Local VFW post seeks to engage younger veterans through new recruitment

Pelican Rapids VFW Post 5252 is launching a recruitment drive by offering a free year of membership to new members, with a special focus on attracting younger veterans to the organization.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars post hopes the offer will encourage more veterans to explore the benefits and support available through the VFW. The organization provides resources and assistance to veterans who served in combat situations overseas or in hostile waters.

Targeting younger veterans

Jim Clemenson, a VFW member, said the post wants to do more than just add names to its roster. The group plans to research what other VFW posts have done successfully to engage younger veterans.

“Our goal is to not just recruit members but to try focus on getting younger Veterans to join and participate,” Clemenson said. “We haven't broken the code on getting them interested and involved but we are going to do some research on what other Posts might have found success with.”

Pelican Rapids VFW welcomes honorably discharged veterans who served in the Armed Forces of the United States during war, campaign, or expedition on foreign soil or in hostile waters. Veterans with an Honorable or General Under Honorable Conditions discharge are eligible, as are those currently serving.

To join, prospective members must complete a VFW membership application and provide a DD-214 form, which is a certificate of discharge from military service.

Interested veterans can contact Pelican Rapids VFW Post 5252 at 218-863-1381 to learn more about membership and available services.