What's the difference between VFW and American Legion,

[babylonsister]

besides their politics? The man with the bullshit protectors on his ears belonged to the VFW, and now the American Legion is condemning anti-war/pro-peace activists. They're both composed of Vets, aren't they?

[shoelace414]

1. The American Leigion sent me a "join us"

so I joined years ago.. (I guess I was eligiable because I was called up during desert storm 1)

I didn't stay in because they were pro-flag burning admendment.

[ironman202]

2. both are fairly conservative

but there are dems among them....not clear whether the guy with the ear cover was directing that at bush or just politicians in general.

[NeoGreen]

3. Every once in a while...

The VFW sends me an application, reportedly due to my service in Korea, but on the back of the form it requires a signed affirmation to a belief in god, which I cannot in give, and thus I do not join. Their loss IMHO.

[Elwood P Dowd]

4. VFW members served in a war zone

American Legion members served during a war but not necessarily in the war zone.

[HereSince1628]

7. You also need an honorable discharge or be still serving

Membership in the American Legion is open to all men and women who meet the following criteria:

(1) You must have served at least one day on active duty during any of the the eligibility periods (see below) listed in the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marines, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard, or U.S. Merchant Marine.

- and -

(2) You must have received an honorable discharge or be still serving honorably.



Dates of Service:

(U.S. Army U.S. Navy U.S. Air Force

U.S. Marines U.S. Coast Guard)

Aug. 2, 1990 - Open
Dec. 20, 1989 - Jan. 31, 1990
Aug. 24, 1982 - Jul. 31, 1984
Feb. 28, 1961 - May 7, 1975
June 25, 1950 - Jan. 31, 1955
Dec. 7, 1941 - Dec. 31, 1946
Apr. 6, 1917 - Nov. 11, 1918

[lastknowngood]

5. The brand of booze at the bar.

n/t

[UTUSN]

6. LOL! That's about It! - Plus the Benefits Checks

Before I dig myself a hole, let me say that veterans with disabilities deserve all the benefits they can get.

That said, a significant topic of conversation among some vets would make a "welfare queen" look like a nun on a vow of poverty. Beyond that, the line is VERY blurred between their "patriotism" and the crudest form of wingnut politics. One recurring conventional wisdom among them is, "We tend to do better (with benefits) under Republicans"---as false as I believe THAT to be.

The dirty little secrets are that some things are belittled as "welfare," while other recipients---vets, agriculture, corporations--- are actual WELFARE without the stigma.

I still remember a prof reading some letters to the editor from the 1880s, where the general theme was, "The (Civil War) veterans have gotten ENOUGH!" This was after they had been given grants of land in the West and whatever else. Things keep happening over and over. Things old are new again.