TALKING POINTS

 

1. Opening & Shared Purpose

 

  • We exist to support veterans, honor service, and serve the Princeton community.

  • The VFW isn’t just history—it’s an active voice for today’s veterans, including post-9/11 and younger service members.

  • Every generation of warfighter belongs here.

 

 

2. Local Veteran Issues (North Texas Focus)

 

  • Many local veterans are:

    • Unaware of VA benefits they’ve earned

    • Struggling with claims backlogs, healthcare access, or mental health support

     

  • Encourage:

    • Claims assistance workshops

    • Buddy-to-buddy check-ins

     

  • Emphasize: No veteran should fight the VA alone.

 

 

3. Membership Growth & Retention

 

  • We need to bring in younger veterans (OIF, OEF, GWOT, Syria, Africa deployments).

  • Ask:

    • Are we welcoming to younger vets?

    • Are meetings relevant to them?

     

  • Ideas:

    • Casual social nights (not just formal meetings)

    • Family-friendly events

    • Tech-savvy communication (text, email, social media)

     

 

 

4. Community Engagement in Princeton

 

  • Princeton is growing fast—this is an opportunity.

  • Ways the post can stay visible:

    • School programs (patriotism, flag etiquette, history)

    • Support for first responders

    • Participation in local events and parades

     

  • Make the VFW seen as a community asset, not just a veterans’ hall.

 

 

5. Patriotism & Education

 

  • We stand for:

    • Respect for the flag

    • Understanding the cost of freedom

    • Remembering those who didn’t come home

     

  • Encourage continued involvement in:

    • Memorial Day

    • Veterans Day

    • POW/MIA remembrance

     

  • These traditions matter—especially to younger generations who didn’t grow up with them.

 

 

6. Mental Health & Brotherhood

 

  • Isolation is one of the biggest threats to veterans.

  • Normalize talking about:

    • PTSD

    • Depression

    • Transition struggles after service

     

  • Emphasize:

    • Checking on each other

    • "If someone stops showing up, someone calls”

     

  • Brotherhood doesn’t end when the uniform comes off.

 

 

7. Legislative Awareness (Without Partisan Politics)

 

  • The Veterans of Foreign Wars is one of the strongest veteran advocacy groups in the country.

  • Focus on:

    • Veteran healthcare

    • Disability compensation

    • Survivor benefits

     

  • Encourage staying informed and engaged—our collective voice matters.

 

 

8. Honor the Past, Prepare for the Future

 

  • Respect our WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War veterans.

  • At the same time:

    • Make room for Iraq, Afghanistan, and modern conflicts.

     

  • A strong post blends experience with energy.

 

 

9. Call to Action

 

  • Ask every member:

    • Bring one veteran this year

    • Volunteer for one event

    • Check in on one fellow vet

     

  • Small actions keep the post alive.

 

 

10. Closing Thought (Strong & Simple)

"We didn’t serve for recognition—we served for each other.
This post exists so none of us ever stands alone again.”