Category: History

Lt Eagleson’s gravesite found at Wreaths Across America event

On Wreaths Across America Day Dec. 16, the post co-sponsored the Lake View Cemetery WAA event with the Seattle Sons of the American Revolution by providing an honor guard and guest speaker. Comrade Commander Aly Teeter spoke about the significance of the day and our post’s connection to the cemetery, which is our namesake, Lt James Eagleson. Lt Eagleson’s gravestone hadn’t been tracked down by the organizers but our commander managed to find it on the southern border of the cemetery.

Thank you to everyone who volunteered, from post members, to the Navigator Scouts, and friends who currently serve. It was a memorable and beautiful morning for honoring our fallen veterans.

The Navigation Case author presents at post meeting

Thank you to author John Happ for coming to our business meeting on Dec. 7 – Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day – to discuss his book about his father’s service in World War II. We all learned more about World War II operations in New Guinea, the toll it took on aviators and the importance of documenting our own personal histories. You can find his book, The Navigation Case, on Amazon.

Post honors Comrade Rodenberger on Veterans Day

What an incredible day — Veterans Day — for Ballard Eagleson VFW Post 3063’s Open House and Flagpole Dedication! Despite stormy beginnings, the weather cleared just in time for a moving plaque unveiling and flagpole dedication in honor of Harold Rodenberger.

Special thanks to State Representative Julia Reed for attending, expressing heartfelt gratitude to our veterans, and sharing her family’s inspiring legacy of service. Also big shout-out to Senator Murray’s staff member, Joe Najmolhoda, for not only reading a letter from the senator but also offering invaluable VA casework expertise.

Emme Seattle brought their A-game with delicious brews, providing the perfect backdrop for meaningful conversations among friends, family, and our community.

The Washington National Guard’s 181 BSB static display captivated everyone, offering a unique glimpse into military life. The soldiers were awesome at engaging passers who were in the neighborhood.

Kids got creative with button-making, and attendees immersed themselves in informative displays, gaining a deeper understanding of our veterans’ experiences.

A heartfelt thank you to Comrade Dave Tyner for sharing a poignant poem, reminding us of the power of words to connect us all.

The media coverage from KOMO and King5 amplified the impact of our event, spreading the spirit of gratitude and celebration for our veterans.

To everyone who joined us, contributed, and participated—THANK YOU! Your presence and support made this day truly special. Let’s continue to honor and appreciate our veterans every day.

Comrades Don Service Items for November Social

At the November monthly social many of us wore items from our service — like jackets and hats — which was quite a treat! Comrade Griffith, who sported an Army blouse from his service in the 1960s, was the lucky random winner of a Lockspot gift card. We also belatedly recognized the USMC birthday and Al Simpson being the only USMC veteran in attendance received a birthday cake from a local boy scout, Taj, who is enlisting in the USMC next summer. (We would have eaten the cake but we already had a tasty Thanksgiving meal and a sampling of homemade desserts made by Chef Kay and crew.) Wally Michl didn’t have any items left from his service but he brought a photo of himself from 1949.

It was a fun night that honored our many years of service and we’re looking forward to our holiday social Dec. 15!

Service Throwback: Gail Engler

Comrade Gail Engler served in the U.S. Army and is pictured below as an E-4 in southern Germany in 1975 or 1976. She was assigned to the Headquarters, 56th Field Artillery Brigade, as a Radio Operator. The photo at the bottom is with her uncharacteristically serious looking mom in Washington, D.C. in 1997. Gail was then a Sergeant First Class who worked in Civil Affairs and her and her mother were attending the  Women in Military Service for America Memorial dedication. Her qualifying service was in Iraq in 2004 (she needs to dig up these photos!) and in total she served in the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve as a soldier and federal civilian from 1974-2015.