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.

I copied this from another source, wanted to share. —-A Response to the Blasphemy Portrayed in the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Olympics in Paris: There is one true God. There is only one Way to that God. There is one Savior. He came to sinners, lived, died, and rose again to take the sins of the world upon Himself to pay the penalty of sin for the world of sinners He loves. There is one Spirit that is revealing this incomprehensible grace, mercy, and love to those who will receive it. Darkness knows this, Satan (the enemy) knows this, and on the world's biggest stages there is a reason that Atheism is not mocked, Hinduism is not mocked, Islam is not mocked, Daoism is not mocked, Spiritualism is not mocked, Buddhism is not mocked. Because they do not threaten the dominion of darkness. Yet time and time again, Jehovah God is mocked by debauchery and blasphemy against His holy name and righteosuness. There is a part of me that wants to get angry, a part of me that is frustrated that I'm left once again to explain things to my boys that I shouldn't have to; but just as soon as I begin to get upset, I'm reminded by the Holy Spirit, that God is in control, Jesus is coming again, and my battle is not with the hearts of man, but with demonic forces along with the schemes and devices of the devil. There is a reason why the Christian faith is constantly under ridicule, scrutiny, mockery, and attack on every platform all around the world. That's because there is only one faith that threatens the darkness, only one God that promises the demise of Satan, only one name that the demons fear and flee. Christianity offers the only hope of this world, because it professes the Son of God who came to be the Savior of the world, and His name is Jesus. He's the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the Creator and Sustainer, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Mock Him, drag His name through the mud, dismiss His followers, but one day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is the Son of God and He will judge all the earth, where everyone will give account of their lives before Him on His holy throne. I'm no longer shocked by the things accepted by the world or what demonic things are celebrated. I'm not surprised by the satanic imagery included in pop culture, halftime shows, or Olympic opening ceremonies; because I know my enemy, the devil, is fighting to keep the world from knowing Jesus. Seeing such things only further invigorates and motivates me to take seriously my call to spread the Gospel, to be the light in the darkness, and to show others the love of Jesus. So let the world scoff, let the enemy parade his best efforts to hinder the Gospel, because in the end Jesus wins! For daily prayers, Gods word and encouragement! Welcome everyone to add Pastor Alfred Nizeyimana as friends and as a brother in Christ service! It’s all about Jesus and his great commission 🕊️🙌🙏✝️❤️ #Jesus #Olympics #GreatCommission Ephesians 6:12, Philippians 2:9-11, 2 Corinthians 4:4, 1 Corinthians 9:25, Matthew 24:37-39—