Does RP have the potential to supplement the VFW, or is it more likely to supplant it with the current generation of soldiers?

1LT Nick Kidwell — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 19:54:57 -0400

Honestly, as a child of the 80s and as a person who watched technology gain its popularity up to this point, I find myself interacting with people online more and more. Add to that the fact that friends and family are all far-flung, the Internet is the mode by which I stay in touch with people.

That said, I find myself seeking rapport and camaraderie on here, and not feeling a desire to go visit my local post and shoot the breeze with Vietnam-era vets who have little in common with me.

What say you, RP community?

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2014 8:00 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 20:00:40 -0400

1LT Nick Kidwell. VFW does a lot of community service, lobbying, and representation that would appear to be well beyond the scope of RallyPoint. Warmest Regards, Sandy

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2014 8:11 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 20:11:52 -0400

I will say this - you can meet anyone you might have the imagination for here on RP. However, as 1LT Sandy Annala mentions it will be next to impossible to become a politically strong group and meet with Congress online. To meet with Congress and effect change for our veterans means we have to meet the Congressmen/women and the Senators where they work. Sor far, the members of congress don't work on twitter - yet.

So, for frivolilty, camraderie and general shooting the bull - you may find it better on RP. This is mostly because it keeps you from actually having to meet and learn to deal with people on a one-on-one basis. It's understandable that the modern ladies and gentlemen want to continue to communicate with the tools they were raised on. The older generation needs to learn to adapt and reach out to that younger generation - something I hope the younger generation can help with.

So, for now, the physical VFW's are the place to effect changes in the political world - but fear not, all is not lost! There may come a time in which a virtual VFW comes into effect - it's not that far fetched an idea - it's just a matter of timing and technology. Maybe there's a way to create the first virtual VFW and become not only the place to chat, but the place to effect changes on behalf of our fellow veterans.....who's up to prove it can be done (and show me how to do it!)??????

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Aug 25 at 2014 8:33 PM

MSG Wade Huffman — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 20:33:28 -0400

Sir, as I've stated in previous posts, your local VFW, or American Legion, or Amvets, or DAV.. etc.. is exactly what it's local membership makes it. Nothing more, nothing less. Yes, the picture you describe is an accurate one for many posts across the country, but there are also many well lit, non smoke filled, family friendly, community-centric posts as well. Believe it or not, there are also posts who have not, nor do they intend to, apply for a liquor license.
I, too, came of age in the 80's (well, the EARLY 80s let's say!) so I do understand where you are coming from. I am also a member of the VFW, American Legion, and AMVETS. The only way to bring these organization (locally) to the current age is from within.
YES, there are a LOT of VERY OLD, VERY set in their ways veterans in these posts; and you know what? If you take the time to get to know them, they are really, very nice people who care just as much as we do about veterans. It's not that they don't WANT to change... they just don't know HOW.
We can work together to modernize these posts, but it has to be from within, and locally.
Thank you for all you are doing in YOUR community! We just need to get more people involved in more local posts.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2014 8:56 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 20:56:04 -0400

I come here to keep up with the current happenings in the organization and keep a hand on the pulse of my peers, but there's a lot of wisdom and experience to be culled down at the Legion or VFW.