The Changing Landscape of the VFW
A Call for Awareness and Membership Engagement
I recently received a thoughtful note that was passed along to me about a significant aspect of the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) organization.
It was exciting to see how my article sparked interest, not only in our post here in Windham but in the broader VFW community. I'd like to take a moment to respond to the points raised.
The email I received addressed an issue that many of us in the VFW are familiar with—membership. Yes, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to attract new members to our posts.
Among the points raised in the email was the observation that many VFW posts have bar rooms where alcohol plays a central role.
This is a valid observation, and one that I agree with. In Windham, we do not have a bar, as it’s been an unspoken rule from the post’s founding.
Given our location in a resort area, our founders did not want to compete with local restaurants and taverns.
During the peak years of the VFW, particularly in the post-WWII era, veterans found comfort in socializing with fellow servicemen in a space that was familiar and welcoming.
For many, it was a more affordable alternative to the corner tavern. My wife often reminisces about her childhood, growing up in the VFW because her father, a WWII veteran, was an active member.
Weekly events were common, and children were always welcome, enjoying their own activities in a separate area. While I don’t have an issue with socializing over drinks, I do acknowledge that alcohol was a part of the experience for many members—and for some, it nearly led to personal challenges.
The stigma of the VFW as just another “tavern” still lingers. The issue, in my opinion, lies in the fact that the VFW has not done enough to communicate what it truly stands for today.
Consider the widespread marketing campaigns of various charitable causes, such as animal shelters or cancer research, which are able to effectively spread their messages.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars, however, has not put a significant emphasis on educating veterans and the public about the true mission of the organization.
I recall an experience during my time as District Commander in New York, where I attended a convention in Binghamton, NY.
The National Commander, who had traveled from Kansas City, gave a speech about membership, after which there was a Q&A session.
I asked why the VFW wasn’t running commercials to highlight what it does for veterans. His response, in short, was the prohibitive cost of advertising.
This answer did not sit well with me. Every organization needs to find ways to get its message out, especially one with such an important mission.
I even suggested running a TV ad during the Army-Navy game, a prime time for reaching veterans. Unfortunately, that idea never came to fruition.
The newer generation of veterans has a different perspective and approach to service than those who came before them. Society has changed dramatically, and with it, the way veterans engage with one another and their communities.
Despite these differences, the one thing that binds all of us together is our service to our nation. Furthermore, modern-day veterans face many of the same challenges that previous generations of veterans encountered upon returning home.
The VFW’s mission remains to support those who have served, providing resources to help veterans transition back to civilian life.
If you’re interested in learning more about our post in Windham and the work we do, I invite you to visit. Feel free to reach out to me via email at vfwpost1545@gmail.com.
As we endure these cold winter days, let’s keep our service men and women in our thoughts and prayers. And to all the veterans out there—thank you. Your service means the world to us.
God Bless America.
Marc Farmilette – Past Post Commander
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