U.S. Army veteran Chris Woodruff first walked into Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8235 in west Fort Worth six years ago. The place hardly resembled the bustling hub it is today.
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“It was just one meeting room, electricity, but the whole back side was just an old garage,” Woodruff said. “There were holes in it, it was dilapidated, it was terrible. But it was enough to keep the members functioning.”
Woodruff, who was already working with homeless and incarcerated veterans, didn’t join for the building. He joined for the people.
Now, the post is thriving. With a remodeled space, full kitchen and canteen, a new stage for events, and a steady stream of fresh recruits, VFW Post 8235 has become the largest VFW in District 21 by members and a leader in community service, according to officials.
Woodruff, who serves as both service officer and trustee, said the post’s strength is simple: veterans helping veterans.
“We share a common experience, whether through boot camp, deployed in combat or having the intestinal fortitude to raise your right hand and swear an oath,” he said. “That’s what brings us together.”
The Arlington Heights Memorial Post, as it was once known, has been part of Fort Worth since the 1970s. Quartermaster Phillip Casey said the move to its current location doubled its size, providing room to expand.
The interior of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8235 Aug. 29, 2025, in west Fort Worth. (Mary Abby Goss | Fort Worth Report)
The post recently celebrated the anniversary of its kitchen and canteen, features that make it stand out and keep veterans coming back.
“We’re open seven days a week, have a full kitchen and a full bar,” Casey said. “That attracts veterans to join our post where they can have that camaraderie.”
Memberships unite generations, from World War II veterans to those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. This blend fosters an environment where people share stories, build friendships and address needs.
Members and veterans have built tables, donated wood and helped build the outside stage, Casey said. The post plans to host live music, ceremonies and events on its stage.
“The whole post has a veterans’ touch to it,” Casey said.
The post is personal for Casey. His father, a Vietnam veteran, once served as commander, and other family members who served in wars were life members of the post.
“This place is near and dear to my heart,” Casey said.
The framed name change from May 2022 pictured Aug. 29, 2025, at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8235 in west Fort Worth. (Mary Abby Goss | Fort Worth Report)
Post 8235 isn’t just about camaraderie inside the building. It leads the district in community service, partnering with local groups to support homeless veterans, youth programs and schools.
Members deliver clothing to the Patriot House; work with American Heritage Girls, Trail Life Boys and the Young Marines on flag retirement ceremonies; and host events that connect veterans with resources.
The post has earned national recognition, achieving All-American All-State Post seven consecutive years, a distinction based on recruiting, retention and service.
Retired Army Master Sgt. Randall High has led Post 8235 since 2011. Known for his innovation and drive, High has helped modernize the post while keeping its traditional feel.
“It still has that classic look, but it’s updated,” High said.
He credits the post’s growth to a focus on inclusion and outreach. Under his leadership, Post 8235 recruits not only veterans but also active-duty service members from across branches, which he sees as key to keep the organization running.
“Some posts didn’t bring in younger people, and they wound up shutting down,” High said. “That’s one thing we strive to do.”
The strategy is working. The post now averages four to five new members each month. That’s unheard of for VFWs, Woodruff said.
It’s not just about memberships. It’s about creating a space for veterans from all walks of life to feel welcomed, Woodruff said.
“There are a lot of us who probably wouldn’t be friends out in the civilian world,” Woodruff said. “But that veteran tag brings us together.”
Orlando Torres is a reporting fellow for the Fort Worth Report.
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