Veterans of Foreign Wars
VFW Post 1093
Ipswich, MA
Membership & Recruiting
a bunch of old codgers and a gin joint.......
This may be your impression of the VFW, and for a time you might have been right. But the VFW has developed by simultaneously returning to its roots and founding mission and by embracing new generations of veterans and understanding their concerns. The character and "feel" of the VFW may vary from post to post as well - but the mission and the benefits are common. What are they? Why should you think about joining?
What / Who is the VFW?
The VFW as a national organization was founded in 1899 by veterans who banded together to secure the rights and benefits to which their service entitled them. It gradually grew regionally and gained national prominence between the World Wars. Our Ipswich Post was founded on October 30, 1945 with the commitment to the national mission which is to "foster camaraderie among Unites States veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve our veterans, the military, and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all veterans."
At Post 1093 that translates into different types of involvement for different members. Like any organization some are members on the rolls but not very active. A large group participates periodically in events as they have time or particular interest. A core group can be found at nearly every post general meeting and represented at public events and on our various committees.
We are truly lucky to have some of our charter members still active in the post. Veterans of WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Panama, Desert Storm, OIF & OEF can be found at nearly every gathering. We are committed to growing our membership among the latest generations of veterans, and to do so we will pursue technology, comradeship and community service opportunities which are appropriate and relevant.
The mission of the VFW remains relevant today. Budget constraints, reduced community cohesiveness and a declining veteran representation in public office all place the mission to support veterans and improve our communities critically and squarely upon our shoulders. But there is no better group to carry on that mission than the members of the VFW who have already shown their determination and courage.
Why should a recent veteran join?
Each member you speak to will probably give you a different explanation of why they joined. And each will probably have a similar reason for why they are active and involved. Why do folks join? Many join simply because they want to ensure that their voice as a veteran is "heard" and that an organization represents them in the halls of government. And that is critically important and probably reason enough. But why else?
Once you've joined, though, you'll find that your reason for remaining is like everyone else - what you get back far exceeds what you put in.
Are you eligible?
Membership is restricted but eligibility guidelines recognize the numerous small conflicts in which veterans have served in addition to the major ones. The VFW offers a quick tool to help you determine your eligibility. You can also contact our Recruiting Officer and fill out our Membership Inquiry Form to discuss your service and eligibility.
You needn't live in Ipswich to be a member of Post 1093. We have numerous members who remain on active duty serving throughout the world. We welcome members from a variety of locations and accept transfers to our post as people move to the area. Since much of the value of the VFW experience comes from comradeship, though, it generally works best to hold your membership in a post near where you settle down.
This may be your impression of the VFW, and for a time you might have been right. But the VFW has developed by simultaneously returning to its roots and founding mission and by embracing new generations of veterans and understanding their concerns. The character and "feel" of the VFW may vary from post to post as well - but the mission and the benefits are common. What are they? Why should you think about joining?
What / Who is the VFW?
The VFW as a national organization was founded in 1899 by veterans who banded together to secure the rights and benefits to which their service entitled them. It gradually grew regionally and gained national prominence between the World Wars. Our Ipswich Post was founded on October 30, 1945 with the commitment to the national mission which is to "foster camaraderie among Unites States veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve our veterans, the military, and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all veterans."
At Post 1093 that translates into different types of involvement for different members. Like any organization some are members on the rolls but not very active. A large group participates periodically in events as they have time or particular interest. A core group can be found at nearly every post general meeting and represented at public events and on our various committees.
We are truly lucky to have some of our charter members still active in the post. Veterans of WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Panama, Desert Storm, OIF & OEF can be found at nearly every gathering. We are committed to growing our membership among the latest generations of veterans, and to do so we will pursue technology, comradeship and community service opportunities which are appropriate and relevant.
The mission of the VFW remains relevant today. Budget constraints, reduced community cohesiveness and a declining veteran representation in public office all place the mission to support veterans and improve our communities critically and squarely upon our shoulders. But there is no better group to carry on that mission than the members of the VFW who have already shown their determination and courage.
Why should a recent veteran join?
Each member you speak to will probably give you a different explanation of why they joined. And each will probably have a similar reason for why they are active and involved. Why do folks join? Many join simply because they want to ensure that their voice as a veteran is "heard" and that an organization represents them in the halls of government. And that is critically important and probably reason enough. But why else?
- "there is no good reason not to and the dues are inexpensive"
- "my friends at work just don't understand things the way another veteran does"
- "kind of like Cheers - it's a comfortable place to have a cold beer and catch up with friends"
- "it always bothers me when someone fails to remove their hat at a ball game. The VFW really works to promote patriotism"
- "so many people complain, but a few work to change their communities. The VFW pushes members to be involved - and that nudge helps me."
- "it's nice to know someone is helping me get care for Gulf War Syndrome."
- "I always love to see the color guard at a parade, and so many families value our support at funerals. It's an easy way to make a difference."
Once you've joined, though, you'll find that your reason for remaining is like everyone else - what you get back far exceeds what you put in.
Are you eligible?
Membership is restricted but eligibility guidelines recognize the numerous small conflicts in which veterans have served in addition to the major ones. The VFW offers a quick tool to help you determine your eligibility. You can also contact our Recruiting Officer and fill out our Membership Inquiry Form to discuss your service and eligibility.
You needn't live in Ipswich to be a member of Post 1093. We have numerous members who remain on active duty serving throughout the world. We welcome members from a variety of locations and accept transfers to our post as people move to the area. Since much of the value of the VFW experience comes from comradeship, though, it generally works best to hold your membership in a post near where you settle down.
