VFW 8879
Teamwork - Leadership - Commitment
Teamwork - Leadership - Commitment
Our Post is located in West Des Moines, Iowa. We received our Charter on January 6, 1947 and are named in honor of John Emerick and Harrison Williams - both Veterans who killed in WWII.
Our current membership include 93 veterans from World War II through the Afghanistan and Iraq conflict in the Global War on Terrorism. We meet on the first Monday of the month (except September in 2019 - when we meet on the 9th) at 7:00 pm in the West Des Moines Community Center, 217 5th St., West Des Moines, IA 50265
Hosting educational programs and community services throughout the year emphasizes our commitment to our community.
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Each year more than 132,000 students in grades 6-8 enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest. The national first-place winner wins $5,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. The first-place winner from each state competes for national awards totaling $55,000, with each first-place state winner receiving a minimum of $500 at the national level.
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. Want to apply? Read the rules and eligibility requirements and download the entry form before submitting your entry to your local VFW Post.
The national first-place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$16,000, and the first-place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins a minimum scholarship of $1,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. Want to apply? Read the rules and eligibility requirements and download the entry form before you submit your entry at your local VFW Post 8879.
Without our nation’s veterans, America wouldn't be the great nation it is today. Our youth deserve to learn about our rich history, traditions and the role of our veterans in creating and shaping America.
The VFW Teacher of the Year award contest recognizes three exceptional teachers for their outstanding commitment to teaching Americanism and patriotism to their students. Each year, a classroom elementary, junior high and high school teacher whose curriculum focuses on citizenship education topics — for at least half of the school day in a classroom environment — can be nominated for the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award. Winners receive:
Some of our earliest ties to the community involve youth groups and perhaps none are stronger or more lasting than the relationship between the VFW and America's scouting organizations. In fact, our partnership with the Boy Scouts of America dates back to 1915 when VFW Post 2100 helped to establish Troop 1 in Everett, Washington.
Our Scout of the Year program provides members of the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts who display standout citizenship, patriotism and love of country with the opportunity to be rewarded with college scholarships of up to $5,000.
Before submitting your Scout of the Year application, please review the rules and eligibility requirements.
Every day, we strive to thank America's educators by providing them with helpful resources and encouraging our members to visit local classrooms. Let us help you educate America's future leaders and bring history to life!
Veterans play an important role in educating our nation's youth about the founding principles upon which America was founded. As theater of war veterans, VFW members can provide students with a unique perspective about the sacrifices America's service members make to maintain freedom for all of us.
When visiting a classroom, a VFW member will prepare a brief introduction, a main presentation and a Q&A session. Depending on the topic, a member may bring appropriate memorabilia, uniforms, photographs and other relevant material.
American history is something we all share, and there's no one better to help tell that story than someone who's had a great part in shaping it.
Contact VFW Post 8879 to arrange for a veteran to visit your classroom.
For Further Information Contact:
Greg Allen - Mobile: 316-665-0507 or
Randy Steig - Mobile: 515-975-3783
Rick Gray created a series of murals for VFW Post 8879 in honor of all veterans. View them in the video below and at 128 5th St. in West Des Moines, Iowa.
Our programs support our service members while they are on the front line, as they are being discharged and long after they return. Your tax-deductible donation will be immediately directed to the VFW programs where your support is most urgently needed.
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...we want to welcome today's military service members into our ranks to become part of our elite group.
WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, Kosovo, War in Afghanistan, War in Iraq, War on Global Terror and other Peace-Keeping Expeditionary Campaigns throughout the globe.
to supporting those who sacrifice so much for this country, veterans, service members in the US Armed Forces, and their families and continues to be a voice for returning and currently deployed service members and their families.
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