Post Business – Page 14 – Ballard Eagleson Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3063

Ft. Lawton Murder Case Sets the Scene For I Corps JAG Professional Development

U.S. Army Judge Advocates, paralegals and other personnel gathered at VFW Post 3063 Jan. 28, 2022, for a professional development opportunity that involved more than simply analyzing a case study or reading a leadership book.

Members of the I Corps Office of the Staff Judge Advocate took the trip on I-5 from Joint Base Lewis-McChord to VFW Post 3063 to start their professional development with a virtual discussion with attorney and author, Jack Hamann, who wrote the book, On American Soil.

*Soldiers listen to Jack Hamann, author of On American Soil, discuss the Ft. Lawton murder case via Zoom at Post 3063.*

According to the University of Washington Press website:

During the night of August 14, 1944, an Italian prisoner of war was lynched on the Fort Lawton army base in Seattle–a murder that shocked the nation and the international community. It was a time of deep segregation in the army, and the War Department was quick to charge three African American soldiers with first-degree murder, although there was no evidence linking them to the crime. Forty other black soldiers faced lesser charges over the incident, launching one of the largest and longest army trials of World War II.

In this harrowing story of race, privilege, and power, Jack Hamann explores the most overlooked civil rights event in American history. On American Soil raises important questions about how justice is carried out when a country is at war, offering vital lessons on the tensions between national security and individual rights.

After discussing the case with Hamann, the group bussed to Ft. Lawton for an in person look at the scene of the courts martial and the murder.

Even though it’s a case dating back to World War II, the lessons learned relating to race, the media, and the law were relevant to the soldiers, making for a rich and immersive professional development opportunity.

Post 3063 leadership were proud to host and provide a venue for these active duty legal professionals.

Quartermaster’s Update (January 2022)

By Harold Rodenberger

As many of you know, our post made All-American status last year for the first time in our history. Our Commander was presented with his All-American cap, but the rest of us, although entitled to wear that cap, must buy it from the VFW Store. If you want to buy a cap, call the store (833-839-8387) and tell them you want to order an A-A cap. They will need your member number (found on your membership card) and credit card info. If you can’t find your card, I can provide your membership number. The cost of the cap will be approx $80.

This past quarter has been like a roller coaster. As infection rates declined, we were able to attend in-person meetings and socials again. Since the Omicron variant invaded, infection rates are surging. Early evidence indicates that this variant is more infectious but may result in somewhat less serious cases. By all accounts, the best defense is to get vaccinations and boosters, practice good hand hygiene and masking techniques, and avoid indoor crowds.

We require proof of vaccination or a negative test within the past 72 hours to attend in-person meetings and social events. We will continue to provide a Zoom hookup for others. Thanks for doing all you can to slow down this current surge.

Another way to help yourself and others during this period is to reduce stress and stay upbeat. With instantaneous news, addicting social media and extreme political divisions, every day can seem overwhelming. There have been many troubles in our past. We no longer burn people at the stake, boil suspected heretics in oil, or tar and feather contrarians. In the forties and fifties blatant racial, sexual, religious and social prejudices were common. There is still room to improve, but we have made much progress.

To fight those old evils, and reduce my stress levels, I try to practice the Golden Rule, give others the benefit of the doubt, and extend the hand of kindness where possible. I know I can’t change the world, but I can improve my little corner of Ballard, or Edmonds, or wherever I am on this imperfect Earth. These techniques don’t always work, but they help keep my blood pressure under control, and I recommend them highly.

Sincere wishes to you all for prosperity, health, safety and a modicum of happiness in the New Year.

New Member Spotlight: Mark English

This is a recurring column that highlights new post members.

Comrade English during his service as Commandant and Dean of the USMA Prep School.

What motivated you to join the VFW?

I believe very strongly in service to community and service in support of other veterans and their families. The VFW with its focus on serving veterans, communities and military families seemed like a perfect fit for me and I am delighted I have joined.

What is your military background?

I served for 27 years in the Army primarily as a Middle East Foreign Area Officer. Through this experience I served as an Academy Professor at West Point teaching Arabic and worked in several US Embassies in the Middle East region in various Security Assistance positions.

Hometown, civilian job, education, family, hobbies, or anything else you’d like to tell us about yourself?

I grew up in a military family so service to country was always paramount. I was born in Columbus, Ohio. Our daughter has lived in Seattle for several years and my wife being from Greece said she has to be near water, so we decided to retire here.

After I obtained my PhD in Curriculum and Instruction, I was Commandant and Dean of the USMA Prep School and after retirement I held various leadership positions in domestic and international schools to include a charter school in NYC where we had underprivileged kids learning Chinese.

I also served as the Superintendent of the American International School of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia and from 2014-2016 served as the President of the American University of Afghanistan. My last position was as an adviser to the UAE Armed Forces in AbuDhabi where I also taught a course in executive leadership to officers within the Ministry of Interior. I am currently the Chairman of the Advisory Board for the International School of Africa.

Through my connections to the Afghan diaspora, I am currently trying to assist however I can with Afghan refugees trying to settle here in the US.

We spend most of our time walking and hiking in the area to include Discovery Park and our daily walk from Ballard to Shilshole Bay and back rain or shine.

What do you hope to achieve being a member of the VFW?

I have already volunteered to head up our community engagement activities and look forward to serving in any other capacity that can benefit our post and the community.

All Three Youth Essay Winners Place at District Level

This year we had entries for all three of the youth essay contests.

Nina Kieserman, a 15-year-old sophomore at Lincoln High School recited her district-winning Voice of Democracy essay at the Dec. 2 post business meeting (pictured left).

Rylan Calica, a 14-year-old eighth grader from Rochester, was our winning Patriot’s Pen entrant. He won for his grade at the district level (center).

Leela Baker, an 8-year-old 3rd grader from B.F. Day Elementary took first for the Youth Essay and also won at the district level (right).

State-level award winners will be announced at the Department’s Mid-Winter Conference in January. Congratulations and good luck, kids!