Bring the vets in your city together
Pick a spot and a date. We'll help get the word out to every member in your country group.
How to host your first meetup
Sign in to the community
Hosts need a free account so members can message and RSVP. New? Join free. Already a member? Sign in here.
Pick a public, easy place
A restaurant or café with parking, near where most vets live, that can seat 6 to 15 people. Call ahead to reserve a table.
Choose a time window
Two hours on a weekday lunch or a weekend morning works best for retirees. Avoid paydays and holidays in your host country.
Post it in Events & Meetups
Open the community, go to Events & Meetups, and create an event with the city, date, time, place and a map pin. Use the template below.
We boost it
We share it in your country group and remind members the day before. Ask local VFW or Legion posts to share it too.
Show up early and say hello
Bring something people can spot, like an OCONUS or unit cap. Take a group photo, with permission, and post a short recap so the next vet in town finds you.
Copy-and-paste post template
OCONUS Veterans Meetup: [City]
When: [Day, date], [start] to [end]
Where: [Venue name, address, map link]
What: Lunch and introductions. All branches, spouses welcome.
Cost: Pay your own way.
Look for: [What you'll wear or hold]
RSVP below so I can reserve the right size table.
Keep it short and specific. Events with an exact venue and time get far more RSVPs than "anyone want to meet up?"
Safety and good sense
- Public venues only. Never share your home address in a post.
- Don't collect money for others unless you're comfortable handling it.
- Know the local emergency number and the nearest hospital.
- If someone makes you uneasy or claims service they don't have, tell a moderator in the community.
- Alcohol is fine where legal, but make sure everyone gets home safely.
Read the community rules in our Terms.
What to host after the first one
Benefits night
Invite a member who has filed an FMP claim or VA claim from your country to walk through it. Point people to our FMP guide and claims guide.
Veterans Day with a local post
Many cities have a VFW or Legion post. Join their ceremony and bring the group. Find posts on our organizations page.
Newcomer welcome
A monthly coffee for vets who just arrived. Cover hospitals, immigration, banks and phone plans.
Service project
A beach cleanup or school visit. A good way to give back to the country that hosts you.
Questions about hosting? Contact us or message Monami in the community.
