The VFW and Auxiliary sponsor many National and State programs which further the aims of the organization.  There are awards for outstanding participation in these programs, and judging is based on reporting what we do in the programs to our State Chairman.

Many members feel that we do the work for the sake of our communities and our veterans.  They are not interested in receiving awards for their efforts.  However, reporting our work is an important function, since information from all units are combined into the annual Auxiliary Fact sheets which are used as a membership tool.

The following are the current National and State programs:

Americanism – This program is all about promoting patriotism.  Members foster lover of America, by teaching young people, and new citizens about our heritage.  Each year, Auxiliary members present flags to schools and civic clubs, hold essay contests in schools, participate in parades and other hold essay contests, hold POW / MIA awareness ceremonies, get out the vote programs, citizenship classes, etc.

Buddy Poppy – Sine 1918, this small red, inspired by the poem In Flanders Field has been adopted by Veteran’s organizations around the world as reminder of what our Veterans have sacrificed.  Donations raised from the distribution of these flowers are used solely for the purpose of helping Veterans in need.

Cancer Aid and Research – Auxiliaries raise funds for this program in many different ways.  The funds raised are mostly used to pay grants to members stricken with Cancer.  As a member, you are eligible for these cancer grants, in the event that Cancer strikes you.  A portion of the funds raised is also awarded to research facilities, to help find a cure this dreaded disease.

Community Service – There are many ways in which our members perform community service.  We make donations to other civic organizations, assist them in their programs, work with schools, local police Departments and rescue squads, Centers for the Developmentally Disabled, etc.  The possibilities are endless, and new ideas are always welcome for more.

Extension – The Extension program is set up to extend our membership.  It consists of starting new Auxiliaries and in working to strengthen weak ones.

Hospital – The VFW and Auxiliary supports hospitalized veterans, by visiting them at the VA Medical Centers, as well as local community hospitals and nursing homes.

Junior Girl Units – Junior Girl units are opened to Daughters and Granddaughters of members, who are between ages 5 and 16.  As Junior Girls, these young prepare to become the elders of tomorrow, by helping Auxiliaries in all their programs.  Junior Girls are eligible for Scholarships each year, based on their participation in the organization.

Legislative – This purpose of the program is to urge our legislators to preserve Veterans rights and to advocate a strong national defense.

Membership – This is where we grow our numbers.  Awards are offered to Auxiliaries and to VFW members for signing up new members each year.

Mentoring – Mentoring to new members (or newly active members) has always been done, but now it is an official program.  Any member who works to teach others about the workings of the organization is a Mentor.  Members are needed at all levels, to share the information we have learned over the years.

Rehabilitation - This program includes assistance to veterans who are not in hospitals or nursing homes, and to Military families.  It includes financial assistance, bringing meals to shut-ins, and providing support during times of illness and bereavement.  It can involve driving people to the doctor’s office or to church, mowing their lawn, helping with shopping, or any type of assistance.  It also includes support for the Military, such as funding or distributing Operation Uplink cards, adopting a Unit, or providing assistance to Military families.

Scholarships – Auxiliaries offer scholarships each year to High School seniors who are children or grandchildren of members.  Applications are made by February 15th each year.

Special Project – Each year, the State Auxiliary President designates something as her special project.  This is usually something, which is especially meaningful to her.

VFW National Home for Children – This home, located in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, is the home of approximately 100 families of veterans who need a place to stay and rebuild their lives.  The children attend local schools, while the parents are taught to be self-sufficient.

Youth Activities - There are a variety of local and nationwide competitions where students can win scholarship money for college. These competitions include:

Voice of Democracy (VOD) – A speech writing competition, where 9th through 12th grade students write and deliver their speech on a cassette tape.  A different theme is selected every year.

Patriotic Pen – Where 7th through 8th grade students submit a 300 to 400 word essay.

Patriotic Art – Where High School students submit original artwork.

Young Outstanding Volunteer – Where young citizens who volunteer in their communities compete for national awards.

Assistance is provided to veterans and their families through the following programs:

• Rehabilitation
• Hospital/VAVS
• Buddy Poppy
• Cancer Aid
• Scholarship
• VFW National Home
• Junior Girls


Legislative assistance is provided for veteran’s issues through the following programs:

Legislative
VFW/PAC
POW / MIA

Membership and Extension (because a strong membership gives a strong voice when we approach our legislators)


Community Service Activities in your community is worked through the following programs:

• Community Service
• Americanism
• Youth Activities
• Voice of Democracy, Patriotic Pen, and other competitions
• Cancer Research


Plus Publicity - Publicize these activities and you’ll find new members coming to you!

Why so many Programs?

The VFW and Auxiliary have so many programs to keep track of.  Why do we get involved in so many different programs?

The VFW and Auxiliary are made up of Veterans helping veterans, for if we don’t – who will?  There are two types of assistance for veterans.

Organizations, which do positive things in the community and publicize them – grow.  That’s because everyone wants to be associated with an active team, which is doing positive things.

Best as you recruit new members; remember that the type of activities you publicize has an effect on the type of members you attract.  If you want to attract members who will work in the community, you must start by being visible in the community.  Let your city or town know that the VFW and Auxiliary are interested in helping those around them.  When they associate you with parades, blood drives, scholarships, voter registrations, anti-drug campaigns, etc, they will think of the VFW as a place to join, and not just a place to socialize.  And that builds membership!