Each section header is a link to the resource.
Youth Scholarships
The VFW is dedicated to promoting patriotism and investing in our future generation. If you are a democracy-loving high school student interested in a $35,000 college scholarship or a patriotic middle school student interested in winning $5,000, these scholarships may be for you.
Voice of Democracy
Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, nearly 25,000 9-12 grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $2 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program.
The national first place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$21,000, and the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins at least a scholarship of $1,000. Before submitting your essay, read the rules and eligibility requirements, as applications must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31. Download and complete the 2022-2023 Voice of Democracy entry form here.
The 2022-23 theme is:
“Why is the Veteran Important?”
Patriot’s Pen
Each year, nearly 68,800 students in grades 6-8 enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of more than $1.4 million in state and national awards. Each first place state winner receives a minimum of $500 at the national level, and the national first place winner wins $5,000!
The essay contest encourages young minds to examine America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society, by drafting a 300- to 400-word essay, expressing their views based on a patriotic theme chosen by the VFW Commander-in-Chief. Before submitting your essay, read the rules and eligibility requirements, applications must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31. Download and complete the 2022-2023 entry form here.
The 2022-23 theme is:
“My Pledge to Our Veterans.
Additional question on youth scholarships please email youthscholarships@manasquanvfw.com
We’re here supporting our troops day in and day out. Our members offer support to the military community in many different ways, whether that means helping military families get through long deployments or hosting send-off and welcome home events. The VFW knows how important troop support is because all of our members have been there.
Our Military Assistance Program (MAP) is the outstretched hand between the local VFW and military community, offering support around the world.
Since 2005, MAP has sponsored events supporting more than 2.3 million service members and their families.
A large part of MAP is the Adopt-a-Unit program, providing VFW Posts and their Auxiliaries the opportunity to 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.
If you are a service member or a Family Readiness Group leader interested in participating in this program, contact the MAP office today
Since 1899, we’ve fought to preserve the values that make America great because we know how important community service is to America. With volunteerism benefiting education, the environment, health sciences and civic projects, join us in this mission by getting involved in your community and honoring America’s veterans.
Making the decision to volunteer your personal time to our nation’s heroes is an amazing way to give back and thank those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. Everyone can help make a difference to a veteran and our VA Voluntary Service program makes volunteering easy!
The red poppy has connected generations of veterans, service members and their families with civilians in remembering all those who have fallen. And for nearly 100 years, the VFW’s “Buddy”® Poppy program has honored those who have sacrificed by raising millions of dollars to support veterans’ well-being.
Designed to help VFW Posts and their Auxiliaries provide the vital support local communities, America’s heroes and their families all deserve, the VFW Foundation offers funding through various grant programs available throughout the year.
Patriotic Days
We take service to our country seriously and believe in showing the highest respect for our nation’s most sacred symbol. From flag etiquette and history, to a large stock of “Old Glory” itself available at the VFW Store, we’re your one-stop shop for all things flag-related. Look no further for all things red, white and blue!