Am I a considered a Veteran?

Question

I served 1965-1965 USAF but I served stateside.
This was during the Viet Nam Conflict and now I want to know if i would be considered a vet even though I did not go to the actual war zone? I have had people tell me yes and then I have people tell me no. I can join the American Legion but not the Veterans of Foreign War. I did get an honorable discharge as a E-4. I served 3 years 8 months 3 days active duty and alltogether 6 years on reserve? thanks guys...its been on my mind a long time..Sergeant Paul sez...thanks

Answer 1

You're an honorable man, Paul,and yes, you're a real veteran. As a Post Commander in the American Legion here in upstate New York, I'd be pleased to welcome you should you choose to join our post.

Don't sweat not being elegible for the VFW. I'm also post commander of our local VFW - and the distinction is you have to have served overseas in time of war. You are no less a vet, and no less an honorable man.

Don't forget that which I tell all who'll listen: the warrior does not get to select his fight nor where he will serve. You offered yourself to your country, to serve wherever, and just because your country chose not to send you directly into combat is no indication of failure on your part. We needed you just where you were. Support personnel are so critical that those of us who saw combat could not have done our jobs without people like you back Stateside doing your job and doing it well. Thank you for your service. Thank you so very, very much, brother serviceman!

Answer 2

I enlisted in the US Army Reserves in 1968 while in college. Basic and AIT in 1969 and remained in the Reverses until 1974. Am I eligible to join the VFW. Have been told I am not eligible for any Veteran Benefits since Active duty was less than 180 days.

Answer 3

If you received an Honorable discharge you are a veteran. If you served from 1965 to 1968 you are considered a "Vietnam Era" veteran as opposed to a "Vietnam veteran."

Cheers,
Phil
US Army (Active) 1986-1991
US Army (VaNG) 1991-1993

Answer 4

There's something like you have to serve for 180 days to receive Veteran's benefits, and have received an honorable discharge. I would look this up to make sure exactly what this says. I would also get a copy of the discharge papers (in your case it would be a nice fat brown file).

Answer 5

You did join, you served, it was not your choice as to where they sent you. I would say you did your part, you are worthy of the name veteran moreso than anyone who has never served at all. There should be no distinction as to whether you are or are not, you enlisted and received an honorable discharge, what else could you do? Was Elvis a vet? His movies cetainly portrayed him as such. He did his time when he could have dodged the bullet but didn't, he too was a veteran.

Answer 6

My brother in law never served in a war - but he is a veteran. So yes - you are a veteran of the military - just not of a specific war - hence why you can join the American Legion, but not the VFW.

Answer 7

You are a veteran. Also, you can join any veterans service organization. You do not have to have fought in a war to be assisted by the VFW. You do not need a Puprle Heart to be helped by The Order of the Purple Heart. These are just names of organizations designed to help veterans of any type.

Answer 8

Yes you are.

That's why there is a VFW (Veterans of Foreign War) to distinguish them from other Veterans. A Veterans is everybody that served & a VFW is only those that served in the country where the war was.

Answer 9

You are a veteran and can joint both. Im a member of the VFW and I didnt fight anyware. I was in 83-87. You just have to be in when a war was taking place. For me it the the invasion of Grenada. That gets you into the VFW.

Answer 10

Anyone who has ever served in the military honorably is a verteran.It doesn't matter where you served, as long as you served your country.