Are you a member of any patriotic or service organizations?

[BikeWriter]

Inquiring minds want to know. I belong to the Veterans of Foriegn Wars, the American Legion, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. What about you? :shrug:

[sarge43]

1. Question, BikeWriter

Is the VFW now allowing women full membership? I've heard conflicting stories.

[BikeWriter]

2. I have never heard of restrictions for women members...

As a matter of fact, this is from our website:

About the VFW

The VFW, with its Auxiliaries, includes 2.4 million members in approximately 9,000 Posts worldwide.

Our accomplishments are many, including lobbying for a GI bill for the 20th century; donating more than $1 million each to the Vietnam, Korean, Women in the Service and World War II memorials; fighting for compensation to veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome; and improving VA medical centers services for women veterans.

In 2001, VFW unveiled its tribute to service and country with its dedication of Centennial Plaza.

Annually, VFW members and its Auxiliary contribute more than 13 million hours of volunteerism in the community, including participation in Make A Difference Day and National Volunteer Week.

From providing $2.5 million in college scholarships to high school students every year to encouraging elevation of the Veterans Administration to the president's cabinet, the VFW is there--honoring the dead by helping the living.
http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=news.levelc&cid=223

[BikeWriter]

3. This may clarify things, too...

Women eligible for membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States shall be eligible for dual membership in the Ladies Auxiliary.
http://www.ladiesauxvfw.com/

[sarge43]

9. Thank you for the info, BikeWriter. n/t

[BikeWriter]

12. You're very welcome, Sarge. ;-)

[supernova]

4. No, but I'm not much for groups

anyway. I'm not much of a joiner. I prefer to do things on my own.

I think it's a good thing for people who have that capacity, and enjoy it however.

[BikeWriter]

5. Yep, our leverage in Washington is my reason for belonging.

[oneighty]

6. Yes VFW since 1952

USN Association of Minemen

Fraternal Order USN Underwater Swimmers School

USN Explosive Ordnance Disposal Association

Naval Mine Warfare Association

USN Memorial Foundation

All that and two bucks buys a beer or a soda pop.

We have lady VFW members. One is a retired CPO.

180

[BikeWriter]

7. Right on, Oneighty!

:patriot:

[oneighty]

10. Go Navy!

180

[Left_Winger]

8. I am a member of Veterans for Peace

Would you consider that a patriotic or service organization?

[BikeWriter]

11. Certainly, I would. As would the vast majority of DUers!

I have been considering joining them myself. :patriot:

[5thGenDemocrat]

13. Knights of Columbus

I'm eligible to join the American Legion, but never have. Oh, and I'm paid up with the Vietnam Veterans Against War, too -- but I answered the poll with "one organization" -- the K of C.
John
I probably shouldn't even be in the VVAW. I entered the Army in January 1974 and spent my entire service time stateside. But the qualifications are 180 consecutive days of honorable service before the end of August 1975 and I got that.

[CatholicEdHead]

15. Probably will not join K of C

They seem to be way too close to Bush on "social" issues. The leadership seems fixated with just abortion and gay marriage. I was quite turned off during Election 04.

[BikeWriter]

18. You were Vietnam era, then.

I'd already been out before you went in.

[qnr]

14. Depends upon your interpretation. DAV and ACLU, I was invited

to the American Legion, but never joined (didn't have transportation at the time, and I'm not too happy with their anti-protest stand now).

[BikeWriter]

16. I dunno, but I have American Legion Friends who are anti-war!

[qnr]

20. I do too. I Just mean that when I had my transportation worked out, they

had just had that convention where they decided to fight the protesters. I haven't ruled them out, I just put it off for a while.

Edit: s/to./too./

[BikeWriter]

21. I plan to be active in each of the organizations I'm in...

working on them from the inside is easiest! ;-)

[qnr]

23. Yeah, understand that point. But I'm a social phobic, so I tend to stay

away from groups of any size :)

Edit: s/undertand/understand/

[BikeWriter]

24. Yikes! Oh, that's tough. One of my Pards in my PTSD group...

is the same way. He has a tough time even dining out.

[qnr]

27. Yeah, it can be a pain. I guess that's why forums and things of that

nature are attractive to me.

[Swamp Rat]

17. Yes, the Democratic Underground.

:D

Though I was a daily lurker, it took me 3 years just to register here because I do not like joining ANY organisation. :)

[BikeWriter]

22. It took me years before I was ready to communicate with anyone.

I was damned anti-social.

[ScreamingMeemie]

19. My daughter is a member of the Civil Air Patrol...so I'm considered a

senior member, and my husband is a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose...I refuse to become a WOTM though. :hi:

[Oeditpus Rex]

25. Damn, do they still do that?

Are women still not afforded full membership in the Moose Lodge? The Jaycees "integrated" in 1984 — though it took a Supreme Court case to make it happen.

[BikeWriter]

26. ROFLOL!

:rofl: