07/14/2026
Why are Veteran Service Organizations like the VFW, American Legion, and DAV memberships dropping?
DAV fell below 1 million members in 2024 for the first time in 40 years. VFW is down to 1.5 million, about half of what it was 30 years ago. The American Legion is seeing the same steady decline.
It’s Not because people stopped supporting veterans. Here’s what’s really going on:
Our WWII, Korea, and Vietnam members are passing.
Those generations built our posts. We’re losing hundreds of them every day. At the same time, today’s military is much smaller, so there are fewer vets overall to take their place.
Younger vets live differently.
Post-9/11 vets connect online and balance kids, jobs, and drill weekends. And here's the biggy - If a Post feels like “grandpa’s bar,” they’ll keep driving.
All local groups are struggling.
It’s not just us. Elks, Masons, Lions Clubs, even churches are seeing the same trend. People don’t join civic groups like they did 50 years ago.
So why should veterans join a Veterans Service Organization today? Because this is still where we take care of our own:
We fight for your benefits. Trained service officers help with VA claims for free. DAV, VFW, and the Legion secure billions for vets every year. Our VA claims right here in Iowa at our AMERICAN Legion Service Office in Des Moines with help from our County Veterans Service Offices surpasses $54 million each month. And that number is growing.
Nobody gets left behind. Buddy Checks, rides to VA appointments, help after a house fire or disaster, vehicle break down and honor guards. When life hits, your local Post shows up.
Camaraderie that gets it. You served. So did we. Sometimes you just need to be around people who understand without you having to explain.
It’s for your family too. Kid-friendly events, scholarships, youth programs, plus the Auxiliary and Sons of The American Legion give the whole family a place.
We protect what you served for. Flags around town, school programs, honor guards for funerals. We keep patriotism alive right here at home.
The posts that stay active are holding steady, and some are even growing. When we’re out putting up flags, helping with claims, and hosting events, you’d expect younger vets to show up. But - Many still don’t. But groups like the Sons of The American Legion and the Riders are bringing in new folks every day.
If you’re a vet and haven’t been to your Post lately, stop in. Ask what we’re working on. You might be surprised.
If you’re not a vet, thank a member and ask how you can help. It’s going to take the whole community to get our local organizations through these trying times. We need to keep the colors flying, and Post 296 is here to make sure that happens. 🇺🇸
American Legion Morrison-Schrader Post 296 Deep River, Iowa
