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Health & Fitness

Why Should a Veteran Join a Veteran's Group?

One writers opinion supporting the joining of veterans organization

"Hey soldier ( or Marine or Sailor or Airman) thank you for serving our country! Here, fill out this membership application and join our VFW (or American Legion or Amvets or whatever). We need you!"

I remember those words well, or words very similar. This scenario played way back in 197--. It definitely was a turn off. The thought of joining a club with a bunch of "old guys" who referred to "my generations war" as not a real war did not appeal to me at all. Besides, my immediate objectives were to attend a local community college for a Respiratory Therapy course and return to a local community hospital to work in their Respiratory Care department. Besides, most veteran organizations were indifferent to the then current new veteran. So, why bother?

I eventually did join a VFW in 1976 (opps, gave away my years) enjoying my membership, not only for the pleasure of being in the company of good individuals but of becoming a participant of an organization that truly "gives back" to other veterans and the communities we live in. Most veteran organizations have programs that benefit our communities and our schools. As an example I know that both local veteran organizations, the American Legion in LaGrange and the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Western Springs, sponsor student essay contests that offer scholarships and recognize educators. Supporting the schools in our communities is of vital interest to all veterans. There is however a deeper more fundamental rational for all veterans to become members of such organizations.

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All of America's citizen soldiers have contributed greatly to the security and well-being of our homeland. Some more so. Because of this service, America has traditionally offered veterans with beneficial programs that eased the transition process from military life to civilian life not the least of which was medical care for injuries or illnesses sustained while on active duty. Now most folks would normally believe that our government would continue to honor those obligations for our heroes. One must remember though that politicians may support veteran issues yet the reality is there are many issues they support and when national budgets come to the floors of Congress for approval- some program's funding may be trimmed- drastically. The one factor that all those elected reps understand though is -numbers. How many people belong to any national group is something they all know already. And those numbers are multiplied by spouses, families, neighbors. Currently, there are about twenty two million veterans living in America today and only about six million members in veteran organizations. So...

Why should an individual who served join a veteran's organization? Because that individual vet joined by millions of other vets keeps the collective voice strong and heard by those that need to hear that voice. Until next time.

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Chuck Boskoallons 

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