Department Programs and Directory



"Veteran's All The Way"

Department Programs and Directory

For the Good of the Order

“A Team Together Can Do Anything”

These programs and the many other programs sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars are designed to help build membership and to announce awards for those who meet the goals set forth as they relate to these programs. These remarks are directed primarily to Post Commanders, District Commanders, Division Chairmen, Program Chairmen, Inspectors and others elected or appointed, to perform tasks that lead to Award Winning Situations.

Comrades elected or appointed to fill these positions of leadership hold the KEY, which will open the door to success. Plan to push the programs with a determined effort and keep pushing until the GOALS FOR SUCCESS are met. For best results become familiar with the programs, taking the message to Post and District meetings!

MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM

2020-2021

Membership of the Veterans of Foreign Wars is the foundation of our organization, giving us the resources to complete our mission to serve our veterans, the military and our communities and advocate on behalf of all veterans. Our team goal is to build the Department of Tennessee membership by recruiting eligible veterans and retaining members from all generations. With the tag line "Veteran's All The Way", we must all recommit to our mission and welcome fellow veterans into our great organization.

The key to all membership awards for 100% and the key for success is to have 100% retention of all annual members. This is a must in order to grow.

DIVISION CHAIRMAN, In order to qualify for awards, you must work with Post Commanders, District Commanders in your division and their subordinates now and from 10 to 15 days before the cut-off dates of the award winning programs. Urge them to strive to meet the GOALS NECESSARY FOR THEIR SUCCESS, keeping in mind the overall goal is to “EXCEED” the previous year in all programs.

DISTRICT COMMANDERS, To win awards listed in the following pages, contact your Post Commanders now and from 10 to 15 days before the cut-off-date and explain to them what awards they and their Posts may win. Urge them to meet the goals set for their success, keeping in mind the overall goal is to “EXCEED” the previous year in all programs.

COMMANDERS MEMBERSHIP INCENTIVE

For every Eight (8) new or reinstated members you sign up, your name will be entered in drawings. First drawing will be at our Mid-Winter Conference in February. Cut-off date is February 1. Starting over February 2, for every Eight (8) new or reinstated members you sign up, your name will be entered for the second drawing at our State Convention in June. Cut-off date is June 15. Each drawing will consist of 3 names being drawn to receive $100 each. The more new or reinstated members you sign up, the more chances you have to win.

RECRUITER AWARD: The Department will recognize the Top Three Recruiters who have the highest number of new and/or reinstated members: One (1) Elite Recruiter (plaque and $75) and two (2) Outstanding Recruiters, (plaque and $50 each). Deadline is June 15, 2021

ADDITIONAL SPECIAL MEMBERSHIP RECRUITING AWARDS may be announced by the State Commander throughout the membership year.

Department Chair Officers are ineligible for membership awards.

POST AWARDS - HONOR PLAQUE: Posts will be in competition with each other according to size. The top Five (5) Posts in each division to Reach 100% in membership by dates listed below will receive a beautiful plaque they can proudly display. The plaque will designate these posts as “100% Honor Post”. Plaques to be presented at the Mid-Winter Conference: Divisions and cut-off dates are as follows:

1. Post with up to 80 members; reaching 100%

Membership by December 31, 2020

2. Posts with 81 to 160 members; reaching 100%

Membership by January 15, 2021

3. Posts with 161 to 240 members; reach100%

Membership by January 31, 2021

4. Posts with over 241 members; reaching 100%

Membership by February 15, 2021

POST AWARDS - 100% PLAQUE: A beautiful plaque will be presented at the State Convention to each Post Reaching 100% of their membership by June 15, 2021.

Post having already received the above Honor Plaque will not be eligible to receive this 100% Plaque.

Posts with only Life Members must recruit 3 new members to be eligible for 100% membership Honor Plaque or the 100% membership award Plaque

Note: Membership percentage is per the National Headquarters Report, processed and recorded as of deadline date.

ALL STATE POST COMMANDERS & POST QUARTERMASTERS TEAM

(To be awarded at State Convention)

The national program permits Tennessee to select Post Commanders and District Commanders as “All State Teams”. Each team member (commander & quartermaster) will receive a Distinguished Service Lapel Button, a name badge and cap. The Post Commanders Manual and District Commanders Manual must be completed in detail in book form with photo’s and all the information requested below and forwarded to Department Headquarters by May 15. A printed copy of the "Officer Roster, Visitor Registry & Planning Calendar” can be found in the Commanders Manual at .

ALL STATE POST COMMANDERS TEAM CRITERIA:

1. MEMBERSHIP: Post must have reached 100% by May 15. Membership percentage is per the National Headquarters Report. Early reports and high percentage of increase win highest points.

2. COMMUNITY SERVICE: Community Service is any activity sponsored by a VFW Post and/or it’s Auxiliary, which serves to benefit the city, town, community, neighborhood, other organizations, institutions, or individuals.

3. COMMUNITY PROJECT: One Post project, such as Military Unit Sponsor, Veterans Administration (VA) Hospital, Veterans Retirement/Nursing Home, Veteran or Military House (i.e. handicap access, repair, renovation, monetary support), community cleanup, family day, fundraiser, etc. Either Post only or jointly with other Posts and/or District. A written report of project must be sent to Department Headquarters for credit.

4. LOYALTY DAY: Parades, Patriotic Programs, Speeches, Essay Contests, School Programs, etc.

A written report must be sent to Department Headquarters for credit.

5. VOICE OF DEMOCRACY: Post must submit an application and the student’s audio essay, recorded on CD or Thumb drive, to District for judging.

6. PATRIOT’S PEN: Post must submit an application and the student’s essay to District for judging.

7. TEACHER OF THE YEAR: Post must submit one teacher application from any of the three categories (K-5, 6-8, or 9-12) to District for judging.

8. BUDDY POPPY: Post must purchase five (5) buddy poppies per each member of the Post based on previous year's membership.

9. BUDDY POPPY DRIVE: Conduct a Buddy Poppy drive either Post only or jointly with Auxiliary or other Posts in the District. A written report must be sent to Department Headquarters for credit.

10. VETERANS & MILITARY SUPPORT PROGRAMS (VMS): A monetary donation of $ 100.00 minimum must be made using a post check before April 30 and sent to National Headquarters. Check must denote it is for VMS . A copy of check sent to Department Headquarters for back up verification.

11. MEMBERSHIP RETENTION: Conduct monthly membership roundup via phone call, email or personal visit. Commander and/or Quartermaster must obtain Online Membership System (OMS) listing and organize roundup. A written monthly report must be sent to Department Headquarters for credit.

12. MEMBERSHIP DRIVE: Conduct a membership drive, either Post only or jointly with other Posts and/or District. With a written report sent to Department Headquarters about time and place and success of drive for credit.

ALL STATE DISTRICT COMMANDERS TEAM CRITERIA:

1. MEMBERSHIP: District must have reached 100% by May 15. Membership percentage is per the National Headquarters Report. Early reports and high percentage of increase win highest points.

2. MEMBERSHIP DRIVE: At least one District Officers must participate in a membership drive conducted by a Post. With a written report by the District officers participating sent to Department Headquarters about time and place and success of drive for credit.

3. MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM REPORTING: District Commander shall provide to the Department a monthly documented report of posts conducting retention membership drives and roundups in his or her district for credit.

4. VETERANS & MILITARY SUPPORT PROGRAMS (VMS): A monetary donation a minimum of $100.00 must be made using a District check before April 30 and sent to National Headquarters. Check must denote it is for VMS . A copy of check sent to Department Headquarters for back up verification.

5. VFW PROGRAMS (Community Service, Loyalty Day, VOD, Patriots Pen, Teacher, Buddy Poppy, and VMS): District must have at least 85% of Posts in the District participating in these programs. District Commander must submit a monthly report on posts participating or not participating in VFW programs.

6. BONDING: District Commander must insure all Post Quartermasters including District Quartermaster are bonded. District Commander must sent a written report to Department Headquarters that all posts and district are bonded for credit.

7. TRUSTEES REPORT OF AUDIT: All Posts under District Commander jurisdiction including District must have 1st, 2nd, and 3rd quarter audits. District Commander must submit a quarterly report of all post in or out of compliance to Department Headquarters

8. INSPECTIONS: 100% inspection of all Posts in the District and the District itself must be inspected and submitted to Department by February 1, 2021. Department to send inspections to State Inspector as they come in.

9. DISTRICT COMMANDERS: Participation in District, Post and Department programs as recorded in District Commander’s Manual. Manual sent to Department by May. 15 2021

POST AND DISTRICT COMMANDER WITH THE HIGHEST PERCENTAGE IN MEMBERSHIPWILL BE NAMED AS CAPTAIN. NEXT HIGHEST IN MEMBERSHIP WILL BE NAMED AS CO-CAPTAIN.

MID-WINTER CONFERENCE AWARDS

MEET THE CHALLENGE

MEMBER RETENTION AWARD: Three Comrades who personally retain five (10) annual members will be eligible for a chance on winning $50.00 each at Mid-Winter Conference. One chance for every ten annual members retained. Only (3) names will be drawn. Post Quartermasters must submit names to State Headquarters. Deadline: February 10, 2021

JOE A. MURPHY MEMORIAL

EARLY MEMBERSHIP AWARD

A beautiful plaque will be given at the Mid-Winter Conference to the Post with the highest percentage in membership at the Mid-Winter Conference. Post must have membership in excess of 100 members or more to qualify. Deadline: February 1, 2021

DIVISION MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN AWARD

The Chairman whose Division is at least 96% in membership, percentage wise, By February 15, 2021 will win a trip to the State Convention in June. Registration, mileage and 3 day lodging will be paid by Department Headquarters.

R. L. ENGLAND MEMORIAL AWARD

A beautiful VFW plaque will be presented at the Mid-Winter Conference to the District Commander whose District is considered the most outstanding in all VFW sponsored programs based on the point system in the categories below:

1. 100% in membership 40 points

2. 90% in membership 30 points

3. 80% in membership 20 points

4. National Community Service Credit

District that is 100% 20 points

District that is 90% 15 points

District that is 80% 10 points

5. VFW Buddy Poppies Sales

District that is 100% 20 points

District that is 90% 15 points

District that is 80% 10 points

An extra 10 BONUS points may be won by the District Commander if all requested reports are sent to the Department Headquarters. Reports Deadline: February 1, 2021

SPECIAL MEMBERSHIP AWARD

DISTRICT COMMANDERS

Districts Commanders will be in competition with each other to receive $250. The TOP District Commander must be 96% by February 15, 2021. Check to presented at POW-WOW

SPECIAL MEMBERSHIP AWARD

POST COMMANDER

Posts will be in competition with other Posts in their size division. The Top Post Commander in each division will receive $150 based on the following:

Division Are As Follows:

1. Posts with up to 80 members - 103% by

December 31, 2020 in their division

2. Posts with 81 to 160 members 102% by January 15, 2021 in their division.

3. Posts with 161 to 240 members – 101% by January 31, 2021 in their division

4. Posts with 241 and over members – 100.5% by February 15, 2021 in their division

MID-WINTER CONFERENCE AWARDS

STATE VOICE OF DEMOCRACY AWARD

A national essay competition, open to students in grades 9-12, who are enrolled in public, private or parochial high school or home study program. The student must write and record on a CD or a flash drive, a 3-5 minute essay based on a theme selected by National. The student will label the CD or flash drive and send it along with the typed essay and completed entry form to the Post. All entries must first be judged at the Post level. Posts may advance one winner for every fifteen (15) entries judged to the District competition. One winner from each District will compete at the Department level. At the Department level, a first, second and third place winner will be selected and each receive a cash award of $1,500, $1,000 and $500 respectively along with a plaque and medal (gold, silver, bronze). The first place Department winner will receive an all expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. to compete for a first place $30,000 scholarship. The first place Department winner must attend the conference in Washington, D.C. in order to compete for any prizes and scholarships. The first place Department winner will be presented his/her award at the Mid-Winter Conference. Lodging at the Mid-Winter Conference for one room and one night will also be provided. Foreign exchange students, students ages 20 or older and previous Department winners are ineligible.

Deadlines for student entries are:

Student entries to Post – Midnight, October 31

Complete Post judging – November 15

Complete District judging – December 15

Complete Department judging – January 10

Department winners to National – January 15

Department reports to National – January 31

W. S. “DOC” BARKER MEMORIAL AWARD

VFW YOUTH OF THE YEAR

A beautiful VFW plaque will be presented during the Mid-Winter Conference to the Department first place Voice of Democracy winner.

THE GAINES (JETER) GLADSON

MEMORIAL AWARD

A beautiful plaque will be awarded to the Post and Auxiliary who sponsors the Department winner in the Voice of Democracy competition.

PATRIOT’S PEN AWARD

A national essay competition designed to give students the opportunity to voice their opinion on a different program theme each year. Patriot’s Pen is open to 6-8 grade students enrolled in public, private or parochial schools or home study program. The completed essay and entry form must be submitted to a Post. First place Post winners are advanced to the District level. Each Districts first place winner is advanced to the Department level. A first, second, and third place winner will be selected from the District winners and each awarded a cash prize of $1,000, $500 and $250 respectively. In addition to the cash award, a plaque and medal (gold, silver, bronze) will be presented to the first, second and third place winners respectively. The first place National winner receives an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. The First place Department winner will be presented his/her award at the Mid-Winter Conference. Lodging at the Mid-Winter Conference for one room and one night will also be provided. Foreign exchange students, students ages 20 or older and previous Department winners are ineligible.

Deadlines for student entries are:

Student entries to Post – Midnight, October 31

Complete Post judging – November 15

Complete District judging – December 15

Complete Department judging – January 10

Department winners to National – January 15

Department reports to National – January 31

MID-WINTER CONFERENCE AWARDS

AWARDS FOR PUBLIC SERVANTS

Each year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars selects an emergency services person, a law enforcement officer and a firefighter to receive VFW National Awards. Post Safety Chairmen are encouraged to submit a candidate for each of the three awards to Department Headquarters. The Department will select a single candidate for each award and submit those to VFW National Headquarters. The winner in each category will receive a $350 check from Department of Tennessee, plus one night lodging if necessary.

Deadlines for candidates are:

Posts winners submitted to Department – January 1

Department winners submitted to National – February 1

Criteria for all National Awards:

Candidates must have demonstrated:

• Recognition by their colleagues or those they serve.

• Consistent excellence in the performance of their duties

• Consistent dedication to their official responsibilities over a period of years and continuous growth in responsibilities and skills within their profession.

Documentation Required for all Candidates:

• Nomination letter containing the candidate’s name, title, address, telephone and identifying the award for which the individual should be considered.

• One page resume of the candidate’s overall background

• One page resume of the candidate’s background in their field

• One page listing of the candidate’s accomplishment and awards in their field

Eligible candidates for each award are as follows:

EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN

Any individual who actively gives emergency medical treatment or provides rescue service or civil disaster assistance as a member of any public or volunteer company organized to give emergency medical care, provide rescue and civil disaster assistance to our nation’s citizens.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

Any individual who serves in a municipal, county, state or federal unit tasked with enforcement of the laws pertaining to their area of responsibility. This award does not apply to individuals employed by private companies or security services.

FIREFIGHTER

Any individual who actively fights fires as a member of any public or volunteer company organized to fight fires and give assistance to our nation’s citizens.

MID-WINTER CONFERENCE AWARDS

SMART/MAHER VFW NATIONAL

CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION TEACHER AWARD

This award is presented to the top elementary, junior high and high school teachers who teach citizenship education topics regularly and promote America’s history and traditions effectively. Teachers who promote civic responsibility, flag etiquette and patriotism are prime candidates for this award. Based on the nominees submitted, Posts will recognize one outstanding teacher in grades K-5, 6-8 and 9-12.

All Post-level nominees, if they win, should provide a one-page resume, up to five (5) pages of documentation of their teaching experience (references, news articles, etc.) and a head-and-shoulder photo of themselves. These items will be forwarded by the Post on to the District with the Post Teacher Entry form, nomination form and essay. District winners will be forwarded (one for each category) to Department Chairman for state judging.

A plaque and $350 cash award from Department will be presented to the state winners in each of the categories K-5, 6-8 and 9-12 during the Mid-Winter Conference, Plus one night lodging if necessary.

Previous National winners and homeschooled teachers are ineligible.

Deadlines for teacher nominations are:

Entries to Post – Midnight, October 31

Complete Post judging – November 15

Complete District judging – December 15

Complete Department judging – January 10

Department winners to National – January 15

Department reports to National – January 31

Richard as you know National is going to change this somewhat dates might have to change.

STATE CONVENTION

JOINT OPENING SESSION AWARDS

SCOUT OF THE YEAR AWARD

The Veterans of Foreign Wars will recognize three individuals who are: Eagle Scouts, Girl Scout Gold Award recipients, Venture Summit Award recipients and/or Sea Scout Quartermasters who have risen above their peers in exemplifying the qualities of that rank. To be eligible for the award, the candidate must: 1) Be a registered, active member of a Boy or Girl Scout Troop, Venturing Crew or Sea Scout Ship, 2) Be the recipient of the Eagle Scout Award, Girl Scout Gold Award, Venture Summit Award or Sea Scout Quartermaster Award, 3) Have demonstrated exemplary citizenship in school, Scouting and community, 4) Have reached his or her 15th birthday and is enrolled in high school at the time of selection.

Applicants still in high school who reach their 18th birthday during the nomination year remain eligible if otherwise qualified. A Scout may enter though only one VFW Post. Prior National Scout of the Year winners are ineligible.

A plaque and $350 cash award from Department will be presented to the state winner during the State Convention in June.

Deadlines for Scout of the Year candidates are:

Scout entries submitted to Post – March 1

Post winner submitted to Department Chairman – April 1

Department winner submitted to National – May 1

STATE CONVENTION

POST AND AUXILIARY AWARDS

“RED” SAFLEY MEMORIAL

NEW MEMBER AWARD

A beautiful VFW plaque will be awarded by the Department of Tennessee to the Post reporting the most NEW members into the VFW beginning July 1 to the following June 1. Results will be taken from the official printout furnished by National Headquarters.

E. J. (JIM) POOLE MEMORIAL AWARD

This award, a beautiful achievement plaque and a check for $75, this most prestigious membership award will be presented to the District Commander whose District has the greatest percentage increase in membership over 100% based upon the previous year’s membership totals. Cut-off date is June 10, 2021

BALSOM V. PERRY MEMORIAL

DISTRICT COMMANDER AWARD

The District Commander having reported the most NEW VFW Life Memberships beginning July 1 to the following June 1 will receive a beautiful plaque.

BALSOM V. PERRY MEMORIAL

POST AWARD

The Post having reported the most NEW VFW Life Memberships beginning July 1 to the following June 1 will receive a beautiful plaque.

COMMUNITY SERVICE RECORD BOOK AWARDS

Community Service incentive plaques will go to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. Posts who submit a Record book of their community activities for entry in the state and national contest. The first place state winner will receive the National Outstanding Community Service Post Award at the VFW National Convention. This award includes a plaque inscribed with the name of the VFW Post and its Auxiliary (if applicable), a stipend to cover part of the Post/Auxiliary representative's expenses to the National Convention, publication of the Post’s name in the Convention program booklet and a street sign identifying this national award for the Post to put up in their community. Guidelines can be obtained by contacting Department Headquarters. Record books must be received in Department Headquarters by April 15, 2021.

OUTSTANDING RECRUITER OF THE YEAR

A special award will be presented to a member of the VFW who recruits the most new and/or reinstated members into the VFW starting July 1 to the following June 1. The winner will be chosen from the National Headquarters Recruiter Report.

JACK KERR MEMORIAL OUTSTANDING

POST QUARTERMASTER AWARD

A beautiful plaque will be awarded to an Outstanding Post Quartermaster on the basis of 1) Early and timely membership reports, 2) Highest percentage of increase, 3) Trustee Audit Reports filed in accordance with the National By-Laws and Manual of Procedure, 4) Post Inspection and 5) Increase in Buddy Poppy order over previous year. Previous winners are not eligible. Deadline: June 10, 2021.

VERA HALEY MEMORIAL

MEMBERSHIP AWARD

A beautiful plaque and a check for $75 will be presented to a member of the Auxiliary who recruits the most new and reinstated members, into the VFW beginning July 1 to the following June 1. (Will have at least (5) to qualify.) It will be the responsibility of the Auxiliary member to see that the number of members she has recruited is certified by the Post Quartermaster and reported by him to Department Headquarters.

ALL STATE POST COMMANDERS TEAM

AND

ALL STATE DISTRICT COMMANDERS TEAM

Each winning team (commander and quartermaster) will receive their awards during the State Convention.

(See sections on All State criteria in this book)

STATE CONVENTION AWARDS BANQUET

COOPER T. HOLT MEMORIAL AWARD

This award will be presented at the State Convention to an outstanding VFW member in Tennessee. This beautiful plaque will be awarded on the basis of the individual’s VFW achievements such as membership work, community activities, youth activities, serving as project chairmen and leadership in Post and Community affairs, which may add to the prestige of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in the community and ultimately produce a desire on the part of veterans to join the organization. State chair officers will select the winner. All nominations must be submitted in writing to Department Headquarters by June 1, 2021.

COOPER T. HOLT MEMORIAL AWARD CRITERIA

The degree of interest and participation by the individual in organizing or assisting in the Post membership campaign.

Participation in community activities wherein the individual represented the Veterans of Foreign Wars and certain prestige incurred to the local Post, fundraising, blood bank, Loyalty Day, Veterans Day and Memorial Day.

Contribution to youth activities in the community such as: Scouting, Baseball, underprivileged or the mentally challenged.

Qualities of leadership displayed in dealing with Municipal officials, other clubs and service groups.

Attendance by the individual at Post, District and Department functions where his/her influence tends to improve the qualities of leadership within the organization.

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BUDDY POPPY AWARD

Beautiful plaques will be presented to the first, second and third place winners of each (3)categories of our Department Buddy Poppy Display Contest. Judging of displays will be on the basis of effectiveness, purpose, clarity of theme, suitability, originality, beauty and number of Poppies used. The first place winner, of each category; at their discretion, may enter the National Buddy Poppy Display Contest held at the National Convention. Departments purchasing over 250,000 Poppies will be allowed two displays in each of the three categories, as outlined by National in the VFW Programs Chairmen’s Guide.

RULES

(1) Displays will be presented and judged in three categories:

CATEGORY 1. Public Promotion of Poppy Campaign (Window, booth, parade, poster displays, campaign promotions, etc.)

(a) Displays must be designed for public exposure and must bear a message soliciting a donation for and wearing of the VFW “Buddy”® Poppy.

(b) At least one (1) of the Poppies used in the display must be in its original form and color, with label attached.

CATEGORY 2. Memorial or Inspirational Displays (Wreaths, memorial tablets or plaques, patriotic or devotional themes)

(a) Displays must be designed to honor the dead, to inspire devotion to God and Country, or to dramatize the activities supported by the “Buddy”® Poppy.

(b) At least one (1) of the Poppies used in the display must be in its original form and color, with label attached.

CATEGORY 3. Artistic or Decorative Use of Poppies (Post Home displays, table center- pieces, corsages, pictures, plaques, models, scenes, hats, novelty pieces, etc.)

(a) Any display not meeting the qualifications for Categories 1 or 2 shall automatically be entered in Category 3.

(b) At least one (1) of the Poppies used in the display must be in its original form and color, with label attached.

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