Ballard Eagleson Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3063
"No One Does More for Veterans"
Post 3063 members are encouraged to participate in a visit to the Seattle VA Medical Center on Veterans Day (Observed), which is Friday, Nov. 10. The visit will include passing out snacks to veteran patients and partaking in good conversation.
The meeting time is TBD. Volunteers will meet at the hospital’s emergency room entrance. The Seattle VAMC is located at 1660 South Columbian Way, Seattle 98108.
People who want to participate should contact Comrade Jon Guncay at [email protected].
During the Post 3063 October Social on Oct. 19, 2017, Ryan Mielcarek, chair of the King County Veterans Consortium, presented information about Proposition 1, “The King County Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy.”
According to the King County Voter’s Guide, “If approved, this proposition would replace an expiring levy and fund capital facilities and regional health and human services for veterans and military servicemembers and their families, seniors and their caregivers, and vulnerable populations. It would authorize an additional property tax for six years beginning with a 2017 rate of $0.10 per $1,000 of assessed valuation for collection in 2018.”
“Funded services would promote outcomes related to healthy living, housing stability, financial stability, social engagement, service system improvement and access, criminal justice system diversion, education and work force development, and civil legal aid to vulnerable populations. Proceeds would also be used to provide small organizations that offer such services with technical assistance and capacity building, such as legal, accounting, human resources, and leadership development and services support.”
For more information about Prop 1, go to https://tinyurl.com/y7rt5nqq.
You may remember the story of Comrade Evan Turner’s daughter, Lillian, who was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, Stage 4S in April.
Post 3063 voted to donate $500 to Evan and his family to help with her fight against cancer. The check was presented to the Turner family during the post’s monthly business meeting Oct. 5, 2017. We are ecstatic to report that Lillian’s prognosis is good and she’s a true warrior in her fight against cancer!
If you would like to donate to Lillian’s fight, go to https://www.gofundme.com/lillians-battle-with-neuroblastoma and updates are posted at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1936194449992290/.
By Nestor Tamayao
Recently Comrade Aaron Stoltz and I visited a museum that we never knew existed. Nestled within a residential neighborhood in Tacoma is the 9th and 10th Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers Museum. Founded in 2005, the museum showcases an overlooked part of American history: the Buffalo Soldiers. The museum began operating in 2012.
Buffalo Soldiers originally were members of the U.S. 10th Cavalry Regiment of the United States Army, which was formed on September 21, 1866 at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Buffalo Soldiers later comprised other regiments, including the 9th, 24th, 27th and 28th cavalry divisions. These African American Soldiers got their nickname by the Native American tribes they fought. The term became a generic term for all-black soldier units and is used by U.S. Army units that trace their direct lineage back to the 9th and 10th Cavalry.
Notable facts about the Buffalo Soldiers include:
The museum is filled with many artifacts, memorabilia and fascinating information and facts. It is one of only two of its kind in the country dedicated to the Buffalo Soldiers. The other is the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum in Houston, Texas. The museum has hosted a tribute to the famed Buffalo Soldiers with an evening with famed actor Danny Glover, who starred in the 1977 film Buffalo Soldiers.
The museum is open Wednesdays and Saturdays. For more information go to http://www.buffalosoldierstacoma.org/ or 253-272-4257.
Post 3063 presented a Legacy Life Membership to Comrade Michael Lawrence for his exemplary service and tremendous generosity at the October business meeting on Oct. 5, 2017.
Mike headed up the post’s visits to the Seattle VA Medical Center for numerous years and donated large amounts of money to the VFW Children’s Home and Post 3063 Relief Fund. He is the epitome of a veteran serving veterans and his impact will be felt for years to come. Thank you, Mike!
Mike made a heartfelt appeal that a Post 3063 comrade step up and take charge of the VA Volunteer Coordinator position. The Seattle VAMC needs our help! Please contact Commander Krawitz if interested.