Teacher of the Year

Without our nation’s Veterans, America wouldn't be the great nation it is today. Our youth deserve to learn about our rich history, traditions and the role of our veterans in creating and shaping America.

The VFW Teacher of the Year award contest recognizes three exceptional teachers for their outstanding commitment to teaching Americanism and patriotism to their students. Each year, a certified/licensed elementary, junior high and high school teacher whose curriculum focuses on citizenship education topics can be nominated for the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award. Winners receive:

• A $1,000 award for professional development expenses.
• A $1,000 award for his/her school.
• Two award plaques: one for the teacher, the other for his/her school.
• An all-expenses-paid trip to attend a VFW conference to receive their award. 

Who Is Eligible?

1. Teachers who promote civic responsibility, flag etiquette and patriotism are prime candidates for this award. For example, do you know a teacher who plans field trips to city hall or organizes community volunteer projects? Maybe you know an instructor who invites veterans into the classroom to discuss their military experiences. Perhaps you are familiar with a teacher who fosters the development of democratic values and beliefs through special projects. If you know of such a teacher, honor him or her today.
2. All current certified/licensed teachers in grades K-12 are eligible. Previous national winners are ineligible. Nominations can be submitted by themselves, fellow teachers, supervisors, family members or other interested individuals.

Documentation required for all Candidates:     Entry Form

All nominees must provide a one-page resume as a minimum or up to five pages as a maximum of documentation of their teaching experience (for example: references, news articles, etc.) and a head-and-shoulder photo of themselves. 

What is the entry deadline?

These items must be included with the Teacher Entry form to VFW Post 101 by midnight 31 October 2021.

 Each year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars selects emergency medical technicians, law enforcement and firefighter personnel to receive VFW Public Servant Awards.

Emergency Medical Technician Public Servant Citation:

Any individual, who actively gives emergency medical treatment, provides rescue service or civil disaster assistance as a member of any public or volunteer company organized to give emergency medical care, provide rescue and civil disaster assistance to our nation’s citizens.

Law Enforcement Public Servant Citation:

Any individual who serves in a municipal, county, state or federal unit tasked with enforcement of the laws pertaining to their area of responsibility. This award does not apply to individual employed by private companies or security services.

Firefighters Public Servant Citation: Any individual who actively fights fires as a member of any public or volunteer company organized to fight fires and give assistance to our nation’s citizens.

Criteria for these awards – Candidates must have demonstrated:

1. 1)  Recognition by their colleagues or those they serve.
2. 2)  Consistent excellence in the performance of their duties.
3. 3)  Consistent dedication to their official responsibilities over a period of years and continuous growth
   in responsibilities and skills within their profession.

Documentation required for all Candidates:

Nomination letter containing the candidate’s name, title, address, telephone and identifying the award for which the individual should be considered. Include justification outlining background in field, accomplishments and awards and a head-and-shoulder photo.

What is the entry deadline?     Entry Form

These items must be submitted to VFW Post 101 by midnight 31 December 2021.

 Junior and Senior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) prepares our young men and women for careers of military service. As these individuals fulfill their obligations to the nation, many will serve in harm’s way and become eligible for VFW membership.

VFW ROTC awards give special recognition of outstanding achievement and exceptional leadership ability. These awards are available for both JROTC and ROTC programs.

JROTC:

Eligibility

1. Any 10th, 11th, or 12th grade student who is currently enrolled as a JROTC Cadet actively engaged in the JROTC Program, and one who meets the criteria for the award.
2. Criteria:
   
   1. Possession of individual characteristics contributing
      to leadership, including:
      
      1. Positive attitude toward the Junior ROTC program.
      2. Outstanding military bearing and conduct, both in
         and out of uniform.
      3. Personal attributes (self-confidence, initiative,
         flexibility, and judgement).
      4. Patriotism (commander or member of color guard,
         drill team with or without arms, flag protocol
         instruction team, and actively promote Americanism).
      5. Courtesy (dependability, punctuality, human relations,
         respect, and cooperation).
      6. Growth potential (capable of assuming high leadership
         responsibilities in JROTC Unit with additional training
         and experience).
   2. Attainment of a grade of “B” in JROTC with an overall
      average of “C” in all subjects for the previous semester. Must not have a failing grade in any subject for that period of time.
   3. Must be active in at least one other student co-curricular activity or club; i.e., music, athletics, student government, Junior Achievement, etc.
   4. Must not have been a previous recipient of the award.

Administration

The recipient of the award will be selected by the JROTC Unit.

ROTC:

Eligibility

a. Undergraduate student enrolled in Ms-I, -II, -III, or IV. b. Criteria:

1. Be in good standing academically and militarily.
2. Have demonstrated achievement and concentrated effort in
   military subjects or militarily academic subjects and/or demonstrated capability and diligence in a related activity of the ROTC program.
3. Must not have been a previous recipient of the award.

Administration

The recipient of the award will be selected by the SROTC Unit.

ROTC Units need to contact the VFW Post 101 Commander at least 60 days prior to award presentation by phone (719) 822-0332 or email marionlwillis101@gmail.com

VFW Post 101 regularly identifies and honors individuals throughout the year in our geographic area who have saved a life. The VFW  provides the three different life saving citations (Regular, Line of duty and Valor)

Regular Life Saving Citation: Honors individuals who have, without regard for their own comfort, taken action resulting in the saving of another human life.

Line of Duty Life Saving Citation: Honors individuals who, in the execution of their assigned duties, have taken action resulting in saving of another human life.

Valor Life Saving Citation: Honors civilians who have taken action resulting in the saving of another human life and have placed their own safety at risk.

If you are aware of someone that meets the above criteria, please contact the VFW Post 101 Commander by phone (719) 822-0332 or email marionlwillis101@gmail.com