Category: Commentary

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.

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

Commander’s Corner (April 2022)

SPRING IS IN THE AIR and we’re jumping into it with both feet! Hopefully Covid won’t be coming with us and will continue to fade away. Even though it doesn’t appear it’ll totally disappear, we’re starting to learn to live with it.


So, what does that mean for us?

  • It means that we all can fully return to our post business. 
  • It means that we can have in-person business meetings and socials. We started this last month.
  • It means that for the first time in two years the nominations and voting for the incoming board will also be in-person.
  • It means that we can finally interact face-to-face at our meetings and upcoming post projects.
  • Finally, it means that all of us who are physically able can attend and participate in our post meetings and functions.


As all this comes together, we begin to realize that yes, we can carry on with our lives despite Covid and its variants. Therefore, please jump in with us! Sunny days are here again!


This upcoming VFW year promises to be one of our best, with a fantastic mix of both old and new officers! Come find out who they are, meet them and watch them in action! See you on April 7th!


– Commander Joe

Quartermaster’s Update (April 2022)

Top of the news (at least our news) this month is the relaxation of Covid protocols. Beginning with our April business meeting we will be following state and local guidance with masks optional, proof of vaccination not required, social distancing and hand washing encouraged, and common sense required. One big lesson learned during the pandemic was, “If you’re sick, stay home.” Please don’t come to the post with a cold, flu or Covid symptoms, or any other sickness, just so you can make an appearance. Please stay home, protect the rest of us, and get well soon! 


Our business meetings will be in person with a Zoom option for those who prefer not to attend in person and those in remote locations. Zoom info can be found elsewhere in this paper.


Speaking of remote locations, we have many members who live in outlying areas or even in other states and countries. Some people who move away from our local area transfer to other VFW Posts, but others prefer to remain members here. I’ve spoken with many of those who enjoy our newsletters, website and other communications. Here’s a hearty “Thank You” to each of you remote members who maintain your membership here in Ballard. If there’s anything we can do for you, let us know. Meanwhile, please Zoom to our meetings when you have a chance. 


Not to neglect our local members, “Thank You” to each of our members for maintaining their membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars. In addition to the benefits you get from our organization, your membership benefits millions of other veterans as our National officers work to obtain and maintain benefits veterans have earned by their sacrifices in service to the country. As you all know, there is strength in numbers and your membership adds to the strength of those numbers. 


Our post has drawings at business meetings for free life memberships. The rules are simple: Once you attend two meetings you are eligible for the drawing, but you need to attend either in person or on Zoom to participate. 


As we get back to a more normal way of life, we will be doing more of our community service activities. In May there will be a “Day of Service” in conjunction with a local community organization. May 24th we will have a community “Shredder Day” when we will have a shredder truck come to our parking lot to shred personal papers. We will accept donations to offset the cost of the truck. In June we will have a booth at the Ballard Seafood Fest to engage with the community by passing out Buddy Poppies and membership applications to those eligible. When the VA Hospital allows we will resume bringing good cheer and conversation to the veterans there and at other locations in our community. We also will be holding a “clean up” day at our post. Please watch for details of these and other activities, as many volunteers will be needed to make these things happen. 


During the past two years, many of you have participated in our Social Night take-out program. During the height of the pandemic we had no choice, but now that things seem to be returning to normal, it would be good to make the Social Night more social by getting together in person for dinner, camaraderie, etc. I’m wondering if you feel strongly about in-person dining or about continuing the “take-out” option. If you have strong, or even weak, feelings one way or the other, please let me know. As usual you can reach me via email ([email protected]), text or phone (206.972.3135).


Thanks for being a member of our VFW Post, count your blessings, and enjoy Spring, 

Harold 

Commander’s Corner (March 2022)

By Joe Fitzgerarld


Yes — we are back to in-person meetings — and that starts with the March 3rd Business meeting.


Also, we will simultaneously Zoom the meeting as well.


The expectation is that masking will be a requirement for the foreseeable future, but please don’t let that stop you from attending our meetings. This is a really good All-American Post, but in order for us to continue to be that, to be as good as we can be, we need members to get back to showing up and being a part of it all. You will be amazed at how much fun it is to sit in the meeting and listen to me babble on…it’s quite entertaining actually!


Beyond that however, we are continuing to open things up as we begin the process of getting back to normal or should I say “our new normal.” Vaccinations and masking are of course a big part of this new normal but that does not mean that we cave into the pandemic either. That means we get on with our personal lives as we learn how to live with the pandemic. That means learning how to get on with our VFW lives in the same way.


As you may recall, the month of March means that we start the process of voting for this coming year’s next post leadership team. Membership needs to be involved with this process to help ensure the voting results are what you want and not just “what you get”! Members attending via Zoom will of course be a part of this, but nothing replaces being there in person. It’s the best way for you to really have an idea of who you will vote for.


So please, join us at the March 3 business meeting, which is at 7 pm at the post, and get to know your comrades. You can even come early, treat yourself to a dinner, drink and some post comradeship. You won’t regret it!