A Critical Look at the VFW Politics and Pettiness that Keeps Younger Vets Away: An Opinion Piece

Disclaimer: The opinions and views expressed in this post are solely my own and do not reflect the official stance or views of Medium or the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

Today’s topic is something I have debated writing about for some time. I have a personal connection to this topic because I like many things about this organization. However, after my experience and the experience of those I have met through this organization, I feel like the only way to encourage change is to speak out against things that I don’t believe are right. This version has been slightly revised as some things were incorrect in my original letter.

I almost deleted this article but realized that nearly two years later, nothing had changed with this VFW Post in which I was so actively involved. There is now an auxiliary member who was kicked out of the post, helping the Post Bookkeeper Manage the books and the bar, which is a conflict of interest. Is the person running the bar also helping with the books? Well, rumor has it she is. This post already had an issue with a previous person (allegedly) embezzling as well as laundering gambling winnings through this Post.

April 21, 2022, To whom it may concern: I am writing this letter to bring light to some of the internal issues the VFW has caused Veterans like myself to decide to leave the VFW or not join the VFW at all. I have done my best to bring this issue up at every level, and it appears it is not essential, but it should be.