Author: ateeter

Commander’s Corner: February 2025

Comrades,

As we start the new year, I’d like to remind everyone of a few important updates and opportunities to engage with our post.

First, we’ll hold a swearing-in ceremony during the Feb. 6 business meeting. If you haven’t participated in one since joining, please come—it’s a meaningful tradition that connects us to our shared mission.

Looking ahead, officer nominations for 2025-2026 begin in March. As a volunteer-led organization, our strength lies in the dedication of our members. If you’re interested in stepping up to help share the workload and make running the post more of a team effort, please talk to me or Quartermaster Joseph Mesa. We need more hands to ensure our legacy remains strong.

Finally, as part of our redevelopment exploration, we’ve hired a consultant to help guide us through the process. One thing is becoming clear: the future of our post depends on the strength and engagement of our membership. That’s why I’m asking you to join us for a members-only social on Feb. 20, where we’ll discuss our challenges and identify potential solutions. Your input is critical as we plan the path forward.

Save the Date! We’re gearing up for our Vietnam Veterans Recognition Social on March 15. This is a meaningful opportunity to show our appreciation and give our Vietnam-era comrades the recognition they deserve. Let’s make this a team effort—volunteers are key to ensuring this event is a success. Sign up to volunteer here! 

Let’s work together to ensure a vibrant and sustainable future for VFW Post 3063. I hope to see you at these upcoming events!

In comradeship,
Aly Teeter, Commander

February Social announced

We’re hosting a members-only social on Thursday, February 20 to discuss the future of our post. This interactive event includes a facilitated exercise designed to identify key priorities and challenges for VFW Post 3063’s mission and sustainability. Your participation will help guide decisions about our building and ensure we remain a thriving community for veterans.

📅 When: Doors open at 5:30 p.m., dinner and exercise start at 6:00 p.m.
📍 Where: Ballard Eagleson VFW Post 3063
✉️ RSVP: [email protected]

This is a great opportunity to share your voice, connect with fellow members, and help secure the future of our post. We look forward to seeing you there!

Memorial Wall renovation support needed

VFW Post 3063 submitted a letter of support for the proposed updates to the Memorial Wall at Memorial Stadium, advocating for much-needed improvements to honor veterans with a more accessible and dignified space. The renovation plan includes a dedicated area for reflection and events while improving the wall’s setting away from parking areas.

A briefing presentation shared with the Landmarks Preservation Board can be viewed here.

The board is set to vote on the proposal soon, and public comments are encouraged. To submit your input before the vote, visit here.

Mid-Winter Conference recap

Comrades Commander Alyson Teeter and Quartermaster Joseph Mesa attended the Department of Washington VFW Mid-Winter Conference January 17-18 in Pasco. At this conference, various training classes were held, officer reports were read and winning essay participants were recognized.

Here are some highlights Commander Teeter noted that she thought were worth passing along:

Membership training
– All State is 100%+1 (VFW Post 3063 is at 100%!)
– Before asking for membership, ask if they need help!
– “Conflict area” rather than combat.
– Transfers: Membership committee needs to ensure they’re qualified
– Have folks designated as recruiters and they help mentor
– Contact members at large (see list from Chuck Bond)
– Make sure SSNs on DD-214 are blacked out
– QM can fix email addresses
– Don’t invite prospects to post meetings as the first touch point. Instead focus on other events that demonstrate the VFW mission.
– National Guard prospective members; see if they received hazard pay
– Don’t forget Coast Guard members!

Service Officer
– Accredited officers: moving to hourly due to state law change
– Four vacancies: Vancouver (1 FT, 1 PT), Yakima (PT), Everett (FT)
– Post Service Officers will be renamed to something else, TBD

Surgeon
– The VA facilities want us back!!!! 
– American Lake has a clothes closet and they need more donations! 
– Jason Paxton is visiting Seattle VA on Feb 14 – he wants area post members to come!

National Home
– WA Home is vacant
– 100 year anniversary this year

Commander’s Corner: January 2025

Comrades,

As we close out 2024 and look toward 2025, I want to take a moment to reflect on the tremendous work we’ve accomplished together at Post 3063. It’s been an honor to serve as your commander for the past three years. Together, we’ve navigated challenges, celebrated successes, and built a foundation that ensures our post remains a vibrant and impactful part of our community.

This year I encourage each of you to consider how you can help shape the future of our post. In March, we’ll hold elections for the next slate of officers, and I want to emphasize how critical it is for new leadership to step forward. Fresh ideas, new energy, and diverse perspectives are essential to our continued growth and relevance.

While I plan to stay involved in communications and community relations, I believe the time has come for others to take the helm. I’m confident that among our membership are passionate individuals ready to carry forward our mission of serving veterans, their families, and our community. If you’ve ever considered stepping into a leadership role or supporting the post in a greater capacity, now is the time to take that step.

Let’s work together in the coming months to ensure a smooth transition, continuing to build on the progress we’ve made. I look forward to seeing many of you at our meetings and events and hearing your ideas for how we can make 2025 another successful year for VFW Post 3063.

Thank you for the trust and support you’ve shown me over the past three years. Here’s to a new year of opportunity and success for our post!

In comradeship,
Aly Teeter, Commander