Post 3063 has adopted Boy Scout Troop 80 in Magnolia. We plan to work with them to sponsor an Eagle Scout for the VFW’s Scout of the Year program.
Post 3063 Service Officer, Gail Engler, presents a $200 donation to Troop 80.
Post 3063 member Elizabeth Servey and her husband Brian are Boy Scout Leaders for Troop 80 so this is why we chose to sponsor this particular troop since we already had a relationship with them through Elizabeth. Roger Wiley is the Scout Master for Troop 80.
The Serveys have two boys, Andrew and James, who belong to Troop 80. James and Andrew and other Scouts and Girl Scouts have participated with Post 3063 members when we visited patients at the VA hospitals so we already have a good working relationship with Troop 80.
In addition, the Post voted to donate $200, which will help the troop purchase much needed camping equipment to use on their many outdoor adventures.
The post looks forward to working with Troop 80 on other projects in the future.
The cold and flu season is upon us and the Department of Veterans Affairs has once again teamed up with Walgreens Pharmacies nationwide to allow all veterans who are currently enrolled in the VA healthcare system to be able walk into any of the over 8000 Walgreens nationally (and the Duane Reade pharmacies in the New York metropolitan area) to receive a vaccination at no cost. Vaccinations will be available through March 31, 2017.
Veterans wishing to receive the no cost vaccination simply need to present a Veterans Identification Card and a photo ID, at any participating Walgreens to receive the vaccination.
In addition, after the Walgreens pharmacist administers the vaccine Walgreens will transmit that information securely to VA where it becomes part of the patient’s electronic medical record.
VA is committed to keeping Veteran patients healthy, and during this flu season, vaccination is the best way to prevent the spread of flu. No matter where you live, visit your local VA clinic or Walgreens to get a free flu shot.
Tell us about your new position and what you hope to accomplish during your term.
Last year our chaplain was unable to complete his responsibilities and I was asked if I would be willing to fill in. This year I was asked if I would like to continue as chaplain and I said yes. A concern I have as chaplain is connecting with those in our post who are unable to attend our meetings. Several people in the post have joined me in reaching out to these non-attending members. Our World War II vets are of special concern to our committee. We would value any information that you might have concerning a compatriot who is sick or perhaps for other reasons is finding it difficult to attend our meetings. We would like to send them a card of encouragement and pay them a visit if possible.
How long have you belonged to Post 3063 and did you previously serve in an officer position?
I have been a member of the post for almost four years and this is my first officer position.
What is your military background?
Bill Griffith: Soldier of the Quarter
I was enlisted in the Army starting off as an aircraft mechanic in Korea and then as a flight operations specialist at the Presidio in San Francisco. I was temporally drafted to do clerical work at Sixth Army Headquarters working for a Colonel Lee. Colonel Lee decided that I looked like a fine upstanding soldier and thought that somehow I would do, so he entered me into the Sixth Army soldier of the quarter competition which I amazingly won. The picture in this post adorned the walls of the Sixth Army Headquarters for three months in 1966 as part of this recognition.
What do you enjoy most about belonging to the VFW?
I enjoy the community of vets at Post 3063 and like the comradeship of connecting with the vets at the VA Hospital on an on-going basis. I also enjoy the work of supporting our quartermaster and guiding the giving and fundraising aspects of post activities.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell Post 3063 members?
Although the post does many worthwhile events like visiting the VA and helping veterans with claims for service connected disabilities, I find that just hanging out with the members of the post is the most enjoyable aspect of membership. They are a great group!
After a lifetime in aviation I’m now retired. I am currently a docent (tour guide) at the Museum of Flight in Seattle. I am there most Wednesdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and I would love to give any post member a personal tour.
Ballard Eagleson VFW Post 3063’s February newsletter is available for download here. Highlights of February’s issue include: Commander and Quartermaster commentaries; Post sends care packages to deployed members; Changing times requires emphasis on recruiting, membership; Officer Profile: Bill Griffith, Post 3063 Chaplain; and DoD Extends Online Exchange Shopping to Veterans.
During the post social Jan. 19 Kay Seelig (pictured) narrated a photo presentation about her and her husband’s (member Russ Seelig) two-month trip around Eastern Australia. Kay noted that they were “due” a trip since they both recently retired.
