VFW seeks new members as numbers dwindle

GALESBURG, Ill., Nov. 11 (UPI) -- Membership is slumping for the U.S. group Veterans of Foreign Wars, and its leaders say they are seeking new ways to attract younger members.

The number of U.S. VFW posts declined from 8,374 in 2007 to 7,915 as of June, and the struggles of the post in Galesburg, Ill., is typical of the problem, USA Today reported Wednesday. It said VFW Post 2257 needs to replace a wheezing, 50-year-old boiler and promote its weekly bingo games over the winter if it is to survive.

Post 2257 Quartermaster Mike Lummis said that as older members die and younger veterans decide not to join, the VFW must change what he called misconception "that all this organization is a bunch of old warriors sitting around blowing smoke and in a lot of places drinking beer and telling war stories. Well, that's not correct at all."

VFW spokesman Jerry Newberry told USA Today the group is emphasizing that female vets are welcome, and are offering family-friendly programs such as child care and making veterans who are having trouble with civilian life feel comfortable.