Should I join The American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) (or DAV or MOAA or etc)
To properly answer this question, I need to break this down into three sections - local, national, and recreational/tribal.
Locally, I chose to join The American Legion because, well, I was asked. Once I joined, I quickly loved our Post and the opportunity to serve the local community through 539. This isn't to say that TAL is always the right answer. Locally, I encourage individuals to check out their local VFWs and TALs. You want to join the organization that is active and welcomes you with open arms - whether that is TAL or VFW.
Nationally, this gets a bit tricky. When considering advocacy organizations, or those VSO's which have active lobbying arms, I have the greatest exposure to both TAL and VFW. For a brief period of time, I was actively involved with TAL at the national levels. My involvement at the national level showed me two things: 1) how a Legislative Division is supposed to work and 2) how a legislative Division is not supposed to work. Today, when I am seeking knowledge on veteran-related legislation, I turn to the VFW. I am consistently in awe with how well they do their jobs and how much fun they have along the way. If you are seeking to join a VSO solely to support their efforts, enhance their numbers, and strengthen their effectiveness on the Hill, I would encourage you to briefly google the big 3 organizations along with the words “Congressional Testimony.” Consider who is testifying most frequently and who you are most inspired by when listening. Join that organization.
Finally, I want to ensure I shout out three organizations that often go overlooked when veterans are considering which organization to join: 1) Project Healing Waters 2) The Fallen Outdoors 3) Patrol Base Abbate. While these organizations may not be storming Capitol Hill every day, they are saving lives every day. If what you are really looking for is a tribe - a place to call home - check out these three organizations. I believe wholeheartedly in the therapeutic properties of the outdoors. If what you need is to recharge, find your new family within one (or all) of these groups. I am involved, to varying degrees, in each, and am consistently humbled by the good they do.
* PS: I do not qualify for membership in the VFW. If I did, I would be a lifetime member. I am, however, a lifetime member of their Auxiliary, because of how much I believe in the good they do.
_____
#veterans #veteransstrengtheningamerica #semperfi #transitioningmilitary
Medicare Plan Advisor|Licensed Health Insurance Agent- Questions about Medicare or turning 65? Hablo español
1moLooking forward to this Friday #MVV💚