About Us
Ellis E. Woodrow Memorial VFW Post 7883 was Chartered on October 21, 1985
VFW Nominating Post Awards 2016 – 2017 VFW Department of Ohio and District 11 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year: Michael Pavolino
2010 – 2011 VFW Department of Ohio and District 11 Firefighter of the Year: Brian Miller
2009 – 2010 VFW Department of Ohio and District 11 Teacher of the Year (Middle School Category): Matt Yingling, Genoa Middle School
2010 – 2011 VFW District 11 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year: Raymond Boock
2009 – 2010 VFW Department of Ohio and District 11 Teacher of the Year (Middle School Category): Nancy Shrew, Genoa Middle School
2009 – 2010 VFW Department of Ohio and
District 11 Large Employer of the Year: Netjets
VFW Post 7883 Awards
2023-2024 VFW All-American Post - Commander: Frank Koenig
2018-2019 VFW All-American Post - Commander: Bill Tate
2016-2017 Department of Ohio All-State Post - Commander: Bill Tate
2015 – 2016 VFW All-American and Dept of Ohio All-State Post - Commander: Walt Malys
2013 – 2014 VFW All-American and Dept of Ohio All-State Post - Commander: Tony Eller
2010 – 2011 VFW All-American and Dept of Ohio All-State Post - Commander: Ben Quinn
2008 – 2009 VFW Department of Ohio All-State Post - Commander: Alan Briggs
2007 – 2008 VFW All-American and Dept of Ohio All-State Post - Commander: Dave Cooper
2010 – 2011 VFW National Outstanding Community Service Post
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
2008 – 2009 VFW Department of Ohio Past Commander’s Award: Greatest percentage of new members in the State of Ohio
2008 – 2009 VFW Department of Ohio Citizenship Education Award: Excellence in promoting citizenship education
and the patriotic principles of the VFW
National VFW Outstanding Community Service Post
Raising Funds to support Veterans
through the Buddy Poppy program
Veterans of Foreign Wars: No One Does More for Veterans
About the VFW
We Honor the Dead, by Serving the Living
“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.
High School "Voice of Democracy" Scholarship Winners
Promoting patriotism and community service among Westerville students.
Fallen Heroes Memorial Golf Tournament
Enjoying comradeship while serving the fallen, and their families.
Honoring the Greatest Generation
dave cooper honored for 38 years' service
DAVID R. COOPER
Honorable Service and Commitment to
VFW Post 7883
Westerville
Since 1985
Dave Cooper (3rd from left) flanked by fellow Post 7883 commanders (Frank Koenig, Walt Maylis, Dave, Alan Briggs, Bill Tate, Chris Curry). Dave holds the record, with 17 consecutive years' service as Post Commander winning All-American and All-State honors multiple times.
voice of democracy & patriot's pen
Voice of Democracy is a 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
Voice of Democracy
One of our favorite things is recognizing these Outstanding Spokespersons for Freedom
2023 winner, Caroline Kaun, is joined by her parents at our February meeting and Award Ceremony.
Patriot's Pen
Voice of Democracy
Patriot's Pen
Fraser Hartnell, 2023 Patriot's Pen winner, flanked by his parents.
Voice of Democracy
Patriot's Pen
2024 patriot's pen / voice of democracy winners
Post 7883 proudly recognized the winners of the 2023-24 Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen essay contests — both of which are VFW’s annual essay contests.
Arden Heckman, a sophomore at Westerville North High School, earned second place in the Voice of Democracy contest,
Wreaths across america in pictures
all-American!
7/16/24 - We received notice that (past) Cmdr Frank Koenig led us to 2023-2024 All-American honors
Thanks to all who contributed time & effort to serve our Westerville community.