Veterans of Foreign Wars (Cadet Officers)

Overview

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Award for Cadet Officers serves as an annual award which recognizes cadets in each CAP squadron for the training year, emphasizing outstanding leadership, patriotism, and military bearing. 

Eligibility

• Cadets must be a minimum grade of Cadet Second Lieutenant to earn the award. 

• Recipients may not have previously earned the cadet officer-level award. Cadets may have previously earned the VFW Cadet NCO Award. 

Criteria

• Good academic standing

• Satisfactory progression in the CAP Cadet Program

• Demonstration of outstanding achievement in community service and the aerospace and leadership portions of the Cadet Program

• Demonstration of outstanding leadership in Civil Air Patrol

• Be of high moral character

• Patriotism and activate promotion of Americanism (e.g., commander or member of the unit's color guard, drill team, etc.) 

• Demonstration of growth potential (assumed higher levels of responsibility) 

Selection Process

The VFW Award recipient is selected by the Cadet Detachment Cadre by reviewing cadet performance throughout the year. 

By April 15 of each year, the unit commander must forward the selection to the Veterans of Foreign Wars via Civil Air Patrol Form 120 with attached justification for the award recipient. The selection should be sent to: 

Veterans of Foreign Wars
Department of Youth Development, Scholarships, and Recognition Programs 
406 West 34th Street
Kansas City, MO 64111

The VFW headquarters will prepare the award elements and forward them to the unit for presentation. Additional or replacement ribbons can be obtained through Vanguard. 

Wear of the Award on the Cadet Uniform

The VFW Cadet Officer Award ribbon may be worn on the Cadet Service (Class B "Blues"), Service Dress (Class A "Blues") and Semiformal uniforms. 

The VFW Cadet Officer Award medal may not be worn on cadet uniforms.