NATIONAL HOME

The VFW National Home for Children is a non-profit, residential child care agency providing long and short term residency to the children and grandchildren of the VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary members. These are children whose parents are deceased, disabled or where they cannot provide needed care. Ages include preschool to young adults who are referred by the VFW and Auxiliary. The National Home also accepts eligible single parent families in need for a limited goal-defined program. Since its founding in 1925. more than 2.000 children and families have been served.

The National Home consist of 71 buildings on 629 acres of land. This includes 36 brick houses, community center, guest lodge, chapel. library, children computer lab, greenhouse, nursery school, maintenance building, museum, fire barn and administrative buildings. The National Home is funded by gifts of the VFW,  Ladies Auxiliary and MOC/MOCA organizations, and many individual contributors. The National Home receives no federal or state funding.

Additional support is provided through the annual Seals Campaign and other direct mail appeals, life memberships, special events and earnings from investment of the endowment fund.

Educational programs: Children attend the Eaton Rapids Public Schools; the home education department provides tutoring, the use of computers, a library, piano lessons, drug and alcohol awareness training, sex education, horticultural education, student work programs and community building.

HOW TO REPORT

All National Home activities and donations should be reported using the Program Reporting (Form 12) either on-line or by submitting to Department Headquarters.

Important! — To qualify for awards a Post must send a copy of the Program Reporting (Form 12) to the Department Chairman with all applicable attachments.

AWARDS

Awards will be presented as follows unless otherwise noted elsewhere in this guide:

1st, 2nd and 3rd overall (Post & District) will be awarded a plaque, based on Chairman recommendation.

APPLICATIONS FOR ADMISSION TO THE NATIONAL HOME

Application for admission must be made through the local VFW Post. National Home Referral of Children (Form-20)

FUNDS TO OPERATE THE NATIONAL HOME

Please keep in mind that the Home is a totally private agency with no outside support. It derives its support solely from the membership of the VFW Post, Auxiliary and the Military Order of the Cooties. Below are the four (4) primary sources of contributions that provide for the operation of the National Home:

Money received from Life Memberships and gifts are placed in an Endowment Fund and only the interest is used to run the Home.

Any active VFW or Ladies Auxiliary member, or any unit from those organizations can become an active (voting) member of the corporation by purchasing a “LIFE MEMBERSHIP” in the VFW National Home for $35.00. Life Memberships may also be given as gifts or purchased in the name of a Post, Auxiliary or individual. These associate memberships may likewise be purchased by or for organizations and people of good character; however, associate members do not have National Home voting privileges.

Each National Home Life Member, whether active or associate, receives a plastic pocket card and a certificate attesting inclusion on the VFW National Home Life Membership Rolls. The pocket cards and certificates may change periodically and they can be replaced or updated for a small fee.

Mail your Life Membership applications (Form-19) and donations directly to National Home at VFW National Home, 3573 Waverly Road South, Eaton Rapids, and MI 48827.

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PATRIOT'S PEN

THEME:     “Why Am I an American Patriot?”

The National Patriot’s Pen Program is an essay contest conducted nationwide by VFW Posts and Auxiliaries. This contest gives students in the 6th, 7th and 8th grades the opportunity to express their opinion on an announced theme and improve their writing skills, while they compete for worthwhile awards and prizes. Any student attending public, private or parochial schools with the exception of Exchange Students are eligible to participate in the Patriot’s Pen Program. Students will compete for a $10,000 Savings Bond and an all-expense paid trip to the National Convention.

DEPARTMENT DEADLINES FOR 2007-2008:

HOW TO REPORT

All activities other than the student entry should be reported using the Program Reporting (Form­12) either on-line or by submitting to Department Headquarters.

ALL-STATE POINTS

A Post will receive 10 points by submitting a Patriots Pen student entry for District judging.

Important - All State points will be given once the Department receives the State Chairman’s report of Post participation.

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SCOUTING

Every VFW Post has the opportunity to work in partnership with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) when they sponsor/charter a scouting unit. Direct involvement in scouting is a chance to positively affect youth while developing positive youth/adult partnerships. Through scouting, VFW Posts have the opportunity to expand their community outreach while developing a clear resource for veteran families and their children. Posts that sponsor scout units have an excellent resource for membership recruitment and support of Post programs. Parents that are involved in scouting and working with you have the skills and commitment for community service. Get out there and recruit them. They make excellent active Post members.

STARTING A SCOUT UNIT

To start a scout unit contact your local scout council or contact the state chairman.

EAGLE SCOUT SERVICE PROJECTS

One of the requirements for an Eagle Scout is the Eagle Scout Service Project. This is a project the Scout must plan, develop and give leadership to. Its emphasis is on service to the community. Here is an excellent opportunity for our Posts and membership to become involved. Scouts who are planning their Eagle project are always looking for a good project to do. We can become involved by sponsoring their projects and at the same time helping out our fellow veterans. Our Veterans Homes, Hospitals, Convalescent Homes and Clinics are excellent places for the scouts to perform their projects. When you sponsor a project, help the scout by letting him know who to contact and with ideas for his project. Contact the above mentioned facilities and make arrangements for the scout to meet with them. It also helps to let them know what your scout and his project can do for them and how they can help. Post and Auxiliary members can also help out with the projects. But remember the Scout must plan, develop and direct the project. Posts that do not have a scout unit can contact a local Scout troop or Scout council to let them know that you are willing to sponsor an Eagle Scout Project.

WOOD BADGE SCHOLARSHIP

Wood Badge is the advanced leadership training course provided by the Boy Scouts of America. VFW members who are actively involved in scouting qualify for this program. National provides a full scholarship for the program. Details are sent out annually to every Post.

DEPARTMENT OF CALIFORNIA SCOUTING TEAM

The Department of California Scouting Team is made up of VFW members who are actively involved in Scouting. Team members perform duties as Charter Organizational Representatives, Unit Commissioners and work at the Scout District and Council level. They may represent the VFW, as a sponsoring community organization, at meetings of the Council Relationship Committee. Team members assist VFW Posts with the VFW Scout of the Year program and may serve on the selection committee. Team members work to provide the maximum impact of VFW support to the Scouting program and to achieve the maximum visibility for VFW efforts. They assist in developing within the VFW and promote VFW programs in Scouting. All VFW Posts that sponsor a Scout Unit should have a member on the State Scouting Team. Any VFW Scouter at large who would like to join the State Team is also invited to join.

VFW SCOUTERS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

This as a National Award designed to recognize VFW Scouters who serve on the VFW State or National Scouting Team. The award consists of a gold and purple square knot, which may be worn on the scout uniform and a certificate is presented by National.

VFW EAGLE SCOUT OF THE YEAR

The VFW Eagle Scout of the Year program has changed. It is now the VFW Scout of the Year program. See the National VFW Programs Chairmen’s Guide, “It’s About Service” for more information. All candidates for the VFW Scout of the year MUST BE SPONSORED BY A VFW POST. Post winners will be forwarded through their District. District winners will be forwarded to Department. Our Department winner will be forwarded to National.

DEADLINES:

HOW TO REPORT

All scouting activities should be reported using the Program Reporting (Form- 12) either on-line or by submitting to Department Headquarters.

Important! — To qualify for awards a Post must send a copy of their Program Reporting (Form- 12) to the Department Chairman with all applicable attachments.

ALL- STATE POINTS

A Post will receive 5 points by submitting a Scout of the year entry to the Department Chairman.

Important! — All State points will be given once the Department receives the Department Chairman’s report of Post participation.

AWARDS

Our State winner will be presented $1,000.00 at our State Convention in 2007 the 2nd place winner will receive $500.00 and the 3rd place winner will receive $250.00.

It is recommended that Post winners be presented a $100.00 prize and District winners a $200.00 prize.

Eagle Scout Project of the Year Award: A plaque will be given to the Post and the Eagle Scout for the best service project that helps veterans. Submit a photocopy of the Eagle Scout Project to the State Chairman by April 1, 2008.

Outstanding Scout Unit of the Year Award: A plaque will be given to the Post and the Scout Unit. Scout Units must be sponsored by a VFW Post and includes Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venture Crews and Explorer Posts. Submit a notebook with photos and a narrative of all the Scout Units activities for the year to the State Chairman by April 1, 2008.

Outstanding Scout Leader of the Year Award: A plaque will be given to the Scout Leader selected. All Scout Leaders of a VFW sponsored Scout Unit are eligible for this award. They do not have to be a VFW member. Submit a narrative of the Scout Leaders achievements and what he or she does. Include awards earned and training. Submit to State Chairman by April 1, 2008.

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SONS OF THE VFW

The purpose of forming Sons of the VFW Unit within your Post is to provide an ideal base for implementing all your Youth Activities Programs. The Unit will enhance your Post’s Community Service Programs by their participation in all your events. The Unit will serve as a vehicle for launching major national youth programs such as Junior Rifle, Junior Bowling. Junior Musical Units, Youth Baseball and Scouting. Sons of the VFW Unit in your Post will help build your membership by recruiting parents and grandparents of eligible sons. The Sons will learn the meaning of true democracy from association with loyal American Patriots of our Order in a parent-son relationship that our Youth of today need. The Unit can assist you in distributing Buddy Poppies and Poppy Boards.

CHARTER A SONS OF THE VFW UNIT

You only need the names of ten (10) eligible sons or grandsons. There is no fee nor State or National per capita tax. The Sons of the VFW Unit themselves set a minimal amount for their dues, with the approval of the Post, Ship or Squadron.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible for the Sons of the VFW, a boy must be between the ages of 8 and 18 with a parent or grandparent merely being eligible for membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.

HOW TO REPORT

All Sons of the VFW activities should be reported using the Program Reporting (Form 12) either on-line or by submitting to Department Headquarters.

Important! — To qualify for awards a Post must send a copy of the Program Reporting (Form 12) to the Department Chairman with all applicable attachments

AWARDS

Plaques shall be awarded in the following categories: Outstanding Unit, Outstanding Unit Advisor and Outstanding Unit Commander.

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YOUTH CADETS (JROTC)

The National Youth Cadet Awards Program allows Posts to recognize outstanding achievement and leadership in Junior and Senior ROTC programs, Naval Sea Cadets and Civil Air Patrol Cadets. These awards provide your Post an outstanding opportunity to honor these young patriotic people and spread the word about the good works that the VFW does in communities,

Awards may be initiated by a Post or by the cadet’s unit. All Posts and Districts should make every attempt to honor these requests by purchasing a certificate and medal from Department Headquarters and having a representative make the award presentation on behalf of the Post or District.

Please refer to the National VFW Programs Guide “It’s About Service” for more information on the Youth Cadet Award Program.

HOW TO REPORT

All activities should be reported using the Program Reporting (Form-12) either on-line or by submitting to Department Headquarters.

Important! - To qualify for awards a Post must send a copy of their Program Reporting (Form­12) to the Department Chairman with all applicable attachments.

ALL-STATE POINTS

A Post will receive 5 points by presenting a JROTC Certificate and Medal to a local student. Credit and points will be awarded when the Post submits a completed Program Reporting (Form­12) along with documentation indicating a local student was presented an award.

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VOICE OF DEMOCRACY

ALL STATE POINTS

In order to receive All-State credit for the Voice of Democracy Program, a Post must sponsor a student and forward one or more student essays to the District for judging. Donations to the VOD program will not get you All-State points, but they are always appreciated.

A Post will receive 10 points by submitting a Voice of Democracy student entry for District judging.

Important - All State points will be given once the Department receives the State Chairman’s report of Post participation.

HOW TO REPORT

Al] activities other than the student entry should be reported using the Program Reporting (Form­12) either on-line or by submitting to Department Headquarters.

It is the responsibility of the District Voice of Democracy Chairman to complete the District Voice of Democracy Participation Report Form and Summary immediately upon completion of the District judging. The District VOD Report Form, summary and instruction sheet will be mailed to the Department Chairmen in July. The State Chairman is then responsible for distributing the forms to District Chairmen so that they can make their reports.

DEPARTMENT DEADLINES FOR 2007-2008:

Package to Department Chairman Deadline NLT: December 10, 2007

ADVANCING SCHOOL WINNERS

High schools or high school teachers may use the Voice of Democracy competition as a class assignment. As an incentive to involve more students, a teacher with a minimum of fifteen (15) students participating, may conduct his or her own competition and advance those winner(s) to the VFW Post competition. Teachers with more than fifteen (15) students participating need not require all students to record their essay or complete the student entry form - only the winners they submit to the Post competition. However, the teacher must send a letter on school letterhead to the Post, identifying by name all students who participated. This letter will verify the school’s right to advance a winner and allows the Post to accurately document and receive credit for all students participating in the Voice of Democracy Program. Please refer to the following:                                                                           

If the teacher has:                                        then...

Note: There is NO maximum. Advance one (1) winner for each fifteen participating students. Youth groups other than schools must submit all entries to the Post for judging.

ADVANCING POST WINNERS

Posts may advance one (1) winner to its District competition for each fifteen (15) entries. Please refer to the following chart:

     If the Post has:                                                        then...

Note: There is NO maximum. A Post/Auxiliary may advance as many winners as possible based on this chart.

JUDGING PROCEDURE

Chairmen at all levels will adhere to the judging procedures and criteria outlined in the “VFW Programs Chairmen’s Guide, It’s About Service”

Upon completion of the District judging, the District Chairman will forward the District Winner’s Packet to the State Chairman, Voice of Democracy Program. Prior to forwarding the above packet, the District Chairman will have the District Winner complete the State Parental/Guardian Release Form and include this document in the winner’s packet.

CONTEST AWARDS

POST: Today, the students who take part in any scholarship program do it for the sole purpose of gaining additional funds to defray expenses in obtaining their college education. Every effort should be made to award your winners with cash awards at the conclusion of your program. You may also consider awarding a Savings Bond. Many Posts and Auxiliaries have an Awards Night at their Post home to honor their students, parents, and teachers. Some make their awards at the schools. We encourage you to recognize your students with a formal awards presentation.

DISTRICT:   District should also recognize their District winners with a cash scholarship awards and citations. To help the District, your Department of California has established a program to recognize all twenty-five (25) District winners with an all expense-paid trip to Sacramento. District Winners will be the guest of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of California and visit the State Capitol, meet the Governor, if available, talk with their legislators, tour many other sites of Sacramento and attend the Department Official Voice of Democracy Awards Banquet, where the State Winner will be announced. The banquet will be held on Friday, January 19, 2008 at the Hilton Hotel, in Sacramento, California, Each student will receive S20.00 upon arrival to help defray expenses. Districts are asked to donate S200.00 to the Department of California.

STATE:   The First Place Winner for the State of California will receive a cash award of $2,000.00. In addition, the Department winner will be awarded with a five (5) day all expense-paid trip to Washington, DC in March 2008. Our First Place Winner will also take part with other Department Voice of Democracy winners in a trip to Freedom Foundation located in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, in June 2008. Department pays the transportation and costs for the Valley Forge trip. In addition to the above, there will also be four (4) runner-up prizes of $1,000.00 each. All prizes will be paid in cash. No bonds.