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I'm better after being bitter

NullSmurf

NullSmurf

Das Bruce
Joined
Jan 18, 2006
Messages
7,858
I served in the Navy from June 1975 until May 1982, then the Naval Reserve till 1984. So far as I know, I do not meet the requirements for membership in either the VFW or the American Legion because there were no declared conflicts during my tenure. I served with honor and feel left out. Do those of you in the Legion or VFW know of any plans to relax this requirement?
 
Errrr you can join the American Legion, I'm a member and fall into the "No declared Conflicts" time period.

The American Legion is for those who honourably served, not just for Veterans of Foreign War.

https://www.members.legion.org/cgi-bin/lans...n+dms+dmsp2+tal

*edit* Hmmmm maybe I was wrong... I fall into the Aug 24,1982 - July 31,1984 time period. Give them a call Bruce, it can not hurt to ask.
 
I would definitely give them a call. Maybe the Reserve time period will allow you to get in since you could have been called back into service. Every VA Hospital I have been a patient at has a office for the AL, VFW, DAV organizations.
 
Nope. They both specify "at least one day of active duty" during the periods specified.

edit: but you're right, Loren. I should call.
 
Ohh, you missed the Vietnam conflict by just over a month but the Mayuguez rescue was on May 15th and that is usually considered the end of the war for the US. We were in Lebanon in '82 but that wasn't considered a war. Strang when you look at it though. Eisenhower sent in the Marines in 1958, 24 years later Reagan sent us in in 1982, 24 years later Bush sent us in 2006. I'm seeing a pattern here.
 
Shot at? I always thought that was "love lead" :p
 
All the news articles I have read lately indicate these groups are facing severely declining membership (The Legion, VFW and others). The older members that pass on are not being replaced by younger members. Considering this, I would think they would try to be more accomodating when people that have served their country express an interest in joining.

I am a member of the Sons of the American Legion since my father served. Perhaps you would qualify to join this way.
 
I don't know if you've checked the VFW listing or not...but it's not always just a question of serving at least one day in a qualifying period. For instance, do you have any campaign medals or badges? If you haven't already, take a look at the eligibility listing to see if you have any that qualify. Also note this paragraph from that document:

Assuming that a person is a United STates citizen and has an honorable dischrage from the U.S. armed forces, it only remains to be proven that the person has earned a recognized campaign medal or badge; served in Korea between June 30, 1949 until present; or earned Hostile Fire or Imminent Danger Pay eligibility.

And by all means, give 'em a call. I served 20-plus years and qualified based upon a single year's service in Korea.

Edited to add: Almost forgot...while they aren't as large or as well-known, it looks like you qualify for membership in AmVets.
 
Thanks for the link to the eligibility listing, PC. I always thought I ineligible for membership in the VFW, but it looks like my service in Grenada qualifies me. :)
 
Holy SHITE, Brett! I qualified on two+ counts: SSBN Deterrent Patrol (x 5) and Hostile Fire or Immenent Danger pay. I'm feeling much better, thanks. You made my day.

Brothers in much more than the Leaf!
 
Sheesh! Bubbleheads are so emotional. :laugh:

Doc.
 
NullSmurf said:
Holy SHITE, Brett! I qualified on two+ counts: SSBN Deterrent Patrol (x 5) and Hostile Fire or Immenent Danger pay. I'm feeling much better, thanks. You made my day.

Brothers in much more than the Leaf!
Click to expand...

You're most welcome, friend. It was a simple thing I was glad to do.

I was once in the same boat. For about a year, I frequented a local V with friends who signed me in. I simply (and wrongly) assumed that I didn't qualify because I was never deployed to a foreign "war zone." Someone pointed me to the eligibility listing and now, I'm a life member.
 
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