The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Down Range Cafe => Topic started by: Badgersmilk on July 11, 2011, 07:44:43 PM
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Got a pamphlet in the mail today telling me all about how they offer discounts on various things, and that they'd like very much for "An honored South Carolina Veteran" such as little 'ol me, to join up. Their yearly dues are $25 bucks, and looking online I see the local post is an additional $40 a year for membership. Not going to break the bank. But, what are they? What do they do? I see they have "Breakfasts" pretty often. Something of a "motorcycle gang" going (think they'd like my 150cc scooter? ;) ). Play golf. And have FOUR bartenders on staff. :o
Looking at the pictures on their web page, myself having just turned 41, would easily be a very young pup in the croud!
Anybody here a member? Know what it's all about???
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Are you serious? You don't now about the American Legion?
It is one of a few veteran groups (VFW and VNVets) that is principally a social outlet for vets. Don't know the rules for getting in anymore - I was an associate member based on my Dad's service since I did not serve.
They also took over sponsorship of our Boy Scout Troop in Illinois when the PTA went all nasty and fascist over the Scouts banning of homos. The Legion post was fantastic for us, supported us left right and sideways, involved us and had us march with them in the 4th of July parade.
A class outfit, no problems here.
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The local VFW, here has a C&R show, about every other month, and a BBQ Luncheon for a donation. Great bunch of American Veterans, and I always enjoy talking and listening to them.
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I joined way back when I got out of the army and then moved away and been a member over 40 years and I have never made a meeting but still support them.
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They sent me a flier too and I'm not even a vet!
Richard
PS: Just another place to get cheap drinks and have a picnic once a year.
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They sent me a flier too and I'm not even a vet!
Richard
PS: Just another place to get cheap drinks and have a picnic once a year.
You say that like it's a bad thing. Heck, that's the very reason Haz and this Rabbit hang at each other's place so much. Sheesh!
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The American Legion is, indeed, a social club that supports many local causes along with remembering vets in the VA hospitals with visits and support.
They will field entries in many of the parades of patriotic holidays and events.
It is a nice place to get cheap drinks but I hear the VFW is more fun.
The American Legion is also politically active and has been able to influence many bills supporting vets.
The dues for the American Legion is well spent and does good.
Heck. Join them and the VFW if you can.
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Hi;
First of all any really organized Legion Post is separated in 2 sections, that being the actual active member Post and then the "canteen" or as many call it - the Bar ! Good Posts have many functions and duties depending upon the Local needs and activities of the community.
Many people think of a Legion Post as a bar room or a place to get cheap booze - far from it. The "canteen" - properly run is mearly a financial support for the Post to maintain a common place to meet and support the community. The Post itself - if properly run gives out to the community and people in need more than it "takes in ". People who can turn to no one else can get help and support from a properly run Post.
Many people do not see this or do not really look at what is happening behind the scenes.
I have been a member since I was allowed to join at 21. I was drinking in my post since I was in the Corps and 17 years old.
When I got out of the Military , I attended only 1 Post meeting and got turned off at the bickering and jocking for position and Glory seeking. I have never been an Officer of a Post but have supported those who were as best as I could.
I was a member of the County Honor Guard that was through the Post I was in at the time. We did the military funerals for Vets in @ a 50 mile radius of our area.
I am proud to be a member of a Legion Post, The yearly dues is just a small part of the total operation of a good post.
Yes, there are people who use it as a stepping stone in thier carrers and some want power and Glory. Real Members of a Post support it and help out when they can. It's more than just a Bar room !
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Badgersmilk,
This is one of those things you need to research locally. The overall organization is excellent, but each local Post is different. There are some Posts do very good things, and others are just going through the motions. Our local Post is dieing off, and at one time they tried to recruit me. I was somewhat interested (my membership would have been off Dad's service since they weren't interested in me when I was interested in the service), but they basically wanted me for honor guard duty and that is hard when I'm chief suit in charge of the service when they needed me.
Hope you have a good one and it works for you.
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BM, Go ahead and join, if it is a poorly managed Post you can always let you membership expire.
If it is a well run post you will have no regrets, in either case you stand to meet some good guys, ( and gal's )
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Thanks for all the information! My main concern was if they had some kind of F'd up political ties as an organization. Figured if they did you fellas would be first to know about it! ;)
Sent off my $25 today to get a national membership. Then they send you a card that'll get you into any post for a few visits before you become a member. Looks like there are THREE differently numbered posts within half hour of here... So I'll see what pans out. Don't mind helping the community at all. And never been one to be afraid to sit down over a beer and listen to war stories. :)
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Our local AL Post is top notch in the community. They handle many things ranging from funeral arrangements for vets with no family, building porches and ramps for disabled vets, ferrying vets to doctors appointments, supplying new and properly retiring old flags, scholarships for students....and the list goes on. Good group.