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Strac Trooper
Group: Community Supporter
Last Login: Yesterday @ 3:07 AM
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Ive been thinking about joining the VFW or American Legion. My dad (Vietnam Vet himself) has told me that I should join at least the VFW because they really help out. I also found out about the IAVA (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America http://www.iava.org/ ).
I figured Id ask the BTDTs for an opinion.
"The sergeant is the Army." - General Dwight D. Eisenhower
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Regular Joe
 
Group: Past PNET Supporter
Last Login: Yesterday @ 8:38 AM
Posts: 178,
Visits: 730
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| I don't qualify for the VFW, but am a member of the American Legion. I love those old guys and the beer is cheap. Do it.
COHORT 1 1983-1985
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Pnet's Thread Insurgent and Chief Muldoon
Group: Past PNET Supporter
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Try both the VFW and AL, cause a lot of posts will pay for the 1st year's membership.
I'm Surprised Panama's still sea level, after all the Push Ups I did down there.
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Angry White Male
Group: Community Supporter
Last Login: Yesterday @ 9:20 AM
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| I recommend joining the VFW for the following reasons: (1) National has clout in DC, thereby giving all veterans, combat or otherwise, a voice. (2) Although all state posts differ, my post does a lot for disabled/hospitalized veterans, deployed service members and their spouses, and the community at large (e.g. Memorial Day, Veteran's Day, and Flag Day services et al.). (3) The bulk of the VFW membership appears to be WWII veterans, and simple math indicates that these hard chargers won't be around much longer. The organization needs fresh blood. (4) Comraderie. Random comments: Contrary to popular belief, your average VFW post is not necessarily a bunch of old guys sitting around drinking beer and swapping war stories (though what's wrong with that?  ). My post, for example, doesn't even have a bar. Further, we have quite a few members who are OIF, OEF, Somalia, Just Cause, and Desert Storm veterans. And at 37, I don't consider myself that old. Swing by your local VFW post while on leave. I guarantee they will welcome you with open arms.
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Strac Trooper
Group: Community Supporter
Last Login: Yesterday @ 3:07 AM
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Nietzsche (4/14/2008)
I recommend joining the VFW for the following reasons: (1) National has clout in DC, thereby giving all veterans, combat or otherwise, a voice. (2) Although all state posts differ, my post does a lot for disabled/hospitalized veterans, deployed service members and their spouses, and the community at large (e.g. Memorial Day, Veteran's Day, and Flag Day services et al.). (3) The bulk of the VFW membership appears to be WWII veterans, and simple math indicates that these hard chargers won't be around much longer. The organization needs fresh blood. (4) Comraderie. Random comments: Contrary to popular belief, your average VFW post is not necessarily a bunch of old guys sitting around drinking beer and swapping war stories (though what's wrong with that? ). My post, for example, doesn't even have a bar. Further, we have quite a few members who are OIF, OEF, Somalia, Just Cause, and Desert Storm veterans. And at 37, I don't consider myself that old. Swing by your local VFW post while on leave. I guarantee they will welcome you with open arms. Thanks for the info. I'll look into a little more.
"The sergeant is the Army." - General Dwight D. Eisenhower
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Regular Joe
Group: Past PNET Supporter
Last Login: Yesterday @ 8:38 AM
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| I have to admit that since my AL post has been under construction for almost 2 years, I have been hanging out at the VFW and those guys are cool. Most Vet places cross-honor other memberships so it's not a problem. Definately join something.
COHORT 1 1983-1985
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Site Owner/Operator
Group: Administrators
Last Login: Today @ 7:33 AM
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| Back when I got into the VFW right after exiting service it sucked. The post I attended had what seemed to be a policy that 'if you're not grey and retired, shut up'. Since then, after the late 90s started seeing so many of the WWII/Korea troops falling off they started really worrying about thier numbers so the attitude has changed (AND I should say that each post is different) but it really left a bad taste in my mouth on the VFW and havent found one locally. American Legion is ok, Ive hung around the AL guys and its all good there, its the VFW without the FW. The DAV is one that I am a life member of... dont attend the meetings but I support and keep tabs on whats going on, but if you're not disabled, that one isnt for you anyway. For my time and money (anyone see this coming?) I focus my time and energy with the 82nd Association because I still find the high speed low drag attitude is just more fun to work with.
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Masters of Hard Knocks from the University of Gravity
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I'm a Lifetime Member of the VFW. Both organizations do good things as do many other. Just can't afford to belong to all and support them all. VFW has been around forever. I was a member of the AL but it seems to me that the AL really took in everyone that didn't qualify for the VFW. Now before someone slams me, that was just the impression I had and my in no way represent reality.
"Si Vis Pacum Para Bellum"
If you want peace prepare for war!
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