Community Programs
Jimmy Harris VFW Post 6837
Voice of Democracy
Audio Essay Scholarship • Grades 9–12
Founded in 1947, the Voice of Democracy program gives high school students the opportunity to express their views on democracy and patriotism through a recorded audio essay. Approximately 25,000 students compete nationally each year.
Eligibility
- Currently enrolled in grades 9–12
- U.S. citizens or nationals
- Home-schooled and public/private school students welcome
Scholarship Awards
- National 1st Place: $35,000
- National Runner-Up: $1,000–$21,000
- State 1st Place: minimum $1,000
- Over $1.3 million awarded nationally each year
Patriot's Pen
Written Essay Scholarship • Grades 6–8
The Patriot's Pen program encourages young students to examine American history. Nearly 68,800 students participate each year with a 300–400 word essay on the annual patriotic theme.
Eligibility
- Currently enrolled in grades 6, 7, or 8
- U.S. citizens or nationals
Scholarship Awards
- National 1st Place: $5,000
- State 1st Place: minimum $500
- Over $1.4 million in state and national awards annually
Smart/Maher Teacher of the Year
VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award
Recognizes outstanding teachers at elementary, middle, and high school levels who promote civic responsibility, patriotism, and American history in their classrooms.
Award Categories
- Elementary School Teacher
- Middle School Teacher
- High School Teacher
How to Nominate
- Review the eligibility requirements
- Download the official entry form
- Submit nomination to VFW Post 6837
Scout of the Year
VFW Eagle Scout & Gold Award Recognition
The VFW Scout of the Year award honors exceptional young leaders in Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts who demonstrate citizenship, patriotism, and love of country through leadership, community service, and personal achievements. The VFW has proudly supported scouting since 1915.
How to Apply
- Review official eligibility requirements
- Download the entry form and brochure
- Submit application to VFW Post 6837
Public Servants Award
The VFW honors exceptional public servants annually through National Public Servant Citations recognizing those who go above and beyond in serving their communities.
Award Categories
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) — Must actively provide emergency medical treatment or rescue services
- Law Enforcement — Municipal, county, state, or federal law enforcement (private security ineligible)
- Firefighter — Must actively fight fires and provide emergency assistance
- 911 Dispatcher — Provides critical communication link between emergency callers and responders
Nominee Requirements
- Recognition from colleagues or community
- Consistent excellence in job performance
- Dedication to duties over years
- Evidence of professional growth
Submission Materials
- Nomination letter with full name, job title, address, phone, and award category
- Three one-page resumes (overall background, professional background, accomplishments)
- Headshot photograph
Americanism
The VFW's Americanism program promotes patriotism, civic responsibility, and pride in the United States through education and community engagement.
The Americanism program encompasses activities that strengthen the bond between veterans and their communities, foster love of country, and encourage civic participation among all Americans.
Community Service
Reaching out into our communities is vital to our organization. Developing relationships with community leaders, media, school faculty, and local civic groups greatly assists our Post in achieving the VFW mission.
Nearly 2 million VFW members and their Auxiliaries contribute more than 8.6 million hours of volunteerism annually across the country.
Our Community Activities
- Marshall County Fall Fair participation and support
- Boaz Harvest Festival
- Car Shows and Fundraisers
- Thanksgiving Dinners for veterans and families
- Livestock Shows
- Cemetery honor ceremonies
- Hospice memorial ceremonies
Flag Etiquette
The American flag is a symbol of our nation's strength, unity, and freedom. The VFW is committed to educating the public on the proper display, care, and respect for the United States flag.
Basic Flag Guidelines
- The flag should be displayed from sunrise to sunset on buildings and flagstaffs in the open
- The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement
- When displayed at half-staff, the flag should first be hoisted to the peak and then lowered
- No other flag should be placed above or to the right of the U.S. flag
- The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground or water
- Worn or damaged flags should be retired properly, including through ceremonial burning
Honor Guard
The VFW Honor Guard provides ceremonial military honors at funerals, memorial services, and patriotic events. Our Honor Guard members pay tribute to fallen veterans with the respect and dignity their service deserves.
Services Provided
- Military funeral honors and graveside ceremonies
- Flag folding and presentation to families
- Rifle salutes and playing of Taps
- Veterans Day and Memorial Day ceremonies
- Patriotic event color guard
M.O.C. — Military Order of the Cootie
The Military Order of the Cootie is the "Honor Degree of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States."
As members of the Honor Degree of the VFW, leading by example, we must continue to demonstrate our dedication to the VFW and MOC.
"Anything Worth Doing, Is Worth Doing Right."
M.O.C. Motto
POW/MIA
"All those who fought and served their country when they received the call, were men and women of courage, judgment, integrity and dedication. Where does dedication end? You can never put an end to dedication."
For them, it can never be over. For us, we can never let their sacrifices — or them — be forgotten.
⛩
You Are Not Forgotten
TAPS — Fallen Comrades
We honor and remember the members of Jimmy Harris VFW Post 6837 who have answered their final roll call.
Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.
Veteran Outreach
"You were not alone then. You are not alone now. There are 20 million vets who would give their lives for you."
After trauma, feelings of fear, sadness, and anxiety are normal. But persistent symptoms may indicate post-traumatic stress disorder requiring professional support. VFW Post 6837 is here for you.
Buddy Program
Our peer support initiative connects veterans with shared combat experiences for confidential conversations to help process trauma-related challenges. If you are struggling, if you are in pain, if you just need to talk — please reach out.