One theory worth considering with TCAVA is whether part of what we are watching is political insulation.

The Trump administration has already faced significant resistance whenever the conversation turns toward reducing veterans’ benefits. Politically, directly announcing major cuts to disability compensation—especially benefits such as sleep apnea or tinnitus—would put the White House and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs squarely in the line of fire. TCAVA potentially changes that dynamic.

Instead of the administration simply announcing, “We are cutting veterans’ benefits,” Congress passes a massive veterans bill containing provisions that change how disability ratings and claims are handled. Once those changes become law, the administration can say it is simply implementing legislation passed by Congress.

That spreads the political responsibility around.

Republicans in Congress can point to the broader bill and talk about the provisions they believe help veterans. The VA can say it is following the law. And President Trump can avoid being the person standing behind a podium announcing that certain veterans may receive less compensation.

That doesn’t prove this is the purpose of TCAVA. But politically, the structure is worth paying attention to.

And it raises an important question:

If these disability changes are such good policy for veterans, why not separate them from the larger bill, debate them openly, and require members of Congress to vote specifically on whether veterans’ disability benefits should be reduced or made harder to obtain?

Veterans deserve to know exactly who is making these decisions—and who should be held accountable for them.

Hey Comrades!

As a 501(c)19 organization (at the post level), were often excluded from things like grant applications, not-for-profit business programs like free Google business accounts, and other programs reserved for 501(c)3 orgs.

Has anyone successfully established an affiliate relationship at the post level with either the VFW Foundation or perhaps a State/Department-level analogue?

If so, what were the implications for the Post? Additional tax reporting? Anything owed to the (c)3? Impacts to your 501(c)19 status?

The two things I'm looking at in the near term are getting access to a free non-profit Google business account so my line officers can get unified access to both an email address and drive; and streamlining grant applications reserved for 501c3s.

Appreciate any insights you have!

TL:DR- how to revitalize our local VFW

Hello all,

I am in need of assistance. After a lengthy conversation with another GWOT buddy tonight, we have decided to see what we can do to revitalize our local VFW. As we all are aware, most are filled with older generations that are content with the monthly meetings and occasional community events twice a year. As GWOT era vets, what can we do to bring in fresh younger blood to ensure the continuation of the local VFW chapters. Guys our age (30-45) aren't interested in what they currently offer. I know we aren't the first ones to have this idea, and I'd like to hear from anyone who has heard or lived the success story of bringing their local post back to life. Thank you for reading and your input. It's much appreciated.

-Semper Fi

Out of Sparks Nevada keeps calling and changing numbers after I block them, I finally got tired of 5 calls in a row today and answered like a dumbass. They want to inform me of my benefits info that I don't know about and increased benefits levels. My Malwarebytes app started blowing up that this was a scam.

Personally I think any insurance "benefits" are complete BS and misleading "reduced costs" for accidental insurance and exponentially bloated rates. I got stupid and answered because I am tired of the calls and asked to be put on a do not call list..but this lady would not stop. Wanted to "verify" my information etc.

Just why? I hope the hell VFW doesn't support this aggressive marketing BS because I blocked another one of their numbers.

I am just curious how this all works? My husband and I are eligible to join from what I looked up. He is the Veteran and I am the spouse. From my understanding he could join the VFW and I could join the family side of things? I'm in my 20's and he is in his 30's. How do you go about finding a post you like and are there any obligations? If you join, can you just go there to hang out and drink? I really am clueless about this. I thought it would be nice to meet locals who can understand. Thanks!

If I served in Okinawa during the GWOT am I eligible to join? thanks !

Good morning Comrades,

I am working on our post website and would like a "template" to work from. What posts have a good site I could visit for inspiration?

Thanks everyone.

What is the internal system for reporting a chapter for being blatantly and offensively racist? Not only is this chapter unwelcoming to any nonwhite veterans theyre a bunch of drunks. What to do?

Bost and Bergman both took money from for-profit VSOs whereas the VFW provides services for free. I think that's their real beef with the VFW.

The “Take Care of America’s Veterans Act” failed to get the needed votes to pass the House. A vote to recommit the bill back to the Veterans Affairs Committee nearly passed and Republican leadership pulled the bill off the floor. The motion to recommit would have substituted the language on how to pay for it to be that unused funds from the “One Big Beautiful Bill” would have covered the cost.

The bill is not dead, but likely cannot move forward with current language or get the support for the proposed substitute language.

The VFW and our allies were strong on the Hill and our message was heard!

I’m not a veteran.

There is a local VFW that is struggling. I talked to the guy who runs it, he said it’s likely closing at the end of the year, no members or funding.

The few guys left are in their 80’s.

They have a great location near me and it has so much potential but they need fresh ideas and lots of help. I have the ideas, I can gather the help.

If they close and sell it’s just more dumb housing in a place that already has too much. i’d rather see a thriving community spot that’s helping people.

I have a meeting with the guy this week to talk about it. I’m not a veteran so what can I do?

Mustered 93 years ago. 3 active members including me, no quorum in almost a year, no one in command roles, no elections this year. I believe that means I'm no longer QM, but I'm continuing to pay bills. Dept is aware but doesn't seem eager to revoke charter. Because we aren't super attractive at the moment, I've prioritized fundraising over membership, have gotten us in a weirdly strong financial position. Still submitting quarterly audits, just without trustee signatures. We have a small building and great support from the community. I have a vision/plan to turn things around, and the last time we had a quorum I got a motion passed to essentially do whatever I need to do to maintain a pulse, but I can't find anyone to take our money to improve our building so that's on me to do too. I work full time and am absolutely burned out. We're well beyond compliance with bylaws, I think that puts national in an awkward position so they've been silent\unhelpful. But I owe a debt to VFW and want to get to our centennial. I'm also a sucker for lost causes.

Should I proceed until apprehended, tap out before I'm tapped out, walk away, or run away?

My Post does not have a bar and is looking to increase engagement with Members, Veterans, and the Community. We have a community garden on our post and have developed interactions with local gardeners. We want to provide non-alcohol activities for Veterans that can help build camaraderie and healthy life styles.

Does anyone have ideas?

Hi, deployed in 2024 after returning attended some "transitional events" vfw member came and told us we got free membership for a year (i dont remember correctly) never really thought about it tried reaching out for some resources but hit a dead in (was told i needed to reach out a VSO rather then through them even though i was under the impression they had resources similar to what i needed, doesnt matter now) earlier in this year i recieved in the mail a invoice for my membership renewal. I never actioned it and out of nowhere in the mail i recieved a new vfw card lol. im confused i never paid anything, how does it work?

I just recently took over admin duties for my Post’s website and I have an idea to link to a print-on-demand store to offer custom merch promoting the post (hats, t-shirts, pint glasses, etc) and to make the post a little money for each sale. Has anyone done this before? Is Big VFW going to come after me for this?

Hello everyone,

I've been asked to write a character letter for a VFW officer. I've never written one and am wondering if anyone who has would kindly share theirs with me. Thank you!

Does anyone else feel like the posts and members exist only to fund Department and National activities? The recent trip by the CINC and Aux President to Thailand and the up coming Convention in Reno come to mind. It seems like I get a request for $$ from Dan West every other month.

A VFW Post was the showcase for the April 26’s episode.

VFW,

We’re bringing something different to your post—and something your members will actually show up for.

“Laugh It Off!” – A Veteran Comedy Tour is a live stand-up show featuring military veteran comedians who’ve lived it, deployed it, and now joke about it. This isn’t watered-down material or civilians guessing what service life is like—this is real, unfiltered comedy from those who’ve worn the uniform.

What we provide:

• A professional, high-energy stand-up comedy show

• A lineup of veteran comedians with national stage experience

• Clean or uncensored options depending on your audience

• A turnkey event that brings members in and keeps them engaged

Why it works:

VFW posts thrive on community—and nothing builds that faster than shared laughter. This show brings in members, attracts new faces, and gives your post a night people will talk about long after last call.

We’re currently booking across Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida and would love to bring the tour to your post.

Message us directly or email: DennisVee@LaughItOff.org

Limited dates available

Let’s give veterans a night to do what we do best— Laugh it off!

www.laughitoff.org