VFW Publication Contest Now Accepting Submissions

Are you a VFW member and have published a written piece that you’re proud of in the past year? VFW is now accepting submissions for the 2026 Publication Contest!

VFW members have a rich history of storytelling excellence. Through retellings of their service, VFW members have helped shape laws for veterans, inform civilians of the experiences of serving and help fight against stigmas.

We are excited to celebrate the excellent written works of VFW members that continue to influence communities.

Qualifying submissions must have been published between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2025, and must fall within one of the following categories:

• Newspaper/Newsletter: defined as being printed on newspaper stock.
• Best Feature Story: the story must be a published article of at least 300 words. It can be originally written by your newspaper/magazine staff or by a freelance writer or reprinted from a newspaper within your state. Feature articles published in online/electronic newsletters, newspapers or magazines also are eligible but must be printed in color and submitted via USPS, not email.
• Magazine: Defined by physical size and paper stock, or designed for online distribution as a PDF. Online/electronic magazines must be printed in color and submitted via USPS, not email.
• District/Post-level Publications: Defined as Post/District newsletters, magazines or newspapers exclusive to Post members. 

Each category will be awarded three places: a grand award (first overall), which will include a plaque, silver (second overall) and bronze (third overall), with silver and bronze winners receiving a certificate suitable for framing.

In order for your written piece to qualify, it must be published:

• In a VFW-related publication that is published at least four times annually (for example: Iowa VFW Voice).
• In a non-related VFW publication that is published at least five times annually.

All submissions must be mailed directly to VFW National Headquarters.

For additional information on the contest, please visit https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/archives/2026/1/vfw-announces-annual-publications-contest.