PUBLICATIONS CONTEST

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VFW Department of Washington

Publications & Newsletter Contest

Recognizing publications that keep members informed, share veterans’ stories, and connect the VFW with our communities.

Contest status

The 2025–2026 contest cycle is closed. The dates below are retained for reference. Next-cycle eligibility dates, deadlines, and submission requirements have not been verified for this page.

Before preparing a new entry, confirm the current instructions with the Department.

Department submission routing

District → Department Adjutant → appropriate Department Chairman.

The Publication Award is listed in the Department’s 2026–2027 All-State submission routing. Districts must send submissions to the Department Adjutant at adj@vfwwa.net for tracking and onward routing as needed.

This applies to District-to-Department submissions. Posts should follow their District’s instructions. It does not replace separate National contest entry requirements.

Confirm delivery requirements first

Ask the Adjutant for the current Department deadline, required materials, and whether electronic or physical copies are needed. An email inquiry does not establish acceptance of a contest entry.

Department office
VFW Department of Washington
5213 Pacific Highway East
Fife, WA 98424
253-922-2114

Previous-cycle guidelines

These guidelines describe the completed contest. Confirm new rules before submitting.

Department publications

  • Newspaper / newsletter
  • Best feature story
  • Magazine

District and Post publications

Overall design and content recognize publications that communicate effectively with their members.

Eligibility and entry preparation
  • Eligible publication dates: January 1–December 31, 2025.
  • Submit only one issue of a publication.
  • Best feature stories must be at least 300 words.
  • Editorials, opinion pieces, and reprinted articles by VFW Magazine staff are excluded.
  • For National entry, electronic feature stories and magazines require color printouts mailed through USPS.
Awards
  • Grand Award: first place; plaque.
  • Silver Award: second place; certificate.
  • Bronze Award: third place; certificate.

National contest — completed cycle

The 2026 National announcement required entries to go directly to National Headquarters, with an April 1, 2026 postmark. Entry was not limited to Department winners. These instructions are separate from Department All-State routing.

National results were announced on May 12, 2026. Do not use these expired dates for the next contest.

Questions about your publication?

Contact the Department for current contest instructions and the appropriate program contact.

Contact the Department
Version 1.1.0 · Updated September 23, 2026 · VFW Department of Washington