The new VFW Commander in Chief has chosen recruiting new members as his number one priority for the coming year and is calling on all members to become involved by getting a new member to join. Even here in the Lehigh Acres Post 4174, we can help the Commander, seeing as how we have a number of veterans living in our area.

Now, while hog tying or roping does bring in some results, it’s not considered a good idea to use those methods. Instead, there are many easier and kinder ways to accomplish the deed! First of all, we need to remember that EVERY Veteran Counts and let that be the basis of any recruiting strategy.

Any time one encounters someone with a Veterans cap or any type of military apparel, begin by approaching them with big smile, give a fist bump or hand shake and then thanking him or her for their service. Then ask when and where they served and it will open up a conversation. Once the talk has begun, it will be fairly easy to let them know the Post nearest them is always looking out for Veterans and willing to go the extra miles to help them in any given situation.

Recruiting members is beneficial to the VFW, as the larger the membership, the more voices there are to convince Washington D.C. that our Veterans deserve all the benefits and assistance we can render. We owe so much to our Veterans and in many instances, can never repay them for the sacrifices which were made on our behalf. It helps to remember that every new member will empower the VFW influence on Capitol Hill.

There are incentives in place to reward the efforts of recruiters. To earn those accolades, listening to a prospective member will give the best chance to sign someone up as a new member. Anyone who can recruit 25 new members can win a Commander in Chief belt buckle or a jewelry set. If one is able to recruit 175 members, there is a beautiful Commander in Chief Century Plus jacket.

Incentives are great, but at the end of the day, it is really about wanting to share the VFW experience with all Veterans. We would be happy to tell you more about us at any time, so feel free to stop in at 25 S. Homestead Road in Lehigh Acres. You’ll be glad you did!