VFW Programs & Projects
Since its founding, the VFW has been a staple in the community. Troop support, youth activities,
volunteering and scholarship programs are a few of the ways the VFW shines in the many communities and
cities where Posts are located.
Youth Scholarship Programs
• Voice of Democracy
This audio-essay competition annually awards nearly $3 million in scholarships to students in grades
9-12. The first-place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship.
• Patriot’s Pen
More than $1.2 million is awarded annually to students in grades 6-8 in this essay contest. The first
place winner receives $5,000.
• Teacher of the Year
The VFW annually recognizes three exceptional schoolteachers (one from each (K-5, 6-8, and 9-12)
for their outstanding commitment to teaching Americanism and patriotism to their students. Awards
include $1,000 to the teacher of each category and $1,000 for his/her school, along with an all
expense-paid trip to attend the VFW National Convention.
Educational Outreach
• Echoes From the Wall
The VFW partnered with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund to distribute a curriculum, Echoes
From the Wall, to 25,000 public and private high schools and donated $50,000 to the project.
• Educational Brochures
The VFW produces and distributes a flag brochure and poster.
• Veterans in the Classroom
November is officially known as VFW Veterans in the Classroom Month. Members demonstrate flag
etiquette and share their wartime experiences with America’s youth.
Youth Activities
Locally, VFW Posts sponsor various youth sporting programs such as baseball and ice hockey. In
addition, many VFW Posts sponsor Boy and Girl Scout troops, Junior Olympics, bike safety, JROTC
units, drill teams, color guards and a variety of other programs to build good citizenship and
exemplary character in America’s youth.
Community Volunteerism
Each year, VFW members volunteer more than 5 million hours of service to various community
endeavors.
• Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service
The VFW was a charter member in 1946. VFW volunteers donate millions of hours of service
annually at VA medical facilities.
Since its founding, the VFW has been a staple in the community. Troop support, youth activities,
volunteering and scholarship programs are a few of the ways the VFW shines in the many communities and
cities where Posts are located.
Youth Scholarship Programs
• Voice of Democracy
This audio-essay competition annually awards nearly $3 million in scholarships to students in grades
9-12. The first-place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship.
• Patriot’s Pen
More than $1.2 million is awarded annually to students in grades 6-8 in this essay contest. The first
place winner receives $5,000.
• Teacher of the Year
The VFW annually recognizes three exceptional schoolteachers (one from each (K-5, 6-8, and 9-12)
for their outstanding commitment to teaching Americanism and patriotism to their students. Awards
include $1,000 to the teacher of each category and $1,000 for his/her school, along with an all
expense-paid trip to attend the VFW National Convention.
Educational Outreach
• Echoes From the Wall
The VFW partnered with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund to distribute a curriculum, Echoes
From the Wall, to 25,000 public and private high schools and donated $50,000 to the project.
• Educational Brochures
The VFW produces and distributes a flag brochure and poster.
• Veterans in the Classroom
November is officially known as VFW Veterans in the Classroom Month. Members demonstrate flag
etiquette and share their wartime experiences with America’s youth.
Youth Activities
Locally, VFW Posts sponsor various youth sporting programs such as baseball and ice hockey. In
addition, many VFW Posts sponsor Boy and Girl Scout troops, Junior Olympics, bike safety, JROTC
units, drill teams, color guards and a variety of other programs to build good citizenship and
exemplary character in America’s youth.
Community Volunteerism
Each year, VFW members volunteer more than 5 million hours of service to various community
endeavors.
• Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service
The VFW was a charter member in 1946. VFW volunteers donate millions of hours of service
annually at VA medical facilities.
VFW Programs & Projects
Since its founding, the VFW has been a staple in the community. Troop support, youth activities,
volunteering and scholarship programs are a few of the ways the VFW shines in the many communities and
cities where Posts are located.
Youth Scholarship Programs
• Voice of Democracy
This audio-essay competition annually awards nearly $3 million in scholarships to students in grades
9-12. The first-place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship.
• Patriot’s Pen
More than $1.2 million is awarded annually to students in grades 6-8 in this essay contest. The first
place winner receives $5,000.
• Teacher of the Year
The VFW annually recognizes three exceptional schoolteachers (one from each (K-5, 6-8, and 9-12)
for their outstanding commitment to teaching Americanism and patriotism to their students. Awards
include $1,000 to the teacher of each category and $1,000 for his/her school, along with an all
expense-paid trip to attend the VFW National Convention.
Educational Outreach
• Echoes From the Wall
The VFW partnered with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund to distribute a curriculum, Echoes
From the Wall, to 25,000 public and private high schools and donated $50,000 to the project.
• Educational Brochures
The VFW produces and distributes a flag brochure and poster.
• Veterans in the Classroom
November is officially known as VFW Veterans in the Classroom Month. Members demonstrate flag
etiquette and share their wartime experiences with America’s youth.
Youth Activities
Locally, VFW Posts sponsor various youth sporting programs such as baseball and ice hockey. In
addition, many VFW Posts sponsor Boy and Girl Scout troops, Junior Olympics, bike safety, JROTC
units, drill teams, color guards and a variety of other programs to build good citizenship and
exemplary character in America’s youth.
Community Volunteerism
Each year, VFW members volunteer more than 5 million hours of service to various community
endeavors.
• Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service
The VFW was a charter member in 1946. VFW volunteers donate millions of hours of service
annually at VA medical facilities.
