFW Post 1 is the first and oldest post with the youngest members. Join The First Post that has been serving veterans since 1899.

Response by SGT Kevin McCourt made Jun 23 at 2015 3:34 PM

SGT Kevin McCourt — Tue, 23 Jun 2015 15:34:32 -0400

Veterans would have zero benefits if it weren't for the VSO's. Someone has to speak up for the soldier. Think of the VSO's as a union rep. Each seems to serve a certain niche. But their goal is unified to a certain extent.

Response by SPC Robert Greenly made Jun 24 at 2015 1:03 PM

SPC Robert Greenly — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 13:03:43 -0400

MSG, There is a HUGE stereotype with the VFW. What I have always observed and heard was that these places are full of a bunch of old men and some older women who only play bingo and BBQ. They go there for the cheap drinks and B.S. It also smells in the few that I have been in. Yes, to answer your question there is a huge stereotype with this organization. Some young veterans feel that there isn't a place for them or their modern ideas to "ramp up" the organization to be able to do more for the veteran.

Response by SSG Bryan Van Hoose made Jun 24 at 2015 8:01 PM

SSG Bryan Van Hoose — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 20:01:04 -0400

From my point of view, they are all equally worthless. I am service connected disabled at 90%, I have PTSD, Anxiety disorder, a fused spine, repaired left labrum, and a repaired right ankle. I am unable to work, I tried for 6 months to find a job that had reasonable accommodations, the VFW has been unable or unwilling to put me into contact with someone who can get that 100%. I live in Virginia and they still want taxes, even though I can't work, the only way I can get relief is with the 100%. The VA drags their feet on everything they do, they have cancelled my appointments the same day I get there, they have made appointments that I missed because the notification process is non-existent.

I don't go to those places you listed because they are no help to me.

Response by SFC Randall Beat made Jun 25 at 2015 1:28 PM

SFC Randall Beat — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 13:28:50 -0400

Hello "Brothers and Sisters in Arms",

I apologize now this will likely be a long post.

VSOs in general have a uphill battle against the current culture of our nation. VSOs were largely founded on an all but gone community culture that many veterans of previous conflict/wars shared. This is the reason most VSOs need to make changes to accommodate younger veterans, the old ways need to change with the culture.

Before I joined my local VFW almost 2 years ago, I did some research on the current status of VSOs and how they were fairing in the current national culture. What I found very quickly is that most if not all VSOs were shrinking in overall membership and many post were closing due to low membership and low activity.

I’ll give you a brief background about me to show you my prospective. I served 18 years US Army – Medical Discharged for lower back injury in the line of duty, 30% disability rating from VA, BA in Business Admin. – Marketing, MA in Business and Organizational Security Management.
I moved from Southern California to North Idaho in April of 2013. During that long drive I made a decision to be part of the community I live in rather than just live in the community. I decided months later to join the VFW in my community. So I looked up the nearest post and found via the website when there post meeting were. So I show up and as soon as I walk in the door, everyone in the room turns and looks at me. One of the members asked “Are you a member?” I replied “not yet”. I quickly got a reply “you cannot come in; this is a members only meeting”. I turned and left the room, a membered followed me out and gave me quick explanation why I was not allowed to attend and that he did not have time to see to making me a member right now. There were only about 10 members in the room and only one of them was below the age of 50. I came back on another day and paid my dues and became a “card carrying member”. From there I attend most of the VFW functions and quickly became a “pain in the arse” to many of the older members, with my new ideas and spitfire attitude.
Looking back I understand that many posts will come off with the good ol’ boy attitude, but sticking with it will often times overcome that built in culture. I also found that when I gave an idea that I needed to back it up with action and reap the respect from its success. Over the last 19 months, I have been given enough rope to hang myself and instead used that rope to make a bridge between the post and our community. Here are some of the new things our post has done in the last 18 months and the out comes from those events:
Hosted a Game convention in alliance with our local Game store
60 people attended and the event made the front page of the paper.

The post made over $18,000 dollars in donations and donated over $18,000 to veterans in our community. There were no 30% costs or administration fees put on this money. Every dime we were donated went back to the veterans in our community.
We supported Women Warrior Retreat and recruited several female veterans.
We planned and will hold our first Veteran Family Retreat this weekend, in hopes of making it an annual event.
From these events and activities I have learned that activity breeds activity. The older the average age of a post is the more difficult it will be to stay activity in the community. So recruiting members is and will always be the life blood of VSOs. If you are not getting new “younger” members, your post is effectively dying a slow death. As you all know many posts have a bar that at one point in time with the “best watering hole in town”. That watering hole is now all dried up! The younger veterans that would be considered the market for VSOs are in the stage of their life that they have kids and jobs, alcohol though legal is not the preferred method of building loyalty with a veteran family. In my opinion the posts that perpetuation the stereo typical of veterans wasting their days away drinking and smoking at the “Watering hole” is doing more damage to VSOs than anything else. VSOs must be active in their community or they will waste away.
Some of the ways a post can be active in its community are: providing a Veteran Family Retreat, putting on a month Family movie night, have a weekly coffee and donut (free) where all veterans are welcome. This is just a few ways to move in the right direction, I’m sure there are many more. I would enjoy hearing about them.
Since joining the VFW, I have been placed/voted into several positions: Post Jr Vice, Post Sr Vice, District QM and District Chief Recruiter, I also attended the state conventions, I decided to focus on my community rather than focus on trying to move up the chairs in district. As many of you know VSOs are a bureaucracy and that means “Red Tape” and paper work. After holding the positions, I understand the need for the paper work. My goal is to change my community’s view of the VFW and provide for the veterans in my community. VSOs are a community based organization and that being said they add value to their community or they will go away.

Thank you for taking the time to read this lengthy post and if you are in need of direction when it comes to a VSO please feel free to contact me.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Jun 26 at 2015 6:27 AM

Cpl Jeff N. — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 06:27:01 -0400

I left the service 30 years ago. I never joined or considered joining any Veterans group. Some I would not be eligible for others I would. One of the biggest issues I see are there are simply too many of them. VFW, AMVETS, American Legion and the list goes on and on and on. Veterans have watered down their voice by having so many organizations representing them.

It seems that too much time is spent by veterans organizations in extracting more benefits (money) from the government.

Response by PO2 Jeffrey Sheibels made Jul 7 at 2015 9:37 PM

PO2 Jeffrey Sheibels — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 21:37:05 -0400

I think that all veteran organizations have something benificial to offer. It depends on what you are looking to get out of them.