Author: ateeter

Commander’s Corner (June 2022)

THE END IS NEAR! But, so is the BEGINNING!


With the conclusion of the June Washington State VFW Convention in Spokane, my tenure as your post commander will end.


I could not be prouder of what our post was accomplished during these past two years as we slogged our way through the worst period of the Covid pandemic.


First and foremost we were able to keep our heads above water and avoid drowning in the Covid morass, thanks in large part to the collective efforts of the post leadership and membership alike.


Despite the limitations and restrictions that come with ensuring vaccination and masking requirements were met and maintained, we continued to “move the post forward.” The post business operation did not lose a step.

  • We continued with servicing the needs of veterans.
  • Our award winning newsletter editor produced quality editions — some of the best in the VFW — month after month.
  • We honored requests for our color and honor guard services.
  • We continued our commitment to the Ballard community by participating in parades, food bank drives, community cleanup efforts, etc.
  • We sponsored two new scout troops and were able to continue with our youth scholarship programs.
  • With all that said, our crowning achievement was earning the “All-American” title for the first time in the history of our post. This is a big deal within the VFW community because it is one of the most prestigious honors given by our VFW organization. It is based on outstanding achievement in membership growth, programs that benefit and assist veterans, and deep community involvement. The Title of All-American signals to everyone this is a post that is in tune with it’s membership, interacts with the local community, and is committed to veterans in need.


I could not be prouder and so should you!


So, as the State Convention ends later this month, it too ushers in the beginning of our new post command staff led by Commander Aly Teeter. It will be a great leadership team!


I want to thank each and every one of you for your commitment to excellence. It has truly been my honor to serve you.


– Commander Joe F.

May 2022 Newsletter Posted

Ballard Eagleson VFW Post 3063’s May 2022 newsletter is posted here. Highlights include Commander’s Corner; Day of Service May 21 at the Post; Volunteer Opportunity: Connect with Veterans at Queen Anne Healthcare; In Memoriam: Justin Fitch; Ann Leake, Our Special Santa, Passes Away at 93; Exchange Benefit Eligibility Expanded; and 2022 Youth Essay Topics Posted.

Commander’s Corner (May 2022)

I will forgo one of my typical messages and give you the following instead: 


First, as some of you know, my wife Laura and I just returned from a week  in the Caribbean on a Fitzgerald Family Cruise. And you also may have  heard that I tested positive for Covid upon my return. I did. But the good  news is that Laura did not, and also that I have been asymptomatic. My  doctor, and particularly the medical staff at Swedish who treat old goats  like me who get Covid, attributes my having no Covid issues or even  symptoms other than pollen allergies, to having been vaccinated and twice  boosted to a point that I have built up some good immunity. Because of my age it was recommended that I receive the  Monoclonal Antibodies IV. So I did that. I think I am seriously covered now. I have 7 days of quarantine which ends Sunday. So the Tuesday before our  business meeting I will no longer be in quarantine, and no masking  required – I will be done with all of it just in time for Thursday’s meeting.  


The point of all this though, is full disclosure, and to let you all know that I  am proof of how effective vaccinations and boosters can be to  minimize the effects of Covid on an individual. This is why it is so important  to be vaccinated. I turned 81 at this writing. I have a congestive heart condition, I have Afib,  and two faulty heart valves, along with a host of other old age related  issues! Although I try, it is impossible for me to workout like I used to not  so very long ago. Given all that, contracting Covid could  have been a very critical if not disastrous issue for me. But I have no worries!


On to post business… At this Thursday’s business meeting, we will be installing next year’s slate of officers. I hope that all of you can make it so that you can welcome the incoming leadership. You should all be very excited about who your next Commander will be, as well as the rest of the post command staff. Promises to be exceptional!  


On Thursday our Post Auxiliary will be electing new leadership at the  Post as well. 


So, some big changes are coming. Please come and be a part of it!


Commander Joe Fitzgerald