VFW

[epilepticninja]

I retired in October 2010. Decided to see if I was eligible for the VFW, which I am. Got my membership card in the mail the other day. So.....now what? Anyone a member? I'm a "member-at-large." I was thinking of going by the local post to say "hi." Is there anyone here that actively participates? I'm only 42, so I don't have any WWII stories, but if it's a cool place to chill, I wouldn't mind going and hanging out. Any words of wisdom will be appreciated. Thanks.


SMSgt D. (Retarded....er., Retired.)

[dustoff31]

Certainly drop by your local post and see what they have to offer. I understand your concerns. I felt pretty much the same way when I joined after retiring 11 years ago. But the times they are a changing, there are a lot more younger guys coming in nowadays.

Some posts are much more active than others. They can run the gamut from pretty much just a watering hole to all sorts of activities.

For example, in my post, many of us volunteer to transport guys without transportation or can't drive to the VA med centers in vans provided by the VA. We have a flag retirement ceremony out in the desert every year, and a pretty good canteen. A nice place to stop off for lunch, and/or a beer now and then.

[Carsgunsandchics]

Certainly drop by your local post and see what they have to offer. I understand your concerns. I felt pretty much the same way when I joined after retiring 11 years ago. But the times they are a changing, there are a lot more younger guys coming in nowadays.

Some posts are much more active than others. They can run the gamut from pretty much just a watering hole to all sorts of activities.

For example, in my post, many of us volunteer to transport guys without transportation or can't drive to the VA med centers in vans provided by the VA. We have a flag retirement ceremony out in the desert every year, and a pretty good canteen. A nice place to stop off for lunch now and then.

Sounds like the one in Peoria my parents belonged to for a long time. Typically real good people, and a few not so. But that comes with society anyways. Like stated some are just a watering hole, where others can be like a long lost very large extended family. You might just have to hit up a few of the local posts to find your spot.

[dls]

I checked one out, good drinks cool people,couldn't take the cigarette smoke. I might try another sometime. I go to the Elks Lodge with a Elk buddy sometimes,it's a little nicer and lot's of Vets.

[todd2968]

Most VFW's center around the BAR, but please realize that, that is just local stuff, the VFW is a veterans organization that lobbys to protect veterans rights. If you don't like a post go to a new one, just like some churches.
I went to one as a visiting member back before 911 and they treat me like ****e, I heard in the back ground LET's SEE HIS DD214. They greated me with SORRY this is a private club. I told them I was active duty military, and I just wanted to see if I was welcome here, That kind of stumped them but they asked if i was eligible to join. I told them i was a visiting member, but they were still rude. I'll never revisit that post.

[freds4]

I have been a member since about 2003 or so; I retired in 2006. I have been to two different posts and tried to be "one of the guys", even brought my Wife to some events. While I will continue to be a member and support the VFW, the whole scene is just not for me. I don't drink, I don't smoke and I sure as hell don't want to sit around all day/night rehashing old war stories. I found the place to be depressing.