[oh8eleven]

I'm a USMC 'Nam vet - discussed many times joining the American Legion and/or VFW over a few beers in my local tavern in the early 70s.
WWII types always said the VFW only takes guys who fought in real wars. Never joined either one. Eff 'em.
Years later I see news stories whining about the plight of the VFW ... dwindling membership, no money, dilapidated buildings, etc.
Thanks for your service guys - sayanora.

[newbolt]

Same thing happened to me. In 1970 I tried to join the VFW and I was told that Vietnam wasn't considered a war. OK. Besides, if I wanted to smoke, I'd smoke my own, not somebody’s second hand smoke.

[foxfield]

I also am a USMC 'Nam Vet (69-70). I actually tried to join once, but quickly realized that 'Nam Vets were not welcome and didn't pursue it further.

Thank you for your service.

[foxfield]

I also am a USMC 'Nam Vet (69-70). I actually tried to join once, but quickly realized that 'Nam Vets were not welcome and didn't pursue it further.

Thank you for your service.

[Terry Mross]

Not every WWII vet actually served in combat. In fact, not every WWII vet even left the country. (I guess today they’d be called WWII “ERA” vets.) Yet they were all eligible to join the VFW.

But the VFW wouldn’t accept combat veterans from Viet Nam because it wasn’t a “real” war. Then later, due to dwindling membership, they started to accept Viet Nam vets who had served “in country”. Then they started accepting Viet Nam “ERA” vets.

I’m with you, oh8eleven, I’ll stand with my Viet Nam era and “in country” and combat vets.

However, I still look up to those old men and women from WWII. As I look up to all veterans!