Did the VFW reject Vietnam vets?

Yes, many local VFW posts initially rejected or were unwelcoming to Vietnam veterans in the 1960s and 1970s, largely because older WWII/Korean War members viewed Vietnam as an illegitimate "police action" rather than a true war, leading to division and the formation of other veteran groups like the VVA. This rejection stemmed from disagreements over the war's legitimacy, anti-communist stances, and cultural clashes, causing significant pain for returning Vietnam vets who felt ostracized by the very organizations meant to support them.

Why did the VFW refuse Vietnam vets?

Vietnam War veterans refused to join the VFW because of its support for the Vietnam War and the vets of the new-age generation with its counter-culture perspective that fought in an unpopular war. Compounding the membership enrollment stagnation was the increasingly frequent deaths of WWI, WWII, and Korean War vets.

Does the VFW recognize Vietnam veterans?

Yes, Vietnam-era veterans can absolutely join the VFW, and they form a large part of the membership; eligibility hinges on having served honorably in a recognized foreign campaign, like the Vietnam War, which qualifies veterans who received a campaign medal (like the Vietnam Service Medal), Hostile Fire Pay, or served in Korea, with documentation like your DD-214 being key to proving it. 

Can Vietnam vets join the American Legion?

I am proud to say that more than 1 million Vietnam veterans belong to The American Legion, making them the largest segment of our membership. We honor their service. We advocate on behalf of their needs. We defend their legacy.

Why were Vietnam vets not welcomed back?

Vietnam veterans received cold homecomings because the deeply unpopular war fractured American society, leading many to conflate the soldiers with the conflict itself, resulting in silence, hostility, and a national desire to forget a traumatic, morally ambiguous war, rather than celebrating returning heroes as in past conflicts. This lack of public support, combined with immense trauma and economic hardship, made reintegration incredibly difficult for these soldiers.
 

VFW membership has declined over decades

How old would most Vietnam vets be today?

As of recent estimates (around 2020-2023), the median age of Vietnam Era veterans is around 71 to 73 years old, reflecting their service during the 1960s and 1970s, with many now in their 70s, though ages range widely. While the average soldier in the war was much younger (around 19-23), the current figures represent those who served during the broader "Vietnam Era" (roughly 1960-1975) who are still living today. 

What was the most feared unit in Vietnam?

The most feared U.S. unit in Vietnam, known for its covert, high-risk missions behind enemy lines, was MACV-SOG (Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group), a top-secret special operations force whose operators conducted secret reconnaissance, sabotage, and psychological warfare, earning a fearsome reputation for effectiveness and a legendary kill ratio. While other elite units like Navy SEALs and Green Berets were known, MACV-SOG's secretive nature and deep-strike missions made them especially terrifying to the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and Viet Cong. 

What is the average pension for a Vietnam veteran?

In 2018, the average income of Vietnam veterans and nonveterans was roughly comparable: For veterans, who were 63 to 78 years old at that point, it was $63,300, slightly less than the $65,000 average for nonveterans. The veterans' average includes the disability compensation that some receive from VA.

Which is larger, VFW or American Legion?

The American Legion is significantly bigger than the VFW, with the Legion boasting nearly 2 million members across over 12,000 posts, making it the largest U.S. veterans' organization, while the VFW has around 1.4 million members (including auxiliaries) in about 5,600 posts, with its membership requiring combat zone service, compared to the Legion's broader eligibility. 

What years of service is considered a Vietnam veteran?

A Vietnam-era veteran is generally defined as someone who served in the U.S. Armed Forces between August 5, 1964, and May 7, 1975, for those serving outside the Republic of Vietnam, and for those serving in the Republic of Vietnam, the period extends further back to February 28, 1961, to May 7, 1975, requiring more than 180 days of active duty and an honorable discharge for many benefits. 

How old is the youngest Vietnam veteran today?

The youngest living Vietnam veteran today (early 2026) is likely in their mid-60s, probably born around 1958-1960, as they would have been 18 by the war's end in 1975; while specific records for the absolute youngest are scarce, estimates place them in the mid-60s, with some local reports mentioning youngest vets in their early 60s or 60s as of 2025. 

How much compensation did Vietnam veterans get for being exposed to Agent Orange?

During its operation, the Settlement Fund distributed a total of $197 million in cash payments to members of the class in the United States. Of the 105,000 claims received by the Payment Program, approximately 52,000 Vietnam Veterans or their survivors received cash payments which averaged about $3,800 each.

Does a DD 214 mean you are a veteran?

But having a DD214 form doesn't automatically mean you are a veteran! What is truly bothersome is that people who have served but don't qualify as a veteran can request a DD214.

What did John Lennon say about the Vietnam War?

John Lennon was a prominent anti-war activist against the Vietnam War, using his fame for peace campaigns like the "Bed-Ins" with Yoko Ono, popularizing the anthem "Give Peace a Chance," and running "War Is Over! (If You Want It)" campaigns, which led to scrutiny from the U.S. government. His activism, including protests and songs like "Imagine," made him a target, and the Nixon White House even tried to deport him for his anti-war stance. 

Can a Vietnam era veteran join VFW?

Currently, Vietnam veterans represent the largest portion of VFW members. However, more than half of our new members since 2005 have been age 39 and younger.

What was the average lifespan of a soldier in Vietnam?

The life expectancy for a soldier in Vietnam varied drastically by role, with some specialized troops like radio operators facing seconds in combat, while riflemen might last minutes, but overall, the average age of death for U.S. soldiers was around 23, with many dying young from intense, frequent combat, booby traps, and hostile conditions, though some roles saw survival for the whole war. 

Can you go to a VFW if you're not a veteran?

Yes, civilians can often go to VFWs, but usually as guests signed in by a member, though some posts are more public or have social memberships for non-veterans, so it depends on the specific VFW Post's rules, which you can check online or by calling. While full membership requires veteran status, many posts allow non-veterans to attend events or use facilities if accompanied by a member or by purchasing a social membership. 

Is American Legion membership declining?

The American Legion, chartered by Congress in 1919, also has had a significant membership drop as members die and new generations do not replace them in the same numbers. The overall veteran population is falling, which contributes to the decline.

What is the "Legion" in the Bible?

As used in the New Testament, legion refers to a great many fighting men, an army, or a camp. It also implies organization, leadership and purpose. The term is used four times in the New Testament: once in reference to Jesus' ability to call forth twelve legions of angels (Matt.

Did Tom Selleck actually serve in Vietnam?

No, Tom Selleck did not serve in Vietnam, but he served in the California Army National Guard during the Vietnam War era (1967-1973), fulfilling his draft obligation with six months of active duty and never deploying to Vietnam, though he did serve during the Watts riots. He became a sergeant in the 160th Infantry Regiment and later a strong advocate for Vietnam veterans, using his platform to honor their service. 

Do Vietnam vets get more social security?

Yes, Vietnam veterans can get extra credits on their Social Security earnings record for active duty service between 1957 and 2001, which can increase their monthly benefits, though it's not a direct extra payment but an adjustment to their earnings history, with credits of $300 (1957-77) or $100 for every $300 in pay (1978-2001) added, capped at $1,200 yearly, helping boost their overall earnings record when they apply for retirement. 

How much does a retired E7 with 20 years?

A retired E-7 with 20 years typically receives about 40-50% of their highest 36 months of base pay, translating to roughly $2,300 to $2,800+ monthly (gross), depending on their pay scale and if they're under the old or new Blended Retirement System (BRS). This amount decreases after taxes, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) deductions, and other factors, with actual take-home often being $2,000-$2,600+, plus potential Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) and VA disability pay. 

Who did the Viet Cong fear most?

The Viet Cong feared specific elite Allied units and soldiers known for their ferocity and unconventional tactics, including US Navy SEALs (called "men with green faces"), the highly effective but brutal South Korean troops, shadowy MACV-SOG operators, and legendary individuals like Jerry Shriver and tunnel rat Robert Batten, with some accounts also highlighting Australian SASR as feared "phantoms". Fear stemmed from their effectiveness in deep reconnaissance, sabotage, direct action, and mercilessness. 

What unit was Forrest Gump?

Forrest Gump was in the U.S. Army's 9th Infantry Division, specifically in Company A, 2nd Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, during the Vietnam War, earning a Medal of Honor for his bravery and serving alongside Bubba and Lieutenant Dan. The division's distinctive patch, the "Octofoil," is visible on his uniform.