VFW battles to attract members As older veterans fade from the scene, the group is seeking to recruit younger vets.

“Vietnam veteran,” he beamed. “You can wear this hat now, but if you wore it in the late '60s and '70s, (people) would throw rocks at you.”

Vietnam veterans make up 36 percent of total VFW membership, more than World War II vets, and are destined to eventually become the organization's newest older generation. But the VFW's long-term future now depends on how well it attracts much younger veterans.

“It was not easy to do that, but we're on a crusade to make our posts more inviting and family-oriented,” Arteaga said. “The VFW has not kept up with changing times as much as we have hoped.”

The Source