Author: ateeter

In Memoriam (3rd Quarter 2022)

In Memoriam
  Comrade Don Wennerlind, age 92 passed away on April 23, 2022. He served in the Army in the Korean War. Don was active with the post in the 60s, 70s and 80s. Both of his parents were very active as well.

    In updating our roster, we were notified of the following passings:
Comrade Oscar Elmer Borchelt, age 100, of Maple Valley passed away on August 13, 2021. He served in the Army in World War II. Comrade Borchelt was our post commander for seven years, from 1991-1998, and was active in our post until the past few years when advancing age and retreating eyesight restricted his driving.
   
Comrade David Wikstrom, age 91, of Seattle passed away on July 6, 2021. David served in the Navy in the Korean war as a crew member of the light aircraft carrier USS Bataan. He attended many Navy reunions and kept contact with other crew members. He often quoted Shakespeare when mentioning the war; “We few, we happy few, we band of brothers.”

Commander’s Corner (July 2022)

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: 

  1. Increase member participation by 100%.
  2. Increase participation in community events. 
  3. Institute semi-annual or quarterly adopted unit events.
  4. Increase post volunteer opportunities.
  5. Collaborate with the Auxiliary.
  6. Find a new Quartermaster.
  7. Complete 501(c)(3) application.
  8. 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.

Quartermaster Update (July 2022)

By Harold Rodenberger


Welcome to the new VFW year. Please join me in welcoming our new Post officers. For the next twelve months, Commander Alyson Teeter and crew will be sailing our good ship in search of new goals such as standing up our own 501(c)(3) organization and getting our remodel project back on track. Our normal mission of serving veterans and their families will continue and expand. There may be an occasional tempest along the way, but if we all help hoist the sails, trim the sheets, and holystone the decks, we will make good progress.


Our Service Officer, Joseph Mesa, has agreed to serve another year. Joseph is one of the best VSO’s in the state. If you, (or a vet you know) need help filing for veteran’s benefits, please get in touch with Joseph, [email protected] or 206-488-8981.


Junior Past Commander Joe Fitzgerald and I attended the 102nd VFW State Convention in Spokane last month. We learned in classes and participated in elections as the Convention took care of business. One highlight was the award of First Place in Editorial Excellence to our newsletter. Congratulations Aly on a great job as Editor of our Ballad Eagleson Patriot!


Looking to the near future: The shredder truck will come to our parking lot on July 26th sometime between 0900-1400 (9-2). They will update us the day before with a more precise time, so if you want to standby and watch your papers be shredded, call Tuesday morning and I may be able to pin it down more closely. I understand that some of you would like to see the truck come and stay for four hours as we did in the past, but the charge for this new service is less than a third of the other. If you want you can drop off your papers and we will secure them and then watch as they’re shredded.


King County has approved our request for a grant to pay for a mural on the front of our building. It will be exciting to watch our public face upgraded. Watch for further updates on this project.


Next month (8/20/22) is the Third Annual Post Picnic at the Seelig’s place on Lake Serene. Look for more info at the Post, elsewhere in this paper, and on our website.


October 22nd is the date of our Annual Spaghetti Fundraiser. It’s not too early to begin rounding up prizes for this great charity event. Restaurant and other business gift certificates, special gift baskets, and other personalized gifts make enticing raffle/auction prizes. Please do your best to contribute some prizes for our annual effort to raise money for our Post Relief Fund.


Electronics handyperson wanted. We’re in the process of upgrading our post security camera system. If you have expertise in this area, please consider volunteering to help us install a good security system. Contact [email protected] or call 206-972-2135.


Please note: The Post Picnic and Spaghetti Fundraiser will take the place of our social nights in August and October.