PATRIOT PEN

 The 2026-27 Patriot's Pen Theme has been announced.

"WHAT A VETERAN TAUGHT ME ABOUT AMERICA"

 2026 - 2027 Department Patriot's Pen Program (click here)


2026-2027 Patriot's Pen Brochure


2026-2027 Patriot's Pen Student Entry Form


2026-2027 Student Biographical Questionnaire Form


2026-2027 Parental / School Release Form 


 2026-2027 VOD and Patriot's Pen Chairperson's Guide


2026-2027 Patriot's Pen National Scholarship Awards Listing


2026-2027 Patriot's Pen Judging Guidelines


2026-2027 Patriot's Pen Judges Scoresheet


Each year, nearly 68,800 students in sixth through eighth grades enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen Youth Essay Contest nationally, for a chance to win their share of more than $1.4 million in state and national awards. 

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. 

 

The 2025 - 2026 State of Michigan Patriot Pen Program judging was completed in December.  On January 31, 2026 the State winner was announced at the State Mid-Winter Conference award banquet honoring this year's three Teachers of the Year and the VOD State winner and the Patriot Pen State winner.
 
And the 2025-26 Patriot Pen State winner is:
Brandon Darnell, representing District 11, sponsored by VFW Post 5738, Clare
Brandon will received the $1,000 Wes Longenbach Memorial Award.  Brandon will now complete in the National competition against 51 other Department winners for the VFW National award of $5,000.


 

Michael Martin, Director
199 East 34th St, Apt 2
Holland MI 49423
616-594-9151
 
Nicole Koutz, Auxiliary Chairman
410 N Clinton St
St Louis,  MI  48880
989-620-6425
turtlelee@hotmail.com

Statewide News

News & Info from your department

More than a Game: The legacy of the VFW Pool Tournament

In 1968, a friendly challenge to a game of pool was thrown out between VFW members from different parts of Michigan. Now, 56 years later, the VFW Michigan Pool League has attracted hundreds of veterans who compete annually.

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State Adjutant shares in-person memory of 1982 DC Vietnam Memorial dedication

VFW Department of Michigan Adjutant & Quartermaster Barry Walter attended the Washington D.C. Vietnam Memorial Dedication on November 13, 1982. Now, 76, Barry recalls being a 35-year-old VFW service officer, witnessing history for his generation of warriors.

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National News

Important info from National VFW

The VFW Remembers and Reflects This Patriot Day

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - This Sept. 11, in observance of Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance, the Veterans of Foreig...

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VFW Commemorates Fifth Anniversary of the Afghanistan War Conclusion

KANSAS CITY - On Aug. 30, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) will pause to honor and remember the conclusion of the Afghanistan Wa...

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