VFW Core Programs

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Originally created as the Youth Essay Contest, Patriot’s Pen asks junior high and middle school students to write a 300–400word essay on a new patriotic theme each year. Winners receive scholarships and begin by competing at the Post level. Winners proceed to District, Department and finally to the National level where they compete for the
$5,000 first place scholarship. The themes and additional information concerning program execution can be found  here, behind the login within the VFW Training and Supporthub, under Community Service, Youth Scholarships and Activities.
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Similar to Patriot’s Pen, is the Voice of Democracy
Audio/Essay Contest. Since 1947, the VFW has asked high school students to write and record a 3 –5 minute essay, again on a patriotic theme selected by the VFW each year. Students may record on an audio CD or flash drive. Like Patriot’s Pen, Voice of Democracy winners receive scholarships and other incentives at the Post, District, and Department and finally to the National level where they will compete for the $30,000 first place scholarship. The Voice of Democracy theme and additional information concerning the execution of the program can be found at
www.vfw.org, behind the login within the VFW Training and Supporthub, under Community Service, Youth Scholarships and Activities.
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Our oldest and perhaps most historically significant program is the VFW Buddy”®Poppy program. Poppies are 
distributed year-round to honor to those we have lost and recognition to the VFW. Our beloved Poppies are free while accepting donations that are turned over to our Post Relief Fund.

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 The Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teachers Award.  The VFW wants to identify and recognize America’s best educators who instill a sense of national pride in students. Teachers who promote civic responsibility, flag etiquette and patriotism are prime candidates. It offers cash awards, commemorative plaques and all-expense paid trips to the VFW National Conventions for those worthy teachers.
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The Scout of the Year program is open to Eagle
Scouts, Girl Scout Gold Award, Venture Summit Award recipients and Sea Scout Quartermaster recipients.  VFW’s Scout of theYear offers a first place $5,000 scholarship, a second place $3,000 scholarship and a $1,000 third place scholarship each year. The VFW has a long relationship with Scouting.
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