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Military.com Forums Coast Guard Discussions Point-CounterPoint American Legion and the CG?|
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New Member |
I was extremely lucky, I had a SPAR swear me in at the American Legion Post 21 six years ago. We were the only two Coasties at the post. I encourage everyone to get involved with the American Legion they do outstanding work.
Paul Holling, ETCS |
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Member |
Was very active in the American Legion for the 7 yrs that I lived in Alaska. Post 5. Seward, Alaska. Spent a couple years as Chaplin, Then a couple as 2nd Vice (Club Manager) one as 1st Vice and my last year as Post Commander. It is a lot of fun and a very worth while organization. The only thing you have to watch out for is the fact that, if you let it, it will run your life. 10% of the people do 90% of the work. The Legion is a true friend to the vets of this country. Dave
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Experienced Member |
...or say the Fleet Reserve Association! |
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New Member |
Hey Comms ninja,
I'm a former Jr. Vice Commander for Post 71 in West Haven Ct. Currently I'm a member of the post but not active. When i was active it was great. We took part in boys state, the american legion oratory scholarship, holiday dances/parties, parades, flag retirement ceremonies, etc. Find a post, get involved! the Legion needs people that are "young blood". I'll be 30 in july, i know i was the youngest vice commander in my post, durring my tenure i think we had alot more events planned, which was my job  . The majority of the posts these days have slow moving events, but it's liked when you get the tempo up. Also, ALWAYS include the auxilary, if you don't it could be political suicide :P we had friday and saturday night bingo's which was the main source of income aside from the rent from our bar and hall rentals. so, good luck, if you need pointers drop me a line.V/R OS2 A |
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New Member |
My only compaint about the local Legion is they smoke in the club and bar area. I just cannot be in buildings where they permit smoking. My wife is the same way so we just pay our dues each year and never attend any of the functions. Most organizations that sponsor militray vets and programs permit smoking and that is fine. I just will not enter their buildings. I am a member of the NCOA, American Legion, Fleet Reserve and The Retired Enlisted Association but never attend their meetings.
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New Member |
Thanks for all the responses, it has really helped me out. There are a few post in my area (Mobile, AL) that I am going to check out in the next few days. Only the one in Daphnie AL (about 40 min from me) has a website, but it looks like one I would want to be involved with(if anyone is in the area and knows anything about local posts please help me out) I'm hoping that with all the Coasties in the area there will be a few at the post. And OS2, if I need anything I'll drop you a line. As a fellow OS, Maybe you could let me know how it worked with the crazy schedule we keep. |
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New Member |
Were you around in the winter of '99? I was on the Boutwell, and we did a port call in Seward a week before Christmas. It was up in the air whether we'd get back home to Alameda in time to celebrate the holiday. The American Legion opened their doors to us and threw one heck of a Christmas party for everyone on the boat. They really took care of us and ensured that everyone had a night they'd long try to remember. The American Legion there changed my perception, and a lot of others, about "the ol' drunk WWII vets at the post". |
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Member |
Capnslappy, as a matter of fact I was tending bar for the first part of the evening. Al Stone, (retired Air Force E-9) bought the first keg for you guys. Seems like there was a pretty fair dinner involved also. We did the same for a couple other cutters also, Alex Haley and one of the black hulls. My son was on the Haley so it was always a treat to see her pull in. It was as much fun for us as it was for you guys. Of course, all the women in town (both of them) loved to see the Coast Guard pull in. (just kidding) I'm glad we gave a positive impression. It was our way of showing our support. Best of luck. Dave
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Experienced Member |
James,
I guess it depends on how sensitive you are to smoke, but the most effective smokeaters out there are from purifan. When we installed them, there was no longer a blue haze in the bar, and you can sit and watch the smoke trails to those purifans. On a side not, if this state bans smoking, we will replace the smoke eating filters with alegeric filters. There is information out there on the web at "http://www.purifan.com/purchase_description.php?pages=nsf&id=30" Some of the people who left because of the smoke have come back. I have the Michigan distributors information if anyone needs it. |
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New Member |
I joined the American Legion as soon as i was off active duty.This BM3 USCGC Acacia has been active ever sence. Great Bunch of Guys I belong to 1451 in Wheatfield NY and we are up to 4 Coasties now. I told the Jar Heads we are taking over. We need young Guys.
Oh by the way sit next to a WW2 Sailor and listen to the stories,or a B17 Crew member or A Marine who landed in the Pacific Priceless. Semper Par and God bless |
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Member |
Charlie
Happy Birthday jack |
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Member |
When I went to see about joining in August of 1968 I was told Vietnam era veterans were not welcome, so I never went back. I thought maybe it was a local thing, but I saw an episode of Hank Hill the cartoon about exactly the same thing. I guess they said the same thing some other places. I assume things have changed since then, but they don't need me...
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Member |
Armyjunk, Never heard of such a thing! To the best of my knowledge, any veteran is welcome to join the American Legion. That should have never happened... I don't blame you for the way you feel. If you ever feel inclined to do so, check with them again. They are a great organization that dose a lot of good things for veterans and the local communities. Again, my apologies. Dave
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New Member |
Yeah, I totally have to piggy back off this. The majority of members at my post are Vietnam Vets. The WWII vets are fewer in number for obvious reasons. But they are running things, although this is a diffcult time for the Legion for membership and retention Nationwide, they are doing as well as they can. I know there was some antimosity durring the Vietnam era, but i have not seen any evidence left from that. Remember our pre-amble....
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Member |
im sure its changed since then, in '68 the war and feelings were going strong. It just left a bad taste for me.
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There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch |
As I understand it there is the American Legion for those that served in the military, but also one or two "affiliate" membership groups for wives, etc. Is that true and can someone explain what they are?
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Member |
Stan, they have two affiliates, they are the American Legion auxiliary for the wives. They have their own officers and have full access to the facilities. Then they have the Sons of the American Legion. They are made up of sons, nephews of veterans. They also have their own officers. They all work for the same mission, to support veterans, their families and the community. All in all they are a great organization. Besides, the beer and drinks are cheep, and they do like to party. Dave
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Highly Experienced Member |
I just received my re-up paperwork and there are specific dates of service required for membership in the American Legion. They correspond to wartime service but not necessarily on foreign soil as required for membership in the VFW. Therefore it is possible to be a veteran but not be eligible for membership in the American Legion.
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New Member |
I got a Certificate of Nomination today in the mail. Had no idea I was eligible. My grandfather was huge at the legion in Murrells Inlet, SC, a local legend as they say. He was very proud of his membership.
Now the question is, Do I? or Don't I? $25 doesn't seem like much, and I get another magazine to read. |
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New Member |
I think it's worth it. The magazine is a good read. I feel like I may not be getting all I could be out of my $25 a year, but that's only because I have yet to join a post. I look at it as more of a donation that helps fund an orginazation that helps vet with healthcare and the GI Bill (along w/ other issues)and that also affords me a few discounts on travel/car rentals/hotels/cell phones ect,ect. So it seems like a good deal. I help vets and get a few perks for myself. |
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Military.com Forums Coast Guard Discussions Point-CounterPoint American Legion and the CG?
