VFW Press Releases

1. National Publications Contest Winners Announced for 2023-24

   KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) has announced the winners of the 2024 National Publications Contest. More than six years ago, the contest changed significantly to encourage more participation. This created two new categories: Best Magazine and Best Feature Article. This year's competition retained those changes.

   Two non-VFW-affiliated journalism professionals served as judges for the competition. This is designed to guarantee impartiality and objectivity in the judging. To reiterate, VFW staffers play no part in judging the entries.

   The winning publications in each category are:

   Best Magazine

   Grand Award:
   California Veteran
   Rodger Meier, Editor

   Silver Award:
   N/A

   Best Feature Article

   Grand Award:
   "Mama Bear"
   Lt. Col. Brad Leighton, Illinois VFW News
   Department of Illinois

   Silver Award:
   "Flag Finds Way Back to Alachua County VFW Post 2811"
   Michael P. Mauer, Alachua County Today
   Department of Florida

   Bronze Award:
   "Shared Link to The Past"
   Sara Jane Ruggles, The Coeur d'Alene Press
   Department of Idaho

   Department Publications

   Large Frequency (printed 5+ times per year)

   Grand Award:
   Illinois VFW News
   Barb Wilson, Editor

   Small Frequency (printed 1-4 times per year)

   Grand Award:
   Wisconsin VFW News
   Marla J. Morgan, Editor

   Silver Award:
   Louisiana Combat Veteran
   Mitchell Cota, Editor

   Bronze Award:
   Pennsylvania VFW News
   David Gyger, Editor

   District/Post Publications

   Large Frequency (printed 5+ times per year)

   Grand Award:
   Cannon News
   Rick Raskin, Editor
   Department of Virginia

   Silver Award:
   VFW Post 392 Newsletter and Calendar
   Michael T. Marushia Sr., Editor
   Department of Virginia

   Bronze Award:
   The Dispatch
   Stephen Blackwell, Editor
   Department of Florida

   Small Frequency (printed 1-4 times per year)

   Grand Award:
   VFW SSG Dozier Memorial Post 2894
   Dan Eaker, Editor
   Department of Virginia

   Silver Award:
   Fort Atkinson Post Dispatch (VFW Post 1879)
   Kelly Stine, Editor
   Department of Wisconsin

   Bronze Award:
   VFW Post 2113 & Auxiliary Newsletter
   Randy Hansen, Editor
   Department of Wisconsin

2. VFW Honors the Nation's Gulf War Veterans

   WASHINGTON - More than three decades later, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) continues to pay tribute to the nearly 700,000 military men and women who served in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, commonly referred to as the Persian Gulf War.

   April 11 marks the 33rd anniversary of the cease fire signed between the coalition and the Iraqi government, and we recognize and thank the veterans who fought and selflessly sacrificed to liberate the nation of Kuwait from invading forces.

   American soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen served in the Gulf War, ensuring one of the swiftest, most decisive victories in U.S. history. However, the price paid for this victory is often overlooked. We must never forget the cost of 374 dead, 467 wounded, and the two servicemen whose remains have yet to come home.

   On behalf of a grateful nation, the VFW remembers this momentous event for our country and for liberty.

   We honor all Gulf War veterans - men and women who dedicated themselves to accomplishing their mission and protecting freedom halfway around the world. Let us all honor their service and sacrifice today and forever more.

3. Country Music Superstar Joins VFW in Asking America to 'Return the Favor'

   Kansas City, Mo. -The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) alongside John Rich and his Redneck Riviera brand announced today a new opportunity for American's to help "Return the Favor" to our nation's veterans for their commitment and dedication to ensuring our freedom.

   The highly successful VFW Return the Favor campaign is back, this time leaning on influencers and peer-to-peer sharing to provide much needed funding to the VFW's National Veterans Service (NVS) program. The program provides expert, VA-accredited representation to veterans throughout the VA claims process to secure their earned benefits and compensation and is available to all veterans completely free of charge.

   Supporters are urged to donate, join an existing fundraising team or create their own at VFWReturntheFavor.org.

   "When I learned that the VFW could turn a $1 donation into $1,585 for a veteran, and make certain they have access to resources and care for life, I had to get involved," said country music industry leader John Rich. "That is the greatest multiplication of a donation that I've ever heard, and this is a truly meaningful way to give back to those who've given so much for all of us."

   Each year the VFW's worldwide cadre of accredited representatives assist thousands of veterans in filing their VA claims, recovering more than $13 billion in VA benefits and compensation on their behalf annually.

   "We couldn't be happier to have John's support in spearheading this effort to help more veterans secure what they're owed," said VFW National Commander Duane Sarmiento. "His reach and influence are sure to bolster our program, and the timing here is especially important because it comes at a time when Claim Shark companies are working to prey off veterans more than ever before."

   John Rich is a multiplatinum hit generator and music industry leader. Whether through a raucous party anthem or a sober reflection on hard times in the heartland, Rich's ability to capture the American zeitgeist in song has made him one of the most successful and prolific entertainers in the music industry today. In 2014, Rich launched his Redneck Riviera brand aimed to celebrate the men and women who make America the greatest nation in the world. It encourages Americans to "Turn up the music and celebrate the land of the free, home of the brave."

   The VFW has more than 2,300 VA accredited representatives operating on every U.S. military installation, throughout all 50 states and abroad. Commonly referred to as VFW Accredited Service Officers, representatives participate in continuous training and meet the highest moral and ethical standards needed to obtain accreditation by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), making it legal to assist veterans with filing a claim. They develop veterans' VA claim by reviewing and applying current law, pertinent legislation, regulations and medical histories, assisting in filing for disability compensation, rehabilitation and education programs, pension and death benefits, and employment and training programs. This service is available to all veterans, dependents and survivors free of charge. No VFW membership is required.

4. VFW Announces Third Annual Day of Service

   KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is proud to announce the third annual VFW Day of Service - a dedicated day of service led by veterans throughout the country and the world - will kick off the first Saturday in May (May 4), marking the start of veteran-led community service projects to take place throughout the month.

   "United in the spirit of service, veterans demonstrated their unwavering commitment during the 2023 VFW Day of Service, showing the many ways they are #StillServing,"said Duane Sarmiento, VFW national commander. "Strengthening bonds and aiding neighbors, they showcased the power of collective action. Now, we call upon our dedicated membership and all veterans to surpass last year's turnout, amplifying our impact in communities across the country."

   Launched in 2022, VFW Day of Service began as an outgrowth of the organization's #StillServing campaign that launched in 2020 to recognize the ongoing dedication of veterans and service members who continue to serve their communities after their military service has ended. VFW Day of Service, led by veterans and in concert with other organizations and civic groups, is open for anyone to participate. Comcast NBCUniversal is a proud supporter of this year's event.

   "We at Comcast NBCUniversal are deeply honored to stand alongside the Veterans of Foreign Wars in marking the third annual VFW Day of Service. This initiative resonates with our company's core values of service and community engagement," said Mona Dexter, Vice President of Military and Veteran Affairs, Comcast NBCUniversal. "Witnessing veterans and their families channel their enduring spirit of duty into transformative community projects is truly inspiring, and we look forward to making an even greater impact this year, furthering our shared mission of service beyond service."

   Veterans are more likely than civilians to volunteer in their communities, according to a recent civic health survey¹ of veterans. The same study showed veterans donate to charities, register to vote and are involved in their communities and local government at a greater rate than their civilian counterparts.

   Complete information can be found at VFWDayofService.org.

   ¹2021 Veterans Civic Health Index

5. VFW Honors National Vietnam War Veterans Day

   WASHINGTON - For the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and for our nation, National Vietnam War Veterans Day is one of high importance and significance. Though long overdue, it is the day when America recognizes each and every Vietnam War veteran, to include those who have yet to return home and are still unaccounted for.

   Made official through the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 and signed into law by then-President Donald Trump, on March 29 we honor the great service and sacrifice of our Vietnam War veterans through ceremonies and celebrations across the nation. The date is significant as on that date more than 50 years ago, the last combat troops were withdrawn from Vietnam and the last prisoners of war held in North Vietnam arrived home on U.S. soil.

   From February 1961 - May 1975, more than 3.4 million Americans served in support of U.S military operations in Vietnam and Southeast Asia; more than 58,000 gave their lives and nearly 1,580 service men remain unaccounted for according to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.

   On National Vietnam War Veterans Day, we honor and remember our Vietnam veterans for their sense of duty, unselfish devotion and courageous willingness to put their country first. It is because of their service and tenacity that VFW senior leaders continue the VFW's annual tradition of traveling to Vietnam in support of U.S. government efforts to account for those still missing and unaccounted for, in hopes of finally bringing them home.

   To all Vietnam veterans: Today and every day, on behalf of the more than 1.4 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary, thank you for your service, and welcome home.