Did the VFW reject Vietnam vets?

They were not joiners." Some World War II veterans cite the fact that it takes, quite literally, an act of Congress to enable the Veterans of Foreign Wars to accept into its membership veterans of a specific conflict. They say many Vietnam veterans were not recognized because the VFW was not sanctioned to accept them.

Does the VFW recognize Vietnam veterans?

This National Vietnam War Veterans Day, the VFW encourages all Americans to honor our Vietnam War era veterans and let them know how much they are appreciated. Take this opportunity to give a hearty “Welcome Home” to those who made it back from the Vietnam War and a “Thank you for your service” to all from the era.

When did the VFW start accepting Vietnam veterans?

VFW senior leaders have traveled back to Vietnam every year since 1991 to help U.S. government efforts to account for missing and unaccounted-for servicemen and civilians.

Are all Vietnam veterans eligible for VA benefits?

VA Benefits for Vietnam Veterans

Vietnam Veterans may be eligible for a wide-variety of benefits available to all U.S. military Veterans. VA benefits include disability compensation, pension, education and training, health care, home loans, insurance, vocational rehabilitation and employment, and burial.

Why didn't the Vietnam vets get a welcome home?

No 'Welcome Home' parades for Vietnam vets.

This was partly due to the logistics of the never-ending conflict. The Vietnam War lasted from 1964-1973—the longest war in American history until it was overtaken by the one in Afghanistan—and servicemen typically did one-year tours of duty.

How WWII and Vietnam Veterans Were Treated Differently | History

How old should a Vietnam vet be today?

Today, Vietnam Veterans range in age from 61 to 103 years old.

What is the difference between a Vietnam era veteran and a Vietnam veteran?

Vietnam era veterans are those who served during the time of the Vietnam war but didn't set foot in the country of Vietnam. The Vietnam vet is one who was assigned within the combat zone of the country and it's surrounding waters.

Do you get extra money from Social Security for being a veteran?

Since 1957, if you had military service earnings for active duty (including active duty for training), you may have extra Social Security wage credits added to your earnings record.

Who qualifies for Vietnam Service Medal?

It is awarded to all service members of the armed forces who between July 4, 1965 and March 28, 1973, served in the following areas of Southeast Asia; Vietnam and the contiguous waters and airspace; Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia; or the airspace thereof and in the direct support of military operations in Vietnam.

Why is VFW membership declining?

Veterans Service Organizations Losing Members

Herndon agreed that the decrease is primarily tied to a shrinking pool of veterans. In 1945, there were around 12.2 million people in the U.S. military. Today, there are about 1.3 million active duty service members.

Can Vietnam veterans join the American Legion?

Since its founding in 1919, membership in The American Legion has been open to veterans of World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Lebanon/Grenada, Panama and Gulf War/War on Terrorism.

What is considered a Vietnam era veteran?

(1) Veteran of the Vietnam era means an eligible veteran any part of whose active military, naval, or air service was during the Vietnam era. (ii) A person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

How do you prove a veteran was in Vietnam?

employment physical examination reports. medical evidence from civilian/private hospitals, clinics, and physicians where or by whom a veteran was treated, either during service or shortly after separation. letters written during service. photographs taken during service.

How can you identify a Vietnam veteran?

The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act, signed into law in 2017, designates March 29 of each year as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. Most states celebrate “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day” on March 29 or 30 of each year.

How old are Vietnam vets in 2022?

The median age of Vietnam War era Veterans is approximately 73 years old.

How do I get the $16728 Social Security bonus?

Who is eligible for Social Security bonus? For every year that you delay claiming past full retirement age, your monthly benefits will get an 8% “bonus.” That amounts to a whopping 24% if you wait to file until age 70.

What will VA disability pay be in 2023?

Effective December 1st, 2023, the monthly veterans disability payment amounts for veterans with no dependents are as follows: $165.92 per month for 10% disability. $327.99 per month for 20% disability. $508.05 per month for 30% disability.

Does having a dd214 make you a veteran?

Since the DD Form 214 is issued to those leaving the active military as well as to members of the National Guard and Reserves completing their initial active duty for training, possession of this document does not necessarily mean the student is a veteran.

What medals can a Vietnam era veteran wear?

The Vietnam Service Medal replaces the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM), which was awarded for service in Vietnam from 1961 to 1965. Service stars are permitted as attachments worn on the Vietnam Service Medal for recipients who participated in multiple campaigns during the Vietnam War.

What are the new benefits for Vietnam veterans?

Yet 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War, some veterans are still waiting to get benefits for Agent Orange exposure. In 2021, three new conditions — bladder cancer, hypothyroidism, and Parkinsonism — were added to the Agent Orange presumptive benefits list.

Is there a medal for Vietnam era service?

The Vietnam Service Medal is a military award of the United States Armed Forces established on 8 July 1965 by order of President Lyndon B. Johnson. The medal is awarded to recognize service during the Vietnam War by all members of the U.S. Armed Forces provided they meet the award requirements.

What was the deadliest job in Vietnam?

Overall, the U.S. military used nearly 12,000 helicopters in Vietnam, of which more than 5,000 were destroyed. To be a helicopter pilot or crew member was among the most dangerous jobs in the war.

What was the deadliest week in the Vietnam War?

May 5 - 11, 1968 marks the deadliest week of the Vietnam War. More than 600 U.S. service members were declared dead or missing in action. Their names are inscribed on Panel 54E through 58E of The Wall.