Just joined AMVETS!

[A.J.]

I decided to "pull the trigger" and join a local AMVETS just a few miles from my house. I never had an interest in these organizations before but after 30+ years of military service, I miss the comraderie (and ass clownery)! I was surrounded by people like me who excelled at military service but were put out to pasture well before their time.

The AMVETS people could not have been more welcoming. Smiles everywhere. The Post Commander happened to be in the club, heard there was a new member and personally processed my application. Very nice people. Made me feel like a rock star.

Days prior, I checked out the local VFW but the place had a very different vibe. Not my kind of place.

 

[vito]

I'm also retired military and admit I know nothing about the Amvets organization. When I first left active service in 1990 I had little interest in traditional veterans' organizations, but years later decided to give them a try. The local Vietnam Veterans group was very unwelcoming. They seemed to be largely a group of lifelong friends and not very open to someone totally unknown to them. When they found out that I was a retired officer, they turned even more of a cold shoulder. I visited the VFW and found it to be mostly a club for drinking. And I will admit that I never gave the American Legion a try as I had always heard of their anti-Semitic history. I'd be curious as to hear about Amvets from you.

 

[caryc]

I decided to "pull the trigger" and join a local AMVETS just a few miles from my house. I never had an interest in these organizations before but after 30+ years of military service, I miss the comraderie (and ass clownery)! I was surrounded by people like me who excelled at military service but were put out to pasture well before their time.

The AMVETS people could not have been more welcoming. Smiles everywhere. The Post Commander happened to be in the club, heard there was a new member and personally processed my application. Very nice people. Made me feel like a rock star.

Days prior, I checked out the local VFW but the place had a very different vibe. Not my kind of place.

I tried to join the VFW many many years ago and was told that Viet Nam was not a real declared war so they told me to hit the road. I guess they figured Viet Nam was just some kind of police action. Every time I see them grubbing for money in front of my grocery store, I tell them exactly what I think of them.

A lot of our guys died in that police action, some of my school friends included.

 

[WAYNO]

I decided to "pull the trigger" and join a local AMVETS... The AMVETS people could not have been more welcoming.

I am glad you found a home.




And because the VFW and American Legion did not initially welcome Vietnam-era Veterans, they are struggling for numbers now. Vietnam Vet's haven't forgotten being shunned.

My Legion Post, 45 minutes away, the only Post that actually invited me, has difficulty maintaining our target numbers. There are a few WWII-era members, mostly Korea-era members, and a few Vietnam-era members.

The Desert-era Vets are not interested. When the current members are gone, our post will be gone.

And my Legion Post is absolutely wonderful.












.

 

[Heliman]

I never heard of Amvets. I am a member of the VFW. My local post is mostly comprised of Vietnam and Gulf war vets. In my recent dealings with the VA I have discovered they work very closely with the VFW. I worked with the VFW to get my VA medical started up and am currently going through the VFW to kick start my application for disability consideration. My conclusion is that the VA and VFW have a close relationship. I never belonged to the American Legion, but have had good experience when being at a post as a guest. Like I said, never heard of Amvets, but I imagine they are a well meaning group looking out for the needs of all veterans.
All my experiences with VFW have been positive. Apparently the loss of WWII vets have changed their views regarding Vietnam vets. In any case, I am not apologizing for being a member.... :roll:
Dave

 

[Jeepnik]

Several years after I was discharged my uncle suggested I join the VFW. They made it quite clear they didn't want Viet Nam vets in "their" organization.

My opinion of groups like this can't be posted on a family oriented forum.

 

[protoolman]

I joined the legion but our chapter is almost inactive. I want to join Amvets. They sound way more active and welcoming from what I've heard.

 

[Fox Mike]

Sounds like a great group. However, for me, the closest AMVETS to me is a 40 minute drive on I-95. I think I'll pass.

 

[OVERLOADDED]

I joined the legion but our chapter is almost inactive. I want to join Amvets. They sound way more active and welcoming from what I've heard.

Maybe the inactive is caused by the current attitude of members! We as members, you can be proactive or reactive, as a member, you could be the one that recruites new members, include them in post ativities, nominate them to officer positions! Mentorship! Do your part to change how your Post is viewed! Overloadded, Commander Post 102 Erie, Kansas

 

[powder smoke]

When i lived in Nh. I was a member of the American Legion and the VFW. Since moving to Maine
we have no local chapters and no longer members of either. To be honest I do not miss it one bit.
Never ever have I felt either organizations did anything much. ps

 

[Mobuck]

I pay yearly dies to American Legion but that's the sum of my participation. Years ago a friend was the post commander and begged me to bolster their post membership. I did but when he passed away, I switched to a different post because I didn't feel the rest of the local members really accepted me. Now, I just keep paying the dues but don't even know(or much care) about attending the meetings.
Another friend took me to a couple of VFW meetings but as some mentioned, that was little more than a bunch of old drunks trying to play cards and sing along with the music--not what I was looking for.

 

[vito]

Maybe I will contact the nearest Post, which is 45 minutes driving for me.

 

[wwb]

Coming home from Vietnam, both the VFW and the American Legion were, to put it politely, less than welcoming. Many years went by before it gained any steam, but the VVA (Vietnam Veterans of America) is the place to belong for Vietnam vets.

Check them out at VVA.org

Edited to add..... here's their newsletter - you don't need to be a member to see it: http://vvaveteran.org/

 

[A.J.]

Sorry to hear of the bad experiences, especially you Vietnam vets. We're all warrior brothers (and sisters). You don't treat "family" like that.

The VFW I scoped out was pretty bad. The people working there were unfriendly and rude. Their answers to my questions were short and evasive.

Me: "Hi. Can I get an application form? I'm thinking about joining."
VFW: "We only allow combat vets to join."
Me: "I am a combat vet."
VFW: "You can't join without a DD214."
Me: "No problem. I can get one. By the way, mind if I look around?"
VFW: "This is it."
Me: "What's behind those doors?"
VFW: "Banquet room."

I felt like I was in the middle of a Monty Python skit! I politely thanked the employees and departed.

In contrast, wife and I had lunch today at the AMVETS. Food was great. Old dudes hanging around were very friendly. The place is very inclusive and most of the time open to the public. I think I made the right choice.