Comments

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  John Kellett July 1, 2010 at 10:13pm

  I wish that David hadn't judged the entire VFW on the basis of one jerk who made a dumb statement like that. Give the VFW a try, you might find that there are many good, patriotic people who are in your local Post. However, I do agree that the VFW National Organization needs to make some changes to become more Veteran-friendly.
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  Todd West July 1, 2010 at 7:08pm

  I am the youngest member I know of in both my VFW and SubVets post at the age of 48. I haven't joined theAmVets or AL, however I might choose to so. Can't seem to get passed the "good ol' boys" club at the VFW. They like the way they have done things in the past, and don't care to change them. I might add membership is over 200 and less than 20 attend meetings. Not sure how long I'll "hang at the bar" with them. Hoping with recent elections and a surprising vote for a new commander things will change.
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  Michael McWatt July 1, 2010 at 6:35pm

  Chief, I agree with your comments. I am one of 5 Viet Nam veterans that are active in Post activities down here in SW Florida. The VFW and the AMVETS are both doing well.
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  Darrell A. Nelson ENC Retired July 1, 2010 at 5:43pm

  All these comments have been very interesting to read. We all agree that a veteran is a veteran. I am the Adjutant at our local VFW post and a volunteer driver for the VA Medical Center and I have heard many comments just like there are here. Everyone has a story or a different view on Vets.Our post is low on membership and the WWII and Korean war vets are passing on to the Supreme Commander every day. We gave out 1 year memberships to the units in our area in hopes of bringing up our numbers it seems the generation of today are proud vets but just don't want to get involved in meetings, parades, etc.as soon as their memberships expired that was it. We tried combining DAV.VFW,AMVETS,AL,Purple Heart, into an All Vets Org. National would have no part of it. Our numbers were so low we sold our building and now meet @ the Legion. The number of Veterans out there is huge it is getting them to join and help it is a different world for them to raise a family, not enough time in a week.

  Parked at Loopia
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  Michael McWatt July 1, 2010 at 4:57pm

  Michael, I discussed this with my Post Commander who told me that it has been brought up the chain before. One of these days, someone up at National is going to wake up and realize that a crisis is looming. I hope something is done before it's too late.
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  Michael McWatt June 30, 2010 at 11:14pm

  I served from 1970-79 as a Radioman, transferred to the Reserve side of the house in 1980 as a Yeoman and remained for 10 years until retirement. I am a member of the American Legion and personally think that in view of dwindling membership numbers, the Legion would be well served to permit ALL Honorably Discharged members to seek membership.
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  Ronald Earl Bereman II June 30, 2010 at 9:08am

  I worked for the Federal Government and they did give credit for "Vietnam Era" vets. When I got out in the late 60's just about every prospective employer wanted to see a copy of your DD 214 and combat or not didn't seem to be an issue as much as either you served or you went to Canada. Do protesters have reunions? Proud to have served.
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  Randall Keith Hunter June 29, 2010 at 11:22pm

  Hmmm, I see the VFW & AL debate rages on. As a Viet-Nam ERA Vet, I'm 'qualified' for membership in the AL; however since I don't have a campaign ribbon for actually having served IN Viet-Nam, I'm excluded from membership in the VFW. Oh well, c'est la Vie. Same as my Desert Shield/Desert Storm service; hey was it MY fault I got ordered to 3d Med BN 3d FSSG, Camp Hansen OKINAWA when I specifically asked for 1st MarDiv? No it's not, but I still didn't get a campaign ribbon. Something about no one shooting at me on the Rock. Details.
  
  Or how about this one? I just got back from OIF in January of this year after having been there since Sept 06; and yes PLENTY of ppl were shooting at me! Anywhere from several times a day to a few times a month. But again, no campaign ribbon, something about one has to be on Active Duty to qualify for those. Again with the details. LOL But it's all good; I AM a member of the Fleet Reserve Association, our Branch has members from WWII and every war since; you know what? We're ALL Shipmates regardless of when, where or how long served.
  
  Yes there have been times, more often than not truth to tell, when I've not felt like a 'real' Veteran because I didn't have actual combat experience. Most of you'se guys on here are helping me to get over that.
  Thank you all!
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  Al Lieberman June 29, 2010 at 10:28pm

  I'm proud I served and have no regrets whatsoever. Whether seeing combat or not, a vet is a vet, Although I would like to join either of these organizations.
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  Todd West June 29, 2010 at 10:10pm

  If my understanding is correct, the govt gives more tax credits to employers of combat era veterans. They don't have to serve directly in the combat zone, but be on active duty during the time frame. That is also how the AL determines eligiblity on their part. The VFW requires a campaign medal to be awarded for them. They also accept the SSBN nuclear deterrent patrol pin as qualification. Sub Vets is also in the process as qualifing as a combat veterans group much like the AL for the same reason... more benefits from the govt. I do agree that there is no difference between veterans, if you served your a vet. If the vet groups want to qualify their members, thats certainly their option, but I'm proud we all served.