veterans essay contest winners

Veterans Day Essay Contest

Congratulations to our winners of the 2023 veterans day student essay contest, the winners of the 2023 “student leadership in america” essay contest are:, middle school winner: david contreras, “mr. graham nelms”.

8th Grade, Contreras Home School in Henrico County (Teacher: Rachel Contreras)

Read DAVID’s winning essay here

High School Winner: Mia Ramos,  “An Unsung Hero”

11 th Grade, W. T. Woodson High School in Fairfax County (Teacher: Ashley Kipperman)

Read Mia’s winning essay here

Both winners received a gift package, presented by McDonald’s Owner-Operators of Richmond and Hampton Roads, Virginia.

McDonald’s Marketing Representative Christina Dick alongside the 2023 Essay Contest Winners, Mia Ramos and David Contreras

2023 Runner up: 

High School: Alice Shin, Veterans Day Essay

10th Grade, Battlefield High School in Prince William County (Teacher: Daniel Vasenko)

Prompt: Write about a Virginian who served in the United States military during the Korean War era whose story inspires you.

July of 2023 marked the seventy-year anniversary of the conclusion of the Korean War (1950-1953). To honor those men and women who served in the military during the war in Asia, the Virginia War Memorial is calling on all students to write about a service member who inspires them.

The subject of your essay may be someone your family knows or knew personally, or it may be the story of a Virginia Korean War era veteran that you have researched. When selecting the subject of your essay, consider your family, members of your community, or others whose stories resonate with you personally. He or she may be from any branch of the military and have served at any time during the Korean War. Consider what lessons they have taught you, and what we could all learn from their example. Your essay should focus on their time in service, though you may also address their time as a civilian or veteran if relevant.

You may develop your response through speaking with an individual, speaking with people who knew them, and using primary sources. Personal interviews are encouraged, but feel free to utilize newspaper records, personal stories, military records, letters, books, internet research, or more to tell us about your subject and why they inspire you.

A great place for information about Virginians who served in the Korean War is the archives at the Virginia War Memorial. Archivist Sylvia Marshall has access to archival material and oral histories that can help you to create an essay. Feel free to reach out to her at [email protected] and let her know that you are researching for the Veteran’s Day Essay Contest.

The Virginia Military Dead Database created by the Library of Virginia is another great resource.

Successful essays will have a clear focus, address the theme directly, and use a combination of cited sources and personal experiences. Students must properly cite their sources in a bibliography (APA or MLA style) and include the bibliography with their submission. Entries will be judged on clarity of thought, grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and adherence to the contest theme and guidelines.

PRINTABLE PROMPT

Essay Contest Rules & Guidelines:

1. This contest is open to all Virginia Middle and High School public, private, or homeschooled students. A winning entry will be chosen from each Grade Range (grades 6-8 and 9-12).

2. Submissions must be between 500-750 words and use at least one primary source. Students must properly cite their sources in a bibliography (APA or MLA style) and include the bibliography with their submission.

3. Entries will be judged on clarity of thought, adherence to the contest theme and guidelines, and proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

4. Entries are due Sunday, October 15 by 11:59 p.m. Entries received after this time will not be considered.

5. Entries should be submitted online HERE

6. First place winners (in the grades 6-8 and 9-12 categories) will receive a prize package through McDonalds of Richmond and Hampton Roads. Winners will also be invited to read their winning essays aloud at the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Veterans Day Ceremony on Friday, November 10, 2023.

7. By submitting an entry, the student agrees that the work is original and unassisted. The Virginia War Memorial Foundation holds the right to publish any submissions to this contest on its website and in other print materials (with credit to the author).

Printable Rules

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Honoring America’s Veterans announces winners of 2023 High School Essay Contest

• Paula Pedene
• October 29, 2023

Honoring America’s Veterans announces the winners of the 2023 High School Essay Competition.  More than 130 high school students entered the contest, which required students to write a 300-400 word essay based on the theme of both the essay competition and the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade, “Never Forget, Forever Honor.” Entries were judged for their focus on the quality of the story and its impact, writing and grammar, and adherence to the theme. A winner is declared for each high school grade level. 9-12, and this year, HAV partnered with College Bound for a fifth winner. 

This year’s winners are: 

9th Grade  Clairet Riesgraf

Arizona College Prep Chandler Teacher Cody Bratz

10th Grade S handlin Harrison

Mesquite High School Gilbert Teacher Greg Kahn

Diego Lenzi

Seton Catholic Prep Chandler Teacher Jessica Breen

Br ueklyn Curley

Maryvale High School Phoenix Teacher Michelle Wagner

College Bound: 12th Grade E duardo Rios

Coronado High School Scottsdale  Teacher Dr. Jo Markette

The winning students earn a $250 scholarship, prizes, and an opportunity to ride in the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade. This year, Honoring America’s Veterans, the nonprofit that hosts the competition, partnered with College Bound and is adding a fifth winner. That winning student will receive the same gifts but will ride on the College Bound float in the East Valley Veterans Day Parade, while the four traditional winners will ride on the Hall of Flame Fire Truck in the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade. Both parades are set for Saturday Nov. 11th. 

 I n addition to the students winning scholarships, the teachers who help support the efforts of the students by submitting, also receive a $150 cash award for use in their school.

Announcing the Winners of the 2021 Veterans Day Essay Contest

Home » News & Notes » Essay Contest » Announcing the Winners of the 2021 Veterans Day Essay Contest

This year’s winners of the 2021 Veterans Day Essay Contest are:

• Camryn McClellan, 6th Grade – Richardson Middle School
• Jamie Scott, 6th Grade – Springton Lake Middle School
• Angelina Frazier, 6th Grade – Springton Lake Middle School

First Place- Camryn McClellan

On his 75th mission over Vietnam, Navy pilot captain Charlie Plumb was shot down by enemy fire. He was a 24-year-old Naval academy graduate when he went into combat. On May 19, 1967, 5 days before the end of his tour, flying his F-4 phantom jet, he was shot down and captured. He survived six years as a prisoner of war (POW), until his release on February 18, 1973. Even after the hardships of six years as a POW, he stayed in the Navy reserves until his retirement in 1991. What makes him deserving of recognition is not only the two purple hearts, the Legion of Merit, The Silver Star, the Bronze Star, or the POW medal, it is how he talked about the horror of war and was open and honest about his time as a POW. He became a professional speaker, a business consultant, and continues to fly to this day. Captain Plumb may say he’s not a hero, but people don’t get to decide whether they are heroes or not. Captain Plumb is a hero to me. Thank you Captain Charlie Plumb.

Second Place- Jamie Scott

My Great Uncle Paul was a very brave man. He still is to this day. He persevered through some crazy things. He used to be in the army. Unfortunately, one day, he was drafted to the Vietnam War. Little did he know, it would change his life forever. He served from 1968-1975. He had to crawl around in tunnels built for missions and fight for his survival. It was very scary for him. I’d be scared if I had to go through what he had. He knew at any moment he could die. He was in the actual fighting division in the Vietnam war. He fought for so long and persevered through it like a true warrior. After seven years of traumatizing battle, the war was over and my Great Uncle Paul was sent home. He’s now retired in North Carolina living his days at the beach. The only thing I have had to remind me of him is his 21st Corp patch. I look at it every day when I sit at my desk and remember how he fought for our country. God bless him for fighting for the country’s safety, freedom, and spirit. He will never be forgotten.

Third Place- Angelina Frazier

My Uncle joined the military to work in aviation. His grandfather and his dad were both in the Army, which my Uncle decided to join as well. He served 6 years, including three tours overseas supporting Operation Enduring Freedom stationed in Kandahar, Afghanistan, and Operation Iraqi Freedom stationed in Mosul and Balad, Iraq. My Uncle’s career in the military started by taking the Armed Services Vocational Battery test and basic training at Fort Benning, GA. My uncle was strong in Mathematics from his time at Morehouse University and scored very high in his technical exam. While serving in the military, my Uncle Aaron maintained CH 47 Chinooks helicopters and UH 60 Blackhawks. One of his favorite memories from his time in the military was flying the helicopters. While in the military, he built lifetime friendships, along with discipline and technical skills. My Uncle Aaron enjoyed the leadership experience he learned in the military, along with mental and physical strength. This helped him to be successful after his service.

Congratulations to all 3 of our winners, and thank you to every student who submitted to our contest!

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VOICE OF DEMOCRACY

2024-2025 Theme Coming March 2024

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 40,000 9-12 grade students from across the country enter to win their share of $2.1 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program. 

The national first-place winner receives a $30,000 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-$15,000, and the first-place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins a minimum scholarship of $1,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. Want to apply?

VOD Deadlines:

Midnight, October 31, Entries to the Post

  December 13, District Winners due to Department Chairman

Rules and Eligibility Requirements: VOD Rules / Eligibility

Download the 2024-2025 VOD Entry Form here: Coming soon

Voice of Democracy National Awards List

DO NOT mail District entries and required forms to State Headquarters.  Mail them directly to the State Voice of Democracy Chairman!

POST PARTICIPATION REPORTING PACKET

DISTRICT PARTICIPATION REPORTING PACKET (by POST):

DISTRICT VOD / PP WINNER REPORT:

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VFW Post 2197

Patriot’s Pen 2022-23

The 2022-23 theme is:  “my pledge to our veterans.”, 2022-2023 official entry form, for more information.

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 , and  find your sponsoring VFW Post 2197 as applications must be turned in by  midnight, Oct. 31 .  Download and complete the 2022-2023 entry form here . 

About the past 2021-2022 winner …

Syed Ali, an eighth grade student from Lafayette, Louisiana, was named the 2021-2022  Patriot’s Pen  first place winner. His essay on the theme, “How Can I Be a Good American?” won him a $5,000 award. Syed was sponsored by New Iberia, Louisiana, VFW Post 1982.

Watch as Syed delivered his winning essay , during the VFW’s  virtual Parade of Winners  streamed live on Facebook, or see the  complete list of 2022 national winners .

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Temple Christian student wins Veterans of Foreign Wars Patriot's Pen US essay contest

Bryant Day, an eighth-grade student at Temple Christian in Mansfield, has been selected the national first-place winner and recipient of a $5,000 award in the Veterans of Foreign Wars 2023-2024 Patriot’s Pen essay contest.

Day, who lives in Ashland, is the son of Raymond and Jessica Day.

Day, 13, was sponsored by VFW Post 9943 and its Auxiliary in Mansfield. He wrote his winning essay based on this year’s theme, “How Are You Inspired by America?”

'All these words are hard': Olivia Strassell of Lucas wins Richland County Spelling Bee

As the national first-place winner, Day was presented with his award at the VFW Washington Conference during the Parade of Winners award ceremony in Washington, D.C., where  he delivered his winning essay  before conference attendees.

Day's mother on Wednesday said the entire family including Bryant's sister Evelyn, a senior at Temple Christian School, were flown to Washington D.C. by the VFW.

"The English teachers at Mansfield Temple Christian have students write an essay each year and they submit them to the VFW," she said. She said in addition to her son's $5,000 national scholarship, he won a $2,000 scholarship at the state level competition.

"It's been an amazing experience," Jessica Day said. The family visited numerous sites including the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, the International Spy Museum, the Smithsonian Institution and its National Air and Space Museum, Mount Vernon, Arlington National Cemetery and the White House.

Superintendent Rob Kurtz said Bryant is a great young man from a fantastic family.

"I'd like to say a special thanks to all the teachers who have worked with Bryant and honed his English writing skills," Kurtz said.

More: Shelby Middle School students win statewide STEM competition, $12K technology package

VFW's Patriot Pen essay competition

Since its inception nearly 30 years ago, the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen essay competition has helped foster patriotism by encouraging young minds to examine our nation’s history along with their own experiences in modern American society while improving their writing skills.

Open to eligible sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students, the competition requires students to submit a 300- to 400-word essay expressing their views on a selected theme while competing for their share of nearly $1 million in awards and prizes.

Nearly 55,800 students participated this year. Day competed at the national level against 53 other state finalists vying for individual awards ranging from $500 to $5,000. The VFW awarded more than $55,000 in national awards .

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This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Temple Christian OH student wins VFW Patriot's Pen US essay contest

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VFW Post 1736 announces winners of student Americanism competitions

The Veteran of Foreign Wars & Auxiliary Post 1736 recognized winners of their student competitions on Americanism at an awards ceremony held Thursday at the St. Frances Cabrini School Activity Building.  

Three teachers from an elementary school, middle school and high school were each honored with the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award. 

Jessica Waits, at teacher at Rapides Academy, learned before the ceremony that she won The Smart.Mahr VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award for middle school teachers on the district and state level as well as locally. 

“I am surprised and honored,” she said. “I love what I do. I love my kids. My students inspire and challenge me to be better and do better every year. This is my 16th year of teaching.”

Phoenix Magnet Elementary School teacher Kelsey Simmons won in the elementary school category and Tioga High School teacher Cade Richardson won the high school category in the local competition.

In addition to helping veterans, one of the other main purposes of the VFW is to promote Americanism, said Post Commander Rodney Barnett. 

“We thank you for this opportunity to get your kids to learn about Americanism,” Barnett told parents and others gathered at the ceremony. One of the ways they do that is through programs like this one. 

“We had 1,654 entries for the program this year,” said Linda Kieffer, Auxiliary president and Americanism chair. 

Competition categories included Coloring of the American Flag, Drawing of the American Flag, Drawing of an Historical Event and Essay on How I Honor Veterans for elementary school students. Winners from each school who had students entered were announced in addition to overall winners in each category. 

Sixth, seventh and eighth grade students wrote essays on “How Are You Inspired by America” for the Patriots Pen contest. St. Frances Cabrini School eighth grader Ciara Winkey-Reed placed first. Stella Soprano of Our Lady of Prompt Succor placed second, Isabella McDaniel of Rapides Academy placed third and Eve Henry of Our Lady of Prompt Succor placed fourth. 

“I’m greatly inspired by immigrants. I’ve grown up around immigrants,” said Ciara. “Most of the people who go to this school who have inspired me are immigrants.” 

She read a few lines from her essay. 

“Immigrants often leave behind familiarity, culture and comfort to chase the American dream, showcasing incredible courage and commitment. Their ability to overcome obstacles is a constant source of inspiration.”  

Ciara is glad to live in America because if she didn’t, she doesn’t think she would have a Catholic education. She said she made the decision to convert to Catholicism when she was in the third grade. 

“I do believe if I did not come to this school, and I did not live in America, I would not have the free speech that I do to say, ‘I’m Christian. I love going to a Catholic school,’” she said. 

Ciara read another paragraph from her essay that she said was her favorite. 

“America has granted me an opportunity where my dreams are not only vivid, but also attainable.”  

High school students wrote essays on “What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy” for the Voice of Democracy contest. Rapides High School senior Jada Ortega placed first. Micah Cole of Pineville High School placed second and Ruben Kho of Holy Savior Menard placed third. 

Ortega has a love for writing and was encouraged by her teacher to enter the competition. She plans to attend LSUA and major in psychology. 

Both Jada's and Ciara's essays will go on to the state competition and from there, the winning essays will be sent to national competition.

Overall winners in Coloring of the American Flag are Rayleigh Pitt of Grace Christian, first place; Olivia Coutee of Tioga Elementary School, second place and Brantley Ball of Alpine Christian, third place. 

Overall winners in the Drawing of the American Flag are Tinsley Hilger, first place; Tate Dodge, second place and Harper Ducote, third place. All are students at Our Lady of Prompt Succor. 

Overall winners in Drawing of an Historic Event are Jase Ducote, first place, and Aven Chaveas, second place, both with Our Lady of Prompt Succor; and Catherine Townsend of Phoenix Magnet, third place. 

Overall winners of the How I Honor Veterans essay contest are Chaslynn James of Poland Junior High, first place; Mason Wug of Ball Elementary, second place; and Leon Weekly of Tioga Elementary School, third place. 

Winners of each school in the Coloring of the American Flag are: Leal Leglue of Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Daisy McKay of Poland Junior High, Aubree Coutee of Verda Elementary, Emily Letherman of St. Frances Cabrini, Bella Evans of Ball Elementary, Owen Roberts of Georgetown High, Brantley Bell of Alpine Christian, Dasmyn Butler of Phoenix Magnet and Olivia Coutee of Tioga Elementary School. 

Winners of each school in the Drawing of the American Flag are: MaKaylee Maloy of Georgetown High, Tristan Rachel of Verda Elementary School, Samyaya Cowens of St. Frances Cabrini, Charlotte Cal of Ball Elementary, Mason Bailey of Alpine Christian, Tinsley Hilger of Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Payton Carmouche of Poland Junior High, Ada West of Phoenix Magnet and Zoe Telliferoender of Tioga Elementary. 

Winners of each school in the Drawing of an Historical event are: Sarah Roberts of Georgetown High, Major Sykes of Verda Elementary, Kia Guillot of St. Frances Cabrini, Jaxson Young, Ball Elementary, John Johnson, Poland Junior High, Jase Ducote Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Major Starr of Phoenix Magnet and Kristopher Reed, Tioga Elementary. 

Winners of each school in the “How I Honor Veteran essay” contest are: Aubrey Arnold of Georgetown High, Annabelle Sharbino of Ball Elementary, Lucas Stilley of Verda Elementary, Charmiya Keller of St. Frances Cabrini, Chaslynn James of Poland Junior High, Bryce Louviere of Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Leon Weekly of Tioga Elementary School and Madison Hinson of Phoenix Magnet. 

“We thank you for this opportunity to get your kids to learn about Americanism. And the VFW is constantly pushing, we have people in Washington D.C., that are vigilant and they push legislation to make sure that our veterans are taken care of.” 

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Winners of the VFW Essay Contests Announced

Community March 23, 2023 Staff 0

Connor Wiik took first place in the Voice of Democracy essay contest sponsored by Milbank VFW Post 3486 and VFW Auxiliary 3486. Alyssa Feather was the second-place winner. Lilly Dreis penned the third-place essay. “Why is the Veteran Important?” was the theme for 2023.

Wiik’s essay advanced to the district level with the potential to continue on to the state level. The state winner received an all-expenses paid trip to the national event in Washington, D.C. Scotland Stewart, a sophomore at Franklin County High School in Winchester, Tennessee, was selected as the national first-place winner and received a $35,000 scholarship. The second-place winner, Siri Corson, a junior at Fillmore Central High School in Harmony, Minnesota, was awarded the $21,000 Charles Kuralt Memorial Scholarship.

Addison Brown was the author of the winning essay in the local Patriot’s Pen contest designed for sixth through eighth graders. This year, students submitted essays on the theme “My Pledge to Our Veterans.”

Ryland Wendland earned second place. Andrew Karels was named third. All are seventh graders. Honorable mention awards went to Keaton Johnson, also a seventh grader, and Kylynn Schwandt, a sixth grader.

All of Milbank’s top essays in the Patriot’s Pen division advanced to the district competition. The district winners continued on to the state contest, and the state winner received an all-expenses paid trip to Washington D.C. Leighton Peters, a seventh grader from Rice lake, Wisconsin, was chosen as the national winner. She received a $5000 scholarship for her essay. The Patriot’s Pen second place winner, Nolan Green, of Monticello, Minnesota,  received a $4,000 award. 

Locally, the top three places in each of the contests received a medal, a certificate, and a monetary prize. Honorable mentions received a certificate and a monetary prize.

Established in 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign War’s (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. Nationally, over $2 million are awarded in educational scholarships and incentives through this program.  

Winners of the 2022-2023 Voice of Democracy for the Milbank area include: 1st Place:  Connor Wiik, 2nd Place: Alyssa Feather, 3rd Place: Lilly Dreis 

Winners of the 2022-2023 Patriot’s Pen for the Milbank area include:   1st Place: Addison Brown (7th grader), 2nd Place: Rylan Wendland (7th grader), 3rd Place:  Andrew Karels (7th grader), Honorable Mentions: Keaton Johnson (7th grader) and Kylynn Schwandt (6th grader)

Submitted Photos: Top- Connor Wiik and Lilly Dreis. Bottom Photo-back row left to right, Keaton Johnson, Kylynn Schwandt. Front row, Addison Brown, Rylan Wendland and Andrew Karels.

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2022 Virtual Parade of Winners

Join us April 1 at 7 p.m. CDT for the 2022 virtual Parade of Winners and see who takes home the top $30,000 prize!

• Media & Events
• VFW Legislative Conference

Every year, nearly 230,000 of our nation's youth compete in the VFW's Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen audio essay competitions for their chance to win a portion of more than $3 million in college scholarships and awards.

The competitions culminate with the Parade of Winners event, designed to celebrate and recognize the contests’ top national winners. 

This year, the VFW will host its annual Parade of Winners virtually on April 7 at 7 p.m. CDT, live on Facebook. B e sure to tap “interested,” then “going” on the Facebook event to ensure you stay up-to-date and receive all event notifications. To listen to the winning essay from your state, click here . 

During the historic event, VFW and VFW Auxiliary state and national leadership, representatives from program sponsors Twisted X , and this year’s 52 Voice of Democracy Department (state) winners will come together from all over the world as we crown the 2022 national Voice of Democracy first place winner.

Open to eligible middle and high school students, the Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen essay competitions require students submit an essay based on a selected patriotic theme. Winning entries selected by local VFW Posts go on to compete at their District and Department (state) level, with state winners competing at the national level.

The Voice of Democracy top prize is the $30,000 T.C. Selman Memorial Scholarship, and the Patriot’s Pen grand prize winner receives the $5,000 Paul A. Spera Past Commander-in-Chief Award.

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 ninth through 12th grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1 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, download the  2024-2025 entry form here  and find your sponsoring  local VFW Post  as applications must be turned in by  midnight, Oct. 31 . 

The 2024-25 theme is:  "Is America Today Our Forefathers' Vision?"

About the 2023-2024 winner ...

Sophia Lin, a high school junior at BASIS Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona, was named the 2023-2024 Voice of Democracy first place winner. Sophia's speech on the theme, "What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?" won her a $35,000 college scholarship. Sophia was sponsored by Scottsdale VFW Post 3513. Watch as Sophia delivered her speech during the VFW's Parade of Winners award  ceremony or read it here .

Want to catch up on everything that happened this year? You can watch the full Parade of Winners ceremony which was streamed live on Facebook, or see this year's complete list of winners .

Patriot's Pen

Each year, nearly 68,800 students in sixth through eighth grades enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of nearly $1 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,  download the 2024-2025 entry form here  and find your sponsoring local VFW Post  as applications must be turned in by  midnight, Oct. 31 . 

The 2024-25 theme is:  "My Voice in America's Democracy?"

Bryant Day, an eighth grade student from Ashland, Ohio, was named the 2023-2024 Patriot's Pen first place winner. His essay on the theme, "How Are You Inspired by America?" won the national first place $5,000 award. Bryant was sponsored by VFW Post 9943 and its Auxiliary in Mansfield, Ohio.

Watch as Bryant delivered his winning essay during the VFW's Parade of Winners streamed live on Facebook, or read  his essay here.  See the complete list of 2024 national winners .

Find Out More

Patriot's Pen

Vfw in the community.

THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS - April 12, 2024

Marianas Wagner-Peyser passes House

Republicans attack our energy grants

• Protecting Marianas fish and wildlife
• App Challenge winners showcase in DC
• Focusing on human rights
• Talking disabilities
• Legal Services stops by
• Art Competition deadline: Next Friday
• KILILI TIME CAPSULE
• OPPORTUNITIES

Legislation passed the House Tuesday that would give the Marianas access to increased job training and career assistance funding through the Wagner-Peyser Act.  H.R. 6655—A Stronger Workforce for America Act —includes this Wagner-Peyser inclusion for the Marianas, a long-standing goal of your congressional office. Wagner-Peyser would provide an annual $300,000 grant for skill assessment, career guidance, and referrals to training for job seekers in the Marianas.  203 Democrats and 175 Republicans voted for the bill . 26 Republicans voted against. The legislation has now gone to the Senate; and I look forward to working with my colleagues there to get it to the President’s desk for signature.

I defended the  Energizing Insular Communities  program that brought  $4.3 million to the Marianas in 2023  and  $3.3 million in 2022  to lower the cost of electricity and reduce the risk of black-outs at a  hearing  Thursday. Republicans attacked the program that  Democrats included in Public Law 113-235 . The goal in that law was to help the Marianas and other insular areas transition to cheaper, clean energy and expand our use of renewables like wind and solar. These sources of energy are abundant in our islands in comparison to the expensive, foreign-sourced fossil fuel Republicans prefer we use, which is why many constituents ask me for  earmarks that fund alternative energy projects . My colleagues on the other side of the aisle do not seem to understand the severe energy challenges we face in island communities: we are not connect to larger electrical grids, we have increased susceptibility to natural disasters and climate change impacts, and our fossil fuel generators are outdated and inefficient—all of which makes electricity around two and a half times more expensive than in the states.  During questioning, I stressed to the Republican witnesses  their error in attacking a program geared to drive down the price of electricity in the Marianas where everyone, especially low-income families, struggles with high energy costs.

$5.8 million for AMP marina repairs

GPPC, Inc. has been awarded a $5,826,464 contract to  repair shoreline barriers  at the American Memorial Park, the National Park Service announced.

Supplemental disaster funding

House and Senate Democrats have introduced  a new bill appropriating funds for the Marianas  and other communities struck by natural disasters.

FY15 spending requests submitted to Appropriations Committee

Each year the Commonwealth government and individuals and organizations in the Northern Mariana Islands receive millions of dollars in support from the federal government.

• OIA Maintenance Assistance Program
• OIA Coral Reef and Natural Resources Program
• OIA Technical Assistance Program
• OIA Brown Tree Snake Program
• Climate Pollution Reduction Grants
• State Primary Care Offices
• Environmental Education Local Grants
• WaterSMART Cooperative Watershed Management
• WaterSMART Planning & Project Design
• Climate-ready Workforce for Coastal States and Territories
• 2024 NOAA Ruth D. Gates Coral Restoration
• Supportive Services Veteran Families Program
• Round 7 Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program

Jobs/Internships:

• WHIAANHPI Internship Program
• M arriage and Family Therapist
• Psychologist
• Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor
• Social Worker

Public Comments:

• Tech program performance data
• Election survey data
• Fishery zone data
• Fishery Ecosystem Plan changes
• Accrediting organization oversight
• Fire Emergency Response rule change

THIS WEEK

• H.R. 2560  – Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act (passed, 332-82)
• H.R. 6655  – A Stronger Workforce for America Act (passed, 378-26)
• H.R. 7888  – Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act (passed, 273-147)

NEXT WEEK

• H.R. 6192  – Hands Off Our Home Appliances Act
• H.R. 7673  – Liberty in Laundry Act
• H.R. 7645  – Clothes Dryers Reliability Act
• H.R. 7637  – Refrigerator Freedom Act
• H.R. 7626  – Affordable Air Conditioning Act
• H.R. 7700  – Stop Unaffordable Dishwasher Standards Act