in memoriam
Post 7883 Bids a fond farewell to Comrade Mike Etling
A memorial service will be held at NOON on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at The Westerville First Presbyterian Church, 41. W. College Ave. Visitation with the family will precede the service from 10:45-Noon.
Mike was a born leader and volunteered at church and in the community in various capacities. Mike served his country in the U.S. Army 1968-69 in Korea. Unfortunately, it was there that he was exposed to Agent Orange which caused the cancer that took his life. Mike took great pride in being a veteran and supporting our country. In 2003 he became a member of Westerville American Legion Post 171 and served as Commander from 2005-2010 and has been a Trustee of the post until the present time. Mike served as an Elder and a Deacon at various times at First Presbyterian Church of Westerville and W. Berlin Presbyterian Church. He was involved in the building of some of the very first Habitat for Humanity homes in Columbus and Delaware County. Serving and helping others was his passion.
Mike had many friends who loved and respected him. One friend described him as a ‘man of quiet strength’ that others could depend on. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Until the very last moment of his life, his faith in God and Jesus was strong and gave him peace.
His complete obituary can be seen at http://www.hillfuneral.com/westerville-funeral-home/obituaries-services/obits-photos/1180
voice of democracy & patriot's pen winners
One of our favorite things is recognizing these Outstanding Spokespersons for Freedom
Voice of Democracy is a VFW-sponsored, nationwide scholarship spoken essay contest, continuously run since 1947. Roughly 65,000 high school students compete annually.
Each year more than 165,400 students in grades 6-8 enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of more than $1.4 million in state and national awards.
One of our favorite things is recognizing these Outstanding Spokespersons for Freedom
Voice of Democracy is a VFW-sponsored, nationwide scholarship spoken essay contest, continuously run since 1947. Roughly 65,000 high school students compete annually.
Each year more than 165,400 students in grades 6-8 enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of more than $1.4 million in state and national awards.
Voice of Democracy
This year's winner, Caroline Kaun, is joined by her parents at our February meeting and Award Ceremony.
Patriot's Pen
Fraser Hartnell, our Patriot's Pen winner, flanked by his parents.
In Memoriam
In January 2022, Post 7883 mourned the passing of our dear friend and Comrade-in-Arms, Rock Lantz, following his long battle with a rare blood disorder. Rest In Peace, Brother.
wreaths across america December 18, 2021
Thank You, Westerville! Great turnout for Wreaths Across America at Otterbein Cemetery. Thanks to all who made it possible. Photo credits garygardiner.com.
Wreaths across america in pictures
CPT JAMES AHN MEMORIAL (Special forces) scholarship
Captain James Ahn, a graduate of UC Riverside and the Claremont McKenna College Army ROTC program, died in 2015 during a parachute training operation while participating with his Special Forces unit in Washington State.
For all of us who knew and loved James, he will never be forgotten. He was the consummate person and professional who was respected by everyone he came in contact with.
In James’ honor, ROTC Consulting is sponsoring an annual scholarship of $1,000 to a Special Forces Veteran who is working towards the completion of a higher education degree.
CPT JAMES AHN Memorial (Special Forces) Scholarship