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"Pro Deo, Pro Patria"

These are the words on the banner that the Bald Eagle clutches within its beak inside the VFW Cross of Malta. The words are Latin, meaning

"FOR GOD, FOR COUNTRY"

West Chester Post 7696 is currently researching our history and will add it to this page when we collect all the information.  This post is  dedicated to our country's military, its veterans, and their families.  Our Post's mission is the same as 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.

Post 7696 is very active in the Butler County area.  We participate locally in many programs and events throughout the year, including (but not limited to) Buddy Poppies, Voice of America, Memorial Day and Veteran Day functions, Honor Guard, as well as setting up our food trailer in many places.

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" - 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.