Post 2115 and Auxiliary
Get in touch with us at info@vfwpost2115.org
Programs
The true character of America is measured by her communities and the people who work to improve them. Whether at a national level or in their own backyards, our members dedicate millions of hours each year working to spread patriotism and honor our nation's heroes. Here's how you can get involved.
Voice of Democracy
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. Students interested in participating must submit their audio essay prepared on this year's theme, with a completed 2025-2026 entry form, to their local participating VFW Post. Read the Voice of Democracy rules here. Essays must be turned in to us by midnight, Oct. 31.
The 2025-26 theme is:
“How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?”
Patriot's Pen
Each year, more than 60,600 students in sixth through eighth grades enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen® annual 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. Students interested in participating must submit their essay prepared on this year's theme, with a completed 2025-2026 entry form, to their local participating VFW Post. Read the Patriot's Pen rules here. Applications must be turned in to us by midnight, Oct. 31.
The 2025-26 theme is:
“How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?”
Teacher of the Year
Without our nation’s veterans, America wouldn't be the great nation it is today. Our youth deserve to learn about our rich history, traditions and the role of our veterans in creating and shaping America.
Each year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars selects elementary, middle, and high school teachers to participate in the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher program.
Please review the new rules and eligibility requirements and check back soon to download the 2025 entry form and brochure to nominate a teacher you know. Teacher nomination entries must be received by the Oct. 31 deadline.
Scout of the Year
Some of our earliest ties to the community involve youth groups and perhaps none are stronger or more lasting than the relationship between the VFW and America's scouting organizations. In fact, our partnership with the Boy Scouts of America dates back to 1915 when VFW Post 2100 helped to establish Troop 1 in Everett, Washington.
Our Scout of the Year program provides members of the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to be recognized for their standout citizenship, patriotism and love of country.
Before submitting your Scout of the Year application, please review the rules and eligibility requirements. Please download the VFW Scout of the Year brochure and entry form to submit to us before March 1st.
BUDDY POPPY
Before Memorial Day in 1922, we conducted our first poppy distribution, becoming the first veterans' organization to organize a nationwide distribution. The poppy soon was adopted as the official memorial flower of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, as it remains today.
During our 1923 encampment, we decided that VFW "Buddy"® Poppies would be assembled by disabled and needy veterans who would be paid for their work to provide them with financial assistance. The next year, disabled veterans at the Buddy Poppy factory in Pittsburgh assembled VFW Buddy Poppies. The designation "Buddy Poppy" was adopted at that time.
In February 1924, we registered the name Buddy Poppy with the U.S. Patent Office. A certificate was issued on May 20, 1924, granting our organization all trademark rights in the name of Buddy under the classification of artificial flowers. We've made that trademark a guarantee that all poppies bearing that name and the VFW label are genuine products of the work of disabled and needy veterans. No other organization, firm or individual can legally use the name Buddy Poppy.
Today, our Buddy Poppies are still assembled by disabled and needy veterans in VA Hospitals.
The VFW Buddy Poppy program provides compensation to the veterans who assemble the poppies, provides financial assistance in maintaining state and national veterans' rehabilitation and service programs and partially supports the VFW National Home for Children.
