Veteran Service Organizations are a great way to connect with fellow veterans. Embrace your status as a veteran by joining an organization made by veterans for veterans – honor the tradition of service and gain access to vital information that will assist you. Here are a few examples:
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW):
The VFW is an organization of war veterans committed to ensuring rights, remembering sacrifices, promoting patriotism, performing community services and advocating for a strong national defense. VFW Posts are located throughout the country in thousands of communities. If you are interested in getting involved close to home, check out this link: https://www.vfw.org/oms/findpost.aspx
Eligibility: http://www.vfw.org/Join/
If you have received a campaign medal for overseas service; have served 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days in Korea; or have ever received hostile fire or imminent danger pay, then you’re eligible to join.
American Legion:
The nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans.
Eligibility: http://www.legion.org/join
If you are currently on active duty, serving the United States honorably, anywhere in the world, or have served honorably during any of the following eligible war eras, we invite you to become a member of The American Legion.
- April 6, 1917 to Nov. 11, 1918 (World War I)
- Dec. 7, 1941 to Dec. 31, 1946 (World War II)
- June 25, 1950 to Jan. 31, 1955 (Korean War)
- Feb. 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975 (Vietnam War)
- Aug. 24, 1982 to July 31, 1984 (Lebanon / Grenada)
- Dec. 20, 1989 to Jan. 31, 1990 (Panama)
- Aug. 2, 1990 to today (Gulf War / War On Terrorism)
If you are interested in learning more about the American Legion and what it has to offer, just click on this link: www.legion.org
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA):
This online and offline resource connects you to a community of fellow OIF/OEF veterans and provides great information, guides, events, and resources– you may even come across some familiar faces.
Eligibility: http://secure.iava.org/veteran-join
As a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom, you are eligible to become a member of IAVA’s Community of Veterans.