The 2026-27 Patriot's Pen Theme has been announced.
"WHAT A VETERAN TAUGHT ME ABOUT AMERICA"
2026 - 2027 Patriot's Pen Program (click here)
2026-2027 Patriot's Pen Student Entry Form
Student Biographical Questionnaire Form
Parental / School Release Form
Each year, nearly 68,800 students in sixth through eighth grades enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen Youth Essay Contest nationally, for a chance to win their share of more than $1.4 million in state and national awards.
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.
The 2025 - 2026 State of Michigan Patriot Pen Program judging was completed in December. On January 31, 2026 the State winner was announced at the State Mid-Winter Conference award banquet honoring this year's three Teachers of the Year and the VOD State winner and the Patriot Pen State winner.
And the 2025-26 Patriot Pen State winner is:
Brandon Darnell, representing District 11, sponsored by VFW Post 5738, Clare
Brandon will received the $1,000 Wes Longenbach Memorial Award. Brandon will now complete in the National competition against 51 other Department winners for the VFW National award of $5,000.
Michael Martin, Director
199 East 34th St, Apt 2
Holland MI 49423
616-594-9151
Nicole Koutz, Auxiliary Chair
410 N Clinton St
St Louis, MI 48880
turtlelee@hotmail.com
