Tell me about the American Legion..

Don't forget your axe handle and revolver in case you need to do some union busting to join.
 
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I’m a life member and try to go occasionally go to a meeting same as with DAV. It the larger areas I have heard and read that they are trying to get a lot more family oriented events. But towns like where I live it’s very small and is mostly older veterans. Ours just try’s to support local people and charities the best we can. With scholarships and donations. For example supporting honor flight program.
We have no fancy buildings or anything like that. We meet at the police department monthly.

The American legion did not to long ago open up membership to ANY veteran not just veterans that were in during war time.the club is dieing just like so many other military and community support groups.

Younger people just complain but don’t have the motivation to join and change it. They could because currently it’s always the same people running it. They are tired and need some fresh blood. Most are doing it because they can’t get anyone else to.

So there is my 2 cents.
 
LarrySr. said:
I’m a life member and try to go occasionally go to a meeting same as with DAV. It the larger areas I have heard and read that they are trying to get a lot more family oriented events. But towns like where I live it’s very small and is mostly older veterans. Ours just try’s to support local people and charities the best we can. With scholarships and donations. For example supporting honor flight program.
We have no fancy buildings or anything like that. We meet at the police department monthly.

The American legion did not to long ago open up membership to ANY veteran not just veterans that were in during war time.the club is dieing just like so many other military and community support groups.

Younger people just complain but don’t have the motivation to join and change it. They could because currently it’s always the same people running it. They are tired and need some fresh blood. Most are doing it because they can’t get anyone else to.

So there is my 2 cents.
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Good info.
I may drop by and ruffle a few pacemakers.
 
LarrySr. said:
I’m a life member and try to go occasionally go to a meeting same as with DAV. It the larger areas I have heard and read that they are trying to get a lot more family oriented events. But towns like where I live it’s very small and is mostly older veterans. Ours just try’s to support local people and charities the best we can. With scholarships and donations. For example supporting honor flight program.
We have no fancy buildings or anything like that. We meet at the police department monthly.

The American legion did not to long ago open up membership to ANY veteran not just veterans that were in during war time.the club is dieing just like so many other military and community support groups.

Younger people just complain but don’t have the motivation to join and change it. They could because currently it’s always the same people running it. They are tired and need some fresh blood. Most are doing it because they can’t get anyone else to.

So there is my 2 cents.
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Thanks for your perspective. I think AL, VFW, etc., were extraordinarily important before we hit the digital information age. But now that so many pro-vet groups, especially since GWOT, are online/virtual, etc., it's so much easier to find your tribe. I very much believe in its mission, it just wasn't for me.
 
My father was quite active in the local AL in Winston for a while. He enjoyed it, and we did too back in the day. Cheap beer, stale stories, but all in all a decent place to chill. Most all of his friends there died so he doesnt go by much anymore.
 
At one point the Hickory, NC American Legion was the 4th largest in the country. I worked there as a 16 and 17 year old. They had a bingo night where 400 people attended. They had a buffet night that was for family and was incredible food. Saturday nights was party night. Packed, had bands, and great menu. Excellent seafood and steaks. Had over 2200 members.

I saw what they did for students and the community. It was amazing.

My mother is 88. She still goes to Saturday night dances. Never misses unless sick. She has made dozens of friends. Go join. If you are a business you will connect with a lot of customers.
 
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Some American Legions, specifically one in Northern VA allow you to rent a locker for a small fee, and store booze there, since they only served beer.
Gee kids, what else could you store in a locker offsite from your main home?
 
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