Category: Post Business

Mid-Winter Conference recap

On January 19-20 in Wenatchee, the VFW Department of Washington hosted the state’s Mid-Winter Conference. At this conference, various training classes were held, officer reports were read and winning essay participants were recognized.

Here are some highlights Commander Teeter noted that she thought were worth passing along:
Recruiting and Membership:
– Posts are successful if they have a robust, active membership committee. Traditionally it’s led by the Senior Vice and the Quartermaster and Adjutant are members as well.  
– The state recruiting team attends large public events, like Seafair. At these events they recruit for VFW at-large. They can provide at-large lists by zip code so posts can do outreach to these members.
  — If Post 3063 wants representation at the VFW recruiting booth at large events, we must be vetted by the state recruiting team.
  — We can invite the state recruiting team to our local events. (Consider for Ballard Seafood Fest.)
  — For events, do not have more than 2-3 people in a booth!
– Consider setting up information booths near marijuana dispensaries. This tactic worked well for the state recruiting team.
– For new members, perform 30-60-90 day follow-ups so they stay engaged.
– Provide temporary membership cards to new members.
– Hold family-friendly community events at the post; this will help pull people in!
Quartermaster:
– Audits must be performed by trustees, not the quartermaster! This is mandated by National and was emphasized by the National Quartermaster, who was in attendance. Also recommended electronic audits.
– State can provide 1:1 training for Quartermasters.
– Have procedures down in writing.
Adjutant:
– This position performs reporting to state Community Service Reports page, All American Dashboard, etc.
– Buddy Poppies! Order through State Assistant Adjutant, Jason Paxton.
Veterans/Military Support (VMS):
– Up to $5K for adopted units.
– $500 Homeless Veteran Grant. Standdown instructions are available as well.

Commander’s Corner (January 2024)

By Alyson Teeter

Welcome to 2024, Comrades! If you’re a new or returning member, check out what we accomplished in 2023 in our annual report below. We had a very active year serving veterans and the community and we will continue the momentum into the new year. My primary focus will shift to membership and how we can activate members to participate more with the post. We are a volunteer-driven organization and we can’t be successful in doing more for veterans without a thriving community of #StillServing comrades.  

Happening this month is another opportunity to connect with the Five and Five discussion group at 5 p.m. on Jan.18, which also happens to be our monthly social night. Come for some meaningful connection and stay for our a family-friendly movie and popcorn at our first ever Movie Night Social. Our quarterly blood drives, in partnership with BloodWorksNW, will continue this year and our first for 2024 is at the post on Jan. 25. 

I’ve saved the bad news for last, which is the dissolution of our Post 3063 Auxiliary. The Post 3063 Auxiliary President, Sean Peat, resigned his position last month and nobody was able to take on the position vacancy. Thus the auxiliary voted to suspend its charter. On behalf of the post, I want to thank Sean for taking on the daunting task of leading the fledgling organization. He helped bring it back to an active status for the last couple years and the small but mighty auxiliary did a lovely job of supporting veterans and Post 3063. Thank you again to the auxiliary and know that our post family members and friends can still make a positive impact serving veterans regardless of auxiliary status. 

Holiday giving

Ballard Eagleson VFW Post 3063 marked the end of 2023 by extending a helping hand to organizations that also epitomize dedication and service to veterans.

We provided donations to three local veteran nonprofits: Friends of the Fisher House Puget Sound (Seattle VAMC), Heroes Cafe, and the Seattle Stand Down. These organizations, with their unwavering commitment, embody compassion and selflessness towards our veterans and their families.

Comrade Commander Teeter had the privilege of presenting the donation checks and engaging with the incredible individuals steering these organizations. The meetings sparked discussions about future collaborative efforts.

We stand proud knowing that our contributions will fuel the impactful work of these deserving organizations. It serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of service, reaffirming the pledge to support those who have dedicated their lives to serving our nation.

Holiday Party Recap

We hosted a lovely Holiday Party Dec. 21! Around 90 wonderful people joined us, including the incredible kids who participated in our essay contest. Thank you to each and every one of you who made this night so special! Your presence and enthusiasm added an extra sparkle to the festivities.

Top of the Hill Barbershop Quartet: Huge applause to the talented quartet for their amazing performances that filled the air with holiday melodies and cheer! The delicious pork tenderloin with all the fixings was a hit! Thank you to Jan for serving up such a scrumptious meal. Santa Claus brought the magic of the season, delighting our little guests with gifts and spreading cheer throughout the evening. We hope you all enjoyed swapping your favorite homemade cookies! The variety of treats shared was absolutely delightful.

Your generosity overflowed for the Ballard Food Bank Donation Drive! Thank you for contributing to our donation drive and helping support the Ballard Food Bank during this special time of giving.👏 A Big Round of Applause to our incredible team of volunteers—your hard work and dedication made this event a resounding success!

Thank you once again for making our Holiday Party a night to remember. Your support means the world to us. Wishing you all a joyful holiday season filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments! ❤️🎅🎁