Author: ateeter

Our strategy team continued their work from the early summer and met in August to develop SMART goals for Post 3063. The Post 3063 Strategic Plan is built around four primary goals, each derived from the Post’s Vision, Mission, and Core Values to address critical areas of growth and sustainability for the Post. Below are summaries of each goal and you can read the expanded SMART goals and strategy team notes here.

Goal 1: Increase Member Participation
A top priority is to activate and engage the membership by increasing participation in Post events. The goal is to increase monthly member participation by encouraging members to attend at least one event per month, including meetings, socials, service events, or committee involvement. Additionally, the “Battle Buddy Program” will be launched in the Fall 2024 to foster personal connections and accountability, pairing long-term members with newer ones to strengthen community bonds. 

Goal 2: Redevelop Post 3063 into a Veteran Hub
To secure the Post’s future and enhance its impact, VFW Post 3063 will be redeveloped into a central hub for veterans. By April 2025, a comprehensive redevelopment plan will be in place, guided by a project manager consultant hired by October 2024. This plan will include strategies for funding, maintaining operations during construction, and long-term facility management, positioning the Post as a focal point for veterans in the community. 

Goal 3: Ensure Financial Accountability
Financial accountability is essential for the sustainability of VFW Post 3063. The house committee will develop a detailed budget by the October business meeting, ensuring financial performance remains within +/- 10% of the budget. Quarterly reviews will be conducted to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments. 

Goal 4: Enhance Veteran Recruitment and Entitlement Awareness
The Post is committed to expanding its membership base by enrolling or transferring 24 new members by October 2025. This recruitment effort will be supported by a culture that highlights the advantages of Post membership and the exciting future of VFW Post 3063. Additionally, the Post will work to increase veteran understanding and encouragement to receive earned entitlements, with a goal of achieving a 75% application rate for VA benefits among members within the next year. 

Together, these goals ensure that VFW Post 3063 remains a thriving and supportive community for veterans. By focusing on member engagement, redevelopment, financial accountability, and recruitment, the Post is not only preserving its legacy but also building a stronger foundation for the future.

As we wrap up another VFW year, I’m pleased to share the accomplishments highlighted in our annual report. We’ve made significant strides towards financial stability, VA benefits assistance, community outreach, and service initiatives. These achievements reflect our collective dedication to the mission of VFW Post 3063.

Looking ahead, it’s important we continue to set ambitious goals, especially as we work to ensure the long term viability of the post in Ballard. Your input and active participation will be vital as we chart our course for the next year and beyond. Together, we can build on our successes, address challenges, and ensure a thriving future for our post.

Thank you for your continued commitment and support.

In comradeship,
Aly Teeter, Commander