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.
“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.”
That right there is the difference. I always feel the VFW is full of folks wanting an organization that does things for them, while my Legion is an organization that is looking for folks to contribute to the community.
It is a totally different attitude.
You put it in words better than I could have.