How can veterans organizations better help veterans?

CPT Jack Durish — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 10:48:44 -0500

The major veterans organizations such as the American Legion and the VFW tout their ability to impact government, to lobby on behalf of veterans, because of their numbers. I'm sure they do good in this regard, but isn't that just another way of standing back from an issue and saying "Let the government take care of it"? How well has that been working out for us? How well did that work out for the victims of Hurricane Katrina who sat on their roofs waiting for the government to rescue them?

Local communities used to manage their own schools and, although results varied from school district to district, they operated somewhat efficiently. Now look at what has happened since the power (money) for education transferred to Washington. Costs have increased while performance has suffered.

Local posts of veterans organizations should be more than social clubs, shouldn't they? Well, if they became more active, what three veterans issues could they attack in their communities?

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Dec 11 at 2015 10:55 AM

SPC(P) Jay Heenan — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 10:55:46 -0500

We just need to care about each other...that would be a great start

Response by SGT David T. made Dec 11 at 2015 11:08 AM

SGT David T. — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 11:08:36 -0500

Be inclusive for starters. My experience with the VFW was not a positive one. When I moved to WA state, I transferred to the post there. When I went in there I was asked anywhere from 5-10 times for my membership card. I could see the "why is he in here" look from many of the members who were many years older than I. They wanted my money but didn't want me. I let my membership lapse as a result. If they can't get younger members in the door and keep them, they wont be able to sustain long term involvement.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2015 11:45 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 11:45:28 -0500

in my area there are more and more VFW's being closed because of membership

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2015 3:32 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Dec 2015 03:32:41 -0500

Given the premise of the question, i would propose:
1) Re-integration support
2) Mental health/PTSD support
3) Physical injury/compensation support

Response by SFC Andrew Miller made Apr 27 at 2016 2:31 PM

SFC Andrew Miller — Wed, 27 Apr 2016 14:31:42 -0400

As a current County Veteran Service Officer, I make my way into a few different posts in my county every month. There are 24 total between the Legion, VFW, AMVETS, DAV, VVA, and the Marine Corps League. Occasionally I meet with non-veteran organizations as well like Lions, Rotary, and Elks. I can't speak for every post everywhere, because they are all different, but my personal experiences have been positive and while I am one of the youngest in the room, I have been received and treated well. You generally don't see the positive things they do if you aren't in the meetings or a recipient of assistance. Just in my county alone there are thousands of dollars every month that go to assist veterans in need for things that they wouldn't qualify for through federal or state assistance. Between them all, they have made cash or gift card contributions directly for veterans, paid for car repairs, transportation to appointments and/or shopping, covered essential home repair costs, etc. The collective county VFWs gives out hundreds of food baskets per year for veterans in need. They give scholarships at the state level and the American Legion runs a camp that is 100% free to disabled Wisconsin veterans and their immediate family.

Their biggest need is people, and I am sure that there are posts who end up closing down, because they aren't receptive to newcomers. The posts that are successful are actively trying to recruit new veterans.

The best way to affect change is to get right in the middle of it and implement it yourself. Even if they fight you all of the way, you should drive on and fight the good fight. I can't speak for everyone, but for me once I was bit by the bug to serve I couldn't leave it alone.

On top of that, they each have service officers in VA Regional Offices to assist veterans in properly filing their compensation and pension claims. Veterans who appoint a service organization to act as their power of attorney with the VA end up with double the award on average of those who go it alone.