Ward Roney Jr. VFW Post 7511

Mission

To foster camaraderie among United States Veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve our veterans, the military and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all veterans.

Vision

Ensure that veterans are respected for their service, always receive their earned entitlements, and are recognized for the sacrifices they and their loved ones have made on behalf of this great country.

About

Ward Roney Jr. VFW Post 7511 has proudly served veterans, military families, and the Monroe community since 1968. Named in honor of Ward Roney Jr.—a local hero and survivor of the Battle of the Bulge, the Frozen Chosin, and Pork Chop Hill—our post stands as a living tribute to service, sacrifice, and leadership.

For more than five decades, Post 7511 has embodied the mission of the Veterans of Foreign Wars: to foster camaraderie among U.S. veterans, advocate for those who served, and support their families and community. As the first Purple Heart Post in Washington State, we helped Monroe become a Purple Heart City and Snohomish County a Purple Heart County, and supported the Monroe School District and EvergreenHealth in earning Purple Heart designations.

Through this legacy of leadership and service, VFW Post 7511 continues to honor the past while building a stronger future for all who served.

Leadership

The leadership team of Ward Roney Jr. VFW Post 7511 is a dedicated group of veterans and community members committed to serving those who served. Together, they uphold the values of the Veterans of Foreign Wars through advocacy, stewardship, and hands‑on support for Monroe’s veteran community.

Guided by integrity, service, and the legacy of Ward Roney Jr., the team works to strengthen programs, expand outreach, and ensure every veteran and family who walks through the door finds connection, respect, and a place to belong.

Terry D. Stinson

Drew James

Ryan Lashbrook

Post Commander

Sr. Vice Commander & Adjutant

Jr. Vice Commander & Surgeon

Commander Terry D. Stinson is a Legacy Life Member of the Ward Roney Junior VFW Post 7511 in Monroe, Washington. He previously served three years as Post Commander, leading the Post to All-State and All-American distinction each year.

Comrade Stinson went on to serve one year as District Senior Vice Commander before being elected as District 1 Commander. He completed three years in that role, leading VFW District 1, Department of Washington, to three All-State awards and two All-American awards.

He has now returned to VFW Post 7511 as the Commander.

Commander Stinson is a retired Chief Warrant Officer from the United States Coast Guard.

Drew James is a U.S. Army combat veteran who served eight years with the 10th Mountain Division, 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry. He was among the first American combat troops to deploy to Afghanistan in 2001 and took part in Operation Anaconda in 2002.

A past Commander of Post 7511 (2018–2020), Drew helped grow membership and strengthen the post’s community outreach. He later became the first member of Post 7511 to serve as Department of Washington State Commander (2025–2026). He continues to serve as Senior Vice Commander while remaining active in veteran advocacy and leadership.

Drew lives in the Snohomish area with his family and remains committed to supporting fellow veterans and the Monroe community.

Ryan Lashbrook is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who serves as Junior Vice Commander of Ward Roney Jr. VFW Post 7511 in Monroe, Washington.

In this leadership role, he supports the post’s operations, assists the Commander and Senior Vice Commander, and helps advance the post’s mission of service to veterans and the community.

A dedicated member of Post 7511, Ryan continues to serve his fellow Marines and veterans through active involvement in post leadership and activities.

Eric Ciocco

Ricky Andrew

Kevin Opple

Quartermaster

Chaplain

Judge Advocate & 1st Year Trustee

Eric Ciocco serves as Quartermaster of Ward Roney Jr. VFW Post 7511 in Monroe, Washington. In this role, he oversees the post’s financial records, accounts, and assets, helping ensure the post remains fiscally sound while supporting its mission of service to veterans and the community.

A dedicated long-time member of Post 7511, Eric has also served for many years as chairperson of the Flags for Our Fallen 5K Committee. This demanding role involves extensive planning, coordination, and follow-through each year to make the event a success in honor of our fallen and in support of the post’s charitable work.

Comrade Andrew serves as Post Chaplain for the Ward Roney Jr. VFW Post 7511 in Monroe, Washington, a role he has held for six years. He is also in his fourth year as District 1 Chaplain and currently serves as the Sky Pilot for the Military Order of the Cootie Pup Tent 8.

In addition, Comrade Andrew is the Humanitarian of the Year Chairman for the Department of Washington and President of Chapter 2 of the VFW Off-Roaders.

Comrade Andrew is a veteran of the United States Army.

Kevin Opple is a retired U.S. Navy officer with more than 20 years of service. His Navy career included senior leadership roles in operations, public safety, and emergency management, among them serving as City Manager (Director of Operations) at Naval Station Everett and as a project manager supporting combat deployments.

Kevin brings his experience in leadership, policy, and organizational governance to his role as Judge Advocate for Ward Roney Jr. VFW Post 7511. In this position he advises the post on bylaws, parliamentary procedure, and legal matters while supporting the post’s mission of service to veterans and the community.

Mike Bowling

Officer of the Day/Guard

Mike Bowling is a retired U.S. Navy veteran who serves as Guard and Officer of the Day for Ward Roney Jr. VFW Post 7511 in Monroe, Washington. In these roles, he helps maintain order during meetings, supports post ceremonies and rituals, and ensures the smooth conduct of official post business.

A dedicated member of Post 7511, Mike continues to serve his fellow veterans and the local community through his steady presence and commitment to the post’s traditions and mission.

Jay Fiske

Three Year Trustee

Trustee Jay Fiske (3 year term) served as a pilot in the Army for 30 years, retiring as a CWO4. He previously held the position of Jr. Vice Commander of this post.

In his civilian occupation he works as a benefit auctioneer and nonprofit consultant, helping nonprofits raise money.

Scott Cook

Two Year Trustee

Bio information