Post partners with UW MBA program

We’re thrilled to announce that Ballard Eagleson VFW Post 3063 has officially kicked off a transformative collaboration with an exceptional team of six veterans from the UW Foster School of Business MBA Consulting Project!

This spring quarter, these talented MBA candidates will be working closely with our Post leadership to develop actionable recommendations for improving member engagement and cultivating future leaders within our organization. Their military background combined with new business expertise creates a uniquely qualified team to address the challenges facing veteran service organizations today.

The challenges we face aren’t unique: membership activation and leadership development are critical issues for VSOs, fraternal organizations, religious institutions, and community groups nationwide. We believe the insights from this project will create ripple effects for our fellow VSOs.

We’re especially grateful to partner with fellow veterans who understand our mission on a personal level. Their dedication, energy, and expertise were immediately apparent during our kickoff meeting yesterday, and we look forward to building a sustainable relationship with both the team members and the broader UW Foster Veterans Association.

Stay tuned for updates as this impactful collaboration progresses. We’re committed to sharing the lessons learned to benefit the wider veteran and community organization ecosystem.

Commander’s Corner: April 2025

Comrades,

Our post depends on strong leadership, and we still need volunteers for the Commander and Junior Vice Commander positions. Without these roles filled, our post cannot function effectively. We also have open appointed positions: Adjutant (records & correspondence), Chaplain (spiritual support), and Judge Advocate (bylaws & legal guidance).

Last call for nominations and elections are at our April 3 meeting. This is your chance to make an impact! If you’re interested, contact me or Quartermaster Joseph Mesa.

Also happening later this week is the District 2 2025 Spring Brunch Fundraiser on Saturday, April 5, and we need your support! With several of our members serving in district leadership, this is a great opportunity to show solidarity while enjoying a delicious brunch, a Mimosa & Bloody Mary bar, and an exciting raffle for a good cause. Doors open at 10:30 a.m., with brunch at 11:00 a.m. at Ballard Eagleson VFW Post 3063. Get your tickets on Eventbrite or contact [email protected]

On another note, we’re thrilled to announce that our proposal for the Foster MBA Strategic Consulting Program was accepted! Starting March 31, a team of six MBA students — all veterans — will collaborate with us to develop strategies for increasing member engagement and leadership development at Post 3063. To ensure their success, they’ll need insights from both leadership and members. Stay tuned for opportunities to participate and share your perspective! Want to get involved? Learn more about the program here.

Lastly, our monthly business meeting time has changed to 6 p.m! Please adjust your calendars accordingly. Everyone is welcome to attend our meetings, and as commander I’ll allow guests, including spouses and children, to attend as well. We are a membership driven organization so your participation is needed to move us forward. Thank you to everyone who takes time out of their busy schedules to help the Post 3063 Team and accomplish our mission of veterans helping veterans!

In comradeship,
Commander Alyson Teeter

Business meetings now start at 6 p.m.

Based on survey feedback about meeting formats, the post voted to shift our start time from 7 to 6 p.m. starting with our April 3 meeting! We will also cease providing meals. Here’s our reasoning for the changes:

  • Starting earlier will help folks who have a tough time driving in the dark.
  • When we finish at 8, folks are too tired to socialize. We think ending by 7 p.m. will foster more opportunities for socializing outside the post (i.e. Sloop, Lockspot, Kiss Cafe).
  • Meals are difficult to plan for since attendance fluctuates month-to-month. It also zaps resources from a leadership team already stretched thin.

We will continue to offer a Zoom option for virtual attendance. We’re procuring higher quality A/V equipment that will hopefully improve the the meeting experience for those online. Here’s the info for our April meeting:

April 3, 2025, 6 p.m. (NEW TIME!) – VFW Post 3063 Monthly Business Meeting. All members are encouraged to attend! In person at the post or Zoom option:
Zoom Link
Meeting ID: 505 701 2075, Password: Ballard306
By Phone: 253-215-8782, Password: 064533

Memorial Wall renovation support needed

VFW Post 3063 submitted a letter of support for the proposed updates to the Memorial Wall at Memorial Stadium, advocating for much-needed improvements to honor veterans with a more accessible and dignified space. The renovation plan includes a dedicated area for reflection and events while improving the wall’s setting away from parking areas.

A briefing presentation shared with the Landmarks Preservation Board can be viewed here.

The board is set to vote on the proposal soon, and public comments are encouraged. To submit your input before the vote, visit here.

2024-2025 Officer Installation

At our May 2 business meeting, Post 3063 officers were installed for 2024-2025. They will begin serving in their positions after the Department of Washington Convention in mid-June.

Congratulations to our officers and thank you for volunteering to serve your fellow veterans and the community! Thank you also to Past Commander Nestor Tamayao for presiding.

Here are the elected and appointed officers serving for the next year:

Commander: Alyson Teeter
Senior Vice Commander: Gabe Whetsel
Junior Vice Commander: Harold Hamilton
Quartermaster: Joseph Mesa
3-Year Trustee: Gail Engler
2-Year Trustee: Harold Rodenberger
1-Year Trustee: John Ellingboe
3-year House Committee: Mike Hicks
2-year House Committee: Jesse Basher
1-year House Committee: Bob Lehman
Adjutant: Harold Hamilton
Service Officer: Joseph Mesa/Harold Hamilton
Judge Advocate: Dan Stokke
Chaplain: Joe Fitzgerald
Surgeon: Bob Lehman
Officer of the Day/Guard: Russ Seelig