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<\/a><\/p>\nStories of Honor is a Fort Worth Report weekly series spotlighting 12 Tarrant County veterans<\/a> who are serving beyond the uniform.<\/p>\n We also are highlighting nonprofits<\/a> recommended by the veterans.<\/p>\n In November, the veterans will gather for a luncheon where the Report will honor their service at the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was just one meeting room, electricity, but the whole back side was just an old garage,\u201d Woodruff said. \u201cThere were holes in it, it was dilapidated, it was terrible. But it was enough to keep the members functioning.\u201d<\/p>\n Woodruff, who was already working with homeless and incarcerated veterans, didn\u2019t join for the building. He joined for the people.\u00a0<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n Woodruff, who serves as both service officer and trustee, said the post\u2019s strength is simple: veterans helping veterans.<\/p>\n \u201cWe 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,\u201d he said. \u201cThat\u2019s what brings us together.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The post recently celebrated the anniversary of its kitchen and canteen, features that make it stand out and keep veterans coming back.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re open seven days a week, have a full kitchen and a full bar,\u201d Casey said. \u201cThat attracts veterans to join our post where they can have that camaraderie.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThe whole post has a veterans\u2019 touch to it,\u201d Casey said.\u00a0 \u201cThis place is near and dear to my heart,\u201d Casey said.<\/p>\n Post 8235 isn\u2019t 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The post has earned national recognition, achieving All-American All-State Post seven consecutive years, a distinction based on recruiting, retention and service.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cIt still has that classic look, but it\u2019s updated,\u201d High said.\u00a0<\/p>\n He credits the post\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cSome posts didn\u2019t bring in younger people, and they wound up shutting down,\u201d High said. \u201cThat\u2019s one thing we strive to do.\u201d<\/p>\n The strategy is working. The post now averages four to five new members each month. That\u2019s unheard of for VFWs, Woodruff said.\u00a0<\/p>\n It\u2019s not just about memberships. It\u2019s about creating a space for veterans from all walks of life to feel welcomed, Woodruff said.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThere are a lot of us who probably wouldn\u2019t be friends out in the civilian world,\u201d Woodruff said. \u201cBut that veteran tag brings us together.\u201d<\/p>\n Orlando Torres is a reporting fellow for the Fort Worth Report.<\/p>\n At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here<\/a>.<\/p>\n \n\tRelated\n<\/p>\n Fort Worth Report is certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative<\/a> for adhering to standards for ethical journalism.<\/p>\n Republish This Story<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Goss-SOH-VFW-01.jpg\")
The interior of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8235 Aug. 29, 2025, in west Fort Worth. (Mary Abby Goss | Fort Worth Report)<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Goss-SOH-VFW-04.jpg\")
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)<\/p>\n
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