Category: Community Outreach

Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen Essays due Oct. 31

Courtesy of VFW.org

 

Established in 1947, the Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. The 2017-18 theme is “American History: Our Hope for the Future.”

 

Each year more than 132,000 students in grades 6-8 enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest. The essay contest encourages young minds to examine America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society, by drafting a 300- to 400-word essay, expressing their views based on a patriotic theme chosen by the VFW Commander-in-Chief. The 2017-18 theme is “America’s Gift to My Generation.”

 

Want to apply for either of these scholarships? Go to https://www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/youth-scholarships, read the entry rules, and download the entry form before you submit your essay to Post 3063. The deadline for entering either contest is October 31, 2017. For more information, contact Harold Rodenberger at [email protected].

 

105 year-old WWII Vet Joins Post During Birthday Party

By Harold Rodenberger

 

A few weeks ago, Julie Small called our office wondering if we could help celebrate her father’s 105th birthday. Since her father had served in the Army in World War II she thought it would be appropriate if some VFW members could attend the birthday celebration and render honors to her father.

 

On Sept. 16, Color Guard Captain Joe Fitzgerald, and I arrived at the birthday celebration for Joseph Alex Small. Family and friends gathered around as we congratulated him on his birthday, presented two small American Flags, and his new VFW cap. Near the end of our visit, he whispered in my ear, “I feel overwhelmed.”

105th birthday
Color Guard Captain Joe Fitzgerald and Quartermaster Harold Rodenberger visited World War II veteran Joseph Alex Small on his 105th birthday Sept. 16, 2017.

 

As Joe and I left the party and returned to our homes, I reflected on the feelings of love, friendship, and community I had felt there. In addition to Julie and Alex’s son Tom, who had flown up from his home in Texas, there were other family members, neighbors and friends from various backgrounds and circumstances, united in celebrating this momentous occasion.

 

Sometimes I feel near overwhelmed by all the news of rancor, hate, and divisiveness that bombards us daily. Then I see and feel the powerful feelings of good will at an occasion such as this and am reassured that there are millions of good people in every corner of our country. They gather at homes, schools, churches and other places simply to be together and celebrate some special event.

 

Good will and friendship usually don’t make the news but it’s good to remember that such feelings are alive and well despite news to the contrary.

September Spaghetti Fundraiser Nets $4K for Relief Fund

By Alyson M. Teeter

 

After many months of hard work and preparation, VFW Post 3063 volunteers pulled off a successful fundraiser at the post Sept. 9, 2017, raising more than $4K for the post’s Relief Fund.

 

Three-year Trustee, Russ Seelig, and his family performed a bulk of the work, from collecting raffle items to cooking the food. Their dedication to executing a phenomenal event was evident in the presentation of the raffle items (creative and professional raffle item signage), the amount of raffle items, the large turnout, and the taste of the food. One person was overheard saying, “I’ve gone to many spaghetti feeds and this is the best spaghetti I’ve had.”

 

Many other people helped behind the scenes, which included collecting raffle items, buying supplies, and selling tickets. Robert Kettle was instrumental in narrating the schedule of events, which can be a difficult, thankless job. The Color Guard performed a flawless posting of the colors. Special thanks as well to the donors. Donations from Ballard Market ($200) and Fred Meyer ($100) were used to purchase food. Donations were received from nearly 40 local sources, making the fundraiser a community-driven event.  Thank you to all who attended and come again next year!

Post 3063 Social Media Officer, Bob Kettle (and his daughter), emcee the event.
Post 3063 Social Media Officer, Bob Kettle (and his daughter), emcee the event.
The kitchen volunteers hard at work.
The kitchen volunteers hard at work.
A sampling of the 40+ raffle items, which included handmade blankets.
A sampling of the 40+ raffle items, which included handmade blankets.
Guests finish eating and wait for the raffle to begin.
Guests finish eating and wait for the raffle to begin.

Fundraiser Quickly Approaching

Post 3063’s annual Spaghetti and Raffle Fundraiser is only a few weeks away! Make sure you tell your friends and family and sell your tickets by Monday, September 4. Tickets are available for purchase online here.

 

According to fundraiser organizer, Trustee Russ Seelig, you can buy your raffle tickets at a cheaper price before the event. “Raffle tickets are $1, 25 tickets for $20 at the dinner, and people can get 30 tickets for $20 if purchased before the day of the dinner,” Seelig said. The raffle will include a number of gift certificates from local businesses, a gift basket from Reuben’s Brews, and a handmade quilt donated by John Hoglund.

 

Post members need to turn in their ticket stubs and money to Russ Seelig by Tuesday, September 5. He can be reached at 206-423-1150.

 

Fundraising flyer