“Pro Deo, Pro Patria”
These Latin words on the banner that the Bald Eagle clutches within its beak inside the VFW Cross of Malta, mean
“FOR GOD, FOR COUNTRY”
We are veterans serving veterans, their families and the community at large, through active community outreach, student scholarships, and serving local Guard/Reserve units.

Ellis E. Woodrow Memorial Post 7883 was officially chartered by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) in October of 1985, and remains dedicated to our country’s military, its veterans, and their families.  Our Post’s mission echoes that of the overall mission of the VFW, which is to “Honor the Dead by Serving the Living” through veterans service, community service, national security and a strong national defense. As you may have noticed on this website, our Post is very active in the Westerville community.  We participate locally in many staple programs of the VFW, including (but not limited to) Operation Uplink, Buddy Poppies, the VFW National Home for Children, as well as scholarship programs such as Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen.

Origins of the VFW
In 1899, the American Veterans of Foreign Service in Columbus, OH (known today as VFW Post 1598, or “The Founder’s Post” – www.buckeyevfw.org) and the National society of the Army of the Philippines in Denver, CO (known today as VFW Post 1) were organized to secure rights and benefits for veterans of the Spanish-American war (1898) and the Philippines war (1899-1902). These two organizations merged in 1914, creating the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. The VFW was formally chartered by Congress in 1936.

Organizational Structure:
Thousands convene each August at VFW’s national convention to elect officers, adopt resolutions and discuss business affairs. Leading the organization are the elected commander-in-chief, senior vice commander-in-chief, and junior vice commander-in-chief. The National Counsel of Administration serves as the VFW’s board of directors. More than 7,900 Posts comprise of 54 Departments in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Latin America, the Pacific Areas and Europe. Posts form the basic local chapter.

Membership Eligibility:
Eligibility is open to those serving honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces in a foreign war or overseas operation recognized by a campaign medal, in Korea after June 30, 1949, and recipients of hostile-fire or imminent danger pay. Veterans of World War II, the Korean, Vietnam, Persian Gulf and Iraq Wars, Grenada, Panama, Lebanon, Afghanistan and other expeditionary campaigns, as well as occupation duty, also qualify.From providing $2.5 million in college scholarships to high school students every year to encouraging elevation of the Veterans Administration to the president’s cabinet, the VFW is there – honoring the dead by serving the living.

VFW Post 7883 Proudly Honored
2010-2011

All-American VFW Post Honors

2011 VFW National Outstanding Community Service Post; VFW Department of Ohio All-State Post Honors; VFW Department of Ohio Past Commander’s Award:  Greatest Numerical Gain in Membership in the State of Ohio

VFW Department of Ohio Past Commander’s Award:  Greatest Percentage Gain in Membership in the State of Ohio

VFW Department of Ohio District 11 Commander’s Award:  Most Outstanding Post Commander in District 11

2009-2010

Submitted winning nomination for
Nancy Shew, Genoa Middle School
Recipient of the VFW Department of Ohio Teacher of the Year Award
(Middle School Category)

2008-2009

National VFW Outstanding Community Service Post; VFW Department of Ohio All-State Post
VFW Department of Ohio Past Commander’s Award:  Greatest percentage of new members in the State of Ohio
VFW Department of Ohio Citizenship Education Award: Excellence in promoting citizenship education & the patriotic principles of the VFW

Submitted Winning Nomination for
NetJets, Inc. of Columbus, Ohio
Recipient of the VFW Department of Ohio Large Employer of the Year Award

2007-2008

National VFW All-American Post; VFW Department of Ohio All-State Post