Albany American Legion Post 512 commander wants to bring younger members aboard

Alan Mauldin, The Albany Herald, Ga.
·2 min read

ALBANY – One lament of local veterans groups is that there has been little new blood coming in to fill the ranks.

Out of the more than 16 million American veterans who served in World War II, only about 100,000 are still alive in 2024. And the average age of Korean War veterans is in the 80s, and for Vietnam War vets the average age is in the 70s.

Veterans of the most recent conflicts in the Middle East represent the largest number of new members for organizations like the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, but those organizations' numbers are usually made up of earlier cohorts.

At Albany American Legion Post 512, one of this newer generation of veterans is at the helm. Etris Smith, who is 39. A veteran who served in Afghanistan, Smith is also the youngest member, and he is looking to bring in more younger members.

“I’m working on those Afghanistan and Iraq veterans because that is what they need,” Smith, who has been in the position for five years, said.

To join the American Legion, a veteran need not have been in a combat zone. Veterans are eligible if their service occurred during qualifying periods. In the past, the organization has not always been welcoming the newer veteran cohorts, Smith and Post 30 Commander Dan Brewer said.

“They’ve been trying to get them back,” Smith said. “They run them away. The older guys beat up on the younger guys. They’re not ready for change.”

The national organization “missed the boat” on recruiting younger members, and a separate organization has been started to cater to them, the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.

“They’re younger people,” Brewer said. “We’ll have a dinner, and they’ll have a 5k run and brunch. Where we send out flyers, they’re into social media. It’s a hard thing (recruiting) nowadays.”

The Legion offers a number of benefits to veterans, including just the chance to hang out with those who share their experiences, Smith said. Currently Post 512 has about 350 members, down from a high point of about 500.

“Once you come out of the military, it’s hard to readjust,” Brewer said. “It’s makes a difference when you can be around people and hear their stories and share your stories.”

The Legion also can help veterans make claims for benefits for which they are eligible.

“We also have different programs,” Smith said. “If you like community service, there are opportunities for you to do something good for your community.”