A common sense approach to get young vets to take an interest in our VFW. Sharing this post from Bob Ford on VFW Post Commanders Discussion Group (I inserted breaks, etc. to make it a little easier to read) First and foremost, the VFW is much, much more than a bunch of old Veterans telling war stories. Veterans are NOT REQUIRED to ‘hang out’ at a VFW Post. VFW members are NOT REQUIRED to ATTEND meetings. No VFW member is REQUIRED to do anything. Notwithstanding, membership in the VFW is absolutely, very important. Many younger Veterans, especially Women Veterans assert that they are not made to feel welcome at VFW Posts. They should know that, during and after Viet Nam, even the VFW didn’t want Viet Nam Veterans. That changed to the point that, for the past few years, the VFW leadership (Nationally and locally) has been Viet Nam Veterans. Now, the Gulf War and War on Terror Veterans are moving up through the ranks. It does take time. Secondly, it is not the responsibility of anyone to MAKE anyone else feel anything. You are a Veteran. Be yourself. It will work. The VFW asserts a motto; “…NO ONE DOES MORE FOR VETERANS…” I prefer the motto, “…Honor the fallen, by helping the living…” That is because the benefits Veterans enjoy today is NOT because congress cares so much for Veterans. It is the direct result of the efforts of the VFW and other Veteran service organizations. Unfortunately, older Veterans are dying. Without the membership strength of younger Veterans, the power to retain those benefits will be lost. Student Veterans are able to learn all they need to know about their education benefits from their college Veteran Affairs Office, or their financial aid office. Unfortunately, Student Veterans and all other Veterans have very few sources of information about their other Veteran benefits. The VFW is one of those sources. It is true that an inexpensive beer is NOT sufficient enough of a reason for younger Veterans to go to a VFW Post. On the other hand, exactly why do younger Veterans, who do not have that much disposable income, go to bars and clubs that charge $4.50 per beer and $6.00 - $8.00 for a mixed drink? The answer is simple. They seek younger people with common interests. If younger Veterans (male and female) bring their friends to a VFW Post, before going to other bars and clubs, more younger Veterans will also go to the VFW Post. Every VFW member is entitled to bring guests to the Post. That will encourage VFW Posts to have more parties and bring in live music and other activities, more often. EVERY ELIGIBLE VETERAN REALLY SHOULD BELONG TO THE VFW.
Posted on: Sun, 02 Feb 2014 19:34:51 +0000
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