On this Veterans Day, we celebrate the approximately 6% of the population who've served in our nation's military,

a number that's been declining for the past four decades.

In cities and towns across the country, the nation's oldest veterans group, the VFW, or Veterans of Foreign Wars,

provide spaces known as posts for these remaining war veterans

to connect and socialize. But as their numbers dwindle, the VFW seeks to expand its ranks

by looking to a new generation. Stephanie Sye has that story.

As the Ohio State Buckeyes sail to victory over Purdue, veterans and their families mingle

over a potluck.

It's part of the weekly tailgate at the Whitehall VFW post just outside of Columbus, Ohio.

It's a little more inclusive than the traditional VFW post where old veterans trade war stories over a beer. But that's the

point. We realized that to reach out to that younger generation, they're family-oriented. Then we need to be

family-oriented. Christine Curry and her husband Richard served in Iraq and were the first post 9-11 veterans to lead this

VFW location. They've seen their membership rise in the last few years simply by opening

their doors to veterans who didn't feel welcome before.

We came here and made sure that we were a welcoming place not only for families but obviously

for people of all beliefs and all races and we have a welcoming place not only for families, but obviously for people of all beliefs

and all races. And we have a good mix here. Ray Rodenfelds was a Korean War veteran, recently

passed away. We miss him. He was a good member. Richard Curry says when he took over the post,

there had been a slow decline in membership

for decades.

Since the draft ended, there are simply fewer military service members.

And to qualify to join, one has to have served in a conflict.

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