American Legion - Join or No?

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

I just got an invite to join the American Legion. Is this a good thing, or a bad thing?

I was in the service during the VietNam war era, but served a non-combat role far from SE Asia. I guess I always thought the Legion was for combat veterans.

So, is this something worth joining, or not?

Thanks

[marylanddem]

1. I don't know...

My grandfather (WWI) was in it but my father (WWII) refused to join - I think after helping to liberate Dachau he had had enough of war & the evil that masquerades as patriotism -- plus isn't the American Legion pretty much republican rightwing?

[patrice]

2. Depends upon how seriously you take your responsibility to prevent one generation, "Great" or

otherwise, from en$$$$$$$$$$$$laving another to it's notions of just how exceptional "America" is. It looks to me as though the American Legion is just an auxiliary of our royal masters, the trans-national Military Industrial Complex. But, if you would regard this as an opportunity to shed a glimmer of light somewhere, have at it, that is, unless, it really is just about beer.

[lonestarnot]

4. and smokes. Can smoke in those joints.

Depends really, on the post that is available for attendance. :shrug:

[sarge43]

3. VFW requires service in a combat zone.

The Legion requires service during a combat period such as Vietnam.

As for your question, both organizations seem pretty right wing.

If you want to swap war stories, listen to a lot of bitching from the *%@)(&* gov't to these kids nowadays and drink beer, why not, but don't see many other benefits.

[TreasonousBastard]

5. WWII and Korean vets are dying off, so they need members...

I remember years ago when the Legion and VFW, or at least some posts, wouldn't recognize Viet Nam vets as "real" vets. Or some such bullshit.

Anyway, they were seriously dissed. And pissed.

Me, I spent my time in Germany and never saw a Vietnamese until I came back to NY. If I tried to join and got in, I wouldn't have fit in for a lot of reasons. I'm not big on flags or the glories of war.

For you, check out the lobbying they do and any benefits you may get from them. They do some helping with VA matters should you need it, although you don't have to be a member.

[MGB67]

6. Fucking Hell NO.....

SMEDLEY BUTLER!!!!!

AL was behind the attempted overthrow of Rooseveldt in the early thirties. They did speak to the VA on my behalf in 1969 (when the VFW was not exactly welcoming to Vietnam vets).

Edit to add: Marine General Butler, a two time recipient of The Medal of Honor, was approached by the AL who hoped that he would lend credence to the coup and be the figure head leader of the new (fascist) government. Butler said no and did then expose the plot.

[tinymontgomery]

7. Not unless you need to for networking or helping

on the job. Other wise as was said, right wing and do nothing but bitch about dems and how their ruining the country. Interesting they want lots of military benefits don't complain about taxes.

[Crowman1979]

8. Veterans nowadays are joining groups such as IAVA and IVAW since they identify with OEF/OIF vets.

[UTUSN]

9. I paid $200 to become a "Life Member" of the VFW. I'm an "At Large" member,

meaning that I am not attached to a local Post. For this you get a monthly magazine, which I stopped delivery on because it pushes a wingnut slant. And you have full membership rights, I mean, you ARE a full member, which translates into being able to buy an ID card, cap, pins, whatever out of their website.

But after working years of having to attend meetings at work, I had NO desire to do that anymore. Plus, before I joined, I had gotten to see/know the VFW dudes at their bar, and (I'm TALKING ABOUT A SPECIFIC, LOCAL POST) the dudes were wildly wingnut drunks of the crudest variety. Quite apart from their life-risking service, I did not respect these fellows for the most part and told them flat out I would not go to meetings because this would entail SALUTING each other and I did not intend to SALUTE. They just wanted numbers so they eagerly accepted my joining.

It stands to reason that if you are going to have combat, you need wild, ferocious, crude dudes, but geez, back in civilian life I draw the line at WINGNUTS.

As far as all of the supposed benefits of networking through service organizations, I've never asked even for a discount on a motel room.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

10. Thanks to all for input

Unanimity in a poll is a rare thing, but it seems there is not a lot of support for joining the American Legion. I don't think I need to join "another" right-leaning group (NRA is enough).

All my post-training service was in Germany, so I don't mind if my beer is a little warm. I don't need the ice-cold stuff at the Legion hall.

:hi:

[white cloud]

11. AL= RWN

Thanks for the honest heads up on AL.
Don't want to be any part of R wingnut group.

[Old Troop]

12. They do good work for veterans in Congress. I can't spend 10

minutes in their bar though.