From the Commander (January 2019)

Comrades:

 
2018 was another busy year for Ballard Eagleson VFW Post 3063.

 
We’ve logged over 800 hours of community service, we supported our adopted unit’s holiday party and had our post’s Voice of Democracy and Teacher of the Year candidates win at the district level. These are just a few examples of the long list of accomplishments in 2018. I’d like to thank all of the post and auxiliary members and leaders who helped make this a successful and productive year.

 
Behind the scenes in 2018, the leadership team and House Committee dedicated countless hours evaluating many aspects of our operations and looked for ways to improve how we conduct business at the post. We’ve been focusing on budget balancing, modernizing, optimizing and digitizing some of our processes and paperwork, as well as working closely with our architect consultants to complete the comprehensive assessment of our facility. I’m confident that when we complete this work, our future leadership teams will be equipped with valuable data and tools that will help them make more informed, data-driven decisions. While I acknowledge this work has taken some of our focus away from all of our other programs this year, I believe this effort has been necessary to ensure the long-term stability and survival of our growing community.

 
For those who may not already know, my wife Clare and I are expecting our first child in January, which will likely leave me with very little free time for the next few months. As such, most business meetings in the new year will be led by Sr. Vice Commander Joe Tiffany and Jr. Vice Commander Joe Fitzgerald.
On behalf of the Post 3063 leadership team, I’d like to wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

 
Commander Pete Krawitz

Teacher of the Year and VOD Nominees Place First in District 2

Hamilton International Middle School Teacher Daniel Waldschmidt was nominated by Post 3063 as Teacher of the Year and placed first at District 2. He’ll go on to compete at the state level, which will be announced during January’s Mid-Winter Conference in Yakima.

 

Kate Cavanaugh, a senior at Holy Names Academy, is our Voice of Democracy winner. Kate read her essay during the December business meeting and received a standing ovation. Kate also placed first at District 2 and will go on to compete at the state level. She will read her essay again at the Mid-Winter Conference.

 
Congratulations and good luck to Daniel and Kate, and thank you for their support to veterans!

 

 

Sr. Vice Fitzgerald presents a certificate to Daniel during the holiday party.
Sr. Vice Fitzgerald presents a certificate to Daniel during the holiday party.
Commander Krawitz presents a certificate to Kate at the December Business Meeting.
Commander Krawitz presents a certificate to Kate at the December Business Meeting.

Wreaths Across America Brings Comrades Together

Comrades Joe Fitzgerald, Jon Guncay, Harold Rodenberger, Anthony Rose and Dan Stokke participated in the Wreaths Across America Memorial Service at Lakeview Cemetery on Saturday, Dec. 15. WAA coordinates wreath­laying ceremonies at more than 1,400 locations across the United States, at sea and abroad.

Comrade Guncay and his son lay a wreath on a gravestone.
Comrade Guncay and his son lay a wreath on a headstone.
Post 3063 Honor Guard members perform 21-gun salute.
Post 3063 Honor Guard members perform 21-gun salute.
Comrades Joe Fitzgerald and Jon Guncay render a salute during the ceremony.
Comrades Joe Fitzgerald and Jon Guncay render a salute during the ceremony.