Should I join the American Legion?

self

[ozidar]

I recently received a solicitation for membership in the American Legion. I am eligible due to my service in the Air Force during the Gulf War era. I'm sure there are members here. Can you share with me some of the reasons for joining or not joining? I would really like to learn more about the organization. If you want to reply privately instead of publicly that's fine too.

[Uncle Jaque]

Not all Legion Posts are in the "bar" business; ours is a "dry" Post (Anderson Mayberry #91) and has been for some time. For those to whom alchohol is a major draw, the VFW Post in town seems to adequately provide.

The Legion is the oldest Veteran's Fraternal and advocacy organizaton after the GAR ("Grand Army of the Republic") which died out with it's last Union Civil War Veteran Member.

We were established by Act of Congress in 1919, and have been the major mover and shaker of Vereran's interests ever since.

The VA for example, came about largely due the the efforts of the American Legion, and continues to exist largely because of our ongoing advocacy - although by now we have some help from associated Veteran's groups like the VFW and AMVETS. Check the website for details.

Although the Legion seems to have been losing membership with the departure of many WW-II Vets, it seems to be enjoying a resurgence of sorts since the Gulf War and 9/11. A lot of us VietNam era vets are beginning to "come home" to the Legion after sort of lying low for 30 years or more, and now that we have sort of been socially allowed to, are more comfortable, if not justly proud, of our service and status as Veterans.

And if any one thinks that enhancement of the VA is sole property of the Democrats, then you need to look at the record a little more closely. Check out what President BUSH has done for the VA budget lately.

The Legion's advocacy is not limited to us "old Soldiers" you know - we actively support and advocate for American Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen etc. currently in service, and especially those in harm's way in the WOT.


American Legion Brunswick ME Post Color Guard at a "Support Our Troops" Rally

Officially, the Legion is a non-partisan organization. Individual Members are free to participate in and support the cause or candidate of our choice, and are often found on opposing sides of about any issue.

A few surely support the KERRY campaign - but I don't think you will find an overwhelming majority of Legionares over there, frankly.

The monthly "Legionare" magazine used to be one of those glance-and-pitch rags, but the past couple of years has seen it become a top notch and very informative, topical publication. Some issues are given a side-by-side comparison in articles written by diverse Authors, and it is left for the reader to determine their own conclusions.

Vets are kept advised on Laws, programs, and benifits applicable to us, and Legion Service Officers are ready to assist any Vet in dealing with the maze of beauraucracy at the VA or other government agency. You don't have to be a Legionare to be availed of this service, btw.

Sure; like any organization, it has it's share of unsavory carachters and control freaks - but I'm confident that in the main you will find yourself amidst a band of supportive and fraternal Brothers AND Sisters (It's not a "boy's only" club, you know!) in your local American Legion Post.

I for one would be glad to welcome you as a "Comrade" (the term predades it's unfortunate association with the Communists, btw) in the American Legion!

For God and Country;

"Uncle Jaque" Americanism Officer American Legion; Anderson - Mayberry Post #91 Maine.

[YOMO]

I'm an Vietnam ERA Vet (66-70). Didn't join until late because it took so long for them and the VFW to recognize the Viet Nam War.
###########################################################
I joined the VFW 3 months on leaving the USN. Viet Nam 66-67. Don't forget the AMVETS also.

[lkside]

I belong to VFW, American Legion, and the AmVets. While some clubs have a few "clique-y" people, I've been welcomed at every one. When traveling, I've never been denied staying, in my camper, in their parking lots.

[kellynla]

I'm a Cold War Warrior, USAF 72-76 SAC Viet Nam Era vet. Does that qualify me for membership?
Check out the VFW link I provided but if you received a Combat Action Medal for your time in Nam then "come on down!"

Semper Fi,
Kelly

[Docbarleypop]

i thought anyone who served in the military was elligible to join the legion, but you had to serve in a designated foreign war to be in the VFW

[ozidar]

Thanks for the great response! I think I'll stop by the local post and check it out.

[Conspiracy Guy]

I am only an Viet Nam ERA Vet. SAC kept me stateside. I always say ERA. I only say Viet Nam Vet when it's someone who went there. National Defense, Marksmanship, and Pocket Rocket (SAC Missile Emblem), were the only adornments on my chest. I had tried to enter Para Rescue but they were turning down married applicants in Summer 1972.

[kellynla]

Welcome home!

If wasn't for you fly boys a lot of us grunts might not be here today. LOL

Semper Fi,
Kelly

[GailA]

No he's a Vietnam era Vet, did his hitch in the USAF, A & E for the Mace Missile system. First on Santa Rosa Island, FL, then Okinawa. Which only makes him qualified for the AM Legion.

[kellynla]

No he's a Vietnam era Vet, did his hitch in the USAF, A & E for the Mace Missile system. First on Santa Rosa Island, FL, then Okinawa. Which only makes him qualified for the AM Legion
gotcha...

[quietolong]

bump for later

[chief7]

HI OZIDAR FROM YARMOUTH, MAINE. THERE ARE A LOT OF LEGION POST, SOME LARGE AND SOME SMALL. I BELONG TO LEGION POST #91 IN YARMOUTH, ME., AND WE HAVE A MEMBERSHIP OF 74. I ALSO BELONG TO THE VFW AND AMVETS IN THIS TOWN. THE AMVETS ARE THE ONLY ONES IN THIS TOWN THAT HAVE A CLUB ROOM. IF YOU LIKE TO PARTY, THIS ONE WOULD DO IT.
THE LEGION AND VFW ARE MORE SERVICE ORINTATED TOWARD THE VETERANS. THEY MARCH AND SUPPLY COLOR GUARDS MEMORIAL DAY AND VETERANS DAY.