Barred from canteen for Facebook post

[IJK3770]

You are absolutely correct Chris - if one is allowed to attend and speak at the meeting or at a proper discipline hearing but when Post/District Officers do not follow the by-laws going public may be the only recourse  a member has.
Cheerily
IJK

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[USAFAirdale]

Well said Chris!  Couldn't agree more!

Too often, issues needing correction are 'discussed and resolved' in the Canteen instead of the membership meeting. 

With the proper facts (and/or documentation) presented at a membership meeting, accurate and current information can lead to a new understanding and even peer pressure to  do what is necessary. Too many times I have heard 'Department or National has no say or can't tell us what to do' or 'well, that doesn't apply to us, we've always done it this way'

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[Chris Weber 5468]

Before going public, ensure you have all the FACTS straight. Exhaust all proper channels first. Do not operate on hearsay or innuendo. AND use discretion when you post. Far better to arouse interest than to start a fire.

Remember, even this Forum is a public domain. To Post, you must be a member. There are far more viewers than members here.

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[jughead10]

Greetings fellow members from a newbie since I don't believe I've posted before back when I signed up and not sure if this thread is out-of-date already.
I've had similar experience with the ruling clique at my post, where the commander is also the bar manager whom I had thought I was on good terms with. His son is now in leadership as well. This guy has been on full disability for PTSD forever and spends every day at the post whereas I only drop in once in a while. Unless there's a once a month meeting this place is simply an inexpensive pub seemingly for social members who know every detail of post business as they drink there every day. My last suspension was over a verbal exchange with a social member and I received a suspension.
The first was a verbal exchange with the manager two years previous who has since been kicked out for stealing.
I agree despite not remembering the exact oath as posted above it is unwise to use the internet to post gripes, especially if specific and you can be identified I can see that leading to serious action by the post more so than my situation. Also the OP fails to share exactly what his facebook post stated as noted which makes it difficult to reply to.

My approach rather than posting on the web is simply to transfer which I found very difficult and still haven't been able as the new post said I need paperwork from my current post. Despite sending a letter after the first suspension I received no response, and it was addressed to the QM as instructed. I really just want out of this post and request if there's an easier way even if I go at-large. There is talk on this and another thread of making the post look bad, but the post can also do a good job of making a member look bad.

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[IJK3770]

I am truly sorry to hear of the troubles you are having with your old post.  Contact your Dept ADJ to transfer to Member at Large.  I have had members transfer in and I have had members transfer out and I have NEVER been contacted either way about whether to allow a member to transfer or not.  I am surprised that the post you want to transfer to is following the guidelines but the only thing they are allowed to ask is if you owe the old post money.
Cheerily
IJK

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[jughead10]

  Thanks much IJK3770 I just checked in and am thankful for your response. I am not sure what you mean by Dept ADJ. Is that local district? I really do feel it's the best way to transfer to avoid badmouthing from post to post. I do not owe my post any money, it's just that the time for me to part ways is at hand. I can still go back and visit.
Until I update my profile further I'll say here I'm a Shellback with 1 star via FMFPAC MEU's and lived and served at Kaneohe Bay
MCAS and 3rd Marines, known as 1st Marine Brigade.
Now it's called MCB Hawaii (Marine Corps Base) and I understand they host an Osprey squadron. When I was there they were still hosting F-4 Phantoms rather than F-18's. What a base that is....The rifle range is inside an ancient volcano that juts into the windward ocean.
Anyhow I'll search what 'Dept' means and thank you again for your response.

Mahalo

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[Chris Weber 5468]

Dept (or Department) is another term for State Level. Actually, a couple of years ago, the By Laws changed it to State from Department. Some habits are hard to change and this one is often overlooked.
Going Member at Large is a good level of isolation from coming out of a difficult situation. From there, you can get your bearings back then go shopping for your new Post. Visit for a while and attend a few of their Meetings to learn their true nature.
Good luck on your search.

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[DoggyDaddy]

As a Member at Large MAL, you do not belong to any Post and have NO voting rights.  You are a visitor (not guest) every VFW Post.  If you transfer from a Post to be a MAL and later plan to return to the prior Post any time soon and be a member there; think again    Your membership application must go before the membership at a general meeting and if there is someone who stills has a bitter    memory of you, he is likely to contact his drinking buddies to stack the meeting in which your application is being voted on, speak about your being trouble, and at vote your application would most likely be denied. 
Remaining a member of a Post that banned you from the canteen and frequenting other VFW Posts is similar to being MAL except you can attend the meetings, vote and be a thorn in their side and/or just watch the circus.
Personally, I recommend starting anew with another VFW Post or expend your energy with another organization like the Elks or American Legion.  Bad memories can eat you up if you don't let them go.
In retallation for my Post being taken over by Dept, suspended, and all elected officers relieved for illegalities and violations; I also was banned from my prior Post 20 year ago.  I transferred to another Post to let them lick their wounds and became involved making my new Post bigger and better, attaining awards, and became its' Post Cmdr. Attending District Meeting and bumping into old comrads was memorable.

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[Chris Weber 5468]

I have found that most Posts stay within their own walls. (I have seen this as my duties to visit Posts as District Commander)This would make it easier to seek out your new Post. Doggie Daddy is right. Transferring to Any Post would require the normal New Member Procedure. For Transferees, it can be as simple to go to the prospective Post early on their Meeting Night (have your 214 or proof of eligibility), and speak with the Officers on your intents. They will probably accept you real quick and you would be voted in that evening.
Then take your time to ease into your new Post. Be active in supporting the Programs and learn the Members of the Post. In time and when you and they feel comfortable take on leadership positions if so inclined. Big trick is to a fully integrated Member of the post first.

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[dnkldorf]

Under the By-laws, a canteen manager cannot bar any member. The membership i9n a regular scheduled meeting must vote any discipline reguarding the canteen. Only in an emergency can someone be removed from the canteen, then the Commander "may" temporarily bar someone till the membership meets andvotes. ALL barments and other disciplinary actions MUST be served on the member in person or by certified mail with a return reciept. The member has the right to a hearing in  the post meeting  and may appeal to District then Department if not satisfied with the punishment.

I hate to say this, but you are wrong. Not only can anyone remove your membership, the canteen manager has the right to contact the police and have you arrested for trespassing, for ANY reason they want to. They do not have to confir with the Post at all. They DO NOT have to serve you any letters, nor do they have to provide a reason.

 

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