Posted on 11/14/2011 6:13:24 AM PST by TSgt
Even as more troops return home from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, local VFW posts do not expect a boost in membership. That lack of interest could hurt those posts financially.
Chuck Hangbers with Post 7670 in Hamilton says unfortunately, returning service men and women tend to shy away from VFW posts. Hangbers says the younger people tend to move on when they return home. He says they focus on getting their lives together. That is leading to fewer members-only about three or four new members a year.
At 7670, Hangbers says there may be forty to sixty people a day---back in the 1980's there may have been up to 80 members a day. Fewer numbers also means fewer dollars to support them. As a result, Hangbers says posts have to cut corners at the canteen where members come in to eat and drink.
Not only is the membership dwindling, he says the economy is preventing members from spending as much money as they used to.
While a dwindling membership and a dragging economy are hurting the post, Hangbers says the post can continue its tradition of providing holiday food baskets to families in need.
Absolutely, and that should come from the top. Our club isn’t “tied” to an old hall, or to the local VFW. We meet at our local country club (used to meet in a restaurant until their food went downhill). And we only meet bi-monthly so it’s not like a lot of time is involved except for projects and such.
Well, they are the Veterans of Foreign Wars. It's the premise the organization was founded on. Instead of changing their premise perhaps they should change their political focus and their perception.
Hear hear! Our AL Post is involved with Memorial/Veterans Day affairs, we have a scholarship program provide funding for local service projects. We also are instrumental in the Honor Flight program in our surrounding counties, which is now expanding to Korean and Vietnam veterans.
“in nj...no smoking inside any VFW”
Nice.
Without the smoke, I would consider hanging out some.
Ah well.......
I didn’t become a member due to time constraints, perceptions as mentioned, etc. even though I qualify as a DS/DS vet.
But that didn’t stop our son from contacting them seeking support for his Eagle Scout project.
While waiting to give his presentation to the members, I noted the apparent ages of veterans present in the bldg. Some old, some young, some in between.
They enthusiastically endorsed his project with cash and offers of assistance.
If nothing else, the VFW should be looked upon as an important community and civic organization that is big into charitable work.
Not just a place to get drunk and trade war stories.
After the reception our son rec’d and the endorsement and support offered to him for his Eagle project, I will be joining.
My perception has been altered by our visit.
Joe Lopez, a life member who has been a part of the VFW since 1993, said he agreed with Crowley. Lopez served in Vietnam as a Special Forces Soldier and later taught military science at the University of Texas at Arlington. He said his experience with the VFW shortly after Vietnam left a bad taste in his mouth until he joined years later.
“Whenever I walked in, nobody would talk to me,” Lopez said. “Everyone was a World War II vet except me. I was a Vietnam vet. Of course, during Vietnam nobody really liked any veterans of the Vietnam era – not even civilians. I stopped going to the VFW. It’s just not what I expected the VFW to be.”
Another experience:
“Just returned from a Veterans Day Ceremony at the Technical college I taught at for 31 years. I am the VFW post commander for the local post. We had two other posts with larger memberships do the color guard, post the colors etc. It was a good ceremnony.
It was interesting when I sat down with the two other post commanders and we related our stories about coming home. Sure the demonstrators etc. were not fun but all three of us experience in being not welcomed to join our local VFW post when we first got home.
I tried to join the one my dad was in in 1973 and was basically told to take a hike they did not need or want us then.
Twenty years later we all joined VFWs and now lead our posts. The tune changed when everyone else was too old to march, and do the ceremonies or run the posts. It is one thing to be scorned by those who don’t know crap about military service it is a whole different issue to be unwanted by your own. We were able to overcome and overlook these issues and are here now to serve our veterans from all wars.”
A few people know how humble I am about what I did in the service...I like what I did, and would do it all over again in a heartbeat...
I honestly don’t feel worthy to walk into places like that, even though I feel I might be welcome to do so...
Those guys and gals who went before us will still get my respect, I differ to their wisdom and experiences and that is what will keep their sacrifices in my thoughts till I die...
History looks upon a country by the way it treats its veterans, and this country has had its ups and downs in that regard...
I kinda have mixed feelings about affiliating with a local VFW, there is one not far from me near Ellington Field...I guess I’d have to run into one of those folks and talk to them, before I would even consider walking through that door...
Like someone I served with said to me years ago, “What do YOU want??? A medal??? Or a chest to pin it on!!!”
You can probably laugh at that euphamism, but its something that sticks with you before you go thumping your chest in an environment where those that went before you didn’t have to thump their chests about what they did when they served...
Just the way I feel about it...
My story is about the same as all the previous ones.
When I was discharged back in the late 1960s I joined both the American Legion and VFW. The problem was the age differences. I was the first Viet Nam era vet to join, I was just 20 years old. Everyone else was in their late 40s, and higher. We had nothing in common other than being veterans.
Add to that I did not smoke or drink, or play cards, there really was not point.
The only organization I still belong to is the DAV (life time member, and this is just to get the magazine to keep up with what is going on in congress related to veterans).
I don’t think I have ever attended a meeting.
As others have pointed out there just does not seem to be a purpose for the American Legion or VFW to exist. If they want more members they need to find a reason for people to join.
If a WWII soldier served in the Phillipines AFTER the fighting had stopped, he’s a veteran of a foreign war and eligible. Not true for a veteran who served in the Phillipines during the Viet Nam War. Am I wrong?
“Newer Vets assume that the VFW is just a group of “old guys” and any of the activities aren’t geared towards younger people.”
What’s the purpose of the VFW? Maybe if they added dwarf tossing contests to their list of activities at the VFW halls they could get more members to join! LOL!
Likely you’d be right. I’m not eligible (Vietnam era but in Germany, not Vietnam) so my situation would be the same. I looked at that eligibility link provided upthread but found it so convoluted I gave up.
You know... I went grocery shopping and this post stayed in my mind. I wonder if all organizations of sorts are hurting for members like the Lyons Club, Knights of Columbus, Shriners etc... It is now a different type of time in many aspects compared to the WWI/Korean war era. For one, many men joined outside groups for kinship of sorts. Although they were busy... they usually had stay at home wives who focused entirely on the home and children. Today, most parents work so when they come home... dinner, clean up, laundry, lunches for the next day... the list is endless for both the husband and wife. Weekends are spent on “catching up” with yard work, kid’s sporting events etc.. There really isn’t a whole bunch of time left to socialize per se.
I also think email, facebook, etc.. allows people to stay in touch more readily than before. Yes.. they had phones and wrote letters but now Marine A can keep in touch with Marine B much more easily. My Dad coached for the CYO. If I recall correctly, membership to outside organizations came in handy when being considered for promotions. I am not 100% sure that still applies like it did years back. The Rotary Club, for example, was used by many to meet other business type people and that could come in handy for employment opportunities.
See how much DEEP THINKING I do while grocery shopping!! LOL!!
We maintain our membership but dont go to the meetings. How sad to see a lack of attendance at this great pro military organization.
Interesting. IIRC, the VFW was formed when young veterans weren’t allowed to join either of the two major veterans groups in the late 1800’s. One was for Union soldiers (GAR?), and one for Confederates. Those groups merged at some point due to dwindling numbers, but they never allowed in anyone that didn’t serve in the american civil war.
So, the Veterans of *Foreign Wars* was formed, so that those that served in Cuba, etc., could have their own organization. I guess if the VFW has forgotten history, they’ll have to repeat it...
Fletcher J
Thank you for your reply, we share the same sentiments.
This weekend my church recognized all of its veterans. A very old and feeble WWII combat veteran was standing next to me. I didn’t feel worthy to be recognized with him. In fact, didn’t feel worthy to shine the man’s shoes.
You are spot-on regarding the modern family. My wife and I both work full time, and then some, jobs and we struggle keeping the lights on and do often look at the weekends as “catch up” time.
There are simply too many commitments and not enough time. I don’t know of anyone, unless they are retired, who has the time to sit around in a club/bar and just pass the time.
The Internet and social networks have made it easier to briefly socialize and stay in touch without going out.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.