While it’s true the VFW was started to assist veterans in their transition back to civilian life, it is also a very important part of their focus to be on and for the youth groups of their communities. One special event is the National Patriots Pen Link which is open to grades 6-8.

These students can be enrolled in public, private, parochial school or home study in the U.S. and its territories. It’s already time to start working on the 2021-2022 theme, seeing as how a deadline for this event is always Oct. 31. A new topic for the upcoming contest is “How Can I Be a Good American?” The theme can be no less than 300 words, but not more than 400 and must be submitted to the nearest Post along with the Patriot Pen entry form.

There is another very auspicious happening that the VFW sponsors. It involves the Scouting troops of each community. The VFW and America’s scouting organizations have long had lasting and very strong ties. The partnership actually goes back to 1915 when VFW Post 2100 was instrumental in getting Troop 1 in Everett, Washington started. Because of the closeness of the two organizations, a Scout of the Year Program was instituted.

The Scout of the Year Program is open to those who are good standing members of the Boy or Girl Scouts, those in the Venturing Crew or Sea Scout Ship. If a troop member has received an Eagle Scout Award, Venture Summit Award, Sea Scout Quartermaster Award or the Girl Scout Gold Award, that person is eligible to participate.

Said participant must be in high School at the time of selection and submit a completed VFW Scouting Scholarship form, resume of High School activities, scouting record, community service record and letters of recommendation to their local VFW post no later than March 1.

Upon receiving all these papers, the Post will choose a winner from the entries, then submit local winner to Department. The Department will then select a winner to send to the VFW Nationals by April 1 for their judging.

To participate in either of these events, or for more information, contact our Lehigh Acres Post 4174 at 239-369-5100. You’ll be glad you did!