Voice of Democracy

The VFW Voice of Democracy contest provides students in grades 9-12 the opportunity to explore democratic ideals and principles through audio essays. The first-place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship and a trip to Washington, D.C.

Scout of the Year

Patriot's Pen

The VFW Patriot's Pen essay contest is for students in grades 6-8 and challenges them to reflect on American history and their own experiences based on a patriotic theme. The first-place winner receives $5,000 and a trip to Washington, D.C.

Teacher of the Year

Each year the VFW honors three young people - from Boy or Girl Scouts, Sea Scouts or Venturing Crew - who have demonstrated exceptional citizenship in school, scouting and the community. The first-place winner receives $5,000.

VFW in the Classroom

Veterans play an important role in educating our nation's youth about the founding principles upon which America was founded. As combat veterans, VFW members can provide students with insight into the great sacrifices our service members make to maintain freedom for all of us.

Operation Uplink

Operation Uplink - a calling program for deployed service members that provides free phone time to active-duty military personnel and hospitalized veterans.

Operation Uplink initially provided calling cards to deployed and hospitalized troops, but on Mother's Day in 2006, due to the growing popularity of the program, and thanks to the generosity of corporate donors like Sport Clips Haircuts and Harleysville Insurance, the program began hosting "Free Call Days."

Buddy Poppy

The red poppy is a symbol of war and remembrance, dating back to Canada's Col. John McCrae's poem, "In Flanders Field," which describes blowing red fields of poppies among the graves of the fallen.

For more than 75 years, the VFW's "Buddy"® Poppy program had raised millions of dollars in support of veterans' wellbeing.

Each year the VFW recognizes three exceptional teachers - one each from the elementary, junior high and high school levels - for their outstanding commitment to teach Americanism and instill patriotism in their students.

Military Assistance Program

The VFW Military Assistance Program (MAP) is the outstretched hand between the VFW and the local military, offering VFW support around the world. 

Through the MAP's Adopt-a-Unit Program, VFW Posts and their Auxiliaries adopt hundreds of military units around the world. Adopt-a-Unit's goal is to develop supportive relationships with units before, during and after deployments to help deliver the vast network of resources the VFW has available to the military. 

Patriotic Days

Posts worldwide host public commemorations and other events on many patriotic days, honoring America's veterans and rich history. 

Community Service

The VFW knows how important community service is to America, with volunteerism benefiting education, the environment, health sciences and civic projects.

We work closely with other organizations, such as Boy Scouts of America, Citizen Corps, March of Dimes, and America's Promise-The Alliance for Youth, among others. Each year VFW and Ladies Auxiliary members donate more than 11 million volunteer hours and $50 million to community service projects.