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VFW or American Legion ?

Joe Drees
I miss hanging around former military types since retiring from service. I'm eligible to join either. Any major pros or cons about either? My buddy says the Legion has the best bars.[:D] I'd join both, but I can't give too much time as I have a nine year old to take care of and I'm active in several other orgs. TIA...Joe
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Comments

14 comments

Date Votes
  • Permanently deleted user
    I say join both! There is much more to both of those organizations than the bar!
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  • bobski
    just me but each seems to be just another bar room.
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  • OldNavyGuy
    Hello Joe,

    I am a proud member of both shipmate! I too, find it hard to volunteer time, but, believe me it is much more than just a "beer joint for vets"

    They each lobby hard for us and push for legislation that will help us fellow veterans. The VFW was especially instrumental in the fight to get "concurrent" receipt rules changed for retirees. Making it more fair in comparison to other federal Govt retired workers. That's just one example of the many things they do to help us.

    Many more veterans are members of the American Legion than the VFW because the requirements for membership are not as stringent for the Legion.

    I encourage ALL to join both if eligible!

    Machinist Mate 1st Class, United States Navy (Retired)
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  • mrseatle
    The VFW does not allow queers...
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  • ObiWan
    It's amazing the income the local VFW's and Legion make from beer sales.

    The Legion back home sits on over $250,000 in cash it made from beer sales.
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  • A J Christ
    quote:Originally posted by mrseatle
    The VFW does not allow queers...




    ????

    So how did you come by this nugget of information? Is that the reason they wouldn't let you join?[}:)][;)][}:)]
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  • BT3
    Both are good organizations. I belong to both but participate in the VFW. Go to thier website and take a look at what they try and accomplish each and every day. Be reminded that all VFW and Leigon posts are not the same, so please don't paint them all with the same brush as some here may do! WWW.VFW.org
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  • ljwrench
    I just joined both but have only really hang out at the Legion Post. Great bunch of people.
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  • Henry0Reilly
    No reason you can't support both with membership even if you can't be actively involved in both.

    I belong to the Legion 40&8,and Montford Point Marine Association.

    The VFW is so hard up for members that they are accepting anyone who has spent 30 continous days or 90 total days in the Republic of Korea, including those serving there now, since it is technically still a war zone (no peace treaty was signed). So if you really can't support both, join the VFW as they need the help the most.
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  • Queen of Swords
    Mike is a social member of the American Legion Post in a nearby town. Luckily, it is not too local, or we would be there all the time.[;)]
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  • sarge_3ad
    I am a member of both, but more active in our VFW post.
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  • cbxjeff
    Member of Speedway, IN post 500. I have been treated well in visiting posts out west on my Sturgis trips. VFW could be the same way - I just don't know.
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  • victorlvlb
    I got out of the Navy in one piece in 1966. I tried joining the legion and the V.F.W. , neither one wanted me around.Ten or fifteen years later they asked me to join up. Just before I went into the V.F.W. meeting some nut told me he was going to vote against my being voted in.I told the guy i'd join up if he'd let me give his butt a hair cut with a torch. I droped all the paper work I had on me in a large ash tray and lite it up, never did go into that meeting.Ten days later i got a letter from them saying i was accepted. I payed dues to the V.F.w for five years then dropped out.
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  • br549
    after i was released from the Marines i thought i would join the vfw. i went to the local chapter here in this area where it was controled by WWII veterans. they would not accept my application because they said the vfw was an orginazition for Veterans Of Foreign Wars. and Viet Nam wasn't considered a war. well time has gone by and the WWII vets have gotten to the adge where they have died or can no longer attend the chapter.(I HOLD NO HATE OR DISLIKE FOR WWII VETS MY FATHER WAS IN THAT WAR WITH PATTON) about 10 years ago i recieved an invitation to join.I guess Viet Nam was finally considered a war. I threw the invitation in the trash after i called the State President and explained to him why i would never join the vfw. I am a member of the VVA they were very happy to accept my membership. i don't drink anyway so i wouldn't make the vfw any money.
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