This 6th-8th Grade essay contest encourages you minds to examine America's history, along with their own experiences in modern American society, by drafting a 300-400 word essay, expressing their views based on a patriotic them prompt chose by the VFW Commander-in-Chief. Judging is based on three criteria - Knowledge of theme, Theme development, and Clarity of ideas.

 

Annual information and applications are usually released in the late spring. Deadline to submit applications to the Post is midnight October 31st.

 

This 9th-12th Grade audio-essay program provides students the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay in just 3-5 minutes. Judging is based on three criteria - Originality, Content, and Delivery.

 

Annual information and applications are usually released in the late spring. Deadline to submit applications to the Post is midnight October 31st.

 

 

Elementary, Middle, and High School teachers are eligible to participate in the Smart/Maher VFW Nation Citizenship Education Teacher program. Judging is based on four criteria - Citizenship, Innovation, Resources, and Passion. 

 

Annual information and applications are usually released in the late spring. Deadline to submit applications to the Post is midnight October 31st.

 

 

Few youth programs provide a greater benefit to a Post than involvement with a JROTC unit. JROTC programs annually produce individuals with an appreciation for patriotism, civic responsibility and the likelihood of future military service. The VFW award for special recognition of outstanding achievement and exceptional leadership for JROTC Cadets seeks to recognize a remarkable Cadet who will become a leader in their community and serve their country. VFW Post 1697 is proud to have adopted the Central HS "First in Freedom" Battalion, the East Hamilton HS "Hurricane" Battalion, and the Ooltewah HS "Owl" Battalion. 

 

Criteria for award:

Possession of individual characteristics contributing to leadership including:

A. Positive attitude toward the JROTC program

B. Outstanding military bearing and conduct both in and out of uniform

C. Personal attributes (self-confidence, initiative, flexibility, judgement).

D. Patriotism (commander or member of color guard, drill team with or without arms, flag protocol instruction team, and actively promote Americanism). Shows devotion to school, community, America. An individual(s) who practices service through repeated acts of support.

E. Courtesy (dependability, punctuality, human relations, respect, cooperation).

F. Growth potential (capable of assuming high leadership responsibilities in JROTC Unit with additional training and experience).

G. Demonstrated leadership potential, military bearing, and scholastic achievement.

• 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.

• Must be active in at least one other student co-curricular activity or club: i.e. music, athletics, student government, junior achievement, etc.

• Must not have been a previous recipient of the award. 

• Must be enrolled as a 10th - 12th grade JROTC student

 

Nominations from the JROTC Program Instructors must be submitted by March 1st.

 

 

This scholarship program provides Service Members and Veterans with the financial assistance they need to complete their educational goals without incurring excessive student debt. It's just another way for us to say "Thank You" to those who fought for our freedoms. 

 

Annually VFW & SportClips Haircuts conducts an in-store fundraiser from October 6th - November 16th. VFW Post 1697 partners with SportClips Haircuts of Ooltewah (In Cambridge Sqaure) to launch this fundraiser and push it along to the conclusion. Since 2013 more than 3,000 scholarships have been provide totaling more that $14 million. For the last nine years in a row more than $1 million dollars has been raised during this drive nation wide.