We put the Balls where the Queen wants 'em!!

The AMVETS will accept anyone that served in the military, active, NG or reserves and was honorably discharged. I'm the post Historian for our local post and am on the Honor Guard for military funerals and other functions. There are only two jumpers out of 103 members and we're the only ones that "have the right to really wear that black beret" according to other post members, since we're both former Recondo and I'm an ex-Pathfinder. The black beret is used as post  headgear for our local post.

So check out the AMVETS if you want to join a national organization. It just might be what you're looking for. For commeraderie with other troopers, I suggest staying here or joining one of the Airborne Associations.

The AL does not require Combat duty to belong, but you have to be on active status during the periods they consider as War Time. About three years ago I received an application from the AL saying I was qualified for membership. I contacted my Post Commander, paid my dues and became a member of our Local Post. In Jan of this year I received an email from the AL HQ saying I was not qualified for membership because my discharge date was Jan 15, 1961 and the next qualifying date was February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975 (Vietnam War). Even though my Reserve time did not end until Jan 1963, I did not qualify. 3 years a member, filled in as Sgt at Arms for a couple months when our regular Sgt at Arms was recovering from open heart surgery, then they tell me I am not qualified. I told them to go f**k themselves. If they can't get their shit together I don't want to be a member. They said my records had been closed. Quess what, I still get letters, etc. from the AL addressed "Dear Member"! I generally use them to wipe my ass!

RJ  

RJ

http://www.vvmf.org/index.cfm?SectionID=110&Wall_Id_No=6634.0

So you could be KIA in Vietnam, with your name on the wall and not eligible for membership in the AL?

The thing that bugged me about the Legion was that they'd send you labels, Christmas cards etc. and ask you to pay for them as a fund raiser. Not as bad as the NRA but it bugged me no end, especially when the labels were sent to "Ms." I dropped out for a year and they sent them anyway....

There are two Legion posts in South Boston MA where I live. In one they pretty much sit around and drink, smoke and watch tv. The other one does all kinds of good works for the community, from looking after Medal of Honor park here to raising funds for the library and hosting a picnic that provides free rides for kids.

Most of them meet on a regular schedule (first Wednesday of the month, etc.) so stop in. I'm sure you'll find them welcoming and there will be little pressure to join although you'll be happy if you do. I joined because I want my kids (1,3,5) growing up knowing military veterans instead of Liberal pukes.

I wasn't eligible for the VFW but what got me to join the Legion was their work to support proper display of the American Flag. They have the Flag Code at their website and are really good about answering questions. It was great that folks flew the flag after 9/11, but now I see vehicles flying tattered flags everyday.

There is a Lt Gen James M. Gavin chapter of the 82nd Abn Div Assoc. in this area, but I haven't joined because it's in Natick, not Boston and I'm not sure how welcome someone would be who went to BAC but was never in the division. Anyone care to comment on that? Some time back the different Ranger associations have had administrative wars over scrolled versus tabbed Rangers, bottom line was I want to support all Rangers but didn't like paying to be called a wannabe - that's usually free....I sent money to AER instead.