Manchester Union Leader Article

Alan Heidenreich: NH veterans groups still have a lot to offer

 

By ALAN HEIDENREICH

 

 

I HAVE a reasonably up-close view of what is happening within New Hampshire’s various veterans organizations. The steady membership decline is to me borderline alarming.   There are a number of reasons for it, and there’s no one fix-it-all answer to be sure, so let’s evaluate the situation as a whole. Public perception is that most of the varied post organizations are not the type of place to bring your spouse/partner/and or family. In my effort to reach out to female veterans, I was recently asked by one in particular, “Why would I be interested in going to a smoke-filled building full of foul-mouthed old drunks bragging about their war experiences?” Ouch! This was my wake up call that our organizations are in dire need of a press agent. I can assure everyone that, except for a possible venue or two, nothing could be further from the truth. The vast majority of today’s veteran facilities are clean, well run and family friendly. Most are smoke-free and the rest provide a seperate smoking section. Most are heavily involved in community projects, hence the phrase “Veterans still serving America,” such as youth sports, youth speakers programs, scholarship awards, Boy and Girl Scouts support, and volunteering for homeless and soup kitchen programs, These groups also coordinate VA hospital events, free military honor guard funeral presence, new citizen welcome ceremonies, American flag display/disposal instructions and countless other events. It is vitally important that all veterans and families support these organizations so they can continue these efforts. For a yearly membership fee, usually in the $25-$35 range, you would receive a monthly national magazine full of information of importance to veterans and their families, periodic state chapter newsletters, e-mail updates, special member discounts on hall rentals (which alone would cover several years’ dues) and many other free or low-cost offers. It’s a great return on your investment. Many people shy away from joining out of concern that they do not have the time. There is no obligation for members to participate in these programs, but your membership support helps to swell our numbers and have our voices heard on the political scene. Qualifications differ with various veteran groups, and if you’re confused, let me say that you’re not alone. I have personally long been an advocate for bringing the rules up to date. I plan to contact the upcoming American Legion National Convention delegates to address the issue this summer. The time has come to streamline these guidelines so that we can increase membership across the state. The Manchester Post has fallen from 1524 members to just 217. A nearby post has seen membership fall from a record high of 1,195 to just 450, and a once large North Country post has gone from 882 members to an amazingly low 103. If every member of a New Hampshire veterans group committed to bringing in one new member, these figures could turn around quickly. Just ask your fellow vets. It really works. May the God of your choice continue to bless the greatest country in the world, the United States of America! Alan Heidenreich is a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Korean War Veterans Association and a life member of the New Hampshire Veterans Association.