By Sara Fowler 
 
2025 marks a milestone for the national American Legion Auxiliary.

The nonprofit has been involved with the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival (NVCAF) for 25 years at many levels of collaboration, and has been the co-presenter since 2014, alongside the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 

The Festival brings together creative veterans throughout the country who made it to the national level after competing at their local VA facilities. Judging at the national level takes place in 150 categories of visual art, creative writing, dance, drama, and music. 

In 2000, then-ALA National President Kristine West wanted veterans to be spotlighted as the national ALA focus during the 2000-2001 administrative year, leading the ALA to become a sponsor of NVCAF. West asked the national presidents who followed her term to also support the program in some way so the sponsorship could continue. 

The national ALA connection to this event has grown to the level of co-presenter thanks to American Legion Auxiliary members’ monetary and volunteer support.  

The NVCAF gives our nation’s veterans the chance to express themselves through different art mediums, heal from traumatic experiences, and regain the sense of camaraderie that was part of military life. 

The American Legion Auxiliary has had a positive impact on this Festival for 25 years and counting. The veterans we’ve met along the way have inspired our members with their talents in the arts. 

Members of the ALA national Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Committee help throughout the Festival week with various tasks ranging from meal count to ironing, to always being a helping hand, listening ear, and smiling face. They work alongside VA staff members to ensure the event runs smoothly. 

In addition to the national VA&R Committee, the ALA state the event is held in — Indiana this year — hosts the always popular hospitality room, giving veterans a place to grab a snack and chat throughout the week. 

With members involved at both the local and national levels, the NVCAF truly demonstrates what the ALA is — a community of volunteers serving veterans, military, and their families. 

In recent years, a caregiver component was added, ultimately enhancing the experience for veterans as well. 

During the ALA’s 2022-2023 administrative year, a national focus area was placeon NVCAF companions — whether that was money for a meal plan for the Festival, travel, and/or a separate hotel room if needed for non-family member companions. Veterans’ companions were very appreciative of the assistance. For some, without help from the Auxiliary, they would not have been able to attend. Money raised from that administrative year is still being used today to bring companions to the event. 

The local competition phase of the program takes place June to September each year. The national judging occurs in October and November, with results of the competition announced in December. The national Festival event follows in the springtime. 

Performance veterans are part of the stage show — some perform individual or group acts, and others are part of the chorus. They spend much of the week rehearsing. 

Writers and artists have the opportunity to participate in many different workshops and the chance to show their art or read their writing in front of fellow veterans. There is nothing but positive, proud support shown for each other. 

Veterans, ALA volunteers, and VA staff all benefit from the Festival, leaving the week with newfound friends, experiences, and an even greater appreciation of the arts. 

The American Legion Auxiliary is proud to be part of this event, always putting veterans’ needs first so they have a wonderful week at the Festival. 



Learn more about NVCAF or read previous veteran stories by clicking here.

To donate to the NVCAF, click here.




Check out the flyer to the left for information on the events that are open to the public for the 2025 Festival in Indianapolis, Ind.