The 2023 VFW Legislative Conference was held held March 5-9, 2023.
Since 1949, the VFW's annual Legislative Conference has provided an opportunity for VFW leaders from each state to personally lobby their respective lawmakers and watch as the VFW's current Commander-in-Chief testifies on Capitol Hill before the House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees on behalf of veterans.
Guest speakers are invited to address conference delegates, and since 1964, the VFW's Congressional Award has been presented annually to one sitting member of the House or Senate for their significant legislative contributions on behalf of those who have worn the uniform. The VFW presented its 2023 Congressional Award to Sen. John Boozman (R-AR) for his outstanding service and years of unwavering support to veterans, service members, their families and survivors.
Also at the event, the national winners of the Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen scholarship contests were announced with both first place winners reading their winning essay before conference delegates after being presented with their winnings. VFW National Commander Tim Borland was joined by VFW Auxiliary President Jane Reape to present this year’s national Voice of Democracy first place winner, Scotland Stewart, with the top $35,000 T.C. Selman Memorial Scholarship. Stewart, a sophomore at Franklin County High School in Winchester, Tennessee, was sponsored by VFW Post 1893 in Estill Springs, Tennessee.
The VFW proudly announced the 2023 Patriot’s Pen first place winner, Leighton Peters, who was sponsored by VFW Post 2204 and its Auxiliary in Rice Lake, Wisconsin. Peters was awarded the top Patriot’s Pen prize of $5,000.
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