programs

The National Patriot's Pen Program is a nationwide youth essay writing contest conducted by the VFW and Ladies Auxiliary. This contest gives students in the 6th, 7th & 8th grades the opportunity to express their views on democracy. Annually , more than 115,000 students paticipate in this contest. The theme for 2007-2008 is "Why I Am an American Patriot", contestants write a 300-400 word essay based on this theme. The national winner receives a $10,000. U.S. Savings Bond and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington D.C., and awarded during the Community Service Conference held in March. The essay must be the contestant's original work and own thinking. The approach should be positive and focused on the theme. All entries must be typewritten in English and cannot be less than 300 words or greater than 400 words in length.

For more information contact : VFW post 5290 770-483-7443

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States was the first veterans organization to promote a national campaign for the annual distribution of Poppies assembled by disabled and needy veterans. Today, VFW Buddy Poppies are assembled by disabled, needy and aging veterans in VA Hospitals, State Veterans Homes and Domiciliaries across the country. The majority of the proceeds from each campaign conducted by the VFW and their Auxiliary is retained locally to provide for veterans services and welfare. The minimal asseeement (cost) to each VFW unit provides compensation to the veterans who assembled the Poppies, provides financial assistance in maintaining state and national veterans' rehabilatation and service programs, and partially supports the VFW National Home for orphans and widows of our nation's veterans.

Buddy Poppy proceeds represents no profit to any VFW post. All money contributed by the public for Buddy Poppies is used in the cause of veteran's welfare, or for the well being of their needy dependants and orphans of veterans.

If you are interested in helping our post distribute Buddy Poppies, Please contact :Jim Strickland Buddy Poppies Chairman (770) 483-7443

The V.F.W.'s "Voice of Democracy" Scholarship Contest is an annual nationwide audio essay competition designed to give 9th through 12th grade high school students, ages 15 - 18 the opportunity to voice their opinion on their responsibilty to our country. The students must record their essay on a cassette tape ( 3- 5 minutes in length ) on an annual patriotic theme. The theme for 2007-2008 is "My Role in Honoring America's Veterans", . Each Department (state ) first place winner receives an all expense paid trip to the National Finals held in Washington D.C., in March 2008. Four fun filled days of tours. Visits to monuments and meeting heads of state and often the President and Vice President of the United States.

For information please contact: Post 5290 770-483-7443

Under the VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary sponsorship, the annual national scholarships have increased to fifty nine fully funded scholarships,

Citizenship Education Teachers Award : The VFW wants to recognize the nation's top elementary, junior high and high school teachers who teach citizenship education topics regularly and promote America's history, traditions and institutions effectively. Fellow teachers, supervisors and other interested individuals ( not related) can submit nominations.

We will recognize one outstanding teacher in grades K - 5, 6 - 8 and 9 - 12. A program brochure will be mailed to all schools. Nominees need to be submitted to the post by November 1st.

For more information contact: Post 5290 770-483-7443

OTHER RECOGNITION PROGRAMS:

Emergency Medical Technician Gold Medal Award

Law Enforcement Gold Medal Award

Firefighter Gold Medal Award

Eagle Scout of the Year Award

Youth Cadet Citations and Medals

Youth "Hero" Award

Life Saving Awards

For more information contact : Post 5290 770-483-7443