Should any veteran be able to join a VFW?

2015-04-28T22:40:24-04:00

I understand that the VFW is an abbreviation for Veterans of Foreign Wars and time served overseas in a deployment situation is a requirement to join. I am not discounting deployments by any means at all! Believe me, I am thankful for the men and women that sacrificed time away from their families, friends and everything else they hold dear while deployed. The question I would pose is, don't all veterans support the fight overseas? I am curious on the climate of this question and I appreciate your responses.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Apr 28 at 2015 10:45 PM

2015-04-28T22:45:39-04:00

The VFW/American legion might have to consider it if my generation's war vets keep declining to join. There are some gap years of vets that are not "war time" vets and/or never served overseas that are an untapped membership base. The question becomes, what the the purpose of the organization and is war time service germane to that purpose.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2015 12:06 AM

2015-04-29T00:06:07-04:00

SSgt Michael Orcutt, one doesn't have to have been deployed to join the VFW. Those who have been stationed in Korea are also eligible.

I don't think that the VFW should change its membership requirements. There are already many veteran organizations out there that service members can join without having been overseas, so why can't there be one organization where veterans of foreign wars can meet and socialize with other members who have had similar experiences?

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Apr 29 at 2015 10:27 AM

2015-04-29T10:27:46-04:00

From the horses mouth...

http://www.vfw.org/Join/?gclid=Cj0KEQjwgoKqBRDt_IfLr8y1iMUBEiQA8Ua7Xc7Fj4xhDlUFztENS4PGhvM9fDt6Rfw3hDt9ZUS7KCUaAhe98P8HAQ

VFW - Veterans of Foreign Wars

We understand the unique bond you share with other veterans of overseas conflicts because we too, have been there. Since 1899, the VFW has been the nation’s leading veterans service organization in the fight to better the lives of all those who’ve worn the uniform of the United States military. No matter which conflict called you to service, we invite you to join us. Stand strong with the other 1.4 million members of the VFW as together, we...

Response by Sgt Daniel Jallits made Apr 29 at 2015 7:35 PM

2015-04-29T19:35:12-04:00

* Are a U.S. citizen who has served honorably in an overseas conflict

• Received a campaign medal for overseas service

* Served 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days in Korea

* Received hostile fire or imminent danger pay

Response by SGT Tom Bowers made May 6 at 2015 2:54 PM

2015-05-06T14:54:52-04:00

There are a ton of Military groups for vets of all kinds. Some are more specific in their requirements. That's their call. Should the Military Order of the Purple Heart allow all service members? There were medics who treated us and drivers who CASEVAC and pilots who MEDEVAC and brothers and sisters who returned fire. However, none of those meet the requirements for membership. Just a thought.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2015 7:19 PM

2015-05-06T19:19:10-04:00

I think they should be allowed to join the Auxiliary, but unless a veteran has a campaign medal, my answer would be no. There is a reason it is called Veterans of Foreign Wars. Now to qualify this, I was a member of the VFW for two years. I cannot speak for the entire organization, but ours is not a good one at all. They do nothing for vets or the community other than provide an honor guard, when they can get enough people together to do that. I have been a member of the American Legion for many years, and it is an "okay" organization. There is so much drama involved in all of them, because of this I limit my activity. I have been an adjutant and am on the ballot for a director in our post. I fight constantly to get the post updated to modern standards and recruit younger members, but I am fought the entire way by the two remaining Korean war vets and the Vietnam vets. If the attitudes don't change, there will be few veteran organizations left.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 6 at 2015 9:40 PM

2015-05-06T21:40:09-04:00

Thanks for reminding me. I renewed my VFW membership and upgraded to lifetime.

Response by SFC Douglas Duckett made May 7 at 2015 9:22 AM

2015-05-07T09:22:22-04:00

Supporting the fight vs. being in the fight are two separate things. The organization caters to the "being in the fight" veterans. My problem with this particular organization is its unwillingness to adapt and overcome changes in society. Try to explain to the older members about the new policies on homosexuals serving and that these individuals are entitled to membership. Wow was that a can of worms that I opened at a local post.

Not that I condone nor practice alternative lifestyles, but society has changed and organizations that are geared toward the veteran MUST change with it.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made May 7 at 2015 9:28 AM

2015-05-07T09:28:52-04:00

A veteran less a veteran because of their sexuality or religious beliefs or sex? NO! We all did our part in the fight. Just because people are different does not mean they didn't do their jobs in the fight or supporting the fight. We are all VETERANS!!!!!

Response by 1SG Kenneth Talkington Sr made May 7 at 2015 2:00 PM

2015-05-07T14:00:33-04:00

I am a member of the VFW. However, I am not an active member. When I joined most of the members at the time were WWII and Korean War veterans. As I was a Vietnam veteran I was treated like I was not welcome. So I quit going to the facility. In my estimation the members of the VFW are their own worst enemy.

Response by SGT Anthony Bussing made May 7 at 2015 8:17 PM

2015-05-07T20:17:16-04:00

no....that would be like the Marine Corps League letting Air Force vets become full members...

Response by MSgt Brian Welch made May 7 at 2015 8:39 PM

2015-05-07T20:39:37-04:00

I went to a post when I first retired. I found that post attracted in mostly members that wanted to sit around and boast inflated stories. That's not the kind of thing that interests me. I know they do a number of great things as a organization but overall seemed like a social club for big fish stories.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made May 7 at 2015 8:42 PM

2015-05-07T20:42:09-04:00

Pretty sure there are some basic & common requirements for membership.. like fighting in a foreign war. When I first had the time to get out & visit my local VFW's, I was extremely disappointed: Each one of the chapters was typified by a gaggle of gin-swilling old timers. They swore like sailors (which I suppose is OK) and blew cigar smoke about the room. My "sponsor" seemed more interested in my money --vice recruiting a fellow vet. They are competing for "young blood" in their ranks. Unfortunately, the VFW seems to be a dinosaur model. It's difficult for an dying organization to recruit new membership when they're killing themselves with stories like those listed here.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2015 10:20 PM

2015-05-07T22:20:17-04:00

I went to the VFW right next to Ft Huachuca for a steak and beer night with some friends back in 2003. I was asked by the guy at the front door where my liqueur store or laundromat was. I didn't go in and went back to the base... I might consider joining when the Korean war and Vietnam vets are no longer the majority

Response by SMSgt Dan Powell made May 8 at 2015 6:04 PM

2015-05-08T18:04:45-04:00

The VFW has a specific charter. If you don't meet the criteria, then you are out of luck. Having said that, I was treated so poorly by the VFW after I retired (I am a Viet Nam Vet) that I haven't been back. I am truly sorry to hear that the Viet Nam Vets are doing the same crap that the "greatest generation" were. Which is kind of funny, Viet Nam was commanded so poorly by senior commanders who were, almost to a man, WWII veterans. We just fought the war we were given, just like you younger troops.

Response by PO1 John Miller made May 11 at 2015 6:01 AM

2015-05-11T06:01:46-04:00

I don't think the requirements should change. There are many other veteran organizations out there, not just the VFW. If one finds that they want to join a veteran organization but don't fit the membership requirements of the VFW they can simply look at others.

For instance, I am a member of the VFW, American Legion, DAV, and the FRA (Fleet Reserve Association, membership eligibility reserved for members of the sea services, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard).

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2015 4:03 PM

2015-05-22T16:03:08-04:00

As a health inspector for the last 21 years, I have seen VFW's close one by one due to declining membership. If exclusivity remains as it is, organizations such as this will only be rich in history, having little impact on the future. The reality is that many people in the neighborhoods can faintly remember the "bar" that was on the corner, "I think it was an AMVETS or something", I would hear. In my area, 7 have met the chopping block.

Response by LT Mark Adams made May 22 at 2015 4:09 PM

2015-05-22T16:09:55-04:00

My civilian side of me posted as a health inspector, the military in me says...we really should be getting along and not creating subsets within our organization (and I mean the military as a whole). We should not be excluding each other as vets/current members/etc. But a club is a club and days are numbered unless you continue to have war to make it possible to make folks eligible for membership. That's got to be the worst sustainability plan I have ever heard of though.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2015 12:01 PM

2015-09-14T12:01:34-04:00

"don't all veterans support the fight overseas?"
It's very easy to go down the rabbit hole with this sort of logic. You could ask the same question about campaign awards. Should the Airman loading up missiles or bombs on an aircraft in Europe qualify for a campaign medal? What about the sailor in the gulf who never sets foot in the country? Both are directly supporting the fight. You could also ask the same questions for drone pilots. They're operating aircraft in theater from the United States.

Personally I think the VFW's requirements are fine as they sit. It is an organization for Veterans of foreign wars. I do think, on the other hand, that the American Legion should open it's membership to Cold War Veterans. They currently allow "peacetime" Veterans from the period between the Gulf War and the GWOT, so there's really no justification at this point.

Response by SFC Dean D. made Sep 14 at 2015 2:15 PM

2015-09-14T14:15:39-04:00

No, because each VSO was formed with specific criteria for their membership. Simply put:
* VFW requires foreign soil service (http://www.vfw.org/Join/Eligibility/)
* American Legion requires service during wartime
* Army & Navy Union USA and AMVETS require simply that one served honorably
These criteria directly relate to their ability to be non-profit VSOs in accordance with their charter.
Each of these VSOs also have subordinate organizations which one can join to allow support and participation in their local chapters.

VFW - Veterans of Foreign Wars USA

Veterans of Foreign Wars of the US is the official nonprofit service organization for USA military veterans benefits, VFW programs, community service, patriotic and world events, American flag sales, and services to military veterans and communities.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2016 5:53 PM

2016-04-13T17:53:24-04:00

You're able to join the VFW Auxiliary if you are a spouse, widow, or widower of a Veteran of a Foreign War.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2016 5:59 PM

2016-04-13T17:59:28-04:00

SSgt Michael Orcutt No. Not unless you meet their requirements for membership.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made May 19 at 2016 9:33 AM

2016-05-19T09:33:22-04:00

I'm loath to dictate to a private organization what they should do or how they do it, but I would say perhaps they should give the idea some consideration. if after a fair assessment, they don't want to change, then that's fine by me.

Response by SFC Cynthia Clow made Oct 2 at 2016 8:42 AM

2016-10-02T08:42:26-04:00

I am a US Army Veteran, served 22 years Active Duty. Was a rat-rig operator (31C) for 11 and Nurse (91C) for 11; spent that first 11 years in the field most of the time including, 3 years in Germany with the Pershing Missiles. Nurse, well yeah, hospitals. The closest I got to a deployment, was PROFIS out of Hawaii to Korea. Not a single deployment, not by choice; Cold War. I volunteered, but beyond a bunch of shots in my butt and gear packed up, didn't go anywhere. I am not eligible to be a member of the VFW. I am a member of the Auxiliary because of my spouses service and multiple deployments. I do feel the eligibility criteria should include military retirees; those who served over 20 years because here is a great number of servicemembers who served during the Cold War and do not have deployments. The VFW is trying to change its image, trying to draw in younger Veterans and there is a pool of potential eligible Veterans who fall into that Cold War gap.

Response by SGT David Darrow made Feb 3 at 2018 3:04 PM

2018-02-03T15:04:52-05:00

I was a proud member for decades, proud that the VFW members were all war veterans. Last year I moved and found the post here less than friendly. I am now a proud American Legion member and very active in its activities.

Response by SPC Jack Van Der woude made Feb 13 at 2018 6:46 PM

2018-02-13T18:46:01-05:00

Yes You are Right

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Feb 13 at 2018 7:26 PM

2018-02-13T19:26:04-05:00

Any Veteran of a Foreign War is eligible. It's in the name... it's not "Supporters of Veterans of Foreign Wars".

Response by SPC Jack Van Der woude made Feb 17 at 2018 1:39 PM

2018-02-17T13:39:51-05:00

YES

Response by SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint made Feb 27 at 2018 9:41 PM

2018-02-27T21:41:17-05:00

Not sure why I can not see any of the responses on this post??? I see 29 responses but none show.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Feb 28 at 2018 8:56 PM

2018-02-28T20:56:48-05:00

The VFW like the American Legion are chartered by Congress, each charter specifically spells out who can join by law. VFW can only recruit those who have served over seas and have been awarded certain overseas medals. American Legion has a broadly charter, and different recruiting basis.

Response by PO3 Damion Brown made Jul 12 at 2018 4:42 PM

2018-07-12T16:42:34-04:00

Yeah they do and those veterans are free to join the American Legion or Amvets. It is not a question of viability or honor it is an organization that chooses to select veterans with a certain distinction. In my opinion, veterans who have been on a campaign have different mentalities than veterans who serve in Conus or deploy to peace time regions. All deserve respect but campaign vets are different and share a special connection.

Response by Kathy Mawer made Oct 16 at 2018 12:58 PM

2018-10-16T12:58:39-04:00

My dad is a WWII veteran who faught the Battle of the Bulge and is still alive. He has a purple heart, Silver Metal of Valar and Bronze Star and my brother was a Staff Sgt. in the Air Force and faught in Vietnam 85 days of hostile fire in Saigon and Denang and both honorably discharged and they both live in Texas. I live in Debary Florida. The post here says I am not eligible to join because my deceased husband was in the National Guard from Ft. Bragg a sharkshooter. He was called out on several race riots in the sixties and always on call but not deployed overseas personally. A lot of the Guard was deployed to Vietnam although. I stood with him and saw that. Is this correct? I thought my dad is my eligibility because I could have used his GI Bill for college and I am his natural born daughter and born in the U.S. and a citizen and I have papers for what all I say. Is this correct or do I need to talk to them again? or are the individual posts able to make their own criteria?. Nonetheless, this post is very rude. I respect them and thank them but they just as soon push you out of their way so they can get on the red carpet-and you know? my dad isn't like that. He asks for nothing, he did what he was called to do and he is proud but he is not a braggert and respects people and the people he faught for. What am I missing here?

Response by COL John McClellan made Oct 25 at 2018 10:06 AM

2018-10-25T10:06:37-04:00

The VFW nationally has this very specific charter, going back 100+ years now - served in a foreign war. However locally, there are Posts that have levels of membership inclusive of all Veterans, albeit you can't vote or hold office in the Post. At my Post, any Veteran is always welcome as a guest - I'll sign you in personally if you are a Vet!! American Legion rules are - any Veteran who served during the time of war - don't have to have been to the war zone itself. So, anyone who has served in the military since 9/11 can apply at the AL!

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Oct 25 at 2018 5:59 PM

2018-10-25T17:59:27-04:00

At one time I understand that units being deployed to the European "Reforger Exersizes" were able to join VFWs. That seemed strange since I was involved in many reforgers while stationed in Germany, but my Uncle (1960s?) said his charter let soldiers do it.

Response by Sharon Faulk made Mar 13 at 2019 11:36 AM

2019-03-13T11:36:47-04:00

My husband was out to sea 8 months and 18 days on a training carrier but because he did not have "boots on the ground" he is NOT considered a Viet Nam Veteran, however, he is considered a Viet Nam Era Veteran, now I have 2 sons-in-law, one Army and one Marine, that NEVER had boots on the ground in any War but are considered "War Veterans" because of 911 they have always been State Side, this seems to be a "Double Standard" for the 3 men. I for one feel that just for serving our Country should constitute a Person as a Veteran, and allowed in any VETERAN ORGANIZATION, the VFW to me is practicing discrimination to any person that puts their life on the line for our Country.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Apr 30 at 2019 12:31 PM

2019-04-30T12:31:04-04:00

Seeing a common thread here about old vs young. You almost have to be retired to have time to keep an organization like that going.

Response by SP5 Charles Gould made Mar 19 at 2022 2:36 AM

2022-03-19T02:36:21-04:00

Vietnam Combat Vet, Recon, ‘66-‘67. Never have joined any of the vets organizations. The few times I was in one, seemed like a place to drink and make-up war stories. No thanks, I’ll pass. And If I need a real war story all I have to do is close my eyes.