Posted on Jul 21, 2024
SPC Mike McConaughy
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I am a Commander with the American Legion in Arkansas. I have been put on a committee to find what it would take to get younger vets (50 and younger) to join the American Legion. I would like some feedback on this.
Posted in these groups: Amerlegion color emblem The American Legion48fc8f6 Millennials
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Responses: 30
SSG Carlos Madden
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Edited 4 mo ago
There's been a few similar questions like this posted over the years on RallyPoint and they all have a similar theme in the replies: younger veterans don't feel welcome at VFW's and Legions. It's viewed as the place where older male veterans drink beer away from their families and complain about politics and younger veterans. They don't feel welcome because of how they've been treated by the older folks, how their views/values don't align with the existing members, the services and mission of the legion's don't align with what younger veterans want, etc. Additionally people under 50 have a ton of stuff going on in their lives already - kids, family, careers, personal health - and to get them to take on yet another obligation will take some serious convincing. To get me to join a Legion, they would need a serious rebrand from top to bottom.
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Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth
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Nothing with our local chapter...went a couple of times to check it out and it was nothing but boozed up chain smoking filled room and I was there to be seen and not heard. So I never went back. Turn it into something meaningful with a real purpose other than drinking and bingo. Good men and solid brothers but it really needs a huge makeover.
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SPC Matt Ovaska
SPC Matt Ovaska
3 mo
Why would I talk to an officer. Absolutely nothing in common.
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Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth
Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth
3 mo
SPC Matt Ovaska - Doesn't matter what rank you wore...I wore both...officer and enlisted. We are brothers as veterans. Rank be damned. We have more in common than you think.
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SPC Thea Gove
SPC Thea Gove
3 mo
Sounds like an inferiority complex. Don't judge everyone on an unpleasant experience. Everyone is an individual as well as a member. This Lt Col took the time to reach out to you. Take advantage and do the same. You will never know unless you try. No offence meant. I served and I understand your sentiments. Over the years I have gained a lot of wisdom and I just wanted to share it with you. Peace be with you.
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MSG Intermediate Care Technician
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You need a way to reach them and convince the younger Vets why they should. What that is, it's going to be different between Vets. I joined the VFW, am a Lifetime member and I haven't been to a meeting in years. Turns out the Post Commander got outted for SV. I stopped going. Between this possibility and lack of incentives listed.... the youngers just aren't interested
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Capt Hermes Rosa
Capt Hermes Rosa
3 mo
Excuse my ignorance but what does SV stand for?
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MSG Intermediate Care Technician
MSG (Join to see)
3 mo
Capt Hermes Rosa - Stolen Valor
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Capt Hermes Rosa
Capt Hermes Rosa
3 mo
Thank you
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