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.
Our VFW here in North-Central Illinois is different. They're the ones who do the burial ceremonies. And the membership is fairly conservative. But then again, we're a relatively small community.
Our AL post, of which I'm a member, is small yet community minded. Much of that comes from the fact that a preponderance of members are also members of my Kiwanis club, and have been active as members or officers in both organizations.
LOL! Loved the part about the VFW. I heard the same thing and I am not ex-military. Any fake former SEALs hanging around with the former tunnel rats? ;-)
Lots of tons in your post, good buddy. You musta been in Transportation (or supply?).