PATRIOTS PEN AND VOICE OF DEMOCRACY 2025-2026

The 2025-26 theme is: 
“How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?”

You can find PP & VoD information at the following link:

www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/youth-scholarships

Post 8616's 2024-2025 Winners. Each winner received a certificate and $100 prize which was presented at the Missing Man Formation  on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH). Both of these ladies now move on to compete at the Hawaii State Level. In addition, both will be honored at the VFW State Award Banquet with other Post winners in February 2025. Kenzie and Cailee are the daughters of Lt Col and Mrs. Chris Hergenreter, USAF stationed on JBPHH.
Patriots Pen is an annual competition is for students.  It is a 300-to-400-word writing essay by students in grades 6 - 8. Selection is based on theme knowledge, development and clarity of ideas.
Miss Kenzie Hergenreter is Post 8616's 2024-2025 Patriots Pen winner. She is currently a 6th grader home school student in the online Seven Arrow Hill Preparatory Academy. Kenzie is a military dependent and resides on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Bravo Zulu Kenzie!
                        Click Link  Below for Document
VFW Voice of Democracy competition is for students in grades 9 - 12.  It is a 3 to 5 minute written and spoken essay. Judging is based on originality, content and delivery.
 Post 8616's 2024-2025 Voice of Democracy. Miss Cailee Hergenter is Post 8616's Voice of Democracy winner. She is currently a 9th grader home school student in the online Seven Arrow Hill Preparatory Academy. Additionally, Cailee is a Cadet in the Civil Air Patrol (CAP). The CAP serves as the civilian auxiliary to the US Air Force and focuses on leadership, aerospace, fitness and character. Cailee is a military dependent and resides on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Bravo Zulu Cailee!