VOICE OF DEMOCRACY

THE 2026-27 VOD THEME has been announced:

"WHAT A VETERAN TAUGHT ME ABOUT AMERICA" 

 

The VFW Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves on a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay.  Each year, nearly 27,000 9th through 12th grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $2 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program. 

In Michigan, one student from each of the VFW's 12 Districts will compete on the state level, each winning a minimum scholarship of $1,000. The State winner will go on to compete at the National level of judging. The National first place winner will receive a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school of choice.

 
The 2025 - 2026 State of Michigan Voice of Democracy Program judging was completed in December.  On January 31, 2026 the State winner was announced at the State Mid-Winter Conference award banquet honoring this year's three Teachers of the Year and the VOD State winner and the Patriot Pen State winner.
 
And the 2025-26 VOD State winner is:
Levi Darnell, representing District 11, sponsored by VFW Post 5738, Clare
Levi will receive the $6,000 Ralph J. Seabold Scholarship and an all expense paid trip to the Freedom Foundation experience at Valley Forge, PA.  Levi will now complete in the National competition against 51 other Department winners for the VFW National award of a $35,000 scholarship.

Michael Martin, Director

199 East 34th St, Apt 2

Holland MI 49423

616-594-9151

scholarships@vfwmi.vet

 

Dee Ann Miller, Auxiliary Chair

5742 Harrison St

Garden City, MI  48135

313-570-4525

deeannm1@yahoo.com


Statewide News

News & Info from your department

More than a Game: The legacy of the VFW Pool Tournament

In 1968, a friendly challenge to a game of pool was thrown out between VFW members from different parts of Michigan. Now, 56 years later, the VFW Michigan Pool League has attracted hundreds of veterans who compete annually.

State Adjutant shares in-person memory of 1982 DC Vietnam Memorial dedication

VFW Department of Michigan Adjutant & Quartermaster Barry Walter attended the Washington D.C. Vietnam Memorial Dedication on November 13, 1982. Now, 76, Barry recalls being a 35-year-old VFW service officer, witnessing history for his generation of warriors.

National News

Important info from National VFW

VFW 2026 National Youth Scholarship Winners Announced

PHILADELPHIA - Earlier today the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) proudly named the national winners of its 2025-2026 Voice of Democ...

VFW Honors the Nation's Gulf War Veterans

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - April 11 marks the 35th anniversary of the formal end to the Persian Gulf War. On this milestone date, the Vete...

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