I read a news article on the American Legion and how they helped move along the post 9/11 GI bill the other day. It peaked my intrest enough to go to wikipedia and the official site. I'm only 25 and thought that the American Legion was mostley a bar where older WW2 and Vietnam vets hung around and drank, but it seems to be a lot more than that. I was wondering if anyone here was active in the American Legion and if so, how is it being a Coastie in what I assume is mostly DOD service members? I am eligible to do being active duty, but have not served over seas, so is there a divide there as well (I would assume its not like in the VFW?). Also is there anyone in their 30's or younger at your posts? What activities do you do? I would like to be active in what seems to be a fine organization, but just had a few reservations due to being a young Coastie. I know these organizations are seeing declining numbers due to a generation gap but I am looking into it. Thank you.
I strongly recommend involvement with the American Legion. I recently had the opportunity to assist the local chapter with some fundraising efforts by helping to clean up their facilities after some weekly fish fries. I got a little "grief" for being a Coastie and relatively young as well but it was all in good fun. I did my fair share of poking fun at them as well. I enjoyed the time I spent with them and look forward to joining them in future events.
Also, I learned much more about the organization and what they are about. Their contribution to the Military society in general is significant and undoubtedly improves the lives of Veterans. If nothing else, your involvement with them will make them a stronger force as an advocate for Veteran benefits, mine and yours.
Comms, I just (somehow) got voted as the Vice-Commander of the local Legion. From what I have seen so far, they do a lot of good work. But the ages of the people involved are slowly creeping up. As this occurs, the buildings, grounds and efforts slowly erode. Speaking only for around here, newer, younger blood is needed to keep the organization going strong.
I just to give an update, I took the first step and joined online. While I was there I saw an article on Post 911 in San Fran. Most of the members are 30 and younger and do cool stuff like paintball, sky dive and play Xbox as well as community service, etc. I would love to do something like that locally, but I should worry about meeting people at the closest post to me. you can find their website by googleing american legion post 911 san fran.
American Legion Post No. 26 in Dillsburg, Pennsylvania, is very active and welcomes Coasties with open arms. Of course, there are not many of us in central Pa. (I did have to sue the Post a few years ago, but I think I have been forgiven for that).
I'm a life member of the American Legion. I would highly recommend that you join. There are lots of charitable things done at every post and usually some fun events. Like anything, the more you put into it - the more you will get out of it.
As you travel, whether it is TDY or PCS, you will always have a place in almost any town where you will be welcome.
Go ahead and join. The Legion does alot of good things.
Your impression of them ol' drunks is probably shared by many, however, if you inspected the records of those ol' drunks and the Post, you would be surprised at the accomplishments.
TJ, congrats on the election to Vice. I, on the other hand, got Finance.
I'm a member as well, but not an active one. I started out all gung ho full of pi$$ and vinegar, but as the months went by realized that my post was not exactly CG friendly. I asked them to give me a half hour once at a meeting to talk about the restoration efforts of the Tam (still moving at a snail's pace) and was denied. I gave them some folders about our organization and the Tam's history. Either they tossed them or no one cares because I never heard from anyone. There's 116 registered members. I register annually, pay my dues because it is a worthy cause in a lot of respects but are they CG friendly? Ask yourself the next time you look at an ad in the "Legion" when ever they advertize for watches, rings or other paraphenalia there are always 4 services represented.
Frankly, if I was in the AL and took my job seriously, I'd tell the advertizers to go stick it unless all 5 serivices were represented.
Last fall, I joined my local American Legion/VFW (they're in the same building since we are a small town).
I enjoy it a lot. They have good bands that come often so my girlfriend and I have a great time there. Karaoke Night is another night I enjoy....I said "I enjoy", maybe not those who have to listen to me sing.
I'm 45 but when the bands come, I see all sorts of younger people there as they allow guests there, not just Vets, even if they are not with any Vets.
Our Chapter is in Raymond, NH but I have also been to the Epping, NH one which I liked. This weekend, there is an event planned for the Vietnam Wall (Moving Wall) that is scheduled to start from the Newmarket, NH VFW. Sounds like a great time to me if the weather cooperates.
My Legion experience is not very good. I tried twice to join...once in my hometown of Lapeer, MI and was told the Coast Guard wasn't eligible!
Fool me once, shame on you so I went back the second time (I don't remember where)...I will not go back for the third. I do appreciate all the work they have done and have in fact had some fun in various legions around the country. I will not become a member though, ever!
There are other options for community involvment such as the Jaycees and they don't discriminate against the service you have spent the last 18 years in.
I think scotts just talked to the wrong people he is eligible under the Persian Gulf war period even though he is still on active duty,and the Coast Guard is considered one of the Services,Check out the Eligibility requirements online for more info.
and the women look better.
