Should I join the American Legion?

self

[ozidar]

I recently received a solicitation for membership in the American Legion. I am eligible due to my service in the Air Force during the Gulf War era. I'm sure there are members here. Can you share with me some of the reasons for joining or not joining? I would really like to learn more about the organization. If you want to reply privately instead of publicly that's fine too.

[kellynla]

Marine Corps Bump for the "Legion!"

[Lunatic Fringe]

Because it's better than the French Foreign Legion... no silly hats.

[Old Sarge]

You'll have FReepmail inbound...

[Pondman88]

I believe the beer is cheap....

[Piquaboy]

I have belonged to the Legion for 20 plus years. It is a great orgnization with great people and a big plus is cheap drinks. Along with your dues you get a monthly Legion magazine which is worth the dues paid.

[xusafflyer]

If you have time, I would like to know what you think of them as well. I haven't joined either but their is a branch just down the street from me.

[Radix]

Are you familiar with the Legion Sarge? There is one very close to me but according to the web site my service time dates do not qualify me for membership.

Are there auxiliary memberships?

[Conspiracy Guy]

Copy me!

[Willie Green]

I'm not eligible to join,
but all the small towns where I grew up had both a Legion Post and a VFW.
Both groups had beer on tap at their facilities and marched in parades, but the guys at the VFW had more bowling leagues and dart tournaments. Some guys joined both. Take your pick, I suppose it depends on who you want to hang out with. Both are fine organizations, IMHO.

[Old Sarge]

LOL!! Well, then, with our thread poster's permission, I'll just cut-and-paste what I just told him:

---

The answer to that is up to you, but I'D say a loud "YES!"

The Legion is the strongest and most vocal lobby for veterans' affairs. The VFW has its agenda as well, but it leans Left on several key issues; the Legion has held fast.

I am a member since after The Storm, myself. Beyond just the membership advantages of information and Legion Magazine, there's also the fellowship derived from keeping in touch with brothers anywhere.

A local Legion Post can help you. Or their site: www.legion.org

[kellynla]

And while you are at it, don't forget the
Veterans of Foreign Wars
http://www.vfw.org

The V.F.W. is another fine organization that needs as many veterans as it can get because many of the older vets from WWI & WWII are passing on.

Semper Fi,
Kelly

[Old Sarge]

In your case, Radix, you might also look at the VFW as well. They've recently altered their membership to lnclude troops who served overseas during time blocks. Yours just might fit!

[Joe 6-pack]

I'm a member of both the Leginon and VFW and can wholeheartedly endorse both organizations.

[Old Sarge]

I can attest to that...

My recent delpyment to Ft. McCoy, WI, led me to the VFW and the Legion halls in the nearby towns. I was immediately taken in as a visiting brother.

[Conspiracy Guy]

I'm a Cold War Warrior, USAF 72-76 SAC Viet Nam Era vet. Does that qualify me for membership? I need cheaper booze.

[Old Sarge]

Most certainly does! VFW for sure, but I'd check the Legion base to be sure.

[Radix]

I had a VFW which was very close to my home for 21 years. I literally could walk a few hundred yards through the woods and be in their parking lot. I never joined because of the restrictions.

Where I reside now I am quite close to an American Legion Post but I was surprised that they have the same restrictions on membership.

I'll look into the VFW's changes, thanks.

[dblshot]

Dues are only 22.50 a year in Texas. For that I can get in any American Legion Hall throughout the US. The Legion also lobbies for vet benefits. I am not active in my post for a couple of reasons. One, I'm a new guy having joined only about 6 years ago and the regulars pretty much run the show. Two, the cigartte smoke at my home post is pretty bad. The politics tend to be supportive of more govenrmrnt spending to take care of vets and seniors in general so your dues may support Dems more than Repubs at the national level, but not as blatently as the AARP. I've seen quite a few Legion hats on the dias behind Kerry at campaign events which sort of blows the non-partisan thing. I haven't been in a post hall I haven't been to my home post in maybe four years although I stopped in regulary for a while, even did the color guard thing. There is a post not too far from my house that is a lot friendlier but I haven't been in there lately either. If you just want to support the lobbying efforts it doesn't make much difference what the post near you is like. If you want to get involved in community events like Legion baseball there is stuff to do. If you just want to drink cheap, you might want to find a bar that isn't run by a cabel of old farts. Just my opinion, I could be wrong.

[Conspiracy Guy]

I tried the VFW for a few years back in the late 70's. Too many Carter supporters. I'll try the legion.