Category: Commentary

Comrades,

As we begin a new calendar year, I want to thank each of you for your continued commitment to VFW Post 3063. December reminded us what this Post does best—bringing veterans, families, and our community together in service, recognition, and fellowship. We closed the year strong, and that momentum carries forward into 2026.

January is a time to reset and refocus. Our priorities remain clear: caring for veterans, maintaining strong stewardship of Post resources, and ensuring our programs—youth activities, relief efforts, and community partnerships—are conducted in accordance with our bylaws and the standards of the VFW. Transparency, accountability, and participation will guide us as we move ahead.

Please note that our Post meeting this month will be held on the third Thursday, January 15th, due to the New Year holiday and the VFW Department of Washington Mid-Winter Conference taking place in Tacoma during the second week of January. At this meeting, we will be voting on a number of motions related to activities at the Post for the coming year, beginning with monthly socials. I encourage everyone to mark their calendars and plan to participate as we move forward together. We’ll kick things off with Seahawks playoff game socials and build from there.

Our goal this year is to host socials every month, with an emphasis on broad participation. Fellowship is a core strength of our Post. At the same time, I want to emphasize the importance of member involvement in our business meetings. We require six members for a quorum, and consistent attendance is essential to transparency and sound management of the Post. If you can commit to attending meetings, your participation truly matters. Please remember that the results of our meetings and all approved actions are documented and shared by the Adjutant.

I would also like to extend sincere congratulations to all of the students who participated in our Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy essay contests, and especially to our winners. Their thoughtful reflections on citizenship, service, and democracy remind us why these programs matter and why the VFW continues to invest in our youth. We are grateful to the families, educators, and volunteers who support these students and help make these contests a success.

A heartfelt thank you goes to the super volunteers of Post 3063 who made our holiday celebration a truly wonderful event for our members and guests. Jan and members of the House Committee really went above and beyond to take care of this year’s events from planning to decorating. Let’s be sure to give them a high five when we see them. A “that was braw”, or Thenk Ye goes a long way. From planning and setup to hosting and cleanup, their dedication created a welcoming and memorable evening that reflected the best of our Post.

Finally, as we look ahead, this year we will mark a major milestone—the 100th anniversary of VFW Post 3063. We are planning a celebration in March, which will coincide with our Vietnam Veterans recognition. Please keep this in mind as plans develop, and consider how you might be part of honoring this important moment in our Post’s history.

Thank you for being part of our Post and for everything you do in service to veterans and our community.

Respectfully,

Harold Hamilton
Commander, VFW Post 3063

Comrades,

As we enter the holiday season, I want to extend warm wishes to each of you and your families. December is always a busy and meaningful month for our Post, and I’m grateful for the strong sense of camaraderie and support that defines Post 3063.

This month, we will be visiting our brothers and sisters at the VA Center in Beacon Hill.  (Thanks, Comrade John H, for the prompting.) Additional details will be released shortly, and I encourage all who can participate. These visits remind our fellow veterans that they are not forgotten—especially during the holidays.

We will also hold our Annual Post Christmas Party. Please respond to the text invitation or RSVP no later than 10 December so we can plan appropriately and have a solid estimate of attendance. During the celebration, we will recognize our scholarship recipients, honor several members of the Post for their contributions, and—rumor has it—Santa himself may stop by.

There was a recent question regarding Post bylaws, so I want to clarify for all members: Any amendment to our bylaws requires a two-thirds majority vote and a minimum of 20 days’ notice to the membership.

In the meantime, our House Committee members and Membership Committee members will continue to fulfill the responsibilities of the other standing committees established in the Post 3063 bylaws until further action is taken at a business meeting.

As we celebrate, let us not forget what this season truly represents. Our Post has always been strong in checking on one another and ensuring no one is left behind. This year, let’s make it a deliberate effort:
Let’s ensure every member of Post 3063 has someone looking out for them during Christmas.
A phone call, a short visit, or even a simple message can make a world of difference. Let us continue to lead by example—Veterans helping Veterans.

I wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you for your dedication to the Post, to one another, and to the values we uphold.

Yours in Comradeship and Service,

Harold Hamilton
Commander, VFW Post 3063

Comrades and Friends,

As we enter November, we’re reminded of why this month carries such special meaning for all of us who have worn the uniform. Veterans Day isn’t just another date on the calendar—it’s a time to honor the shared experiences, sacrifices, and commitments that connect every member of our Post. Each of us has served in a foreign land, stood watch, or supported those who did. Though our missions and locations differed, our purpose was the same: to protect freedom and serve something greater than ourselves.

Here in Ballard and throughout Seattle, there are many opportunities to commemorate the day. Local events—such as the dinner at the Ballard Elks Lodge and others around the community—offer a chance to gather, reflect, and show our colors together. I encourage everyone who can to take part, not only to honor those who came before us but also to remind our neighbors that the spirit of service continues right here at home.

Later this month, we’ll come together again for Thanksgiving, a time for gratitude and connection. Let’s remember to check in on our fellow veterans and neighbors—especially those who may find the holidays difficult. A simple conversation, a shared meal, or an invitation can mean more than we realize.

As always, thank you for your continued support of our mission and for the strength you bring to this Post. Together, we uphold the best traditions of the VFW and ensure that the bond forged through service endures year-round.

Yours in Comradeship and Service,
Harold Hamilton
Commander, VFW Post 3063

Hello Mighty VFW Post 3063,

We are entering an exciting chapter for VFW Post 3063, one full of growth, accountability, and community. Together, we are building a future where our Post is not just a meeting space, but a vibrant veteran hub in Seattle. Each of you is vital in making this vision real — whether it’s attending an event, mentoring through the upcoming Battle Buddy Program, contributing to service projects, or simply sharing time with fellow members. Your presence strengthens our camaraderie, amplifies our impact, and ensures that every veteran who walks through our doors feels supported and valued.

This fall, we have several opportunities to put our mission into action. Our October fundraiser is a chance not only to strengthen our financial footing but also to showcase the heart of our Post to the community. The youth essay contests remind us that we inspire and shape future generations of patriots, and your support in promoting and judging these efforts makes a lasting difference. And as the year draws to a close, our Christmas party will give us the chance to gather, celebrate, and reflect on all that we’ve accomplished together. With your engagement, these events will highlight our Post’s spirit and bring our goals to life. Learn more and stay connected at vfwseattle.org.

At your service,
H2

As the Post begins its 2025-2026 2nd quarter, I want to recognize the 126th anniversary of the establishment of the ‘Veterans of Foreign Wars’ organization, which was built through advocacy, camaraderie, and support of this nation’s veterans, their families, and communities. Our Post is proudly a significant part of this meaningful veterans’ organization. Post 3063 members such as Aly Teeter, Sam Frank, Gail Engler, Sarah Rubin, Stan Seo, John Hoglund, John Ellingboe, Gail Engler, Bill LaParade, Gabe Itya, Mike Hicks, Bob Lehman, and Russ Seelig with their vibrant engaged involvement of Post activities and events ensures the Post has a  strong core of member support. The Post extends a ‘Well Done’ and sincere appreciation of their efforts and proud care of the Post. Let us all keep our Post a vital centerpiece for veterans, their families, and community in providing a strong footprint presence as a beacon of support and assistance. Go Mariners!!! Joseph Mesa