[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...

[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.

[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.

[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

[Joe 6-pack]

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

[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.

[sinanju]

Here in my neck of the woods (Arlington, VA) my Korean-era vet father (WWII "vet" if you want to include his refugee childhood) joined post #139 a decade ago, then found out it was basically a drinking club for geezers. He now confines his Legion activities to nearby post #85 (a generational schism in the past, the Vietnam-era guys go there).

It's academic to me. When I got out of the Navy in '88 I was told by the personnelman on my ship that I qualified by dint of the Gulf of Sidra action (I think I still have a few "I crossed the line of death" cruise T-shirts in storage somewhere) that my ship was involved in for the VFW but not the American Legion. Well whatever, as I have to stay away from drinking situations it must remain forever academic.

From what little I've seen, the aforementioned organizations could use a shot of new blood. Individual posts probably vary greatly around the country but I would say by all means check them out and if they don't suit you then, by Cracky, borrow a page from the rules for radicals and team up with your buddies to infiltrate them and make them over to suit.

[Old Professer]

If you're in AA or younger than 55 don't bother attending the facility; joining isn't that bad an idea, they may help your widow secure your 1/40th acre, no mule though.

[vetvetdoug]

I belong to the American Legion to keep up with what's happening to veterans and how the organization perceives politicians and how Washington treats veterans.

[milbuf]

Membership in the Legion and VFW(if you are a vet from the posted periods) are both worth joining. Some posts are social clubs others are very community supportive. In all cases the state and national leadership work hard to continue and improve Vet benefits and support. The magazines are worth the cost and include lists of reunions and people inquiries as well as updates on veteran issues.
As the WWII generation leaves us it is up to the younger vets to pick up the load. If your legion does not meet your expectations, run for leadership positions and make the changes. New blood is needed and necessary.

[Wilum]

I'm an Vietnam ERA Vet (66-70). Didn't join until late because it took so long for them and the VFW to recognize the Viet Nam War. Had a good friend of mine on PDR's and wounded who was denied VFW. I think it was 1972 when they came around. Allot of the places didn't want us around anyway in my area. Finally joined Post 1 Albany, NY with no affiliation to any local post. I can use my card for any Legion post and most importantly receive Legion Magazine. Just go on their site and they will sign you up to a post like Albany and then, if you find a post you are comfortable with, you can just transfer.

Wilum

[GailA]

Yes, they do many civic projects that help different Vet projects. The one my hubby belongs to donates to the Boy Scouts, their special work is for the VA hospital and the spinal cord unit.

The Ladies Aux would be a good thing for your wife..if you are married or you daughters.

Our unit last year made 60 lap quilts for the spinal cord unit at the VA hospital in Memphis. Made sure they had Christmas goodies.

Their lobbying group helps to net Vets better benifits.

[drgnwrks]

Francis Scott Key Post # 11 - Bump Way to the top!

[ex-snook]

I first joined after WW II but have not been a continuous member depending on where I lived. Today I am and march [for as long as I can!] in their local Memorial Day parade.

I like the Legion. They were the force behind the GI Bill and continue to support Veteran's needs. They also sponsor a pretty good baseball program. You don't have to only belong to one veteran's organization.

They have a website at http://www.legion.org/

[Uncle Jaque]

Not all Legion Posts are in the "bar" business; ours is a "dry" Post (Anderson Mayberry #91) and has been for some time. For those to whom alchohol is a major draw, the VFW Post in town seems to adequately provide.

The Legion is the oldest Veteran's Fraternal and advocacy organizaton after the GAR ("Grand Army of the Republic") which died out with it's last Union Civil War Veteran Member.

We were established by Act of Congress in 1919, and have been the major mover and shaker of Vereran's interests ever since.

The VA for example, came about largely due the the efforts of the American Legion, and continues to exist largely because of our ongoing advocacy - although by now we have some help from associated Veteran's groups like the VFW and AMVETS. Check the website for details.

Although the Legion seems to have been losing membership with the departure of many WW-II Vets, it seems to be enjoying a resurgence of sorts since the Gulf War and 9/11. A lot of us VietNam era vets are beginning to "come home" to the Legion after sort of lying low for 30 years or more, and now that we have sort of been socially allowed to, are more comfortable, if not justly proud, of our service and status as Veterans.

And if any one thinks that enhancement of the VA is sole property of the Democrats, then you need to look at the record a little more closely. Check out what President BUSH has done for the VA budget lately.

The Legion's advocacy is not limited to us "old Soldiers" you know - we actively support and advocate for American Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen etc. currently in service, and especially those in harm's way in the WOT.


American Legion Brunswick ME Post Color Guard at a "Support Our Troops" Rally

Officially, the Legion is a non-partisan organization. Individual Members are free to participate in and support the cause or candidate of our choice, and are often found on opposing sides of about any issue.

A few surely support the KERRY campaign - but I don't think you will find an overwhelming majority of Legionares over there, frankly.

The monthly "Legionare" magazine used to be one of those glance-and-pitch rags, but the past couple of years has seen it become a top notch and very informative, topical publication. Some issues are given a side-by-side comparison in articles written by diverse Authors, and it is left for the reader to determine their own conclusions.

Vets are kept advised on Laws, programs, and benifits applicable to us, and Legion Service Officers are ready to assist any Vet in dealing with the maze of beauraucracy at the VA or other government agency. You don't have to be a Legionare to be availed of this service, btw.

Sure; like any organization, it has it's share of unsavory carachters and control freaks - but I'm confident that in the main you will find yourself amidst a band of supportive and fraternal Brothers AND Sisters (It's not a "boy's only" club, you know!) in your local American Legion Post.

I for one would be glad to welcome you as a "Comrade" (the term predades it's unfortunate association with the Communists, btw) in the American Legion!

For God and Country;

"Uncle Jaque" Americanism Officer American Legion; Anderson - Mayberry Post #91 Maine.

[quietolong]

bump for later

[chief7]

HI OZIDAR FROM YARMOUTH, MAINE. THERE ARE A LOT OF LEGION POST, SOME LARGE AND SOME SMALL. I BELONG TO LEGION POST #91 IN YARMOUTH, ME., AND WE HAVE A MEMBERSHIP OF 74. I ALSO BELONG TO THE VFW AND AMVETS IN THIS TOWN. THE AMVETS ARE THE ONLY ONES IN THIS TOWN THAT HAVE A CLUB ROOM. IF YOU LIKE TO PARTY, THIS ONE WOULD DO IT.
THE LEGION AND VFW ARE MORE SERVICE ORINTATED TOWARD THE VETERANS. THEY MARCH AND SUPPLY COLOR GUARDS MEMORIAL DAY AND VETERANS DAY.