Author: ateeter

Commander’s Corner (March 2023)

Greetings comrades! There’s a ton of action happening at our post and we need this to be a team effort. Have you wondered what our VFW post actually does? Well, I created this “Mind Map” of our post to outline what we do at the operational level. Did you know Harold Rodenberger was performing a bulk of this work while Quartermaster? This is unacceptable and as he “retires” from the position we all need to do our part to meet our mission requirements. On that note, we’ll be starting the 2023-2024 nominations process at our March 2 meeting. Thank you to everyone who volunteers to take on a leadership position.

This weekend, March 4-5, a local boy scout troop — led by an Eagle Scout applicant — will paint the lounge. We’ll then get to work placing and hanging memorabilia. Eventually we’d also like to replace the lighting, furniture and freshen up the bar area. For more details about the redecorating plan, check out this document.

Our March 16 social is going to have a twist: it’s doubling as a fundraiser for District 2 (our next higher VFW organizational element). Tickets are $20, which is an awesome deal considering the food, entertainment and camaraderie you’ll reap.

Also in March we’re hosting our first ever flag recycling event on the 25th at 2 p.m. at the post. We’ve collected more than 300 discarded flags. We used to dispose of the flags by burning them but neighbors complained and we agreed: this is not an environmentally friendly solution. We did our research and discovered that discarded flags can be properly disposed of by shredding and recycling the fabric, which is a win-win! If you have a pair of fabric shears and would like to help shred, please join us! Also feel free to drop off your unserviceable flags.

 March is a month to honor our veterans of Vietnam and Operation Iraqi Freedom. On March 20, 2003, President George W. Bush officially launched Operation Iraqi Freedom so this year is the 20th anniversary. The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 was signed into law by 45th U.S. President Donald J. Trump, designating every March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

Lastly, I want to commend our Service Officer, Comrade Joseph Mesa. He embodies the VFW Motto, Nobody Does More for Veterans. He volunteers his time to help veterans and family members with the VA claims process. He is sought after far and wide due to his commitment to service and excellence. Thank you Joseph for your continued service! You are the best of the best.

In comradeship,
Aly Teeter

Commander’s Corner: February 2023

By Alyson Teeter


Greetings comrades! I’ve been back for a few days from our state’s Mid-Winter Conference and the fresh ideas I heard from VFW comrades near and far (and even our own post) were inspiring. It renewed my motivation to press ahead on our post interior refresh.

  • The Boy Scouts will paint our lounge soon and we’ll need to thoughtfully decorate in a way that is inviting to members and potential recruits. Tell me if you can help with this.
  • We must eventually address the recommended infrastructural upgrades in the 2019 architectural review but also quickly take action on low-cost/easy upgrades. 


New members — Comrades Randy Brock and Jon Thurman — had insightful thoughts about our recruiting and retention efforts from a new member perspective. His main point: we need to improve our vibe and attract post-9/11 veterans if we want to stay relevant. I totally agree. Let’s stay focused on this goal.

Speaking of recruiting, we must build off our year last year and increase our participation in local events. In addition to the Seafood Fest, we should consider staffing booths at the:

  • Fremont Fair 
  • Ballard Farmer’s Market
  • Grocery stores


Buddy Poppies, benefit information and applications are a must at all these events. Most of all we need folks willing to put themselves out there to recruit and show the community that we’re here and have a mission to help veterans.

 
Lastly, none of these plans can come to fruition without the hard work of volunteers. Our steadfast super star volunteer, Comrade Quartermaster Harold Rodenberger, would like to fully enjoy retirement and has asked that we replace him during the next election cycle, which starts in March. If the prospect of being QM scares the crap out of you, I get it. Harold has been performing duties for various post positions over the years, which isn’t sustainable. The plan is to spread the duties amongst others so that our future Quartermaster can focus on their core volunteer duties. If you enjoy business management and administration, the QM gig would be your jam. Please let Harold know if you’d like more information.

See you at Thursday’s meeting!