VFW Press Releases

1. Rep. Van Orden Receives VFW Congressional Award

   WASHINGTON - The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) presented its 2025 Congressional Award to Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) for his relentless advocacy on behalf of veterans and service members.

   "In Representative Van Orden, we have found a devoted, passionate and determined advocate for our military and veteran communities," said VFW Commander-in-Chief Al Lipphardt. "His resolve for accountability and action on some of our most pressing issues is clear, and we could not be more thrilled to have him in our corner not only as a member of Congress but also as a VFW Life member."

   Presented annually since 1964, the VFW Congressional Award is given to one member of the House or Senate for significant legislative contributions on behalf of veterans and military personnel. Past recipients include strong national security and veterans' advocates, such as Sen. Bob Dole (R-KS), Rep. G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery (D-MS), Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), Sen. Daniel K. Inouye (D-HI), Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC), and Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT), among many others. Last year's award went to Rep. Mike Levin (D-CA) who now serves on the House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies. Levin previously held the position of Ranking Member on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.

   Rep. Van Orden was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2022. Quickly assuming the role of Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, he got to work addressing topline veteran and service member issues like the military Transition Assistance Program (TAP) and veteran suicide prevention. As the originating sponsor of the VFW-supported TAP Promotion Act, he relentlessly advocates for service members' equal access to VA-accredited claims representatives in TAP classrooms. Moreover, he co-authored last year's bipartisan House Concurrent Resolution commemorating the VFW's 125th Anniversary and even proudly wears his VFW cap while presiding over VFW-attended hearings. In addition to his duties as the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee Chairman, he also serves on the House Armed Services Committee and House Agriculture Committee.

   Before coming to Congress, Rep. Van Orden was a U.S. Navy SEAL and retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer after serving 26 years and completing multiple combat deployments, thereby earning his VFW membership eligibility. He maintains his Life membership at Thomas Rooney VFW Post 1530 in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

   "We are eager to continue working with Rep. Van Orden and his staff to ensure we get to the root of economic-related barriers facing veterans and transitioning service members," said Lipphardt. "His tenacity and resistance to accepting the status quo resonates deeply with our members, and we are proud to bestow upon him this year's Congressional Award."

2. VFW Chief Demands Lawmakers 'Honor the Contract' with Veterans

   WASHINGTON - Heeding the call to "march forth," Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and VFW Auxiliary members packed the house alongside Commander-in-Chief Al Lipphardt as he testified before a special joint hearing of the House and Senate Committees on Veterans' Affairs held today.

   Armed with a DD Form 4, which is the standard enlistment contract for those entering service into the Armed Forces of the United States, Lipphardt launched into his testimony with the document held high and his comrades amassed behind him in the Dirksen Senate Office Building chamber where the hearing was being held. Amidst the administration's push to cut government spending, Lipphardt reminded lawmakers that the enlistment contract is "more than an employment agreement" and that by law, service members are entitled to receive pay and benefits.

   "This isn't charity. This is a contract," said Lipphardt. "Everyone who served honorably, like every member of the VFW, met our end of this agreement. We demand our leaders do the same. By contract, you must ensure the VA has the resources and staff to provide veterans their full earned benefits. This is not an ask. Honor the contract!"

   Lipphardt then thanked both veterans' affairs committees for drafting and passing the PACT Act in 2022, the historic bill that provided health care and benefits to generations of veterans exposed to toxins during their time in service. He then pointed out gaps in coverage and that Congress still has more work to do.

   "The military is an inherently hazardous profession," said Lipphardt. "We must take care of our K2 veterans, those who served at Fort McClellan, veterans exposed to radiation, 'forever chemicals,' and others. The VFW urges Congress to conduct oversight of VA's presumptive process because veterans cannot keep waiting."

   Lipphardt then explained the difficultly for service members to transition from military to civilian life and how vital it was for both the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs to actively support them through that process. He called on Congress to pass legislation like the TAP Promotion Act and to establish a position in the DOD to ensure service members are given every opportunity to thrive in their transition.

   "The VFW urges Congress to establish an Under Secretary of Defense for Transition," said Lipphardt. "This position is essential for effective management and accountability. Improving transition has the potential to enhance recruitment and retention, lowers risk for suicide, and sets veterans on a path to success."

   Lipphardt then transitioned into addressing challenges veterans face with mental health. He asserted the VA sometimes overprescribes medications, particularly antidepressants. He then implored Congress and the VA to research alternative treatments and solutions for veterans to break the cycle of overmedication.

   "The VFW believes there are additional ways to effectively treat PTSD. VA should receive funding to research and deliver those treatments today," said Lipphardt.

   The next priority Lipphardt delivered was a subject the VFW has railed against for years - unaccredited, predatory claims consultants the VFW calls Claim Sharks. He described their practices, such as obtaining fraudulent medical opinions from their own providers, accessing veterans' login credentials for VA websites and call centers, and charging veterans the equivalent of 5-10 months of their future disability payments.

   "The VFW understands that some veterans are willing to pay for claims help," said Lipphardt, "but these companies cannot be allowed to line their pockets with taxpayer dollars at the expense of disabled veterans."

   Lipphardt then advocated on behalf of members of the National Guard and Reserve. He mentioned how while they deployed both domestically and abroad at a high rate since Sept. 11, 2001, they are denied the same VA educational benefits as their active-duty counterparts. He asked Congress to pass the Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act of 2025 to allow any day in uniform for which military pay is received to count toward Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility.

   "The time is long past for parity. This inequity must end now," said Lipphardt.

   Lipphardt addressed a long-standing VFW legislative priority - passing the Major Richard Star Act and other legislation to provide full concurrent receipt to all deserving veterans. He pointed out how Congress passed the Social Security Fairness Act in the last session, ending a similar unjust offset for social security recipients.

   "It is time to correct this injustice for our military retirees," said Lipphardt. "The VFW calls on Congress to fix this now."

   Lipphardt finished his testimony on a personal note, reminding Congress of the sacrifices made for the nation. He named five soldiers he served with during the Vietnam War who were killed in combat - Pvt. Lewis Sloan of East Point, Georgia, Cpl. Kenneth Adams of Santa Barbara, California, Cpl. Philip Adams of Croton Falls, New York, Pfc. Robert Waddell of Batavia, Ohio, and Cpl. Rodney Loatman of Newark, New Jersey.

   "I would ask these men to stand and be recognized, but they can't. Their names are on the Vietnam Wall along with all those who gave the last full measure of devotion to this nation acknowledged by the contract we each signed.

   "Our nation must never forget our warfighters," said Lipphardt.

   Video of today's testimony is available to watch and share here.

   Read Commander Lipphardt's full testimony here.

3. VFW Announces 2025 National Scholarship Winners

   WASHINGTON -Tonight the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) proudly presented nearly $175,000 in national scholarships and awards as it named the winners of its 2024-2025 Voice of Democracy^® and Patriot's Pen^® youth scholarship competitions.

   This year's national winners were announced at the 2025 VFW Washington Conference in Washington, D.C., during the Parade of Winners ceremony, sponsored by Twisted X.

   VFW National Commander Al Lipphardt was joined by VFW Auxiliary President Brenda Bryant to announce this year's national first place Voice of Democracy winner, Tri Vu. His award-winning essay answered this year's thought-provoking theme, "Is America Today Our Forefathers' Vision?" A high school senior at Central High School from Manchester, New Hampshire, Vu was sponsored by Queen City Memorial VFW Post 8214 in Manchester. Following the announcement, Vu, who was unable to attend the ceremony, accepted his award via video message. Read his essay here.

   Second place winner Caleb Smith, a junior at The Key School in Annapolis, Maryland, was sponsored by VFW Post 304 in Annapolis, and was awarded the $21,000 Charles Kuralt Memorial Scholarship. Della Phillips, a senior homeschool student in Fargo, North Dakota, who was sponsored by VFW Post 1874 in Grand Forks, North Dakota, was named the third place winner and awarded the $15,000 VFW Scholarship. All other state winners were awarded a college scholarship worth at least $1,000, with more than $1.4 million being awarded this year. See the complete list of 2025 Voice of Democracy national winners.

   Also featured during tonight's awards ceremony was the 2025 Patriot's Pen first place winner, Evelyn Newbigging. Sponsored by VFW Post 12136 located in Indian Land, South Carolina, Newbigging was awarded the top Patriot's Pen award of $5,000. Watch as she delivered her winning essay during tonight's ceremony, addressing the theme, "My Voice in America's Democracy." Read her essay here.

   The Patriot's Pen second place winner, Laila Kamin, sponsored by VFW Post 1741 located in Auburn, Washington, will receive a $4,000 award, while third place winner Canaan Ly, sponsored by VFW Post 758 located in Saint Albans, Vermont, will receive a $3,500 award. See the complete list of 2025 Patriot's Pen national winners.

   The 2025-2026 Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen competitions will open soon. To learn more about the programs visit vfw.org/YouthScholarships.

4. VFW Honors Women's History Month

   WASHINGTON -The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is proud to recognize and honor the countless contributions of our nation's women service members, veterans and the many others who have aided in the defense of our country throughout the month of March, Women's History Month.

   With women being integral to every facet of American life including the establishment of the United States, it is surprising the nation has only been officially commemorating women's achievements and contributions for 43 years. Congress passed Public Law 97-28 in 1981, designating "Women's History Week" beginning March 7, 1982, to recognize the undeniable fact that "American women of every race, class, and ethnic background served as early leaders in the forefront of every major progressive social change movement, not only to secure their own right of suffrage and equal opportunity, but also in the abolitionist movement, the emancipation movement, the industrial labor union movement, and the modern civil rights movement," and whose roles and contributions had been "consistently overlooked and undervalued in the body of American History." Authorized and requested by the law, President Jimmy Carter issued a presidential proclamation declaring Women's History Week and called on a grateful nation to mark the observance with ceremonies and activities.

   Within a few years, 14 states had already expanded the weeklong commemoration to the entire month of March. Finally in 1987, President Ronald Reagan signed the newly passed Public Law 100-9 designating the month of March as Women's History Month.

   The VFW salutes and honors all women service members, veterans and unsung heroes for their indelible achievements and contributions to our country, our freedom and our way of life.

5. VFW Prepares to Deliver 2025 Legislative Priorities to Lawmakers

   WASHINGTON -Per tradition, close to a thousand members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and its Auxiliary will flock to Washington, D.C., this weekend for VFW's 2025 Washington Conference, which will run from March 2 - 6. Held every year, the national mid-winter conference encompasses the VFW's largest legislative advocacy event, VFW business sessions and much more. The conference will be attended by elected and appointed leaders and delegates from across the VFW and its Auxiliary including members from Europe and the Pacific Areas.

   "The might of the VFW lies in its members and nowhere is that more on public display than in Washington, D.C., every March," said VFW National Commander Al Lipphardt. "It is a spectacular sight to see hundreds of VFW members proudly wearing their caps as they walk the halls of Congress exercising their right to advocate for themselves and their comrades."

   The VFW's 78th annual Voice of Democracy Parade of Winners, which is sponsored by Twisted X, will also take place during Washington Conference. Established shortly after World War II, the Voice of Democracy program challenges more than 26,000 high school students from across the country each year to craft democratic and patriotic-themed essays to win a portion of more than $1.4 million in educational scholarships and incentives. A $35,000 scholarship awaits the national competition's first place winner and is paid directly to the American university, college or vocational/technical school of their choice.

   "Today's youth are the future of our beloved nation," Lipphardt said. "Inspiring within young people pride, patriotism and a sense of ownership in our democracy today means having an engaged populous tomorrow - one that understands both the strength and fragility of what our Founding Fathers bestowed upon us and charged us with preserving. I look forward to meeting each Department winner and congratulating them on their exceptional responses to this year's essay theme, 'Is America Today Our Forefathers' Vision?'"

   One of the final events of the Washington Conference is the annual commander-in-chief's testimony set for March 4 at 10 a.m. (EST) before a special joint hearing of the House and Senate Committees on Veterans' Affairs held at the Dirksen Senate Office Building.

   "Service to and advocacy for our brothers and sisters-in-arms is at the heart of who we are at VFW, and I could not be more honored and humbled to lead from the front and carry our message to Congress," Lipphardt said. "This year, we have a new Congress and new administration, and we will be heard. Some of these issues have long gone unresolved by our elected and appointed officials, which is unacceptable. Make no mistake - the VFW will not stop pounding the drum on what veterans need and care about, to include the federal government's inalienable responsibility to deliver on its promises. Members of Congress can count on us to "March Forth" with hats in their halls and offices until our concerns are rectified and they Honor the Contract."

   Lipphardt is poised to discuss the VFW's top legislative priorities for 2025 including:

   • Unresolved Toxic Exposures
   • Alternative PTSD Treatments
   • Military Transition
   • Claim Sharks
   • GI Bill Parity
   • Concurrent Receipt (Disability compensation and retirement pay offset)

   Washington Conference also marks the culmination of the 11th annual VFW-Student Veterans of America (SVA) Legislative Fellowship. Six fellows will join VFW advocates on Capitol Hill as they meet with lawmakers and staff to discuss Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility parity between active and reserve component service members. Last year, the VFW-grown and supported Not Just a Number Act was made law via the passage of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, also known as the Dole Act, in large part due to the unified advocacy of VFW members and VFW-SVA fellows.

   Read the VFW's complete list of 2025 Priority Goals approved by VFW members here.

   The Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs will livestream this year's testimony on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs YouTube channel here. Visit the 2025 VFW Washington Conference webpage and follow us on social media for all #VFWDC2025 Washington Conference updates.