Vfw
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 936
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From: Texas
Vfw
I just realized that I can join the VFW. What is it they do there? I dont recal ever seeing my local VFW mentioned at any of the comunity affairs. I dont even know where it is. I always pictured a bunch of "older" (sorry if that offends anybody but at 26 I still think of 30 as old even though it's only 4 years away!) guys playing bingo and doing flag folding ceremonies. Me and some of my buddies (also OIF vets) were talking about joining but we just arent sure what they do. Any insight would be nice. I'd just feel kinda weird walking up there and saying hey we're here to join, what do yall do? LOL. Thanks yall.
FTE Legend
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 54,060
Likes: 2,426
From: NY and VA
Just did a google search and Texas VFW came up, you might want to check into it. Basically the VFW is a service orginzation, with benefits for members. Some are more active than others. You see more older people because, WWII. and 'nam. Since then there has not been too much activity (and large scale involvement) compared to previous. Grenada, Panama,1st Gulf War. Iraq will involve more troops. You also might check into The American Legion which in some areas is very active. Or, join both, if you travel you can always find a friend. George
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 821
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From: Riverview, MI
My dad is a "honorary" member, he never served. All they do is sit around, drink a beer or some whiskey, and thats about it. Every now and then theres a dance when someone rents the hall, but most of the memebers are old, and don't do anything like that. I think there youngest memeber is like 35. I always feel like I walked into a dark old folks home, with liquor.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: N. Mississippi
Here where I live, the local VFW's close to me have bingo on Friday nights and a dance on Saturday nights.
One VFW has a bar because it's in a "wet" county. The other is in a "dry" county so although they have a bar and pool tables, they are not open to the general public yet but are open to members.
I played drums with the band at the VFW Post at Water Valley MS for a bunch of years and the dances are still going on although some of the members would love to see the dances stopped and then have bingo played both nights.
My late father was a member and my late mom was a member of the Ladie's Axuillary at this post.
One VFW has a bar because it's in a "wet" county. The other is in a "dry" county so although they have a bar and pool tables, they are not open to the general public yet but are open to members.
I played drums with the band at the VFW Post at Water Valley MS for a bunch of years and the dances are still going on although some of the members would love to see the dances stopped and then have bingo played both nights.
My late father was a member and my late mom was a member of the Ladie's Axuillary at this post.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,958
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From: Southern NH
I have a good friend who has been a bartender at the local VFW, for years. A few years back, when I wasn't as busy at work, I used to go there for my lunchtime, to hang out with other friends from work. I eventually became a member, just because they have key card access to get in the building. And I got tired of getting buzzed in. I don't remember how much it was, but it didn't break the bank. And I don't recall there being any specific restrictions. I was far from being a vet, since I was in my twenties, never served, and female.
The VFW, I used to go to is open every day of the week.
The VFW, I used to go to is open every day of the week.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 411
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From: SE Wisconsin
As one of the Vice Commanders of my post, I can tell you that we do plenty for the community. Most people see us as a bunch of beer guzzling old farts, but since I am only 27, I dont quite fit the old fart thing yet! But we do raffles and other civic events, donate to charities, and work directly with the VA to help other veterans get what they are entitled to. As for membership, you have to have a campaign or expeditionary medal, or be in a certain theater for so long. So, it isnt open membership to just anyone, like the name implies, you have to be a Veteran of a Foreign War. so check out www.VFW.org and see what they can offer you.
And last, welcome home brother!
And last, welcome home brother!
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 821
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From: Riverview, MI
Do you have honorary members at your post? I know my father never served, and he has no kind of medals, yet he is a member at the post in my home town. He isn't a "legacy" to speak of. My great uncle was a WWII vet, but Ray was never a member of the "V" as they call it.
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 411
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From: SE Wisconsin
We dont have any "honorary" members, we have all served in the service and in a warzone at one time or another. Our tavern is open to the public and there are plenty of people that have never served that go in there, but they are not a member of either post that is in our building. When we have our monthly meetings, they are behind closed doors and not open to non members. As for the sitting around and drinking beer or whisky while BS'ing, isnt that what most people do in a bar? I mean I can walk into a sports bar and watch the jocks do the same thing as the vets. So its to each their own. And remember, you too will someday be the old guy wanting to be in a quiet bar having a few drinks with the other old timers!
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Joined: Nov 1999
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From: SW Illinois... near St. L
Former Junior Vice Commander, and Board Member, 33 years old, and was the only member of Post 5691 that couldn't legally be at the bar at one point.
For all the OIF Vets out there, I'll say thanks for doing what you did, and WELCOME HOME!
The difference between the VFW and American Legion? The Legion is open to ALL holders of a DD214 that is "Honorable" or "General". The legion is a larger organization, and usually have nicer post homes due to a higher number of eligible members.
The VFW's are more exclusive. You MUST be a Veteran that served in, and was decorated with a campaign ribbon, or CIB. Those that have SWASM, KLM, AFEM, or the new ribbons for Iraq, and Afganistan, or the War on Terror award are also eligible.
Obviously, Viet Nam service, Korea service, WWII and WWI vets are also eligible. There are also smaller conflicts that allow membership, too... i.e. Grenada, Panama, Beirut, etc.
What we do? We do a LOT of charity work. We do a lot of Volunteer work. We do a lot of Community Service. You can join the social club, or you can join the VFW. The choice is yours!
For all the OIF Vets out there, I'll say thanks for doing what you did, and WELCOME HOME!
The difference between the VFW and American Legion? The Legion is open to ALL holders of a DD214 that is "Honorable" or "General". The legion is a larger organization, and usually have nicer post homes due to a higher number of eligible members.
The VFW's are more exclusive. You MUST be a Veteran that served in, and was decorated with a campaign ribbon, or CIB. Those that have SWASM, KLM, AFEM, or the new ribbons for Iraq, and Afganistan, or the War on Terror award are also eligible.
Obviously, Viet Nam service, Korea service, WWII and WWI vets are also eligible. There are also smaller conflicts that allow membership, too... i.e. Grenada, Panama, Beirut, etc.
What we do? We do a LOT of charity work. We do a lot of Volunteer work. We do a lot of Community Service. You can join the social club, or you can join the VFW. The choice is yours!
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 821
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From: Riverview, MI
I'm going to have to ask my dad exactly what the circumstances of his "honorary" membership is. But the V at home is a private club, where they do sell alcohol, but they don't have liquor by the drink at bars back home. But I will say my father is not a veteran, or hold any type of medal. He is a owner of a local buisness, and the family is a respected member of the community, so thats probably got something to do with it. But I know he isn't the only non-veteran member.
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 936
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From: Texas
Good info, thanks yall. Looks like i"ll have to go hook up with the boys down at my local VFW.....soon as I find out where it is. Looks like yearly membership is only about $20, not bad at all.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 19,098
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From: Great State of Texas
Go...shake hands with each Vet you see there...look him / her in the eye and tell them...Thankyou.
If the VFW existed only for that reason...it would be reason enough for me.
We are loosing WWII folks at an alarming rate every day. Trust me, when you see those old tired eyes water up...you will know why you are there.
If the VFW existed only for that reason...it would be reason enough for me.
We are loosing WWII folks at an alarming rate every day. Trust me, when you see those old tired eyes water up...you will know why you are there.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 411
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From: SE Wisconsin
Well put KW5413, I couldnt have worded it better myself! And 13mwz, good luck getting in, you will find it rewarding, and if the post you pick doesnt do much, do something about it! Dont be afraid to volunteer and get involved. As KW said, the WWII and Korea men are going quickly, we are the future to keep it running and getting things done. And if any of you ever make it to SE Wisconsin, drop on in to the Bunker in Waterford, Its a vets paradise...lol
www.thebunkerus.com
Mike
www.thebunkerus.com
Mike
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Southeastern Indiana
I'm only 31 and I am a member of the VFW. We have a great time there. I'll admit that I'm probably the youngest one their but I'd rather hang out with people older than me. When I go to other bars or clubs where there are people aroung my age, I tend to find that everyone just wants to fight over the dumbest things. When I decide to drink a few beers I want to just kick back and have fun and not worry about a fight breaking out next to me. I qualified to the VFW because I Went to Korea, the "allmost Haiti invasion" and Bosnia.
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