American Legion ??

[Larry & Rita]

How many of us support and belong to the American Legion?????
I just joined last week and am waiting for my information.
When I was in High School ROTC in Kansas City, the Legion supported our Rifle Team with shooting equipment and great shooting jackets with the Legion crest on them, then I did not know much about them but sure liked the support.

[Wayne M]

Larry & Rita,
I'm not a member, but some of the posts allow RV parking if you are a member, and some if you are just a veteran. Some have FHU, some just electric, and some are just full boondocking spaces.

Belonging to any veterans organization is a good thing.

[Alan_Hepburn]

Been a member for about 25 years now - rarely go to Post meetings, though - too much politicking going on. They've been trying to talk me into joining the local Legion Riders group, but with no income I need to watch where I spend my money...

[Cat320]

Used to be, then moved to a city without an AL.

[4Knights]

VFW since 91, not active in it though.

[read & learn]

Recently I noticed that the AL post in my town have many non-service people going and coming out of their Building. I asked one of the Retired Air Force members how come any body off the street could just come and go as they please, his reply was "We been allowing this for a couple of years now, just about any one to join as we need people to help pay the bills".
Is this a new policy of the American Legion or is it just my town?
When you go away for 10-11 months a year you don't notice as much when you come back. This year we came back early and are staying a little longer as our next trip has us on the road longer so we are noticing a lot more.

[PyrateSilly]

My husband's parents live in a very small town. One blinking light small town. They have a VFW and since we have been there for, off and on, 8 years they have always allowed anyone to go in and "help pay the bills". There is a bar 2 doors away but since the VFW is cheaper most go there first till they close at 10 or 11pm then go to the bar.

[Alan_Hepburn]

Yeah - most AL or VFW posts that own their building,and have a licensed bar, will allow the public to patronize the bar. They will also rent out meeting rooms, dance halls, etc. - all in a effort to bring in some income so that the members don't get hit with huge dues increases every year. The AL post I belong to has Bingo almost every day of the week, with the public allowed to play - it's a pretty good income source for the Post!

[dieselclacker]

Can peacetime veterans, (cold war) become members of AL and VFW? I know they could not in the past, but was curious, with the way some of the posts are hurting financially if they had changed qualifications for membership.

Dieselclacker

[salvagediver]

22yr Legionare. Don't go to the Post much except to pay my dues once a year and swap a few lies. Nothing trashes a good sea story like an eye witness...

[AFChap]

I joined the Legion when I retired. I was traveling fulltime and never got involved with a local post, and was listed as a member at the state level. Several times I emailed requests for information and/or assistance from different individuals at the state officer level on completing my VA disability paperwork but I was never able to get ANYONE to respond in any way whatsoever. After several years of receiving nothing but the magazine and constant requests for money I did not renew my membership.

My only exposure to the Legion prior was that the local post was the sponsor for our Scout troop when I was a kid ...their local reputation was being a bunch of drunks, and they lived down to their reputation whenever members came along on some of our Scout campouts.

DIESELCLACKER ...I believe you qualify for the Legion whether or not you had "hot" war service on foreign soil. As I recall, VFW membership requirements are a bit tighter than the Legion in that regard.

[4Knights]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dieselclacker Can peacetime veterans, (cold war) become members of AL and VFW? I know they could not in the past, but was curious, with the way some of the posts are hurting financially if they had changed qualifications for membership. Dieselclacker

I believe both will allow membership even without combat service as the numbers are dwindling and they not only need the money but need people that understand what a service member goes through in their service, this can translate into a new member who helps other Veterans in all aspects.

[dieselclacker]

AFChap and 4Knights, thanks for the input.

Dieselclacker

[W4RLR]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dieselclacker Can peacetime veterans, (cold war) become members of AL and VFW? I know they could not in the past, but was curious, with the way some of the posts are hurting financially if they had changed qualifications for membership. Dieselclacker

For the VFW, only if you have a campaign ribbon for Operation Desert Shield/Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan). The AL will take you, though. Just have to be honorably discharged.