PROGRAMS

Lake Washington Post 2995 has number of programs throughout the year to support Veterans, Military, their families, and the community.
 
Fisher House Paper Drive. (May)
Supporting both the Fisher Houses located at the VA Puget Sound (Seattle) hospital and at Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM), we conduct an annual drive at the beginning of May to collect all sorts of paper products - paper towels, toilet paper, napkins, paper plates/bowls.  In addition, coffee K-cups, and other items.
 
Donations will be accepted by the Post during business hours or monetary donation can be made


Buddy Poppy (Memorial Day Weekend)
Every Memorial Day weekend beginning the Friday before Memorial Day and ending on Memorial Day, the Post collects donations for its Relief Funds.  These funds are specifically earmarked and assist local area Veterans and their families in times of need, crisis, or unexpected financial difficulties.  The funds are also used support the VFW National Home for Children.
 
Donations can also be made electronically and are deposited directed in our Relief Funds.  The donation app takes all forms of payment and is easy to use.


Flag Retirements (near 14 Jun)
U.S. Flags are retired annual as near as possible to 14 Jun (Flag Day).  Collected flags that are unserviceable are retired.  The is an excellent opportunity to learn how to properly retire the flag from service and learn the facts of when a flag needs to be retired.

You can drop off a U.S. Flag for retirement at the Post during business hours or place it in our Flag Bin.  Only U.S. Flags are accepted.  You may also make a Donation in support of this program.

Visit our Flag Etiquette page for more information.
 

Backpack Drive (Jul - Aug)
At the end of July, we gear up for our annual Backpack Drive.  We work with the Santa's Castle team at Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) to outfit the children of Active-Duty Military in the elementary and middle school (K-8) grade levels.  Santa's Castle provides school supplies for families in financial distress through their unit Chaplain or Commanding Officer.  The event at JBLM is held in Aug.

We will have a list of needed school supplies out shortly.  We'll buy the backpack to ensure adequate sizes and colors are available for the kids.  Once all the supplies are received, we'll stock the backpacks and deliver them down to JBLM.  Monetary Donations can also be made at the Post.


Youth Scholarships (Sep - Oct)

The VFW is dedicated to promoting patriotism and investing in our future generations.  Our youth scholarships challenge students to reflect on our nation's history, their ideals and principles, and their own experiences based on a patriotic theme.

 

Voice of Democracy - Grades 9 - 12

Established in 1947, the Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay.  Each year, nearly 25,000 students enter to win their share of more than $1.3 million in educational scholarships and incentives being awarded.

 

The national first place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school.  Additional national scholarships range from $1,000-$21,000, and the first-place winner from each Department (state) wins at least a scholarship of $1,000.

 

Patriot's Pen - Grades 6 - 8

Each year, nearly 68,800 students in sixth through eighth grades enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of more than $1.4 million in state and national awards.  Each first-place state winner receives a minimum of $500 at the national level, and the national first place winner wins $5,000!

 

The essay contest encourages young minds to examine America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society, by drafting a 300 to 400-word essay, expressing their views based on a patriotic theme chosen by the VFW Commander-in-Chief.

 

Department of Washington Youth Essays - Grades 3 - 5

The VFW Department of Washington provides a youth essay contest for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students.  Participants must compose their own essay, and it must be clearly handwritten, typed, or computer prepared.

 

The program is completely voluntary, and a student does not have to go through his/her school to participate.  Any student from any school in Washington State may enter the program.  Home Schooled students are also eligible.  Essays become the property of the Department.  The essay shall not exceed 250 words.  Essays must stay within the prescribed subject matter and there can be NO added color or artwork.  Essays written in poem for will not be accepted.