PUBLICATIONS CONTEST

Publications & Newsletter Contest | VFW Department of Washington

Publications & Newsletter Contest

Recognizing outstanding communication and design across all levels of the VFW

Overview

Submissions are now open for the 2025–2026 Publications and Newsletter Contest.

The VFW Department of Washington honors excellence in communication, layout, and content among Department, District, and Post publications that keep members informed and advance the VFW mission throughout our communities.

Categories

  • Newspaper/Newsletter – Printed on newspaper stock.
  • Best Feature Story – A published article (minimum 300 words), either original or reprinted, printed and mailed (no email submissions).
  • Magazine – Defined by print size and paper or designed for online distribution as a color PDF, printed and mailed.

Evaluated on overall design, content quality, readability, and relevance to members.

Judged for creativity, layout, and how effectively they communicate Post activities and programs.

Awards

Each category will be recognized as follows:

  • Grand Award – First place, plaque presentation
  • Silver Award – Second place, certificate
  • Bronze Award – Third place, certificate

Eligibility & Guidelines

Entries must have been published between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025.

Editorials or opinion pieces will not be considered. Articles written by VFW Magazine staff are ineligible.

Only one issue per publication may be submitted. Multiple issues will not be reviewed.

Examples of eligible stories include Department programs, veteran events, community outreach, or troop-support activities.

Timeline

January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025

Eligible publication period

February 28, 2026

Deadline for entries to be received by the Department of Washington

March 2026

Department judging and forwarding of winning entries to National (ahead of the National March 28 window)

June 2026

National-level winners announced

Submission Instructions

All entries must be submitted to the VFW Department of Washington. The Department will review and forward qualifying entries to National Headquarters after judging.

Send all entries to:

Publications Contest
VFW Department of Washington
5213 Pacific Highway East
Fife, WA 98424

Deadline for Department receipt: February 28, 2026

  • Email submissions accepted (PDFs for digital publications; scans for print entries).
  • Physical copies may be mailed to the Department address above.
  • Only one issue per publication; editorials and op-eds are not eligible.