Comments

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  John Kellett September 26, 2011 at 9:11am

  Your local VFW is probably accepting all Vets.  However, to be an active member of the VFW, you must have actually served in the war zone during a specific period of time.  They are probably encouraging other Vets, who are not eligible for active membership, to join as "Social" members.
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  David Carter September 26, 2011 at 6:02am

  The VFW considers the Iraq and Afghanistan to be wars that we participated in this makes those Vets eligible to join the VFW. They need you people who serve to keep the VFW going with young blood.
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  Randall Keith Hunter September 26, 2011 at 12:18am

  okay here's a question for anyone who knows the answer. Why is my local VFW have a marquis sign that says, "ALL VETS WITH ACTIVE SERVICE SINCE AUGUST 1990 ELIGIBLE FOR MEMBERSHIP"? I've not stopped in yet to enquire, but I am interested.
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  Thomas R Fournier September 25, 2011 at 4:46pm

  If you checked recently the Vietnam Vets have been in charge of the VFW for quite a while now.
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  Gustave Grecsek Jr. September 25, 2011 at 4:12pm

  To David Asche, You let some a**hole chase you out of a great organization. I don't know where you live but it you are anywhere near Staten Island NY I guarantee that you would be welcome at post 7172 for exactly what you are, a United States Combat veteran. Don't let one fool destroy your accomplishments. Quartermaster 1999-2011
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  Al Lieberman September 18, 2011 at 9:31am

  I've also had correspondance with the VFW & the AL awhile ago.  They're unwilling to make changes.  So I gave up. I did give them a piece of my mind though when I received a huge packet in the mail soliciting for membership.  Since then, I haven't heard a word.  I use to wonder how much they've spent for marketing and sending out to "ineligible" vets us most of us, but not any more. 

  Mark, I'm not so sure the decisions are made by the "old farts", but perhaps the administration doesn't was to make waves in fear of either loosing their job or political influence. I've come to the conclusion they believe that "if it ain broke don't fix it" is their motto.
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  Mark E. Mangus, Sr. September 18, 2011 at 8:45am

  I spoke with the national membership folks and they explained that it is in the charter of the Legion that veterans that served during those specific dates can join. Every year there is an amendment to the charter proposed, and every year it is voted down by the old farts running the show.
  
  I got this info just two weeks ago.
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  John Kellett September 17, 2011 at 7:36pm

  In a way, Gustave is correct.  However, the Veterans of Foreign Wars was established as an organization for those who served together during armed conflicts.  John Wilde is also correct, a veteran is a veteran.  Nevertheless, any veterans who have not earned an overseas campaign ribbon, can still qualify for the American Legion if they served during a conflict but not in the actual war zone.  The AmVets is also a place for veterans to share comeraderie with other veterans.  Just because you never earned an overseas ribbon, does not mean that you are any less of a veteran, only that you don't meet the criteria established for membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

   

  Quartermaster, VFW Post 2493, Mount Wolf, PA
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  Gustave Grecsek Jr. September 17, 2011 at 2:01pm

  In reply to John Wilde I am inclined to agree with you. However, it is not the VFW that refuses you membership. Congress determines what campaign ribbons are required for membership. I know that you had no say in where you were assigned. It might be better if it was Veterans of Foreign Service. I served from 50 to 54 in the amphibs.

  Quartermaster post 7172 VFW

   
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  John Wilde September 16, 2011 at 8:10pm

  I have always found it offensive when the VFW says I can't join because I didn't volunteer at the proper time.  I served on active duty or in reserves from 1975 up until 1982.  As far as I'm concerned a veteran is a veteran regardless of when he/she served.