Voice of Democracy Scholarship Program

The VFW is dedicated to promoting patriotism and investing in our future generation. If you are a democracy-loving high school student interested in a $35,000 college scholarship or a patriotic middle school student interested in winning $5,000, these scholarships may be for you.

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.

Patriot’s Pen Scholarship Program

Each year, nearly 68,800 students in sixth through eighth grades enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of more than $1.4 million in state and national awards. Each first place state winner receives a minimum of $500 at the national level, and the national first place winner wins $5,000! 

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.

Join us for $2.25 Tall Boys

Every Thursday, invite a friend to join you and enjoy a tall boy while shooting a game of pool. What else do you have to do on Thursdays?

Live Music in the Canteen

Come and join us for an evening of music and comradeship on September 23rd from 5-7 PM.

Our own Bob Wangen, the Michigan Traveler, will entertain us with a mix of country, folk, and popular music from the 60s and 70s. Enjoy songs from the Kingston Trio, Peter Paul & Mary, Cat Stevens, the Beatles, and others.

2023 Annual Golf Tournament

I just wanted to thank everyone involved in this year’s VFW Post 10018 Annual Golf Tournament.  First,thanks must go to Marleen who makes it possible to do this every year.  Second, I must thank Dave Cratsenberg for all the help, support and just being positive all the time. This year we had 32 players that had an amazing day at the Meadow-Park Golf Course and an additional 25people had a wonderful dinner at our home canteen.  I do not understand how Marleen can provide a full chicken dinner with the amount of money we authorize.  Her assistants kept the food flowing smoothly. Bartender Cathy was amazing, staying ahead of the needs of the people in the Canteen. As always, our VFW Auxiliary did a great job in supporting this event.

I must humbly thank all the businesses and individuals that donated over $2500.00 in items including gift cards, gift certificates,golf items, pink elephant items. That does not include the Silent Auction item values.  Unfortunately, I did not get a list of the individuals,but you know who you are and please accept my thanks.

Thanks to Julie, Bev and “unnamed”individuals that collected all of them.

Below is a list of some (not all) of the companies that donated to the tournament raffle: 

Cinemark Century Theatre, Farrelli’s Wood Fire Pizza, Harbor Lights, Katie’s Downs, The Loose Wheel, RAM Restaurant and Brewery, Round Table Pizza Clubhouse, Safeway -Pearl Street,  Spud’s Pizza, Tacoma Rainiers, Silver Cloud Hotel Tacoma Waterfront, Speedi Car-Wash, El Toro’s Mexican Restaurant, Starbucks, Ben Dew’s Club House,  Maria’s Cocina Mexicana, Cooper’s Food &Drink, Highland Hills Golf Course, Knapps Restaurant, Owen’s Meats, Twisted Fork Saloon, Liquor & Liquor Wine Whiskey and Beer and Costco Gig Harbor.

There is one thing that must be said both Wolfe teams had ringers, Jack had a “Hole in One” the week before (he said it only took him50 years), then he brings in his grand kids to help the other team and they win the darn tournament. They must be on my team next year.

Please, Please, Please thank these businesses for supporting our Post and veterans. Again, I want to thank the players, the volunteers and members for their help and support.  See you next year….

Gary Graber