By Alyson Teeter
Greetings comrades! After peppering the post commander for an article every print newsletter as the newsletter editor the last five or so years, it’s now my turn to write these for the next year. It’s an odd feeling but at least I set my own deadlines!
First off, if we aren’t already acquainted, I’ve been with the post since 2016. In one of my first meetings Harold Rodenberger asked for help with the website and I’ve been volunteering with the post in various positions ever since. For background, I served in the Air Force and qualified for the VFW through serving in South Korea and currently am an active, drilling Washington Air National Guard officer. I’m also a stay-at-home parent living in Fremont who loves to volunteer.
Part of my drive to volunteer is to meet and connect with others in my community. Getting to know veterans here in the Ballard area has made me feel more “at home” and I’m so thankful to have the opportunity to belong to this organization with such a virtuous mission! I want other veterans here to experience this feeling of comradeship as well so this brings me to my goals for the 2022-2023 year, which I’ll brief in further detail at the July 7 business meeting:
- Increase member participation by 100%.
- Increase participation in community events.
- Institute semi-annual or quarterly adopted unit events.
- Increase post volunteer opportunities.
- Collaborate with the Auxiliary.
- Find a new Quartermaster.
- Complete 501(c)(3) application.
- Get building renovation planning back on track.
These aren’t easy goals but if we can have more folks pitch in with volunteering for positions and committees, I think we can get there. The VFW’s motto is, “No one does more for veterans,” so let’s all stand proud and execute this mission of service to each other, our post and community.
I’m looking forward to working with you this year! I’m always open to feedback so please reach out at [email protected] or by phone at 206-701-9259 any time.