VFW MEMBER OF THE YEAR


Purpose:  The  award is to recognize a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars who has exemplified in their actions and accomplishments, the true spirit of our Organization in serving the needs of their Post, and Community, and who has dedicated themselves in a professional manner to addressing the Pillars of our Organization.  Department leaders are encouraged to submit to VFW Programs office a narrative write up on a comrade from their Department that is leading from the front and supporting one or more of the purposes  of our Congressional Charter.

 

Eligibility: This award is intended to recognize a member in good standing of the Veterans of Foreign Wars who has been a member a minimum of one full membership year, and has received a nomination for their activities during the award Year according to the Award guidelines. Departments are encouraged to submit their winners from their own contest if they have a current member of year process. Award candidates holding any of the following elected or appointed office during the award year, are not eligible. (Specifically Commander, QM, Adjutant, Service Officer or Chaplain) In addition, Past State Commanders and Past National Council members are ineligible from nomination.

 

Type of Recognition: The Department winner will receive a citation from the Department Commander at the Department Convention.  The National award winner will receive a National Cap with title of Member of the Year & citation presented at National Convention by the Commander-in-Chief. The award winner will additionally receive full room and travel for the duration of the National Convention for the award presentation. Each department winner will also receive a citation from the Commander-In-Chief.

 

Criteria: This award recognizes exceptional performance as a member of the VFW. Examples of service that would be considered in judging the nominee include the following:

  • Nominee presents themselves in a professional and helpful manner within the Organization and within the Community.
  • Nominee shows an active interest in their Department by attending meetings and showing a willingness to consider leadership roles.
  • Nominee participates in activities and events within the Department to help raise awareness of the Organization in the Community.
  • Nominee has shown a willingness to work together with other VFW, Auxiliary, and Riders Members in a spirit of cooperation to accomplish the same goals.
  • Nominee volunteers for and participates in activities and events that address the needs of target groups and individuals in the Community.
  • Nominee has demonstrated actions which contribute to improving the quality of life for those we are intended to serve, whether they are children or adults, and whether they are homeless, hospitalized, handicapped, in need of a job or education.
  • Nominee encourages members of the Community to support VFW programs and continually encourages others to become members.
  • Nominee must have been submitted for #StillServing campaign recognition at https://todaysvfw.org/

 

Process: Any VFW member in good standing may be nominated as a Member of The Year candidate using the Member of The Year Nomination Form by the Department Commander. Nominations may be made by another VFW member, a Post Commander or a District Commander.  Award candidates holding any of the following elected or appointed office during the award year, are not eligible. (Specifically the following officers -Commander, Adjutant, Service Officer or Chaplain). In addition, Past State Commanders and Past National Council members are ineligible from nomination. Complete nominations must be received at Department Headquarters by April 10, 2024

 

Nomination Criteria and Nomination Form may be obtained from Department Headquarters or by downloading and submitting this form: VFW Member of the Year Award 

 

If you have any questions please contact the Department Adjutant at 517-485-9456   or    adjutant@vfwmi.vet