All-American Program (2025–2026)

Recognizing exceptional leadership in membership growth and participation in VFW core programs across Posts, Districts, and Departments.

Download National Program PDF Key Deadlines

Last updated: September 18, 2025

Program Overview

The All-American Program recognizes teams that hit 101%+ membership and complete program participation benchmarks in Voice of Democracy, Patriot’s Pen, and more. Eligible awardees are honored on stage at the National Convention.

Post Criteria

  • At least 101% in membership based on adjusted prior-year totals.
  • Post election report submitted; Post in good standing.
  • Program Participation by Jan 31, 2026:
    • Voice of Democracy – advance ≥1 entry to District judging.
    • Patriot’s Pen – advance ≥1 entry to District judging.
    • Donate ≥$125 to Veterans & Military Support Programs Services.
  • VFW Day of Service in May; register by May 15.
  • Submit Community Service Reports quarterly (Jul–Sep, Oct–Dec, Jan–Mar, Apr–Jun).
  • Purchase ≥500 Buddy Poppies.

Post Awards

All-American Post: Streamer, Post Home Citation, VFW Magazine recognition
Top 15 per Division: Commander’s Citation, Cap, Badge, Lapel Pin
Top 5 per Division: Up to $1,000 travel/lodging reimbursement
Captain/Co-Captain: Top 2 Commanders per division designated on caps

District Criteria

  • At least 101% in membership based on adjusted prior-year totals.
  • District election report submitted to National.
  • Program Participation by Jan 31, 2026:
    • Voice of Democracy – advance ≥1 entry to District judging.
    • Patriot’s Pen – advance ≥1 entry to District judging.

District Awards

All-American District: Streamer, Commander’s Citation, VFW Magazine recognition
Top 10 Commanders: Cap, Badge, Lapel Pin (presented on stage)
Top 2 Commanders: Up to $1,000 travel/lodging reimbursement; Captain & Co-Captain designation

Department Criteria

  • At least 101% in membership based on adjusted prior-year totals.
  • Submit legislative chairman reports monthly via the Program dashboard.
  • Program Participation by Jan 31, 2026:
    • Voice of Democracy – advance an entry to National judging.
    • Patriot’s Pen – advance an entry to National judging.
    • Veterans & Military Support – complete a Department fundraiser; donate proceeds to VMS (Kansas City).

Department Awards

All-American Department: Streamer, Commander’s Citation, Cap, Badge, Lapel Pin
Travel Reimbursement: Up to $1,000 for National Convention (on-stage recognition)

Special Honors & Challenges

Triple Crown

Earn All-American Commander at Post + District + Department. Honored at the National Convention with a special pin.

Individual Recruiting Awards

  • 5/10/15: Recruiter pins
  • 25: Commander-in-Chief’s Coin
  • 50: Recruiter’s Medical Bag
  • 75: Commander-in-Chief’s Medallion Set
  • 100: Century Cap & Citation (or $50 VFW Store credit)

Early Bird

Top two Posts in each division as of Jan 1, 2026 receive a $1,000 VFW Store certificate.

101% Streamer

All Posts, Districts, Departments reaching 101% by Jun 30, 2026 receive a distinctive streamer.

Reference: VFW National Membership Program 2025–2026 and VFW Brand Guidelines.