Ballard Eagleson Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3063
"No One Does More for Veterans"
The Post 3063 Adjutant received a tip from local writer of the “The Ballard 19”, Jerry Smith, that he recently published a book called “Valor in Iraq.” It documents the story of a 2003 Ballard High School graduate, Daniel Chavez, who died fighting for his country in Iraq.
Here’s a link to an article about the book, which is available on Amazon.
All proceeds go to the Daniel Chavez Scholarship at Ballard High School.
Courtesy of the University of Washington History of Science and Medicine:
One hundred years ago
— February 19, 1919 — Lt. James Mills Eagleson died of influenza just one day after having arrived at Newport News, Virginia, aboard the U.S.S. Mercury with members of the 69th Coast Artillery Corps. The son of prominent and well-connected members of Seattle society, Dr. James Beatty Eagleson and his wife Blanche Mills — they worked to establish a building on the University of Washington campus in their son’s honor.
James Sims Eagleson, Lt. Eagleson’s son, who he never met, was on hand for the building’s groundbreaking on Graduation Day, 1922, for what would become the campus chapter of the YMCA. Later the Bebb and Gould-designed building would become a regular part of the campus. Read more about James Eagleson here.
Post 3063 Color Guard member, Comrade Norm Limric (left), represents the post at Comrade Herb Leake’s private interment at the Acacia Mausoleum in Bothell on April 9, 2018. Comrade Leake passed away November 21, 2017, at the age of 97. A World War II veteran, Comrade Leake served as an aide to General McArthur and later became an engineer at Boeing. A public memorial was held at the Museum of Flight on April 8, 2018. You can read more about Comrade Leake here.
By Harold Rodenberger
About three years ago, this newsletter featured a story by our member, Al Simpson, about his memories of Korea in August, 1953. It was a moving story of an eye witness to the “Big Switch” operation as prisoners were exchanged after the war.
Last winter, during the annual Christmas Party held in our post home, Al Simpson was able to reminisce about his experiences in Korea with one of our newer members, Pio Park, and some members of his family.
A little later that night, Pio told me, “It is because of your country and soldiers like Al, that Korea is free and our people are able to live in freedom and enjoy prosperity.”
I have often remembered that scene and Pio’s words have echoed in my mind ever since. This was a genuine tribute from those who were helped by our veterans. Other people who have been helped have expressed similar sentiments wherever our veterans have served.
The Korean Conflict has often been called “the forgotten war” or a “police action” by Americans. Our veterans who served there and the families of those who died there will not forget the war. The Government of the Republic of Korea wants to honor those vets with the Korean Ambassador for Peace Medal.
If you served in Korea during that war, desire to, but have not received this medal, please contact our quartermaster to coordinate attendance at an award ceremony.
During the 65 years since the armistice was signed in July, 1953, the Korean peninsula has been a study in contrasts. South Korea has had its ups and downs but has progressed steadily toward freedom and prosperity. North of the DMZ, on the other hand, those years have seen endless misery and hardship for the people.
These past couple months, there have been some favorable signs that peace may come at last to the Korean peninsula. It’s still early and there have been aborted efforts in the past but I hope this time will be a charm and a peace treaty will finally replace the armistice.