[RVN Airplane Driver]

The VFW has a concept flaw. Their membership is based not on being a veteran, but being a war veteran. This guarantees that their membership will be cyclical. They are dependent on war. They should have long ago embraced the idea that while war veterans are special, veterans who did not fight in wars are far closer to them than civilians. Veterans who did not fight in wars still have many of the same beliefs, honor, and the same respect for the uniform. Had they included veterans who did not fight in wars, they could have maintained steady support for an organization that would still recognize their special status. Their posts would not be closing, and there would be young blood and new money supporting it. Veterans who did not fight in wars are highly respectful of those who did. And since most civilians can barely tell the difference between a military and police uniform, the VFW should have long ago opened its doors to veterans who not only know very well what that uniform and its decorations mean, but appreciate them as well.

Have you heard of the American Legion???

[yefragetuwrabrumuy]

The American Legion does not suffer this same problem, and that is my point. The VFW does not have to change their emphasis on war veterans, just not exclude veterans who were otherwise their peers. Otherwise, the culture of the two organizations is so different, that veterans would have a choice.