Author: ateeter

Commander’s Corner: February 2026

Comrades,

Welcome to February. As we move deeper into the new year, I am encouraged by the energy, ideas, and opportunities in front of us. This month represents progress, connection, and momentum for VFW Post 3063.

At our February meeting, we will be bringing forward a motion to accept proposals to begin the next phase of redevelopment planning, following our recent meetings with Councilmembers Kettle and Strauss. These conversations were constructive and forward-looking, and the motion before the membership is an important step in shaping the future of our Post. I encourage members to attend (in person or via Zoom), listen, and participate as we consider what comes next. How do we ensure our post remains a place for veterans and the larger community to connect and be of service to one another?

I would also like to express everyone’s appreciation for the continued contributions of our membership.  The time people take to question motions, practices, and governance procedures is why our post continues to thrive. Active members make for vigorous posts. Thank you all.

February is also a time for fellowship—and that means we’ll be hosting a Mardi Gras social this month, and I hope you’ll join us. Thursday 12 February. These gatherings are about more than food and fun; they are how we strengthen bonds, welcome new faces, and remind ourselves that this Post is a place to relax and enjoy one another’s company. Let’s get together and have some fun.

Looking ahead to next month, please mark your calendars for March 28th, when we will celebrate the 100th Anniversary of VFW Post 3063. This will be a significant milestone in our history, and we will also take time during this event to honor our Vietnam-era veterans for their service and sacrifice. I strongly encourage all members to plan to attend and help us make this a meaningful and memorable occasion.

Finally, February is Black History Month. While its meaning has evolved in many ways over time, its origins were rooted in remembrance, reflection, and gratitude—recognizing progress made and the service of those who helped shape our nation. Initially Negroe History Week centered on the birthdays of Lincoln and Douglass.  This month, I invite members to take a moment to talk with one another about service and experience. Listen to the stories of those who served in Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, and other eras. These conversations—between comrades—are at the heart of what makes the VFW important and enduring.  We will continue to strive for a country where all contributions are valued, honored, and rewarded.

Thank you for being part of this Post, for showing up, and for continuing to move us forward together.

Respectfully,
Harold Hamilton
Commander, VFW Post 3063

100 Years of Service

VFW Post 3063 Quartermaster Joseph Mesa (left) and Commander Harold Hamilton (right) pose with the National Commander’s 100th Anniversary Commemoration, recognizing 100 years of VFW legacy originating with the Queen Anne post, first established in 1926, and carried forward today by Ballard Eagleson VFW Post 3063.

The commemoration was presented to Quartermaster Mesa at the Department of Washington Mid-Winter Convention and formally presented to the Post during the Jan. 15 business meeting.

While Ballard Eagleson VFW Post 3063 has not been located in Ballard for the full century, this recognition honors the combined history and service of the posts whose legacies were united, reflecting a continuous century-long commitment to veterans, service members, and their families.

Mark your calendars for our 100th Anniversary Celebration on March 28 where we’ll also recognize our Vietnam Veterans.

Commander’s Corner: January 2026

Comrades,

As we begin a new calendar year, I want to thank each of you for your continued commitment to VFW Post 3063. December reminded us what this Post does best—bringing veterans, families, and our community together in service, recognition, and fellowship. We closed the year strong, and that momentum carries forward into 2026.

January is a time to reset and refocus. Our priorities remain clear: caring for veterans, maintaining strong stewardship of Post resources, and ensuring our programs—youth activities, relief efforts, and community partnerships—are conducted in accordance with our bylaws and the standards of the VFW. Transparency, accountability, and participation will guide us as we move ahead.

Please note that our Post meeting this month will be held on the third Thursday, January 15th, due to the New Year holiday and the VFW Department of Washington Mid-Winter Conference taking place in Tacoma during the second week of January. At this meeting, we will be voting on a number of motions related to activities at the Post for the coming year, beginning with monthly socials. I encourage everyone to mark their calendars and plan to participate as we move forward together. We’ll kick things off with Seahawks playoff game socials and build from there.

Our goal this year is to host socials every month, with an emphasis on broad participation. Fellowship is a core strength of our Post. At the same time, I want to emphasize the importance of member involvement in our business meetings. We require six members for a quorum, and consistent attendance is essential to transparency and sound management of the Post. If you can commit to attending meetings, your participation truly matters. Please remember that the results of our meetings and all approved actions are documented and shared by the Adjutant.

I would also like to extend sincere congratulations to all of the students who participated in our Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy essay contests, and especially to our winners. Their thoughtful reflections on citizenship, service, and democracy remind us why these programs matter and why the VFW continues to invest in our youth. We are grateful to the families, educators, and volunteers who support these students and help make these contests a success.

A heartfelt thank you goes to the super volunteers of Post 3063 who made our holiday celebration a truly wonderful event for our members and guests. Jan and members of the House Committee really went above and beyond to take care of this year’s events from planning to decorating. Let’s be sure to give them a high five when we see them. A “that was braw”, or Thenk Ye goes a long way. From planning and setup to hosting and cleanup, their dedication created a welcoming and memorable evening that reflected the best of our Post.

Finally, as we look ahead, this year we will mark a major milestone—the 100th anniversary of VFW Post 3063. We are planning a celebration in March, which will coincide with our Vietnam Veterans recognition. Please keep this in mind as plans develop, and consider how you might be part of honoring this important moment in our Post’s history.

Thank you for being part of our Post and for everything you do in service to veterans and our community.

Respectfully,

Harold Hamilton
Commander, VFW Post 3063