Post Requirements
- Meet the applicable division quota below and retain at least 80% of prior-year annual members.
- Submit the Post election report, remain in good standing, and meet charter eligibility: chartered for a full calendar year as of 01-Jul-2026.
- Advance at least one entry each for Voice of Democracy, Patriot’s Pen, and the National Citizenship Education Teachers Award to District judging. If District judging is unavailable for the teacher entry, advance it to Department.
- Record eligible program entries in the National Programs Dashboard by 31-Jan-2027.
- Donate at least $125 to National Veterans Service and $75 restricted to DPAA through the Programs Dashboard.
- Participate in the VFW Day of Service during May 2027. Submit event-based community service reports for each quarter and increase total community service by at least 5% over the prior year.
- Purchase at least five Buddy Poppies per member, with a minimum of 500.
| Division | Membership | Quota |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 501+ | 103% |
| 2 | 351–500 | 104% |
| 3 | 246–350 | 105% |
| 4 | 190–245 | 106% |
| 5 | 150–189 | 107% |
| 6 | 125–149 | 108% |
| 7 | 105–124 | 109% |
| 8 | 90–104 | 110% |
| 9 | 70–89 | 111% |
| 10 | 50–69 | 112% |
| 11 | 10–49 | 113% |
National determines membership calculations and eligibility. Newly chartered Posts may instead qualify for the New Post Growth Grant.
District Requirements
- Exceed the 30-Jun-2026 membership total by at least one member and finish among the top 20 Districts in the division.
- Submit a District election report and remain in good standing.
- Donate at least $100 restricted to DPAA through the Programs Dashboard.
- Advance Voice of Democracy, Patriot’s Pen, and the National Citizenship Education Teachers Award to Department judging; record entries by 31-Jan-2027.
Washington All-State entries advancing from District to Department go to the Department Adjutant. National All-American reporting and program-specific deadlines still apply.
Department Requirements
- Exceed the 30-Jun-2026 membership total by at least one member.
- File monthly Department legislative chairman reports through the Programs Dashboard.
- Donate at least $200 restricted to DPAA through the Programs Dashboard.
- Advance Voice of Democracy, Patriot’s Pen, and Teacher of the Year to National judging and record entries by 31-Jan-2027.
- Conduct a Department National Veterans Service fundraiser and submit proceeds through the Programs Dashboard.
Awards and Special Honors
Qualifying Posts receive a streamer, Post Home Citation, and magazine recognition. The top 20 Posts in each division receive additional Commander awards; the top five Commanders in each division may receive $1,000 with required National Convention attendance.
Qualifying Districts receive recognition and citations. The top 10 in each division receive additional Commander awards, and the top two District Commanders in each division may receive $1,000 with required convention attendance.
Qualifying Departments receive Commander recognition and a $1,000 leadership award.
Triple Crown and Recruiting
Triple Crown honors Commanders recognized as All-American at Post, District, and Department levels. Details on individual recruiting, Early Bird awards, and other incentives are in the National program.
