VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA

2004 MEMBERSHIP - AWARDS PROGRAM
(JULY 1, 2003 - JUNE 30, 2004)

NATIONAL COMMANDER - IN - CHIEF

"COURAGE & CONVICTION"

DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA

"UNITED FOR SERVICE TO AMERICA"

DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA & LADIES AUXILIARY

"WORKING TOGETHER"



This Membership - Awards Program has been designed with incentives to work on membership, VFW programs, meeting attendance and submission of reports.

MEMBERSHIP PLAQUES will be presented at the State Convention to the largest Post in each category. The judging will be based on Membership as of December 26, 2003.

Category A - Posts with Membership of 10 thru 100
Category B - Posts with Membership of 101 thru 300
Category C - Posts with Membership of 301 thru 500
Category D - Posts with Membership of 501 thru 1000
Category E - Posts with Membership of 1001 or more

The minimum Post Membership increase Goal in the 2004 Membership - Awards Program is 20 members.

POST QUOTAS will be the Post Membership listed at Department Headquarters on June 30, 2003.

The quota will NOT be reduced because of annual members who die, move out of the area in which the Post is located, or transfer to another Post.

A NEW POST will be assigned a Membership Quota of 30 members.


POST AWARDS

AN HONOR POST MEMBERSHIP BANNER will be awarded to each Post that meets their 2004 Membership Quota by May 31, 2004.

A NEW AND REINSTATED MEMBERSHIP PLAQUE will be awarded to the Post that recruits the most new and reinstated members (excluding MIPs) by the day prior to awards judging. This plaque will be awarded at the State Convention.

A LIFE MEMBERSHIP INCREASE PLAQUE and $100.00 will be awarded to one Post in each District. To qualify, the increase must be at least 5% over the total at the beginning of the year. The greatest increase in Life Members by the day prior to awards judging will determine the Posts selected. The plaques will be awarded at the State Convention.

LIFE MEMBERSHIP DRAWINGS - There will be three (3) drawings for a Life Membership in the VFW. Posts with 10 thru100 members will have one (1) chance, Posts with 101 thru 250 members will have two (2) chances and Posts with 251 or more members will have three (3) chances.

The first drawing will be held on September 26, 2003 and the Post must have 25% of its 2004 membership quota to participate.

The second drawing will be held on November 7, 2003 and the Post must have 50% of its 2004 membership quota to participate.

The third drawing will be held on January 2, 2004 and the Post must have 100% of its 2004 membership quota to participate.

DRAWING FOR $200.00 CASH AWARD - There will be three (3) Posts selected for this award. Posts must meet their membership quota by the day prior to awards judging to be eligible. Drawings will be held on the day of awards judging.


POST RECOGNITION AWARDS

Victory Streamer for reaching the previous years' membership by May 31, 2004.

Post Citation for reaching the previous years' membership by May 31, 2004.

100% plus Post Commander and Quartermaster pins to Posts exceeding 100% by May 31, 2004.

Distinguished Service Post Commander lapel pin for Commander of Posts that renew all of their prior years' membership except those who died, transferred or moved away.

Post Commander and Post Quartermaster Ball Cap to Posts who are 100% in membership.



2003 - 2004 ALL STATE TEAM

There will be a maximum of 25 Posts on The All State Team.

The 25 All State Posts will receive an All State Post Banner.

For a Post to be eligible, it must have reached 100% of their Membership Quota by the day prior to awards judging.

The Post Quartermaster must be bonded.

The Post must have been inspected by the day prior to awards judging.

The March Audit Report must be turned into State Headquarters by the day prior to awards judging.

Posts with less that 50 members are not eligible for the All State Team. To be eligible the Post must increase their membership to 50 members. The Post will then be classified as 100%.

All State Judging Points will be given for participation in the programs as outlined below:

40 Points - For 100% in Membership
10 Points - For submitting a Community Service Record Book for judging
5 Points - For participating in the Buddy Poppy Program.
5 Points - For having the Post Commander or an authorized member attend each District Meeting/Convention. (1 & 1/4 point for each meeting)
5 Points - For having all four (4) Quarterly Audit Reports on file at Department Headquarters.
(1 & 1/4 point for each Audit Report), Reports must be submitted each quarter.
5 Points - For being credited in the Voice of Democracy Program.
5 Points - For being credited in the Patriot's Pen Program.
* 5 Points - For being credited with at least two Hospital Reports
* 5 Points - For being credited with at least two Americanism Reports
* 5 Points - For being credited with at least two Community Activities Reports
* 5 Points - For being credited with at least two Safety Reports
* 5 Points - For being credited with at least two Youth Activities Reports

ADDITIONAL POINTS for MEMBERSHIP - When the Post has completed all the above programs, one fifth (1/5) of one (1) point will be assigned for each additional member above 100% (MIPs will count).

HOSPITAL REPORTS:

*Total of 5 Points. 2 points for reporting during the first reporting period (May 1 through October 31)
and 3 points for reporting during second period reporting period (November 1, through April 30).

Posts submitting Hospital Reports for 1st and 2nd reporting periods will receive a State Citation.

COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAMS REPORTS (Americanism, Community Activities, Safety and Youth Activities Reports):

*Total of 5 Points: 2 Points for reporting during the first reporting period (May 1 through October 31) and 3 points for reporting during the second reporting period (November 1 through April 30).

Posts reported in 3 categories of Community Activities, 4 categories of Safety, 8 categories of Americanism and 4 categories of Youth Activities during the reporting period of May 1, 2003 through April 30, 2004 will receive a State Citation.


ALL STATE TEAM AWARDS:

The All State Post Commanders will receive: A Citation; an All State cap; an All State pin; a pen/pencil set; two (2) free tickets for you and your spouse/date to the State Convention Banquet to be held on Saturday night. A check in the amount of $200.00, to assist in payment of expenses while attending and participating at the State Convention, will be presented. Time of payment will be at the desecration of the Department Commander.

The All State Post Quartermasters will receive: A Citation; an All State cap; an All State pin; a pen/pencil set; two (2) free tickets for you and your spouse/date to the State Convention Banquet to be held on Saturday night. A check in the amount of $200.00 to assist in payment of expenses while attending and participating at the State Convention, will be presented. Time of payment will be at the desecration of the Department Commander.

The All State Commanders and All State Quartermasters will be individually recognized at the Awards Program during the State Convention.

From the All State Team, the Post with the highest points in the All State Judging will be designated as the Outstanding Post of the Year 2003-2004. The Commander and Quartermaster of this Post will be the Captains of the All State Team.

The Awards and Citation Committee will break all ties and their decision will be final.


2003 - 2004 ALL STATE DISTRICT COMMANDERS

For a District Commander to qualify, the Commander must meet the following All State District Commanders criteria:

  1. Have the District at 100% or more in membership by the day prior to awards judging.
  2. Have all Posts, in the District, inspected by January 31, 2004.
  3. Have Post Quartermasters, for all Posts in the District, properly bonded by the day prior to awards judging.
  4. Have Audit Reports, for all Posts in the District, turned into State Headquarters by the day prior to awards judging.
  5. Have all Posts in the District reported in: Americanism, Community Activities, Hospital, Safety and Youth Activities in each reporting period.

ALL STATE DISTRICT COMMANDERS AWARDS

Each All State District Commander will receive the following: A Citation and an All State District Commander's cap.

The All State District Commander(s) will also receive two (2) tickets for you and your spouse/date to the State Convention Banquet to be held on Saturday night. A check in the amount of $200.00 for expenses if attending and participating at the State Convention will be presented. (Duplicate awards will not be given if a similar one has been earned). Time of payment will be at the desecration of the Department Commander.

Each All State District Commander will receive a VFW Jacket if the district is 100% or more with standup members. Note: MIPs will not count.


DISTRICT CHIEF-OF-STAFF OR MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN AWARD

To be eligible for this award each respective District Commander must certify in writing, to State Headquarters, by the day prior to awards judging; the name of the Chief-of-Staff or Membership Chairman whichever is to be considered.

The respective District must be at least 103% in Membership.

A check for $200.00 and a Citation will be given to each of the 13 District Deputy Chiefs-of-Staff or Membership Chairmen which qualify for this award. The award will be presented during the Awards Program at the State Convention.


INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP AWARDS

All individual recruiting awards must be certified to State Headquarters, by the Post Quartermasters, by the day prior to awards judging. The names of the individuals recruited, Post Number and the name of the recruiter must be received before any award is given.

An annual member who recruits 5 New or Reinstated Members (MIPs not included) will receive:

Annual Dues (National & Department portions) paid, for the current year, by the Department.
Name and membership number entered into a drawing for a Life Membership.
(For each additional 5 members recruited an additional entry will be made in the Life Membership Drawing).

A Life Member who recruits 5 New or Reinstated Members (MIPs not included) will receive:

Name and membership number entered into a drawing for a $300.00 cash award.
(For each additional 5 members recruited an additional entry will be made in the cash award drawing).

The drawings for the Life Membership and cash award listed above will be conducted on the day of awards judging.

An individual recruiter may also receive for:

10 New or Reinstated Members - a Pen and Pencil Set.
25 New or Reinstated Members - a Department Aide-de-Camp Recruiting Award with engraved citation and an official cap.
50 New or Reinstated Members - a National Aide-de-Camp Recruiting Award with engraved citation and an official cap.
100 New or Reinstated Members - a Century Recruiter Award with engraved citation, an official cap, a travel bag and a pen and pencil set,
125 New or Reinstated Members - a VFW Jacket.

THE SAMUEL B. DeVAUGHAN MEMBERSHIP AWARD is awarded to the member who recruits the most new and/or reinstated members (MIPs not included) of the 2003-2004 Membership Year. Entry must be certified by Post Quartermaster and entry with names of recruited members must be submitted by the day prior to awards judging. Post quartermasters are excluded from this award. (Post Quartermasters are entitled to participate in most phases of the State Membership Campaign and are eligible to earn other individual awards). This award will be presented at the State Convention.

THE GEORGE C. DALBY AWARD is awarded to any Post member for outstanding participation in VFW programs. Rules for this contest are sent to each Post in the Spring. Deadline for submission to State Headquarters is the day prior to awards judging. Post and District Commanders are excluded from this award. This award will be presented at the State Convention.

THE W. B. SHAFER, JR. MEMBERSHIP AWARD is awarded to the Post making the greatest percentage gain in membership as shown by the State Membership Report dated the day prior to awards judging. This award will be presented at the State Convention.

THE RICHARD A. (AL) GUAGER AMERICANISM AWARD is awarded annually and rules for this contest are sent to each post in the Spring. Deadline for submission to State Headquarters is by the day prior to awards judging. This award will be presented at the State Convention.

THE GEORGE E. McCRACKEN HONOR GUARD/COLOR GUARD AWARD is awarded to the most outstanding Post Honor Guard/Color Guard. Rules for this award are sent to each Post in the Spring. Deadline for submission to State Headquarters is by the day prior to awards judging. This award will be presented at the State Convention.

FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR AWARD is awarded to the most outstanding fire fighter. The selectee will receive a plaque and a check for $300.00. The deadline for submission to State Headquarters is January 1, 2004. Send resume of nominees' background, resume of background in fire/emergency safety work, accomplishments in fire/emergency safety field, photograph, title and address to State Headquarters. This award will be presented at the State Convention.

LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER OF THE YEAR AWARD is awarded to the most outstanding law enforcement officer. The selectee will receive a plaque and a check for $300.00. The deadline for submission to State Headquarters is January 1, 2004. Send resume of nominees' background, resume of background in law enforcement work, accomplishment in the field, photograph, title and address to State Headquarters. This award will be presented at the State Convention.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD is awarded to the most outstanding Emergency Medical Technician. The selectee will receive a plaque and a check for $300.00. The deadline for submission to State Headquarters is January 1, 2004. Send resume of nominees' background, resume of background in paramedic work, accomplishment in the field, photograph, title and address to State Headquarters. This award will be presented at the State Convention.

TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARDS are presented to the most outstanding Teachers. The selectees will receive a Citation and a check for $300.00. There are three winners - Kindergarten through Fifth, Sixth through Eighth and Ninth through Twelfth. The deadline for submission to State Headquarters is January 1, 2004. These awards will be presented at the State Convention.

Entries (3 levels) will be submitted from Posts to their respective District. Districts will judge all entries and select the winners (3 levels) to be sent to Department for judging. The Department will judge entries (3 levels) from each Districts and select winners (3 levels) to be sent to National for judging.

THE W. I. WOODDELL MEMORIAL POST QUARTERMASTER AWARD is awarded annually to the Post Quartermaster who has shown outstanding dedication to his Post and the Department. The recipient is to be selected by a committee headed by the State Quartermaster. The award will consist of a custom-lettered citation from National Headquarters, plus a check in the amount of $200.00 from the Department. This award will be presented at the State Convention.

THE CLAIR B. POFF PUBLIC RELATIONS AWARD is awarded to the Post for the most outstanding newsletter or publication and then forwarded to National for judging. To enter, send two different copies of your Post Newsletter to State Headquarters along with the editor's name and address. Deadline for submission to State Headquarters is January 1,2004. This award will be presented at the State Convention.

THE ROBERT H. RINER AWARD is awarded to the District Commander with the highest percentage gain in membership over last year. Membership gain will be as shown by the State Membership Report dated the day prior to awards judging. This award will be presented at the State Convention.

WILLIAM T. (BILL) ALLEN HOSPITAL AWARD is awarded to Posts for their outstanding reporting in hospital work. Plaques for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place will be presented. The winning Posts will be determined by the State Hospital Chairman. These awards will be presented at the State Convention.

CLARENCE E. KELLEY MEMORIAL VOICE OF DEMOCRACY AWARD (Trophy) is awarded to the Post that sponsors the State's first place winner and will be presented at the State Convention.

The Post VOD Chairman will receive one night's lodging, mileage and a banquet ticket to attend the Community Service Conference in Washington, D.C. (Duplicate award will not be given if the chairman receives a National Appointment).

Each Post that participates in the program will receive a citation.

The State VOD winners will receive: 1st place - $1,000.00; 2nd place - $600.00; and 3rd place - $400.00). The 1st place winner is expected to attend the State Convention Joint Session, read their entry and receive the State Awards.

PATRIOT'S PEN PLAQUE is awarded to the Post that sponsors the State's first place winner and will be presented at the State Convention.

The State Patriot's Pen essay winner will receive a plaque and a cash award of $750.00. The winner is expected to attend the State Convention Joint Session, read their entry and receive the State Awards.

EAGLE SCOUT AWARD

The Eagle Scout selected for this award will receive a plaque and a check for $300. The award will be presented at the State Convention.

This competition is open to any Eagle Scout between the ages of 15 and 18 who is still in High School.

Each scout must submit his application to a VFW Post for sponsorship. The Post may select an Eagle Scout of the Year entry and submit the application to the District Scouting Representative, for judging, no later than March 15,2004.

Each District may submit one (1) entry to the Department. Entry must be submitted no later than April 1, 2004.

Each District participating in the Eagle Scout Program will receive a citation.

Department judging for this award will be conducted by the Department Eagle Scout and Scouting Committee. The Department's winning entry will be submitted to National for judging.

COMMUNITY SERVICE RECORD BOOK should be kept from May 1, 2003 to April 30, 2004 for State judging. Plaques will be awarded to the top three (3) entries. Special Citations will be awarded to the fourth through tenth places; and all other entries not placing in the top ten will receive a citation. The top ten winners will be presented plaques/citations at the State Convention. One award from National will be presented for the top State entry.

In addition to the above awards, all Posts entering a Community Service Record Book will have a chance to win a monetary award in the amount of $200.00 if judged best overall entry in their respective membership category. One (1) check will be issued to each membership category.

Category A - Posts with Membership of 10 thru 100.
Category B - Posts with Membership of 101 thru 200.
Category C - Posts with Membership of 201 thru 500
Category D - Posts with Membership over 500
NOTE: To receive the monetary award for a record book entry in any of the four categories a Post must be 100% in membership.
NOTE: Record Book entries may be used to help break any ties in the All State Team Judging. The amount of effort placed in preparing the entry will be considered.

BUDDY POPPY CITATIONS will be presented to the District Commander whose District purchased the most Buddy Poppies and to the District Commander whose District had 100% participation in the Buddy Poppy Program.



The Post in each District who purchased the most Buddy Poppies will be given a citation.

These awards will be presented at the State Convention.

LOYALTY DAY CITATIONS will be given for the Most Outstanding District Competition and for the Most Outstanding Post Competition. These awards will be presented at the State Convention.

JUDGING for awards will be on May 21 & 22, 2004. All judging material must be at State Headquarters by 5:00 P.M. (1700 Hours) on May 20, 2004. (NO EXCEPTIONS!)

AWARDS/CONTESTS FUNDED BY NATIONAL ARE LISTED ON PAGES 10 THROUGH 18.