Ballard Eagleson Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3063
"No One Does More for Veterans"
We received the following message from a local veteran, “Hello, I am a Marine Corps vet and am working with a small group on a project to highlight LGBTQ military leadership in a light-hearted way through music. This event is happening in Seattle in August.”
Check out their project linked here! If you want to attend, use coupon code VFW3063. It provides a 15% discount on all ticket tiers.
Our friends at the Veterans Yoga Project will begin teaching yoga at the post every Thursday at 10 a.m. starting April 4. No prior experience is required and you don’t need any equipment; just be sure to wear comfortable clothing!
Thank you to everyone who helped celebrate the holidays with Post 3063 at the post’s annual holiday party Dec. 13. Special thanks goes out to Anne Leake, our lovely Santa Claus, Top of the Hill Barbershop Quartet for the holiday tunes, Chef Kay and crew for the wonderful food, Comrade Mamallo for the Christmas photos, and the many others who contributed to the merry event.
By Leo Potts
Hello comrades, I am your new Post 3063 Service Officer I am here to educate and inform veterans about their benefits, assist them in requesting military records and submitting applications for benefits.
I can help you request military records and obtain and complete the correct forms for submission to the VA. Claims are submitted by accredited VSOs located on the 10th floor of the Jackson Federal building at 915 2nd Avenue, Seattle. The VSOs at the VFW can submit a claim to the VA. An accredited VSO will review and submit the claim, and make sure it is well documented and that you have a fully developed claim. This ensures that your packet is not returned for minor things such as missing or incomplete form or missing documents. They can also track your claim once it is submitted to the VA.
An important part of submitting a claim, especially for a service connected disability claim, is having all the required documentation prior to meeting with the service officer. Do you have a copy of your discharge papers from the service (DD 214) and your medical records from military service (which may document a service connected injury)? Do you have civilian medical records from your physician or other civilian medical professionals that further supports a service connected injury or illness?
Military discharge papers, personnel and medical records can be requested online by going to the VA website (http://www.va.gov) and completing an SF 180. Depending on your branch of service and when you served will determine where you send the request. If you do not have your discharge papers, do not procrastinate in getting a copy of it because it provides proof of eligibility for your veteran’s benefits.
It may seem overwhelming to file a claim or you may think you are not eligible for any benefits but it is important to discuss this with a service officer and get their assistance in filing a fully developed claim. The VA must then do their due diligence to determine the eligibility of the claim. The claim process can take months but it may be worth your time.
If you ever need assistance, please contact me at [email protected].
By Auxiliary President Donna Limric
One of the perks available for those who serve their country are DEALS: Goodwill, Dairy Queen, cell phone companies, cars, etc. We should always ask if a vendor has these discounts. We have earned them. When we buy items and services from these vendors we are also thanking them for supporting us.
When it comes to travel there are lots of deals.
The auxiliary is responsible for helping military personal, veterans, and families lead healthy and happy lives. Most of us take it for granted and think vacation time is a luxury or a frill. The truth is that self-care is crucial. I would like to offer our post members a few options that are available to veterans. There are cruises, camp grounds, hotels, and airlines that support veterans by offering discounts. There are hotels and other places to stay that are for active and retired military.
Here is a small sample of vacation deals and discounts I have found: Best Western, Choice Hotels, Comfort Inn, Embassy Suites, Hampton, Hawthorn Suites, Hilton Hotels and Resorts, La Quinta, Marriott, Motel 6, Red Lion Hotels, Red Roof Inn, and Sleep Inn all offer various discounts.
Sandals Beach Resorts, an all-inclusive resort in various ports of calls, has a 10% discount for veterans and active military personnel.
Caesars Entertainment International has a program called Total Rewards. This program offers discounts at all their properties (not just in Las Vegas but all around the world). This includes Caesars Palace, The Flamingo, Harrah’s, and Baily’s. They offer free parking on any of their properties, dinner deals, and more.
The Hale Koa is a resort on the island of Oahu. This is only for active military, veterans, and family members. In addition to room accommodations they also offer discount tickets to events.
Similar to the Hale Koa is the Shades of Green Lodge resort near Disney World.
Closer to home is Jim’s Creek, a camp ground in Snohomish county. This campground requires military ID. However, one can bring guests.
Many Military bases have lodges and hotels available for those with DOD benefits.
Get out there have fun, relax, and enjoy the offers provided here. Also ask for discounts at airlines, car rentals, and attractions. It always pays to ask.