Event – Page 19 – Ballard Eagleson Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3063

Young and Old Celebrate the Holidays Together at Post 3063

Post 3063 hosted its annual holiday party during the December social on Dec. 21, 2017.
It was a festive event for young and old. Nearly a hundred members, loved ones, and guests attended and dined on free beef tenderloin cooked by Quartermaster Harold Rodenberger (Chef Kay was recuperating from injuries sustained during a fall. Get well soon, Kay!). Harold also organized the event.
Anne Leake gave gifts to the children as Santa: she has played Santa for the past several years. Annette Russell played holiday music on her keyboard. This year even included multiple Christmas carol sing-a-longs!

Holiday Party 2017 — Annette Russell thanks Anne Leake for inviting her to participate in the social the past several years and for her playing Santa.

The kids wait to receive their gifts from Santa.

From the Commander (December 2017)

By Pete Krawitz

November, as predicted, was a very busy month for the post. Comrade Guncay coordinated this year’s Veterans Day VA hospital visit. It was one of the biggest turnouts we’ve had in recent years with over 20 volunteers. I’d like to thank all that attended to include our sponsored Boy Scout Troop, Magnolia / Ballard Troop 80, who came out in full force this year. Our color guard was in high demand and took part in a few events. Additionally, some of the leadership team members have been working closely with the district leadership team to plan the future of our Auxiliary.

As many of you probably already know, our longtime Auxilary President, Margaret Phillips, stepped down from her position as of 1-November. We are now looking for someone to pick up where Margaret left off and lead the Auxiliary. There will be a special election held during the next Auxiliary meeting on Thursday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. Please get the word out! Remember, it’s not just spouses that are eligible for the auxiliary. Please visit https://vfwauxiliary.org/join-us/eligibility-information/ for the eligibility criteria.

The holidays give many of us an opportunity to slow down a little and spend some time with our friends and family. When Clare and I first moved to Seattle in 2014, our closest family member was over 2,000 miles away. While this was nothing new, especially after numerous overseas assignments, this was the first time celebrating a holiday without our military family. I’m thankful we found Ballard Eagleson VFW Post 3063. The special holiday social events, in particular, have been the source of some great memories and friendships. Hopefully, many of you will be able to make it out to the post on the Dec. 21.

On a more somber note, our charter will remain draped in December to mark the passing of yet another one of our WWII veterans. Comrade Herb Leake recently passed away. During the holidays, please keep the families of Comrade Leake and many of the other Comrades that we have lost this year.

Clare and I would like to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

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.

A sampling of the 40+ raffle items, which included handmade blankets.

Guests finish eating and wait for the raffle to begin.

WDVA hosting Women Veterans Summit in Lynnwood Sept. 16

The Women Veterans Summit will be September 16, 2017 at the Lynnwood Convention Center. Registration is free and open here.
This summit will provide comprehensive information regarding federal and state benefits and managing the challenges women veterans of all ages and services face today. Registration is free for all veterans and current members of the armed forces, but donations and sponsorships will be gladly accepted.

WDVA Women Summit 2017

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