VFW Post 3063 Goals

Our strategy team continued their work from the early summer and met in August to develop SMART goals for Post 3063. The Post 3063 Strategic Plan is built around four primary goals, each derived from the Post’s Vision, Mission, and Core Values to address critical areas of growth and sustainability for the Post. Below are summaries of each goal and you can read the expanded SMART goals and strategy team notes here.

Goal 1: Increase Member Participation
A top priority is to activate and engage the membership by increasing participation in Post events. The goal is to increase monthly member participation by encouraging members to attend at least one event per month, including meetings, socials, service events, or committee involvement. Additionally, the “Battle Buddy Program” will be launched in the Fall 2024 to foster personal connections and accountability, pairing long-term members with newer ones to strengthen community bonds. 

Goal 2: Redevelop Post 3063 into a Veteran Hub
To secure the Post’s future and enhance its impact, VFW Post 3063 will be redeveloped into a central hub for veterans. By April 2025, a comprehensive redevelopment plan will be in place, guided by a project manager consultant hired by October 2024. This plan will include strategies for funding, maintaining operations during construction, and long-term facility management, positioning the Post as a focal point for veterans in the community. 

Goal 3: Ensure Financial Accountability
Financial accountability is essential for the sustainability of VFW Post 3063. The house committee will develop a detailed budget by the October business meeting, ensuring financial performance remains within +/- 10% of the budget. Quarterly reviews will be conducted to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments. 

Goal 4: Enhance Veteran Recruitment and Entitlement Awareness
The Post is committed to expanding its membership base by enrolling or transferring 24 new members by October 2025. This recruitment effort will be supported by a culture that highlights the advantages of Post membership and the exciting future of VFW Post 3063. Additionally, the Post will work to increase veteran understanding and encouragement to receive earned entitlements, with a goal of achieving a 75% application rate for VA benefits among members within the next year. 

Together, these goals ensure that VFW Post 3063 remains a thriving and supportive community for veterans. By focusing on member engagement, redevelopment, financial accountability, and recruitment, the Post is not only preserving its legacy but also building a stronger foundation for the future.

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!