It is distressing to see how our local veterans organizations are dwindling in population. Over the past few months, there have been a few articles and commentaries which all have the same theme. Our new veterans from current wars are not joining the local VFWs, American Legions and other veteran organizations. And there are many speculations as to why.
It is distressing to see how our local veterans organizations are dwindling in population. Over the past few months, there have been a few articles and commentaries which all have the same theme. Our new veterans from current wars are not joining the local VFWs, American Legions and other veteran organizations. And there are many speculations as to why.
Santee’s VFW Post recently moved to a temporary facility due to the fact that its membership could not afford the rise in rent at its original location. The La Mesa Post is facing thousands of dollars in refurbishing its facility and in this issue, you will find that the Lakeside VFW is facing the same problems. Members of these organizations are passionate about the work that they do and the contributions that these organizations give back to the local community are only limited by its membership and costs. In all, they fund local events, support their local Boy Scout troops and participate in many civic activities that are a base foundation for the community, but most important to the camaraderie in helping each other.
These organizations are more than fundraisers and events. People that run and participate in these associations are created with the purpose of helping fellow veterans. This is done with counseling, referrals, money and most of all being with those who have gone before you.
I often wonder why the newest generations of veterans are not joining these organizations and I can come up with many reasons why they might not. What I do know is that these young veterans play a vital part in keeping these organizations alive and thriving in our communities. There is no way better to assimilate back into the civilian community than to do so with the help of fellow veterans.
Going back to college in my mid 40s, it was difficult to deal with students right out of high school and much of the curriculum I did not understand as it focused on kids younger than my own. At the beginning of my first fall semester, I almost ran away, never to return, just because I could not relate to the new environment. But I found a saving grace in the colleges Student Veterans Organization. I looked through several clubs and found nothing that suited me, but my first meeting with the SVO gave me an instant peace of mind. Even though these veterans were much younger than me, we had a common bond. I felt comfortable with the people, but also was impressed with what they were doing as an organization to help out the local community. I spent many extra curricular hours, during semesters and break with this group of veterans and believe that we made a difference. Not only on campus, but our surrounding community. If it had not been for these people in particular, my college experience would have ended as quickly as it began.
With the new educational bill, many of our returning veterans are back in college and I encourage them all to find the college’s veterans organization and get involved. The best way to get back into the mainstream is by becoming part of the solution and that is what all veteran organizations do as a whole. And age, rank, branch of service or gender make no difference. You place a group of veterans in one place, give them a job to do and it will be done with the military preciseness that came with our training. It is not about assimilating back into the community as it is, it is about assimilating within the community with better skills and continuing serving the country by serving your community. So when approached by a local veteran organization, give it a chance. Regardless of the organization, it is the new generation of veterans that will relay the torch, making their local community a better place to live. As veterans, many have seen what many have not, experienced things no one should have to—and survived. Being an active veteran in the community is as important as the years served and tours completed. And becoming part of your local VFW or American Legion is the best place to start.
