Category: Post Business

New program: Five and Five

“Five and Five” is a unique opportunity to:
– Speak 
– Listen 
– Learn
– Understand 

Date : Sept. 21, 2023
Time: 10 a.m. 
Location: Ballard VFW Post

Each participating comrade will speak on their own unique military experiences highlighting the first FIVE years of military service OR the last FIVE years of military service. 

After each member has spoken, we return to the first speaker. That speaker will then speak on what they VISUALIZE the NEXT FIVE years going forward will entail.

The environment will be one of total respect, no judgement and trust that each comrade’s experience is valued and kept within the group.

We want to address certain serious consequences of loneliness noted in the recent U.S. Surgeon General’s reports through respectful and trusted communication in our “Five and Five” informal coffee hour meeting platform.

Coffee and pastries provided.

Register with Dave Tyner at [email protected] or 206-979-5889.

Operation FRIDGE SWAP a success

Operation FRIDGE SWAP was a success thanks to the brains and brawn of our awesome post and auxiliary members. Thank you to everyone who took time out of their busy schedules to bring in the bigger and better commercial grade refrigerator (which had to be lifted sideways through the counter since it was too tall and wide for the kitchen doors) and take out the old broken refrigerator.
Special thanks to Comrade Stokke for lending his trailer for the fridge recycling mission. Also, HUGE THANKS to the donor whose contribution paid for the new refrigerator! ❤

Commander’s Corner (August 2023)

By Alyson Teeter

Greetings comrades, I hope you’re enjoying the lovely PNW summer. Post comrades had fun in the sun while participating in the Ballard SeafoodFest in July, where we interacted with the local community and visitors from near and far. We’re also keeping up our social events, like trivia in July and our annual picnic August 19 at the Seelig’s house on Lake Serene. If you’re in town and available, please consider joining in on our events! It helps build bonds and keeps our community going strong. I’m open to new and creative ideas for socials too (comedy? bingo? karaoke? sip and paint?!).

If you’re looking for service opportunities, there are plenty of projects we could use help with. First off, we need folks to help staff our office on Thursdays and Saturdays. If you could devote an hour or two a month, we’d be grateful! Also, is there anybody handy with a weed wacker? We have a lot of growth in the back of the post that could use some trimming. We’re also hosting a service event with The Mission Continues September 16, which will include more landscaping work and lounge upgrades. Lastly, consider helping with our fundraiser October 21. The proceeds from the event will help us purchase a new flag pole, fund youth scholarships and replenish our relief fund.

I want to call out our post and auxiliary volunteers who helped move the new and old refrigerators. It was definitely more than a 2 or 3 person job so the extra hands made it much easier! As my kids say, teamwork makes the dream work.

Stay safe, and as the military says, these are the 101 critical days of summer. Due to risky activities, summer is a time where there’s an increased need for blood donations and we’re hosting a timely blood donation drive August 3-4, at our post. See details in the newsletter.

PSA from the VA: There’s no deadline to apply for PACT Act benefits. But if you file your PACT Act claim—or quickly submit your intent to file—by August 9, 2023, you may receive benefits backdated to August 10, 2022. So don’t wait, apply today. 

Seahawks Day of Service

Shoutout to the Seattle Seahawks, Urban ArtWorks, and The Mission Continues!

We can’t thank you enough for your incredible community service projects at our our post June 9. Your dedication, passion, and hard work will make a lasting impact on our community.

The Seattle Seahawks, your presence and support have lifted our spirits and reminded us of the power of teamwork both on and off the field. Your commitment to making a difference in the lives of veterans is truly inspiring. We are proud to have you as our hometown team!

Urban Artworks, your artistic talents have brought life and color to our VFW post. The murals you have created are a beautiful tribute to our veterans and their service. Your dedication to using art as a means of positive change is commendable.

The Mission Continues, your unwavering commitment to empowering veterans and strengthening communities is remarkable. Your volunteers have worked tirelessly to enhance our VFW post, ensuring it remains a welcoming place for our veterans and their families. Your service is truly invaluable.

To the incredible individuals from all three organizations, we are grateful for your time, energy, and effort. You have not only improved the physical space of our VFW post, but you have also uplifted our spirits and reminded us of the power of unity and service. Thank you for making a difference and for honoring our veterans.

Together, we can continue to build a stronger, more compassionate community. Let’s keep inspiring each other and making positive change happen!