[NavyCanDo]

Good question. I'll stand by and see what others say. My Dad was AL but that was back in the 1960’s a much different time. I was VFW, but never got much out of going to the Post meetings, so my attendance naturally dropped.

[UCANSEE2]

It’s better than joining the PEACE CORPS.

Unless you like being raped.

[james_hayes]

Maybe you’re looking at this wrong. Maybe it’s not what they can do for you but what you can do for them. I joined not for what I can get out of it, but to help the quickly aging veterans in my local community. And getting to know these old guys and their stores, at the local post, has been priceless.

[bcsco]

I’m junior vice commander of our local Legion post. If you’re looking to joint for the benefits your reap, well...

Our post serves as a service organization to the community. We look for those who have served in our military and want to contribute back to the community in which they live. We encourage our members to attend meetings and functions, and participate in our community events. It makes membership a rewarding experience beyond the “bennies.

As for the VFW, one must have served in a recognized theater of war to be a member. I served during Vietnam, but not IN Vietnam. Thus, I don’t qualify.

[esoxmagnum]

I belong to both the Legion and VFW. I don’t like the VFW, too many welfare types (around here at least), too many liberals, and everyone there claims to have been a tunnel-rat in Vietnam who was an inch away from the CMH (yes, I’m exaggerating).

Also, too many drunks at our VFW, who sit around all day at the bar feeling sorry for themselves.

Legion, completely different. Tons of business owners, they have a very positive “can-do” attitude. They do tons for the community (we spend a ton of time going to visit WW2 vets who are stuck at home), they do a great funeral service, and they have tons of activities for vets and widows.

The comparison between the two (here in Chicago-land) is like night and day.

My wife says the VFW is depressing, its like going to the welfare office, while she really enjoys the Legion (just as much as our Eagles or Moose, if not more).

It is definitely a different base of people.

Now, I don’t frequent the VFW much anymore, but I have heard from some friends that it is changing because of the new group of vets from the SandBox that are coming in. So, in all fairness, I have to head over there and see for myself (I haven’t been there in a couple of years).

That’s my synopsis from NW Illinois.

[libertarian27]

If you have both a VFW and an AL near you - visit and see which one you’d like to be a member of - or both! You don’t have to choose one or the other....

Ask questions about what charities and volunteer work they are involved with - parade, memorial ceremonies, etc.

[ladyvet]

I've been a member for years. They do a lot of good for local communities and vets. Besides, it is rather Conservative and if it will piss off the DU pukes....that alone should be worth the membership.

[Redleg Duke]

I finally joint the American Legion a couple of years ago, but not affiliated with any post. My late maternal Grandfather was a charter member of the AL, having served in the trenches of France as an infantryman. My Grandmother was a charter member of the AL Auxillary, so I grew up with them. My Dad and Uncle were in the AL as well, but not as engaged.

I joined in memory of Grandpa Schulz.

[madamemayhem]

My whole family is in the American Legion family.
Dad is a Legion member,
2 Brothers and Hubby- members of Legion, Sons of the American legion and the American Legion Riders,
My son is in the SAL,
I am a member of the Legion Auxillary.
Heck my 5 yr old daughter is in the Junior Auxillary.
the American Legion is very much about service to community and veterans. They do color guard duty on Memorial day, at parades, Veterans day events. They have a transportation service for veterans who cannot drive. They help out with yard work, clean up after storms, make sure our veterans are okay when bad weather hits.
It is my opinion the American Legion is one of the greatest organizations you can be involved with.

[pissant]

How about the French Foreign Legion?

[NonValueAdded]

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.

[Larry Lucido]

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!