Who Here is a member of the VFW or the American Legion? If so who are you with and why?

2014-06-11T10:34:06-04:00

Both groups do a great job of supporting military members past and present. Who do you feel is a better group for you and why?

Response by Capt Jennifer Goodale made Jun 11 at 2014 11:13 AM

2014-06-11T11:13:26-04:00

I am a member of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). They offer advocacy on behalf of all military members & their families, transition services, VSO services, and more.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Jun 11 at 2014 11:21 AM

2014-06-11T11:21:32-04:00

I am a member of VFW, American Legion, and AMVETS. All three are excellent organizations and represent our Nation's Veterans well in Washington. There is no right or wrong answer as to which is better; it's up to the local posts and the individual member... I would say choose the one (or ones) that you are most comfortable with and whose programs are most in line with your own interests.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2014 6:41 AM

2014-06-13T06:41:53-04:00

I've been a lifetime VFW member since my first deployment. I just thought that joining the VFW was what you were supposed to do when you got home.

Response by 1LT Gerald O'Hare made Jul 30 at 2014 5:53 PM

2014-07-30T17:53:39-04:00

I'm a Vietnam vet and a proud member of the American Legion.

Response by SPC Richard White made Jul 31 at 2014 3:42 AM

2014-07-31T03:42:12-04:00

The American Legion supported and funded my Boy Scout Troop and my family members have been members of the American Legion and so am I.

Response by CDR Thomas Gatliffe made Jul 31 at 2014 11:24 AM

2014-07-31T11:24:04-04:00

Had to respond "other" because poll wouldn't allow selecting "VFW," "American Legion," and "other." I joined VFW because they have more social activity here locally, the American Legion because they have more community support activities, and am a life member of MOAA (formerly TROA) because they, like the VFW and Legion, advocate well for veteran issues. My MOAA chapter also provides scholarship awards to deserving ROTC and NROTC cadets to help with text and tuition costs each semester.

Response by SSG Ed Mikus made Jul 31 at 2014 11:46 AM

2014-07-31T11:46:01-04:00

At first i joined for the drinking, but i became a life member for the camaraderie and support they provide to veterans.

Response by CW2 Ernest Krutzsch made Jul 31 at 2014 7:29 PM

2014-07-31T19:29:21-04:00

I belong to both, but I am perplexed. I was a lucky SOB, I spent 15 years in the Infantry and 12 years in MI and was NEVER deployed. I was either in a unit that was critical or in a position that was. I am eligible for the VFW for my service in Berlin, I did not choose to be eligible, but am. I eel unworthy because I did not serve in combat.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2014 4:45 PM

2014-08-08T16:45:41-04:00

A Vietnam Veteran talked to me one day while I was volunteering with a local Boy Scout Troop at a fundraiser about joining the VFW and after discussing about the many things the VFW does for non-member active/reserve duty service members and veterans I figured I'd join.

Since joining and stepping in to take on some patriotic volunteer opportunities and talk with other veterans about their experiences not only in combat but since then has been a thoroughly appreciated benefit...something money cannot buy.

But speaking of money, I do not like paying money to organizations forever so the lifetime membership of the VFW beat out the paid up for life option the American Legion offers.

Plus, as the oldest (surviving) veterans organization (that does not focus on only one race that is), there's a certain amount of enjoyment knowing so many of our veterans have been part of since 1899.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 10 at 2014 12:35 AM

2014-08-10T00:35:43-04:00

Apache Junction, AZ Lifer

Response by Sgt Samantha Jee made Aug 12 at 2014 5:48 PM

2014-08-12T17:48:21-04:00

I'm a member of both groups. I'm the second vice for Thomas Tucker Post 204 in Susanville, CA. I'm a member because my husband (another Marine) and I needed the people aspect of the military that civilians just don't have. I'm an officer because I want to make our post more active in the community.

Response by Cpl Matthew Wall made Aug 13 at 2014 2:12 PM

2014-08-13T14:12:16-04:00

I'm a member of the American Legion, but also a member of the Marine Corps League.

Response by TSgt Scott Hurley made Aug 17 at 2014 12:42 PM

2014-08-17T12:42:17-04:00

Lifetime member of the VFW. Currently with Anderson-Shea post 2046 Manchester, CT

Response by CPO Bobby Welch made Aug 17 at 2014 2:08 PM

2014-08-17T14:08:27-04:00

Commander: VFW Post 450 Alsip, IL,
Secretary: Navy Seabee Veterans of America Island X-19 Alsip, IL
Member: American Legion Post 755 Manteno, IL
Associate Member: Marine Corps League Kankakee, IL

there wasn't an option to "Select All"

I joined to continue my service after I retired, to give back for what was given to me, for the camaraderie, and a cheap beer every now and then...

Response by TSgt Terry Hudson made Aug 17 at 2014 2:11 PM

2014-08-17T14:11:50-04:00

I'm a Freemason and most Military lodges look out for the Vets. I've only visited a couple Military Lodges. I've looked into both Orgs and them seem like they both are great Orgs. I'll look into joining one or the other soon!

Response by CH (LTC) Jim Howard made Aug 17 at 2014 4:09 PM

2014-08-17T16:09:34-04:00

I joined the VFW because I believed that it was an important organization that advocates on behalf of combat veteran issues.

I joined the American Legion because I honestly believed that they were better at addressing the VA debacle over the past year and they have a more active post locally.

Response by PO1 Walter Duncan made Aug 22 at 2014 4:33 PM

2014-08-22T16:33:23-04:00

Neither, live in the boonies. Closest is about 20 miles, never thought much about it.

Response by SGT Thomas Lucken made Sep 3 at 2014 3:03 PM

2014-09-03T15:03:19-04:00

I have been a member of the VFW since the 90s! When I was working as a contractor overseas back in the 90s. VFW was the only Veteran's organization represented then. I have held several positions in the VFW since then. I am currently the Senior Vice for VFW Post 9770, Brownstown, IL

I am also a member of the American Legion, Post 95 in Vandalia, IL. I just recently accepted the position of Post Athletic Officer, mainly dealing with Legion Baseball.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Sep 3 at 2014 7:13 PM

2014-09-03T19:13:33-04:00

VFW...they got me at the BX right after my first deployment

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2014 5:04 AM

2014-09-04T05:04:10-04:00

Have been a Life Member of the VFW since returning from Desert Storm. I have been in the Legion on an off. Did not have the time to commit to all the local post wanted, something had to give. Will probably join back up at some point.

Response by CPO Jon Campbell made Sep 4 at 2014 8:14 AM

2014-09-04T08:14:08-04:00

I became a lifetime member when I retired. There aren't many Coasties in the VFW - probably because many don't know that they could qualify to join.

Response by SP5 Joel O'Brien made Sep 17 at 2014 6:43 PM

2014-09-17T18:43:54-04:00

In hindsight I guess I wonder why I became a life member of the VFW. There aren't any real issues I'm concerned about that need the VFW to address and we don't have a real VFW hall anywhere nearby to where I live. My mother and father, both vets of WWII, were in the American Legion but I don't recall either of them ever attending a meeting or related event.

Response by PO1 Jotham Anderson made Sep 21 at 2014 6:17 PM

2014-09-21T18:17:02-04:00

Joined the VFW right after going on terminal leave and transferred to the Tupelo, MS post. Any veterans organization is always good not only for us, but the local community as well

Response by SFC Richard Haugh made Sep 22 at 2014 10:06 AM

2014-09-22T10:06:29-04:00

I am a Bronze Legacy Life Member with the VFW. Just completed my position as a Post Commander with VFW Post 8214 out of Manchester. I originally joined in 1989 with a Post in Udorn Thailand later transferred to Bangkok Post 9951... MY MAIN and Original and ONLY REASON was due to the fact I was moving to Thailand after retirement and I needed to stay connected to know where and how in Thailand I could use my TRICARE - I soon became the spoke in the wheel - learned the different positions (mastered them) and stepped up to the place as a Post Officer beginning in 2002. These Veteran Group are in fact dying at an alarming rate and many VFW Post and American Legions Post are closing (I am also a Life Member with the American Legions) WE NEED YOUNG BLOOD to survive - we need the old and new members to rally each other in times of need (especially during these economic bad times) to help fellow Veterans land the jobs we are finding hard to land... I have personally helped 4 and 1 spouse... We are Brothers (and Sisters) in Arms and its a LIFE TIME COMMITMENT I hold near and dear to my heart! When the time comes we lose the VFW and American Legions - we all will have just lost our political muscle and our One United Voice - this speaks volumes for those of my Comrades who are still holding the torch (Active Duty) as WE the VFW address Congress at the Hill in person to represent your threatened benefits... QUESTION BACK TO ALL OF YOU.... Why haven't you joined the VFW, American Legions, Special Forces Association, DAV, AMVET, etc.... UNITE! UNITE!! UNITE!!!

Response by SSG Keith Dawson made Sep 22 at 2014 1:23 PM

2014-09-22T13:23:19-04:00

I am a member of both...both do a great job...I find the VFW has more benefits for transitional Vets.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Sep 22 at 2014 1:33 PM

2014-09-22T13:33:31-04:00

I belong to the VFW because I served in Desert Storm 91/Desert Strike 96. Legion because I served during war time. I did belong to the Navy League but dropped out after because of the nature of my work I couldn't make the Breakfast's anymore. belonged to the Navy Cryptologic Veterans Association and Old Crows Association (Electronic Warfare International).

Response by SPC Marleen Madding made Sep 22 at 2014 2:57 PM

2014-09-22T14:57:19-04:00

I am a VFW Life Member. Post Kurat Thailand

Response by SSG Tim Everett made Nov 10 at 2014 9:01 AM

2014-11-10T09:01:51-05:00

I can't find the thread in which I originally stated my opinion about VFW and American Legion, but this past weekend I left my kid's soccer game and took an alternate route home due to traffic. I discovered an American Legion post that was holding a barbecue, so I pulled in and got myself some pulled pork and peach cobbler at 10am. During that time, I noticed a number of people my age and YOUNGER (omfg), and struck up a conversation.

This post is apparently one of the more respectable posts in my area, according to its possibly-biased members. They don't engage in bouts of drinking, they only meet once a month, and their focus is on the community and veterans. The young guys, OEF and OIF vets, don't feel out of place or disrespected, and their commander makes it a point to stomp it flat if he sees it or hears of it.

So I paid my dues and will be attending a meeting next week. I'm willing to give it a shot and man enough to admit I'm wrong, if that's the case (jury's still out, gotta wait until the 20th).

Response by CH (LTC) Jim Howard made Nov 10 at 2014 1:05 PM

2014-11-10T13:05:47-05:00

I am in both

Response by SP5 Joel O'Brien made Nov 11 at 2014 5:41 PM

2014-11-11T17:41:18-05:00

I joined VFW(Life member) but I have yet to attend a meeting or even enter a VFW building. So far the only thing VFW has done for me is to offer deals on life insurance.

Response by SSG Keith Dawson made Nov 12 at 2014 9:18 AM

2014-11-12T09:18:34-05:00

I am in both. I enjoy the benefits of both organizations particularly the support I have received from the VFW in regards to employment and housing. I love being involved with American Legion baseball, and the Comraderie with the VFW can't be beat.

Response by SGT Thomas Lucken made Nov 12 at 2014 4:23 PM

2014-11-12T16:23:32-05:00

One thing to remember about all VSO's (Veteran Service Organizations). Whether your an active member or not and at least a member of one or many! The VSO's speak on behalf of all Veterans, the bigger the membership the better!

VFW, Legion, DAV, is like any other organization with good and bad Posts/Chapers and so on! It is all based on how well the it is run on every level!

My VFW Post is very active not only in our small community where it resides but support efforts in other communities! Hell I just got home from doing military rites for a young member of my Post, and a good friend!

Just like the military, it is what you make of it in many cases.

Response by SP5 Michael Rathbun made Nov 21 at 2014 6:08 PM

2014-11-21T18:08:23-05:00

My view of the big-time vet organizations began with my being escorted from the building when I tried to visit a VFW post in Missouri in 1971. They didn't want any drug-crazed baby-killers. Like myself, apparently.

In the early 80's my opinion took a further dip when I was on the Vietnam Veterans of America Michigan council right after VVA got its Congressional Charter. For a couple of years every attempt we made to join with the other chartered vets' organizations was stomped on by the American Legion, VFW and a few other relative biggies. Most of our support came from DAV, MOPH, PVA and other organizations with lots of rubber on the road.

At our Founding National Convention we voted to adopt the motto "Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another" and we have, for the most part, pulled it off.

By now the "old guys" in the big vet organizations are Vietnam vets -- todo solucionado. We, especially at VVA, have done our best to sponsor and mentor vet organizations for returnees from other conflicts.

So anyhow, I finally joined the American Legion last year. Haven't decided whether to renew.

(VVA Life Member #8)

Response by SPC Richard Smith made Nov 22 at 2014 12:24 PM

2014-11-22T12:24:44-05:00

I am a Life Member of the VFW. My Post is a non-alcoholic, non-smoking post. We focus more on giving back to the community doing color guards, funeral honors, etc.

Response by COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM made Dec 11 at 2014 4:28 PM

2014-12-11T16:28:48-05:00

I see the VFW and American Legion from organizational and an individual perspective.
Organizationally:
- Both organizations do a lot of good for their members and the nation.
- Both need to do a better job of changing with the times. Reasons to join the organizations in 1970 are different from reasons to join now. They have to provide value for a member beyond "it is your patriotic duty".

Individually:
- I am a member of both organizations but do not have the time as an active duty officer to directly participate in chapter activities.
- I am looking for networking, community, and ability to be part of an organization that helps individuals and the nation.

Response by SSG Jason Cherry made Dec 11 at 2014 4:29 PM

2014-12-11T16:29:33-05:00

I am neither, but will be both!

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2014 4:34 PM

2014-12-11T16:34:20-05:00

I'm not currently a member of either but the older I get the more I see a need for them. Coincidentally I'm going to the local Legion Hall tonight to scope it out.

I used to think they were just for the older generations of vets but now I realize it doesn't matter if I can hang out there or not we need to support both as they are the largest lobby for Vets in Washington.

Response by SFC Michael Jackson, MBA made Dec 12 at 2014 12:35 AM

2014-12-12T00:35:32-05:00

I'm a member of the VFW because veterans need a voice to stand up for them when veterans benefits, interests, and concerns are being discussed. I believe veterans voices are stronger and loud when we band together. The VFW gives a platform to come together.

Response by PO2 Jennifer Heraty made Dec 17 at 2014 1:15 PM

2014-12-17T13:15:14-05:00

VFW Post 1136 Wyandotte, MI. along with my husband. We are members because we enjoy the brotherhood of fellow veterans. I love talking to the older veterans from the other wars, so later I can share their stories when they are no longer here. I want to make sure these heroes from War World 2 and Korea are not forgotten.

Response by LTC Paul Heinlein made Dec 26 at 2014 11:55 AM

2014-12-26T11:55:05-05:00

Cpl Daniel Sellers,

I'm a life member of the VFW. I joined relatively early in my career and the VFW was more active in recruiting me and more visible in the community I was living in at the time.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Dec 26 at 2014 2:04 PM

2014-12-26T14:04:49-05:00

I belong to the VFW, its worth it because of the bond with past Veterans and belonging to a bigger cause promoting espirt de corps within the country. Its no better honor to volunteer and perform functions within VFW, such as bingo, meetings and parades. Duty Honor Country. Retired but still Serving.

Response by MSgt Dennis Dudley made Dec 27 at 2014 12:15 PM

2014-12-27T12:15:25-05:00

Both organizations are very good. They look out for s in Washington DC, and provide a host of other benefits.
I am presently a member of the Legion and enjoy it quite a bit. Biggest challenge is getting the younger veterans to join in spite of all the demands on their time.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2014 1:27 PM

2014-12-27T13:27:48-05:00

My dad is a 30+ year member of the American Legion, served for 25+ years in the South Dakota Army Nat'l Guard, spent a month or so in Korea in '88 for an exercise but not long enough for the KDSM. I spent a year in Korea and some quality time in the desert so I'm with the VFW.

Response by MSgt Bj Jones made Dec 31 at 2014 11:48 AM

2014-12-31T11:48:24-05:00

VFW and DAV. Plan to join American Legion but haven't yet as well as TREA. Oh, I'm also part of IAVA. There are too many, and all but IAVA cost money.

Response by MSgt Bj Jones made Dec 31 at 2014 11:46 AM

2014-12-31T11:46:56-05:00

Where is your post? No smoking and no drinking? Sounds like my kind of post. Maybe I should start packing.

Response by MSgt Bj Jones made Dec 31 at 2014 11:50 AM

2014-12-31T11:50:03-05:00

@ Specialist Richard Smith. Where is your post? No smoking no drinking? My kind of post. Maybe I should start packing.

Response by Sgt Jason West made Dec 31 at 2014 1:01 PM

2014-12-31T13:01:13-05:00

Why is there not an all of the above?

I am a member of both the Legion and VFW and if I can ever remember to show up on the right day will be joining the Marine Corps League as well. I have thought about joining the DAV, but not sure on that one. Just joining a service group doesn't mean you have to go to every function and hang out, but they all do their part for our fellow veterans so support them as much as you can. I know our local Legion post is having hell recruiting younger vets. These groups have done so much and will only continue to be able to do so with our support, so at least join up so they have the extra $ and can show on paper how many members they have. Those are the main elements of their political tools to work for us.

Now if you want to get involved, even better but at least join up and see what it's all about.

Response by CW2 Pamela (Carpenter) Wolf made Dec 31 at 2014 1:09 PM

2014-12-31T13:09:34-05:00

Life member of the VFW post in my hometown in Ohio, held 3 positions of leadership, (one at the District level where I supported Vets at the VA hospital); then had to move out of state for family support reasons. I still like to stop in when I'm back in town; it's a camaraderie thing.

Response by MSG Mitch Dowler made Jan 1 at 2015 11:48 AM

2015-01-01T11:48:00-05:00

I am a member of the American Legion, DAV, AMVETS, and the Marine Memorial Club. Supporting the Veterans groups that are chartered by Congress is very important because they support us. Be careful of some of the non-chartered groups out that can actually work against us and some were actually anti-war activist groups from the left.

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Jan 21 at 2015 3:19 PM

2015-01-21T15:19:46-05:00

Edited to make more sense
Honestly I was a member at Large with the VFW but I let my membership expire. I joined the American Legion because I have a post a mile from my home. I have been a member of American Legion Post 116 Fuquay-Varina, NC since October 2014..

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Feb 15 at 2015 11:14 AM

2015-02-15T11:14:43-05:00

I am a member of both the American Legion (since 1980) and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (since 1984). [Note that I voted "other" to your poll (since it wasn't possible to select both other choices.]

Response by SSG Sean Knudsen made Feb 15 at 2015 11:25 AM

2015-02-15T11:25:56-05:00

VFW is my choice. They have the best track record, influence and best audience in our nation.

Response by LCpl Justin Cuevas made Feb 24 at 2015 12:56 PM

2015-02-24T12:56:41-05:00

The atmosphere is that of camaraderie and understanding, not to mention the urging of the misses, is why I joined. I missed the brotherhood of the Corps while battling adjustments to civilian life and the VFW welcomed me with open arms, within two years the senior Veterans (Korea, Vietnam and a few WW 2) had felt I deserved a nomination to Commander after running the Buddy Poppy Program. Needless to say we need more of our younger Veterans to join because they are the future of the VFW, some Posts have the stereotype of nothing but glorified bars but many Posts are more than that. We do regular Coffee Clubs except in the summer, color guards for parades and funerals and barbecues.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2015 2:20 AM

2015-06-10T02:20:32-04:00

I am a Life Member in both and past post commander in both. I am also a Life Member in the DAV.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 10 at 2015 2:25 AM

2015-06-10T02:25:06-04:00

I'm in both. In fact I just renewed my Legion membership. I'm also a member of the Disabled American Veterans, Fleet Reserve association, and the NRA.

I'm also involved in other veteran rights associations. I'm about to join the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association.

Each are great groups in their own rights and do nothing but good things for veteran rights and benefits.