Commander’s Corner (August 2024)

As we wrap up another VFW year, I’m pleased to share the accomplishments highlighted in our annual report. We’ve made significant strides towards financial stability, VA benefits assistance, community outreach, and service initiatives. These achievements reflect our collective dedication to the mission of VFW Post 3063.

Looking ahead, it’s important we continue to set ambitious goals, especially as we work to ensure the long term viability of the post in Ballard. Your input and active participation will be vital as we chart our course for the next year and beyond. Together, we can build on our successes, address challenges, and ensure a thriving future for our post.

Thank you for your continued commitment and support.

In comradeship,
Aly Teeter, Commander

Post mission, vision and values

At July’s business meeting the membership voted to adopt post-specific core values, mission and vision statements. We’ll get to work on formulating 2024-2025 goals that align with our strategy at a leadership meeting in the early fall.

Mission: VFW Post 3063 is a home for veterans, we are a service-oriented organization that fosters camaraderie, supports our membership, veterans, their families, and our community. We advocate for Seattle veterans of overseas conflicts.

Vision: VFW Post 3063 promotes a community where veterans and their families are honored and respected, ensuring they receive their earned entitlements and recognition. We foster camaraderie among a diversity of veterans, support their reintegration, engage in community service and patriotism, while remaining adaptive to changing times.

Core Values: Service, Camaraderie, Family, Community, Home, Patriotism, Diversity, Honor, Independence, Adaptive

You can find these on our website at vfwseattle.org/index.php/about-post-3063/mission-vision/.

Meet our new intern: Brian Rodrigues

We’re excited to introduce Brian Rodrigues, our new VA Work-Study Intern at VFW Post 3063. Brian is a Navy veteran currently pursuing a master’s degree in social work. He’s been attending classes at Seattle Central and plans to transfer to the University of Washington this fall.

Brian brings a unique flair to our team, with a passion for both fashion and sports. Don’t be surprised if you see him sporting a different, colorful outfit every time you meet him!

Brian will be in the office to assist our service officer and perform outreach regarding VA benefits on the following days and times: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Through the VA work-study program, veterans who are three-quarter or full-time students in a college degree, vocational, or professional program can “earn while they learn” with a VA work-study allowance. This program allows veterans to gain valuable work experience while continuing their education.

We’re thrilled to have Brian on board and look forward to the energy and expertise he will bring to our post. Please join us in welcoming him!

Mission+Vision feedback needed

Post members worked with a facilitator in May and June to develop a list of core values and draft mission and vision statements for Post 3063. Notes from the strategy sessions are available here

Leadership will use the mission and vision statements to guide our strategy for potential redevelopment.

As you review the draft statements, keep in mind our list of core values (foundational concepts guiding our decisions for the mission and vision): Service, Camaraderie, Family, Community, Home, Patriotism, Diversity, Honor, Independence, Adaptive

The survey is open and available at https://forms.gle/fmejXzBGu3ejiEtg8Please vote by July 10! We’ll review the results and deliberate at the July 11 business meeting.