American Legion

[Jess Tolbirt]

well i have been invited to join,, yea i qualify,, so is it all its cracked up to be?

[Chrisj CMA]

I have been invited several times.  I will not join for the simple reason (at least around here) it seems to be all about drinking.  And for many of the legion riders they dont seem to mind drinking while riding....I cannot stand to even be on a poker run they are on, I keep my distance......beers are out at 7am and at every stop....no thanks

[Jess Tolbirt]

exactly what i was thinking

[LouDawg #2016]

Ditto!

[vanavyman]

It all depends on the local Legion. I'm a member in Millsboro DE. One of the largest on East Coast. We really like going there when visiting family & on New Years Eve. Haven't been very impressed by ones in Virginia.
Dan - Suffolk, VA

[Dubsvalk]

I belong to the American Legion and am a Ligeon Rider.  We never mix drinking and riding.  Our poker runs never involve stopping at places that serve alcohol.  We have safety talks and ride sensibly because we have our Vests on and we are representatives of the Legion when we do so.  Besides, the ride is intoxicating enough.  At the end of the day when the riding is over we will have a beverage or two but not before.  I would like to think that most American Legion Posts follow these guidelines.  A proud American Legion rider!
Dubs

[tank_post142]

   Last year my Legion Riders raised $57.913.00 for Veteran's and Children's groups including the American Legion Legacy Scholarship (Puts children of Desert Storm and later Deceased vets through collage). We served over 1100 meals to needy and homeless vets also donated and delivered 78 full Turkey dinners to local needy families, but your probably right, by and large we're bad people who should be banned.
   Many of my closest and longest lasting friends are legionaries. I've been a member since Apr. 1981 and we have done great things for our vets and their families as well as the communities around each and every post in the world, but your right we're probably bad people and should be banned.
   When you go to your VA and you get decent medical care or you go to work at the job you have because you had veteran benefits to help pay for your education, you remember  your American Legion who fought for these things for the last 94 years. when 10s of thousands of children receive benefits and education as a direct result of actions by your American Legion you go ahead and think of them as bad people who probably should be banned.
   

[Dubsvalk]

The American Legion Riders do raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for needy Vets, their families and other worthy causes every year.  I hate that some would think that we all ride to drink beacuse a few do.  We shouldn't judge everyone by the actions of a few.  A good way to change things is to join and become active.  Become post leaders and set the right example.  IMHO
Dubs

[Chrisj CMA]

The American Legion Riders do raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for needy Vets, their families and other worthy causes every year.  I hate that some would think that we all ride to drink beacuse a few do.  We shouldn't judge everyone by the actions of a few.  A good way to change things is to join and become active.  Become post leaders and set the right example.  IMHO
Dubs

I joined CMA to set the right example.....Im not saying every Legion Rider is a drunk......just stating what its usually like here in our area.  Its a free country, hey if they are under the legal limit to drive and choose that lifestyle, then they have every right....(I doubt they all remain legal, but whatever)

I would bet if a safety minded rider was voted in and tried to stop them from drinking before and during their rides that person wouldnt last long........sorry you cant legislate morality or good judgement and Im certainely not going to prove that by trying!

[LouDawg #2016]

Take the bar out of most of those service clubs and they won't survive. Just my opinion. And I am usually wrong about most things.

[#2944]

Nope, not in my book....  Both the Legion and VFW clubs gave me so much SSST about being a Nam vet, I dropped them all.... just a good ol'boy club (until you stop buying the drinks) bragging about past military duty and how they enjoyed it.... yeah right.
Zots

[czuch]

Its up to YOU. The legion is a great orginasition. As is the VFW.
 I am a member of both, and Riders of both.
I dont drink outside of my home. I believe the bars there are for the ones who cant forget what no man should endure and cameraderire. Drink if you wish. The conversation is what I go for.
 Also a Sprite with a twist of lime is delicious. As for drinking on poker runs, casually mention participation would increase if they didnt drink during functions. I did and it worked.
 Participation increased. I dont want a drunk guy weaving into my Valk.
Join. Affect change in your orginisation. If you succeed, WIN. If you fail, you tried.
ZOTS,  Sorry you got heartburn from them. Theyre not all the same.
 Gents, Thank you for qualifying and your time here.

[solo1]

I've been a member for a number of years.  I've only been in the post twice.  I like what the Legion does but I can't be around smokers.  Legion posts all over Indiana are suing the state over the new no smoking law.  The local post has voted to keep smoking with no regard for the non smokers.

I am reconsidering my membership.  BTW, the local VFW post has also voted smoking.

I was looking forward to being able to eat a nice meal and have a few without smoke but not to be.

Yeah, a poor reason but it's my reason.

[tank_post142]

you forget these organizations raise the majority of the funds they donate through the canteen, usually, because most members are in a limited budget and few can afford to donate any cash to help other vets. but as you see here, the holier than thou types are busy with their own agendas and have no real interest in veterans issues anyway. as they age and realize that many survive through the help of the Legion or they need help for themselves or a scholarship for their grandkids, then they join and expect the longtimers to bow to their will. i've seen it many times over the years.

[Hoser]

I joined my home post in 1969 after I got out of the Navy, since I live over 120 miles away,  I did not join the post Legion Riders when they were formed a few years ago, but I do attend their benefit poker run yearly, which is run correctly, no tavern to tavern racing, most the time it is a minimum of 200 miles, and entrants are spread out all along the route, most do not group up. There is no drinking that I am aware of  until the last stop where the funds are awarded to the charity they pick.  All the winners I have seen donate the pot they win to the charity as well.  As a Vietnam era vet,  I have never heard any criticism by members about us Vietnam era vets.  I can't believe any veterans groups would do that.  All the older vets, the few that are still alive, welcomed us with open arms when we returned. They are probly 95% HD riders, and I don't even get any guff about that.  People are just different  here in the heartlands, and not just the vets.  That is why I live here.  God bless America, AND the vets.  Hoser.  

[WamegoRob]

you forget these organizations raise the majority of the funds they donate through the canteen, usually, because most members are in a limited budget and few can afford to donate any cash to help other vets.

I feel I must be misreading your statement; are you saying most members can't afford to donate to help vets but they can afford alcohol?
Or are you saying that some donate cash and also buy booze to cover the donation for those that can't donate cash?

[R J]

   Last year my Legion Riders raised $57.913.00 for Veteran's and Children's groups including the American Legion Legacy Scholarship (Puts children of Desert Storm and later Deceased vets through collage). We served over 1100 meals to needy and homeless vets also donated and delivered 78 full Turkey dinners to local needy families, but your probably right, by and large we're bad people who should be banned.
   Many of my closest and longest lasting friends are legionaries. I've been a member since Apr. 1981 and we have done great things for our vets and their families as well as the communities around each and every post in the world, but your right we're probably bad people and should be banned.
   When you go to your VA and you get decent medical care or you go to work at the job you have because you had veteran benefits to help pay for your education, you remember  your American Legion who fought for these things for the last 94 years. when 10s of thousands of children receive benefits and education as a direct result of actions by your American Legion you go ahead and think of them as bad people who probably should be banned.
   

10-04 what tank says.

I've been in the American Legion since 1959, and a Legion Rider since 1990 or so, and a PGR for 7 years, after awhile you learn who rides and drinks, and those are the ones you do not patronize.   My Legion Post Riders do drink a couple after the days activities are over.

There are a lot of ABATE rides I will not go on, and our community also has a VFW Post that has Poker Runs to help run the Post, the bar down stairs also helps keep the Post running.

Drink and ride with me around and you will lose your ignition keys, if ya don't believe me, try it and see how fast your keys disappear.    I might be 80 years old, but I can still restrain someone if needed.

[usmc1142]

rj-80, really??? I had no idea.  semper fi brother.   
I like the idea of an American legion and a VFW but to be honest, I NEVER met a clerk typist or a plumber there.  EVERYONE is a navy seal, recon, special forces a-hole who have killed xx many people with their looks, knives, expert marksmanship, etc...  Most legion posts and vfw's are full of bullpoopers and I really don't have time for that in my life.  they try to do good work,, but I personally just don't like the crowd.   Wear what you dig!  Semper Fidelis

[MP]

Lots of vets here, with varying views as usual!   

No matter what you decide, THANK YOU, and all the vets, for everything you have done for us.

Thank you.

MP

[Jabba]

They seem like a cheap way to drink and rationalize it as charity to me...

Yes I qualify.  No I am not a Seal.  I did run a Nuke Plant on a submarine though...

I am sure they are not ALL that way.  The two I have been in are though.

re; smoking

I like a smoke free place too, but I don't like smoking bans.  It goes against all my strains of liberty.  The property Owner should be able to decide yes or no.  You don't want to be around it... do frequent smoking joints.  I don't.  But Wayne... I definitely understand your position.  it's NASTY.

Jabba

[solo1]

Thanks for the kind words, Jabba.   The new Indiana law as you know gives fraternal organizations a choice, they can keep smoking if the majority vote it in.   However, like all laws, there are strings attached and that's why the Legion posts are suing.  The law can keep out 18 year olds or younger.

What i don't understand is that although 26 % of Hoosiers smoke, that leaves 74% that don't smoke and yet organizations and businesses allow smoking .  I'm not on a crusade to get people to stop smoking, I couldn't care less.   I just wish that they would consider my position, they don't.

When I was a councilman, i could've introduced a non smoking ordinance.  I didn't because I believe that the government has no business to interfere.   Unfortunately, businesses and organizations don't want to be non smoking because they might lose the almighty dollar.

[the inspector]

I belong to the American Legion and am a Ligeon Rider.  We never mix drinking and riding.  Our poker runs never involve stopping at places that serve alcohol.  We have safety talks and ride sensibly because we have our Vests on and we are representatives of the Legion when we do so.  Besides, the ride is intoxicating enough.  At the end of the day when the riding is over we will have a beverage or two but not before.  I would like to think that most American Legion Posts follow these guidelines.  A proud American Legion rider!
This is the way we roll in Orchard Park NY

Ron L.  "the inspector"

[Dubsvalk]

Ron, Thanks!  Our Post does not have a bar nor do we smoke inside the building.  Fortunately, we have a lot of young folks (teenagers) that are active within the Post and one of the reasons they are is because we do not have it within the Post.  What you do elsewhere is your business.  But whenever we are acting as representatives of the American Legion, we want to present a professional demeanor. 
Yes we have many Vets with social problems caused by what they endured in their service to their country.  There is help for them but they have to want it. 
We have to remember, we are a service organization first and a social group last.  It seems that some posts have forgotten why they exist. 
Again MHO.
Dubs

[solo1]

Dubs, Well said!

[Patrick]

It appears to be very subjective.. Our local legion is very active and has a great facility.. But,, because of some issues,, I'm a VFW guy..

[R J]

My VFW & Legion Posts both voted NO smoking when Iowa passed the no smoking in building, eatin joints and etc.

Our Treasurer for the VFW post gave his monthly report at the last meeting.

Guess what folkes, the no smoking in the building did not hurt business in the bar/food joint attached.    In fact since the Post banned smoking, sales in the bar have gone ujp 17% over the prior year.
   
So the ones who tell you it will hurt businees are full of sheet, kind of like always hollering we want more, including that dummy we have setting in the good furniture and hanging his feet off the top of stuff.    If my kids or grandkids did that to the furniture, they would get the worsted ass beatin you ever heard of.     

I was raised to respect other peoples furniture including mom & dad's.

[Chattanooga Mark]

I joined the VFW for the first time last year. I looked at a lot of the local VFW locations web sites in an effort to 'pick a local' one. So much of the website information centered around their bar activity that I didn't go to any of them. I don't drink alcohol nor do I hang out at bars. This week I got a renewal notice in the mail from the VFW and I'm just not certain what I'll do with it.

All the best,

Mark

[..]

The local Legion has a dance every Fri night.

I go there at times to harrass the ladies. Eat yer heart out Steamer. 

[hal47]

I also am a vet and belong to VFW and the Legion and all I can say is WOW.I can't believe what I am hearing here. Good day to all.

[Chattanooga Mark]

Hal47,

     What can't you believe? Like I said, I've not been to any of my local VFW posts to select a local one as the national organization wants me to. Too much of how too many of my local VFW Posts portray themselves is centered around their bar activities. But I very much enjoy helping veterans (I am one) through the Patriot Guard, my church and other local organizations.

Thank you for your service to this country,

Mark

[Hoser]

I also am a vet and belong to VFW and the Legion and all I can say is WOW.I can't believe what I am hearing here. Good day to all.

You didn't hear it from me!  Right on brother.  Hoser
"I joined my home post in 1969 after I got out of the Navy, since I live over 120 miles away,  I did not join the post Legion Riders when they were formed a few years ago, but I do attend their benefit poker run yearly, which is run correctly, no tavern to tavern racing, most the time it is a minimum of 200 miles, and entrants are spread out all along the route, most do not group up. There is no drinking that I am aware of  until the last stop where the funds are awarded to the charity they pick.  All the winners I have seen donate the pot they win to the charity as well.  As a Vietnam era vet,  I have never heard any criticism by members about us Vietnam era vets.  I can't believe any veterans groups would do that.  All the older vets, the few that are still alive, welcomed us with open arms when we returned. They are probly 95% HD riders, and I don't even get any guff about that.  People are just different  here in the heartlands, and not just the vets.  That is why I live here.  God bless America, AND the vets.  Hoser."

[solo1]

As a Korean War Vet, I'm not sure if I fit into Tank's idea of freeloaders(my word)  in the Legion.  I joined because of services that I received from a Legion representative.  I supported the Legion because of that.

As far as service is concerned,  my post had 5 members indicted last year for stealing 1 million dollars from Bingo receipts that was supposed to go to charity.

I think that I will look to join a different post , or maybe not, since I'm not a freeloader and wouldn't want to be mistaken for one.

Maybe I'll keep my membership and NOT belong to any post.  That way, i'll support the Legion without drinking at the bars.

[tank_post142]

freeloaders? please clarify.

[fudgie]

I also am a vet and belong to VFW and the Legion and all I can say is WOW.I can't believe what I am hearing here. Good day to all.

I was thinking the same thing. 

[fudgie]

I have ate at quite a few VFW's & Legions in NE ind during the lunch hour. Never has the smoking bothered me and I have asthma. Most if not all smoke at the bar, which have ventilation systems. 8' away, I cannot smell it. Some around here have fish fries every fri. Smoking is never a issue.

I have been on a few poker run from them to and drinking has never been a issue.

I'm not a vet so the org agenda is not known to me. Seems like the reasons here are kinda petty not to support a org that supports you as a person.  Then again I wont join the NRA cause of some of their gun views, so I guess I do understand, I guess.