Voice of Democracy

Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy® audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regard to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay.  Each year, more than 26,400 Freshmen (9th) through Senior (12th) grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1.4 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program. 

The national first place winner receives a $35,000 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-$21,000, and the first-place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins at least a scholarship of $1,000. Students interested in participating must submit their audio essay prepared on this year's theme, with a completed 2025-2026 entry form, to their local participating VFW Post. Find your sponsoring local VFW Post as essays must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31. 

The 2025-26 theme is: 

"How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?”

Comrades,

At our last meeting, we voted to cancel the December meeting in favor of a joint Holiday Dinner with American Legion Post 202.

Date:  Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Time:  6:00 pm (1800 hours)

 

It has been three years since our last Holiday gathering, and I believe this is the perfect opportunity to relax, recharge, and celebrate the season together before the new year begins.

During the evening, we will proudly present the Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen awards.

 

RSVP by December 12th to Lorrie Mayes:

Email: rentalagentpost202@gmail.com

Phone: 816-582-2834

I want to sincerely thank each of you for your continued support of Boone County VFW Post 280 and for the respect we have shown to our comrades at American Legion Post 202. By working together, we strengthen both organizations and ensure our mission endures.

 

**UPDATE**

 

Comrades,

We will be holding a 50/50 Raffle for our relief Fund and the American Legion Emergency Fund for those attending the Holiday Dinner on December 17, 2025

 

In comradeship,

Edward L. Miller Jr.

Commander, VFW Post 280

 

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__From: Jobe, Jeremy C. CMOVAMC <Jeremy.Jobe@va.gov>

Sent: Tuesday, December 2, 2025 12:58 PM
To: Roy Stigers <rmstigers71@gmail.com>
Subject: Deer Donation

 

Good morning All,

I wanted to share an exciting new pilot program that Ron Graves and I launched this year called Venison for Vets. Our mission is simple but meaningful: to provide high-quality protein to veterans in our community who are facing food insecurity.

If you’re planning to harvest a deer this season and would like to participate, please reach out to Ron or me before doing so—we need to ensure we have enough freezer space available.

We’ve partnered with two local processors to support this effort:

• Tunes Locker – Centralia (North Boone County) 573.682.2517
• Crane’s Meat Processing – Ashland (South Boone County) 573.657.2501

Important Notes:

• All donated meat will be ground (no specialty cuts).
• When dropping off your deer, let the processor know it’s for the VA Venison for Vets program and provide my work cell: 573-462-2431.
• While contributions toward processing costs are always appreciated (funding is limited), they are not required.

If you donate a deer, please send me the following details:

1. Telecheck number and date of harvest
2. Buck or doe
3. Which processor you used
4. Processor tracking number
5. Any amount paid to the processor (if applicable)

Thank you for considering this opportunity to support our veterans in a unique and impactful way. Your generosity can make a real difference.

 

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