NonVet American Legion Riders

[IATRIKEBOB]

Can someone tell me why non-veterans wear the exact same vests, patches, and gear as veterans? It bugs me terribly

[Keystone]

I didn't know anyone except Vets were members. Guess I can still learn something new.

[IATRIKEBOB]

That's what pisses me off.

[Sully]

I thought you had to be a Veteran to even join the American Legion.

[IATRIKEBOB]

You need to be a Vet for " regular", but if parent was a vet, you can be a rider.

[cavie]

It's call "Son's of the Legion". I am a member but not a Legion Rider. Cheap beer.

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[FuzzyWuzHe]

It's call "Son's of the Legion". I am a member but not a Legion Rider. Cheap beer.

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It's call "Son's of the Legion". am a member but not a Legion Rider. Cheap beer.

Better lay off the beer ... you're stuttering

[Ozarkryder]

IATRIKEBOB - are you taking about the actual American Legion Riders or the Patriot Guard, which is a spin-off of the Legion Riders? My dad was a long term Legion member, and I am a member of the Sons Of The American Legion. I'm not a vet, but am eligible to join the Legion Riders. If I had a son, he would not be eligible to join unless we became a veteran himself.

[jaxbobg]

Ease up guys. Both my parents were WWII vets so I qualified to join the Legion as an SAL (Sons of American Legion). I didn't serve in Viet Nam because of my draft classification. I have two sons that were Navy and one Army, so it runs in the family.

I have been a member of the SAL and Sons of Confederate Veterans, based on my heritage. I was always accepted into all AL activities, volunteered on committees, and helped at the club whenever possible.

I've always respected and acknowledged the incredible sacrifices and bravery of the men and women who served in our military. Not one person in my post ever questioned my patriotism, loyalty to my country or pride in the people who have served.

Being a Rider has been an honor. I am allowed to wear pretty much the same patches as any other AL member, with the exception that I also identify myself as an SAL member and can't have certain military insignia indicating branch of service, combat unit, etc.

Or maybe it's a regional thing. Seems that folks from up North have an entirely different view on who is a patriot and who is a dirtbag. Southerners went through this crap in the 1800s. Y'all call it the "Civil War", but my family has always referred to it as "The War of Northern Aggression", which is closer to the truth than the history books propaganda tries to make you think.

("Politically Correct" is an old Stalin era Communist term, by the way)

[hogcowboy]

I joined as a son of a vet since the armed services wouldn't take me due to my back. Something I didn't even see as a problem until my 50's. As far as I know any member has the privilege of wearing the American Legion back patch and name tag. To show I'm not a vet I wear a Son's patch on my back in one of the few places that is authorized. I'm also a Legion Rider but to be honest I have no idea what it takes to be a member. They just accepted me with open arms. Not that I would expect anything else from our veterans which for the most are the best damn citizens going. So for the OP, what exactly are you complaining about?

If it's the PGR, well here the Legion and PGR divorced because of the differences in what a patriot is. And I don't blame them. Very shameful what this so called patriot group did to a Legionnaire and a Ride Captain some time back. It caused me to only attend a PGR mission if I have absolutely NOTHING else going on. Where before I would drop everything. Very bad blood and bad vibes when I do show up with my Legion vest. Just not something I want to do and besides, I'm doing the exact same thing with the Legion plus a lot more. The more being those non- authorized patriotic events the PGR refuses to pass on to members. It's all political I know but we are talking veterans events. It changed my whole outlook on the PGR. I do think it's the state I live in and the management of the directors but I don't care. To me it's all PGR.

I am proud of the Legion though. They continue to invite the PGR but I guess it's their screwy rules that keeps them from passing on the info as "Information only-Not a PGR event". But they don't. I have no respect for the group or more specifically their management.

[jaxbobg]

Hogcowboy, you are the kind of patriot I've been fortunate enough to find where I live.

I am a native Texan and proud of it. Where I live now is to be near my kids.

[rhino 2]

You know when I came back from Nam [66] I would have to control myself when ever I seen a Long Haired wearing Military Fatigues, And the more stripes they had the madder I got.. But as time go's by ''At least for me''... Who cares..? Just Saying I'm 70 now so I have bigger fish to fry..

[tfdeputydawg]

The ? is non-vets wearing the same patches as vets, not about membership

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Everyone that served knows they did that to preserve the rights afforded to the citizens of this great country in the constitution ... among them is the right to free speech ... sometimes that speech makes my blood boil ... but I'd still defend to the death their right to say it .. weather I like it or not that includes what they wear, just my $0.02.

[cavie]

OK, since some are upset about who's wearing what patch. How about telling us which patch you that non Vets should not wear?

[hogcowboy]

I certainly hope this isn't the patch that has everyone upset.

The Legion has a site that shows what is authorized and what isn't. I'm rather confused but would change if I'm doing something that is wrong and upsets someone. And since this question has popped since I joined I'm wondering if it isn't directed in a shotgun fashion at little ole me and my avatar.

[skuuter]

I don't think this Thread is pointed directly at Any Member here....just an open discussion about something that seems/seemed curious to a Member or Members...Everyone interested in this please continue politely if You feel the need.....

[hogcowboy]

I'd certainly like to know the specific patch or patches that has folks upset though. If folks knew they may or may not correct the issue. So speak up. If it's at the national level there are long grueling ways to make a change but it can be done.

[jaxbobg]

Thanks skuuter. Looks like there has been a "failure to communicate" to quote Cool Hand Luke.

I live in a Navy town and joined the Legion because I meet their eligibility requirements as a "Sons Of The American Legion". I follow the Legion rules and local Post Commander guidelines.

I don't qualify to join the VFW or Fleet Reserve, but have always been welcomed as a guest at the various posts in this area. All I have to do is sign the guest book by the front door and show my AL membership card when requested.

I worked in the DOD as a civilian contractor for 6 years after college. So I'm not a veteran. But I did work along side the enlisted desk jockeys in the Pentagon and various military bases,

I am totally amazed why that could possibly be offensive to any active or former service person.

[FuzzyWuzHe]

What has people up in arms is a little vague ... but regardless, everyone has their opinion, and it seems to me from what I glean from the OP, the issue should be with the American Legions rules, not the individuals wearing said patches, as it appears that wearing of said patch is totally authorized by the American Legion. At least that is my take, but I've been wrong before.