Service, Sacrifice, and Impact: SWJ Veterans Day Essay Showcase 2026
Purpose
Small Wars Journal is hosting a special Veterans Day 2026 essay showcase highlighting the stories of veterans and the important work being done by veterans charities, nonprofit organizations, and related civic institutions. The showcase provides a professional platform for essays that connect individual veteran experiences with the broader impact of organizations serving veterans, military families, and communities shaped by service. SWJ will feature selected essays from the showcase during the week of Veterans Day 2026 and will also mark the second anniversary of the relaunch of SWJ. Through the showcase, we will recognize service, and elevate meaningful nonprofit work.
Concept
The showcase invites essays from veterans, nonprofit leaders, researchers, practitioners, volunteers, family members, and others with direct knowledge of veterans-related work. Essays should tell compelling stories while also explaining the practical impact of a charity, nonprofit organization, or community initiative. We hope to publish thoughtful essays that show how service continues after uniformed military life, how veterans contribute to society, and how nonprofit organizations help address real needs among veterans and their families.
Themes of Interest
Submissions may address, but are not limited to:
- Personal stories of veterans whose lives have been shaped by nonprofit or charitable support.
- The work of veterans charities, community organizations, foundations, and service organizations.
- Transition from military service to civilian leadership, education, entrepreneurship, public service, or community engagement.
- Mental health, moral injury, recovery, family resilience, and peer support.
- Programs supporting wounded, ill, or injured veterans.
- Employment, education, mentorship, and leadership development.
- Support for Gold Star families, caregivers, and military families.
- Lessons learned from building, leading, evaluating, or supporting veterans nonprofits.
- The continuing role of veterans in civic life, national service, and local communities.
Publication Plan
Selected essays will be featured on SWJ during the week of Veterans Day 2026. Each selected essay will include appropriate recognition of the charity, nonprofit organization, or initiative represented in the essay. There will be no prize money associated with the showcase. The value of selection will be publication, visibility, professional recognition, and promotion of the relevant veterans charity or nonprofit organization.
Submission Instructions
Essays are due no later than October 11, 2026. Please follow the guidance on our Submit Your Work page. Additionally, please set the subject line of your submission email to “SWJ Veterans Day Showcase 2026.”
Selection Considerations
The showcase will prioritize essays that are well-written, substantive, credible, and grounded in real experience. Strong submissions will combine narrative power with clear explanation of organizational impact. Essays should avoid pure marketing copy and should instead provide readers with insight, evidence, reflection, and a meaningful story.
