VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship Application

The VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship is an annual program that gives student veterans the opportunity to develop advocacy skills, engage with members of Congress and congressional staff, and represent the interests of veterans and military-affiliated communities on Capitol Hill.

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Fellows collaborate with VFW and SVA on a shared legislative priority, participate in advocacy activities, meet with congressional leadership and committee staff, and join VFW advocates from their state for team-based meetings.

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The 2026–2027 Legislative Fellowship runs from October 2026 through March 2027.

Applicants must be current or eligible members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and be enrolled at an accredited college or university during the fellowship.

Currently, you must be VFW eligible. Members of VFW Auxiliary are not eligible for the fellowship.

No. You must be enrolled at an accredited college or university in the Fall and Spring term of the fellowship.

No. The fellowship is open to students in all academic majors. Some participants may also be eligible to receive college credit.

Applicants must provide proof of military service. A DD214 is preferred, and applicants should redact their Social Security Number before submitting documentation.

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How to Redact Your Social Security Number on a DD214

When sharing your DD214 for employment, education, benefits, or other purposes, it’s a good idea to remove your Social Security Number (SSN) to protect your identity unless the recipient specifically requires it.

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Option 1: Redact a PDF
Open the DD214 PDF in a PDF editing program (such as Adobe Acrobat).

– Use the Redact tool, not a drawing or highlight tool.

– Select the SSN and apply the redaction.
– Save the document as a new file.
– Verify that the SSN cannot be copied, searched, or revealed by clicking on the redacted area.

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Option 2: Redact a Printed Copy
Make a copy of your DD214. Do not alter your original document.
– Use a black marker to completely cover the SSN wherever it appears.
– Hold the document up to the light to ensure the number cannot be read through the marker.
– Scan or photocopy the redacted version before sharing.

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Double-check all pages. Depending on the version of your DD214, the SSN may appear in multiple locations.

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⚠️ Do not simply place a black box over the number in Word, PowerPoint, or a PDF. The underlying information may still be recoverable. Protecting your SSN helps reduce the risk of identity theft while still allowing you to provide proof of military service when needed.

Yes. The fellowship includes travel to several major SVA and VFW events, such SVA’s Annual NatCon and the VFW Washington Conference.

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Travel expenses are covered. The program covers travel expenses for fellowship trips, including airfare, lodging, local transportation, and a per diem allowance.