Let’s start off with the Demographic. Do you know who our members are?

The majority of membership (554,104 members) to the VFW is made up by Vietnam war veterans whose ages range between 56 and 73. World War ll vets whose age ranges 82+ make up the second largest of the VFW population with 435,439 members. Third is the Korean War veterans whose ages range between 74-81 and include 294,271 members. Forth is the 1991 Persian Gulf War/Iraq/Afghanistan veterans whose ages range between 36-55 and include 161,214 members. The Afghanistan/Iraq War veterans make up the minority of membership with only 70,620 members. The age range for the Afghanistan/Iraq War veterans is between 19 and 35.

I read about this in the article, “Who Are Our Members?“, in the VFW magazine.

It made me wonder how we can recruit the younger generation of veterans. We certainly need them in order to carry on the traditions and community service our organization provides. The article said that they don’t have as much trouble recruiting as they do in maintaining membership.

So what does that say about the individual VFW posts?

I guess it all depends on what kind of things the post does to make being a part of it rewarding and fun.

VFW Post 4647 is always busy with fun activities, fundraisers, volunteering/community events. The members are like one big extending family. Every week there is something fun going on to bring folks together. The people are so friendly, new members are always welcomed and introduced and made to feel right at home.

Nobody can be lonely when they participate in the VFW activities. There is always good company in the canteen. We do have younger members too. The VFW has grown and evolved with the times. Whenever I meet a young man or woman who has served in the Iraq/Afghanistan war, I always let them know why they should join the VFW.

We have special events all the time. We don’t need a reason! We have BBQs – potlucks all through out the year. Joining the VFW just for friendship is in itself a huge bonus.

A short list of activities include: There is a horseshoe league. There is a sign up sheet in the post so that members can get together every Wednesday for a game of golf. Every Friday night there is a dinner and dance. Usually live music but sometimes a DJ. On Saturday nights we have karaoke in the canteen. That’s always a lot of fun! On Sunday mornings there is breakfast that starts at 9AM.

The post and it’s affiliated auxiliary members work really hard on projects to support the military and community. Many hours are donated visiting hospitals and care homes. Raising money for cancer research and much more. It’s a place that offers many rewarding possibilities.

Last Saturday the Ladies Auxiliary gave a tea party/fashion show to raise money. It was a huge success and had a great turn out of people.

This coming Saturday (September 5th) is the annual MIA/POW luncheon given to honor those veterans missing in action and the prisoners of war. There will be some honorary guests and speakers at the event.

On Saturday, September 12th, the VFW will be hosting a vendor/craft fair. We are expecting a great turn out for this event as we will have almost 20 vendors with everything you can imagine from dog treats to purses.

There is also a golf tournament coming up. Info is on the website.

We just held our calendar meeting last Monday and there are a lot of activities planned through the holidays.

Membership to the VFW is something every qualified veteran should take advantage of. It is an honor and a priviledge to be part of such an wonderful, giving, supportive organization.

I think that the reason we may have a shortage of the younger veterans right now is because they are busy on Active duty. But I do hope they will join us when they get the first opportunity.

The VFW is also a great support system for spouses and families of active duty personal who are over in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Spread the word! When you meet a young veteran. Let them know why they should become a member of this great organization. Maybe they don’t know. That’s why we need to make it our mission to tell them.

Let’s give them a larger slice of the pie!