- Veteran Assistance

Our Local VFW post provides a variety of programs and services to members and veterans. We take pride in helping veterans and the community with great honor. Our Post offers a wide range of assistance programs aimed at helping veterans of every generation. Whether that means providing free, professional help filing or appealing a VA claim, offering local youth scholarships for post-secondary education or providing emergency financial relief when times get tough, the Sandpoint VFW is here for America's veterans.

If you are a Veteran in need, we work closely with the Bonner County Veteran Services office to ensure you get the help you need.

- The Bonner County Veteran Service Officer (VSO)

Assists veterans and their dependents by providing information and help with submitting claims, applications, and appeals for various benefits, and can also help you obtain military discharge documents like your DD Form 214. The VSO acts as veterans advocates, helping you navigate complex state and federal laws, and connects veterans with local and regional services, including transportation assistance and other social services as needed.

- US Flag Retirements

US flag retirement ceremonies are solemn events where a worn-out flag is disposed of respectfully.

American flags, when in such a condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. The Sandpoint VFW flag retirement ceremonies are dignified, respectful events where worn, torn, or faded American flags are properly disposed of, through incineration. Our ceremonies, are open to the public and are conducted with traditional protocols like prayers, salutes, and the Pledge of Allegiance, and are frequently held in conjunction with other veteran groups and the Boy Scouts.  Our Sandpoint VFW Post provides a collection drop box outside of our building for the public to drop off unserviceable flags for future ceremonies held on a quarterly basis.

If you would like more information about our flag retirement ceremonies or attending one of them, you can call us at 208-263-9613 or drop by the Post on the corner of Pine St and Division, Monday thru Friday, 1000 to 1200.

- Youth Scholarships

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 are for you.

  • The Voice of Democracy Scholarship

    Our Voice of Democracy® audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay.  Each year, more than 26,400 ninth through 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. 

  • Patriot’s Pen

  • Each year, more than 60,600 students in sixth through eighth grades enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen® annual youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of nearly $1 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. Students interested in participating must submit their 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 applications must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31.