The Importance of Veterans Service Organizations

Memorial Day this year was especially somber, as it should be. A new generation of names is sadly being added to the roll call on a daily basis. The reminders that liberty comes at a cost are stark and uncompromising, and all too frequent thanks to the war on terror.

I had the honor of riding a float with American Legion and VFW members in a local parade on Monday. Schmoozing with another former Screaming Eagle of another generation, trying to out-sing each other (Marines vs. Army) on our branch songs, it was a magnificent time. The pride of sitting alongside the Greatest Generation and the bond between soldiers that transcends time left an impression that won’t fade anytime soon.

Reservist or active servicemember, our jobs are made easier by the efforts of our national veterans organizations. When the story broke about the horrible conditions at Walter Reed, the American Legion and others went to work. In the state of Pennsylvania, these organizations campaign to see that the Guard, used heavily abroad these days, have benefits appropriate to our service overseas.

What I saw on Memorial Day, sadly, is that older generations are carrying our burden, fighting our battle at home when they’ve long since fought their own. Worse, their numbers are dwindling year by year. It’s these organizations that give us a voice in Washington, and since a small percentage of the population serves in the military, it’s important to maintain that voice.

I’d like to encourage all who read to actively seek membership with one or more of these organizations. Jews in Green readers should especially consider joining the Jewish War Veterans (http://www.jwv.org), which has an in-service membership option.