Visit Westerville

Black Veterans

Duty, Honor, Country

By Artist Zach Cardoza

Mural Location: Veterans Memorial | 325 N. Cleveland Avenue                                                                                                                                                         On the block wall opposite the POW/MIA wall

I was given the privilege of honoring Black veterans of Westerville through this mural, an experience that has been both rewarding and deeply educational. From the outset, my intention was clear: to represent each veteran’s likeness as accurately as possible within the framework of my style. It was important to me that they be recognized as individuals, not generalized within a broad theme of soldiers or military imagery. While artistic interpretation is always present, my primary goal was to depict these men as they truly were, their real faces, their character, their humanity. This mural was not only an honor to create, but a responsibility to ensure their presence is seen, and remembered. It was a privilege
to represent Capt. W.S. Thomas, Norman Wesley Tarpley, and Jack Dempsey Foster and their service, and I hope this project encourages others to know and honor their legacy as well.

Medium: Soft Pastels

Zach Cardoza is a professionally trained artist with over a decade of experience, grounded in classical fine art traditions and driven by curiosity around material and process. After studying Fine Art at Northwest College in Wyoming, he built a strong foundation in drawing, painting, sculpture, and pastels; skills that continue to shape his work today.

Now based in Columbus, Zach’s practice has evolved to incorporate both traditional and nontraditional materials, ranging from graphite and pastel to thread, yarn, and wool, allowing the medium itself to guide each piece. His work bridges classical technique with contemporary experimentation and has been featured in the Ohio Arts Council Spring Juried Selection and other publications, reflecting a thoughtful balance of structure and innovation.

Learn more about Zach at zachcardozaart.com

Black Westerville residents have been serving in the military since the Civil War, sometimes making the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of their nation. This mural honors three veterans from our history:

• Civil rights activist Walter Thomas joined the 9th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Battalion during the Spanish-American War. He served under Major Charles Young – one of the few 19th century Black units under the command of an African American officer.

• Norman Tarpley lived in Westerville as a child. A Dublin High School graduate and athlete, he served in the 101st Airborne Division during the Vietnam War and was killed in action. Three of his siblings, including a sister, also served in the military.

• Jack Dempsey Foster worked for a railroad car manufacturing company and began building ships during World War II. As a service member, he was assigned to the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, WA, repairing battle-damaged Pacific fleet vessels.