Any experiences /opinions of AMVETS?

[BOSSHOG]

I get so damned tired of organizations which allegedly represent me when all they do is piss me off (VFW/AL) I'm not too familiar with AMVETS but am willing to give them a shot. Any feedback is appreciated.

I am a loyal member of the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA). I find their work on our behalf in Washington important and non political. I don't need old farts giving bush standing ovations, I need advocates in Washington working full time for military personnel, retirees and their families.

[Lowell]

1. Hi Bosshog

I'm a member of the VFW, AL and AmVets. I find the VFW much changed from the organization I joined 30 years ago. They are more Democratic leaning now, because all the old super patriot farts are dying off and us Viet vets are beginning to take things over. The American Legion is still full of right wingnuts. That is because the AL is comprised of mostly guys who never faced hostile fire. The AmVets post I'm a member of is pretty laid back. I rarely hear any politics talked there. I enjoy all three organizations and see a new growth in their ranks. Most of the young men joining now are much more politically savvy than the older vets. It is encouraging to see them come in and tell the wingnuts to go Cheney themselves. This is their time and they don't have any qualms about voicing their opinion of this maladministration.

[BOSSHOG]

2. Thanks very much for the info

What attracts me to AMVETS is their seeming nonpolitical approach to Vet issues. Health care for disabled vets should not be a political football. Just think we are on our way to being the Old Farts. Kids in Iraq today will be pushing us aside in a few years.

[Lowell]

3. We may be becoming the old farts

today, but I've found that I relate much better with many of the young vets today than I ever did with the old WWII vets. They are better informed and not hoodwinked by the spin and bullshit. Their combat experiences today are forming their outlook on life for the rest of their lives. Most of them I have spoken with feel screwed.

About the AmVets being nonpolitical, well I've heard a little politics spoken there, but for the most part they are more interested in having a good time. They do many things for the vets also. I enjoy them a lot and ride often with some of the AmVet Riders at my post.

[BikeWriter]

4. I joined the VFW/AL to influence them from the inside out.