Category: Post Business

Commander’s Corner (August 2023)

By Alyson Teeter

Greetings comrades, I hope you’re enjoying the lovely PNW summer. Post comrades had fun in the sun while participating in the Ballard SeafoodFest in July, where we interacted with the local community and visitors from near and far. We’re also keeping up our social events, like trivia in July and our annual picnic August 19 at the Seelig’s house on Lake Serene. If you’re in town and available, please consider joining in on our events! It helps build bonds and keeps our community going strong. I’m open to new and creative ideas for socials too (comedy? bingo? karaoke? sip and paint?!).

If you’re looking for service opportunities, there are plenty of projects we could use help with. First off, we need folks to help staff our office on Thursdays and Saturdays. If you could devote an hour or two a month, we’d be grateful! Also, is there anybody handy with a weed wacker? We have a lot of growth in the back of the post that could use some trimming. We’re also hosting a service event with The Mission Continues September 16, which will include more landscaping work and lounge upgrades. Lastly, consider helping with our fundraiser October 21. The proceeds from the event will help us purchase a new flag pole, fund youth scholarships and replenish our relief fund.

I want to call out our post and auxiliary volunteers who helped move the new and old refrigerators. It was definitely more than a 2 or 3 person job so the extra hands made it much easier! As my kids say, teamwork makes the dream work.

Stay safe, and as the military says, these are the 101 critical days of summer. Due to risky activities, summer is a time where there’s an increased need for blood donations and we’re hosting a timely blood donation drive August 3-4, at our post. See details in the newsletter.

PSA from the VA: There’s no deadline to apply for PACT Act benefits. But if you file your PACT Act claim—or quickly submit your intent to file—by August 9, 2023, you may receive benefits backdated to August 10, 2022. So don’t wait, apply today. 

Seahawks Day of Service

Shoutout to the Seattle Seahawks, Urban ArtWorks, and The Mission Continues!

We can’t thank you enough for your incredible community service projects at our our post June 9. Your dedication, passion, and hard work will make a lasting impact on our community.

The Seattle Seahawks, your presence and support have lifted our spirits and reminded us of the power of teamwork both on and off the field. Your commitment to making a difference in the lives of veterans is truly inspiring. We are proud to have you as our hometown team!

Urban Artworks, your artistic talents have brought life and color to our VFW post. The murals you have created are a beautiful tribute to our veterans and their service. Your dedication to using art as a means of positive change is commendable.

The Mission Continues, your unwavering commitment to empowering veterans and strengthening communities is remarkable. Your volunteers have worked tirelessly to enhance our VFW post, ensuring it remains a welcoming place for our veterans and their families. Your service is truly invaluable.

To the incredible individuals from all three organizations, we are grateful for your time, energy, and effort. You have not only improved the physical space of our VFW post, but you have also uplifted our spirits and reminded us of the power of unity and service. Thank you for making a difference and for honoring our veterans.

Together, we can continue to build a stronger, more compassionate community. Let’s keep inspiring each other and making positive change happen!

Post Installation for 2023-2024

At our May 1 business meeting, Post 3063 officers were installed for 2023-2024. The highlight was recognizing outgoing Post Quartermaster, Harold Rodenberger, for his service. For anybody who knows Harold, we can all agree that he has left an indelible mark on the post and membership.

Here are the elected and appointed officers serving for the next year:
Commander: Alyson Teeter
Senior Vice Commander: Mark English
Junior Vice Commander: Gabe Whetsel
Quartermaster: Harold Hamilton
Adjutant: Shennae Curtis
Service Officer: Joseph Mesa
Judge Advocate: Dan Stokke
Chaplain: Joe Fitzgerald
Surgeon: Robert Lehman
Officer of the Day and Guard: Vince Cardenas
3-Year Trustee: Harold Rodenberger
2-Year Trustee: John Ellingboe
1-Year Trustee: Aaron Stoltz
3-year House Committee: Jesse Basher
2-year House Committee: Robert Lehman
1-year House Committee: Gail Engler

Join us at the Syttende Mai Parade

Mark your calendars for Syttende Mai aka the 17th of May, which is Norway’s Constitution Day. It’s a big holiday for Ballard with the large population of Norwegian descendants and the community puts on a parade to commemorate the day. Last year the post revived the tradition of participating in the parade and we will do it again this year! Let Comrade Joe Fitzgerald know at [email protected] if you’d like to join in the fun. Family and friends are welcome to participate as well.