Teacher of the Year and VOD Nominees Place First in District 2

Hamilton International Middle School Teacher Daniel Waldschmidt was nominated by Post 3063 as Teacher of the Year and placed first at District 2. He’ll go on to compete at the state level, which will be announced during January’s Mid-Winter Conference in Yakima.

 

Kate Cavanaugh, a senior at Holy Names Academy, is our Voice of Democracy winner. Kate read her essay during the December business meeting and received a standing ovation. Kate also placed first at District 2 and will go on to compete at the state level. She will read her essay again at the Mid-Winter Conference.

 
Congratulations and good luck to Daniel and Kate, and thank you for their support to veterans!

 

 

Sr. Vice Fitzgerald presents a certificate to Daniel during the holiday party.
Sr. Vice Fitzgerald presents a certificate to Daniel during the holiday party.
Commander Krawitz presents a certificate to Kate at the December Business Meeting.
Commander Krawitz presents a certificate to Kate at the December Business Meeting.

Wreaths Across America Brings Comrades Together

Comrades Joe Fitzgerald, Jon Guncay, Harold Rodenberger, Anthony Rose and Dan Stokke participated in the Wreaths Across America Memorial Service at Lakeview Cemetery on Saturday, Dec. 15. WAA coordinates wreath­laying ceremonies at more than 1,400 locations across the United States, at sea and abroad.

Comrade Guncay and his son lay a wreath on a gravestone.
Comrade Guncay and his son lay a wreath on a headstone.
Post 3063 Honor Guard members perform 21-gun salute.
Post 3063 Honor Guard members perform 21-gun salute.
Comrades Joe Fitzgerald and Jon Guncay render a salute during the ceremony.
Comrades Joe Fitzgerald and Jon Guncay render a salute during the ceremony.

Post Receives Cards from Middle School Students

For the past few years the post has received a stack of Veterans Day thank you notes from students at Hamilton International Middle School in Wallingford. It’s really heart warming to read them and realize how insightful these kids are at such young ages. Thank you to Teacher Daniel Waldschmidt for leading this effort.

 

Here are a couple that were pulled from the stack – enjoy!Stack of cards

 

 

Card 1

 

Card 2

Quartermaster’s Update (October 2018)

By Harold Rodenberger

 

Here in the Pacific Northwest, the annual migration of the sun is more noticeable than in other places farther south.

 

The autumnal equinox (September 23rd this year), when our southbound sun crosses the equator each year, reminds the natural kingdoms to prepare in earnest for the winter. It reminds me that kids are back in school, the weather is turning colder and it’s time to air out the woolens. Well, maybe people don’t do that last so much anymore, but you get my drift, winter’s coming.

 

For VFW members, it’s time to get back to attending meetings and socials. Chef Kay has been putting on gourmet dinners for our social nights and Commander Pete’s new meeting format has drawn more attendees and participation. Remember, you can tune in our meetings no matter where you are by hooking up to our Zoom Remote broadcast. Connection info will be sent to your email address of record earlier on the day of the meeting. Warm up that laptop or smartphone and join us.

 

Why not make a note to save the first Thursday each month for our business meeting and the third Thursday for the social?

 

It’s also the time to check around our neighborhoods for potential members. New members usually don’t join our post if they aren’t asked. Even if your neighbor isn’t qualified, she may know someone nearby who is. The only way to find out is to ask.

 

Autumn is a good time of year to distribute Buddy Poppies. Our Buddy Poppy chair is Comrade Tiffany Cavin. She has a supply of special 9/11 commemorative poppies. Please contact her at 253-327-8906 or [email protected] if you are interested in helping with this project.

 

November brings Veterans Day, another day to help our poppy-making veterans. Our Ballard teams will be distributing Buddy Poppies that weekend. Again, if you are interested in helping this vital effort, please contact Comrade Tiffany.

 

Finally, as the sun moves farther south, remember to be safe out there. Street crosswalks, sidewalks and even the steps to your back porch can be dangerous as daylight ends earlier. Keep an eye out for hazards and especially watch out for children.