Awards &
Recognition
Exceptional service deserves to be recognized. Explore Department awards honoring veterans, VFW leaders, volunteers, educators, and the public servants who protect our communities.
Outstanding members & leadership
Recognize the people whose dedication strengthens veterans, Posts, Districts, and communities across Washington.
Veteran of the Year
Honors a VFW comrade whose exceptional volunteer work, leadership, and support to veterans create a lasting impact.
- Who may nominate
- Each Post Commander may nominate one veteran.
- 2026–2027 milestone
- All-State lists Post advancement by . Confirm local and District instructions.
Chaplain of the Year
Celebrates a Chaplain whose compassionate ministry, service to comrades and families, and commitment to VFW values go beyond expectations.
- Eligibility
- Eligible VFW Chaplains in good standing; review the current criteria.
- Deadline
- , under the award page’s annual procedure.
Quartermaster of the Year
Recognizes Post and District Quartermasters who demonstrate reliable stewardship, administrative excellence, and dedicated service.
- Eligibility
- Current Post or District Quartermaster.
- Judging cutoff
- ; online nomination available.
Humanitarian Award
Honors meaningful help provided to veterans and families experiencing homelessness, hardship, or other urgent needs.
- Eligibility
- VFW members; confirm Auxiliary eligibility with the Department.
- Deadline
- The linked form is for 2026. Confirm the 2026–2027 date and form before applying.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Recognizes sustained leadership, mentorship, patriotism, and meaningful service across a member’s VFW career.
- Eligibility
- Washington VFW member in good standing, with at least 10 years of active service.
- Nomination window
- January 1–March 31 annually, per the award page.
Courage & volunteer service
Recognize extraordinary action that saves lives or improves the lives of hospitalized veterans.
Life Saving Award
Honors people whose exceptional bravery or quick thinking saved, or attempted to save, a human life in dangerous circumstances.
- Eligibility
- VFW and Auxiliary members, as well as civilians.
- Nomination route
- Provide supporting evidence to Department Headquarters for review and forwarding.
Claude Owens Award
Hospital Volunteer of the Year recognition for the dedicated volunteers who bring practical help, comfort, and companionship to hospitalized veterans.
- Who it recognizes
- VFW and Auxiliary volunteers who support hospitalized veterans.
- Nomination route
- Use the posted form and follow Department Headquarters instructions.
Public Servant Awards
Celebrate professionals and volunteers whose courage, skill, and commitment make Washington communities safer.
Recognizing those who protect, serve, and save lives
The VFW Public Servant Awards honor excellence in five public-safety disciplines.
- Law enforcement
- Firefighters
- Emergency Medical Technicians
- 911 dispatchers
- Bomb / EOD technicians
Education & publications
Recognize educators who inspire citizenship and the publications that strengthen communication within the VFW.
Teacher of the Year
The Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award honors teachers who promote civic responsibility and patriotism.
- Recognition levels
- Elementary (K–5), middle (6–8), and high school (9–12).
- 2026–2027 Post deadline
- . District winners reach the Department Adjutant by December 15, 2026.
Publications Contest
Recognizes strong newsletters, magazines, and feature stories that inform members and share VFW stories with the public.
- Eligible publications
- Post, District, and Department publications; see contest categories.
- Current status
- The published 2025–2026 cycle is closed. Confirm new-cycle dates and requirements with the Department.
All-State & All-American
These are separate Post and District performance programs under Programs—not individual award categories. Access their current requirements directly.
All-State
Recognizes Posts and Districts that meet Washington’s membership, community service, participation, and reporting requirements.
View the 2026–2027 All-State Program →All-American
National recognition for qualifying Posts, Districts, and Departments based on membership, programs, reporting, and service.
View the 2026–2027 All-American Program →How to nominate someone
Follow the right path from the start to avoid incomplete packets and missed deadlines.
- Choose the award
Open the individual award page and verify nominee eligibility, current dates, and who may submit.
- Prepare the packet
Use the official current form. Include signatures, service examples, narratives, and other required evidence.
- Follow the routing
Submit first through the Post or District when required; do not bypass an award’s specific online or Department procedures.
Forms, guidance & local Posts
Use these resources to coordinate nominations, locate a VFW Post, and review Department award procedures.
