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Is it worth joining the American Legion?
01/14/2011 | Oshkalaboomboom

Posted on 01/14/2011 8:09:52 AM PST by Oshkalaboomboom

I received a form letter inviting me to join the American Legion. Interestingly enough, doing a Google search on "is it worth it to join the American Legion" brings up discussions on left-wing sites like DU saying to avoid it because it's dominated by right wingers. So far so good :-) The next question would be is it worth it? How is it different from the VFW? I meet the AL eligibility by being in Lebanon, not sure if that qualifies me for VFW.

From what I see in their literature they offer a lot of insurance benefits, sort of like AARP but maybe without all of the Socialist leanings. I refuse to join AARP but maybe this organization would be better for me. Comments?


TOPICS: Chit/Chat; Military/Veterans
KEYWORDS: military; vanity
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To: bcsco

Oh yeah, I’ve been to that one in Rochelle. Had a buddy who belonged to that golf course out there. There used to be a deli owned by a crazy Italian guy out there, kind of by the Wal-mart, he made the best subs and had some really great home-made olive mix.

I’m not far from the Sycamore one, but have never actually been there.

I have a fair number of customers out that way, Burlington, Sycamore and Dekalb, so I really should make an effort, because the VFW in Elgin is a pit (or was a pit last I was in there). I will definitely put it on my list to check out before summer.


21 posted on 01/14/2011 9:12:58 AM PST by esoxmagnum
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To: bcsco

I’m in the W Dundee Legion, post 57. Hats are standard. Uniforms for parades (sometimes) or when we put to rest one of our own, or if requested by family members of any vet.

I was mainly referring to our VFW, where I have never seen so many field jackets at a bar. I bet I can count on one hand the number of field jackets I’ve seen at our Legion Post, and it has been years since.

Legion is just a different clientele from the VFW where I’m at. I like it much more.


22 posted on 01/14/2011 9:22:26 AM PST by esoxmagnum
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To: esoxmagnum

That golf course is now public. Rates this past year were $30 weekends with cart. The course is very well maintained. And the restaurant provides fine food. My Kiwanis club (as well as the Rotary and Lions) have their meetings there. I play there several times a year, but have a membership in a course in Malta.

The ‘crazy Italian, may be the guy who owns a fine eatery downtown now. Great place for Italian food, or to stop off for a beer. He’s been very generous in helping the high school Key Club that our Kiwanis organization supports. If you’re ever in the area, drop by for a good meal, lunch or dinner.

Our AL meets every other even month on the 2nd Tuesday. Dinner plus meeting.


23 posted on 01/14/2011 9:22:58 AM PST by bcsco
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To: Oshkalaboomboom

How about the French Foreign Legion?


24 posted on 01/14/2011 9:44:23 AM PST by pissant ((Bachmann 2012 - Freepmail to get on/off PING list))
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To: esoxmagnum

Lots of tons in your post, good buddy. You musta been in Transportation (or supply?).


25 posted on 01/14/2011 10:06:04 AM PST by Migraine (Diversity is great... ...until it happens to YOU.)
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To: esoxmagnum

LOL! Thanks. Funny stories. A bar full of Audie Murphys.

A relative served and someone asked him why he never went to the VFW and he said some things like that. Lots of boozers.

The thing that really enraged me is the fake Vietnam Vets detailed in that book Stolen Valor which talked about fakes getting benefits and making Vets look bad. I made 2000 + get out the vote calls for Bush. The main reason is because Kerry is a scum and what he did after he got back from his 6 months in Nam. Self promoting lefty and Kennedy shill.

He got his Kennedy admiral connections to get him in the local coast guard boat gig. Then somebody in the USN changed the mission on those boats to upriver work. Kerry must have had a heart attack that day. What a creep he is.


26 posted on 01/14/2011 10:09:35 AM PST by Frantzie (Slaves do not have freedom only the illusion of freedom & their cable TV to drool at)
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To: Oshkalaboomboom; All
Benefits? What about the ability to serve in several worthwhile programs? Your Legion Post is what you and your fellow Post members make of it. There are many fine programs serving veterans and youth. Go for it!

Didn't serve in the military but have a parent who did? Join the Sons of the American Legion and get involved with the same programs.

FReepmail me if you need to know how.

27 posted on 01/14/2011 10:15:56 AM PST by NonValueAdded (Palin 2012: don't retreat, just restock [chg'd to comply w/ The Civility in Discourse Act of 2011])
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To: NonValueAdded
Benefits? What about the ability to serve in several worthwhile programs?

I guess it's been a while since you've seen any of their membership solicitations. The ability to serve takes up 1 paragraph while the rest of the multi-page advert tells about all of the "stuff" you can get.

28 posted on 01/14/2011 1:23:30 PM PST by Oshkalaboomboom
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To: Migraine

lol, yes indeed, was it that obvious?


29 posted on 01/15/2011 1:26:30 AM PST by esoxmagnum
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To: Oshkalaboomboom

I just got my invitation, so I googled “american legion” site:freerepublic.com, and found your thread. :-)

I don’t even know if I technically qualify. I was a reservist my entire time, and never activated, so I may not meet the criteria. And they probably won’t be impressed if I pretend to have served with Chuck Norris on Delta Team, lol!


30 posted on 07/10/2011 10:02:36 AM PDT by Larry Lucido
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