Auxiliary Corner: What’s Membership?

By Donna Limric

 

The auxiliary supports the veterans and our communities so that they may be well. Most civic organizations have an auxiliary of some kind and the VFW is no exception. We raise funds, volunteer our time, and collect goods for organizations that serve our vets, military families and our community at large. For example, we raise money for National Home which is an organization that provides temporary housing for families and children in need. In addition, we volunteer at the VA hospital and send care packages to military posts.

 

The auxiliary promotes and celebrates patriotism through the proper care and retirement of American flags. On Flag Day and Veterans Day we post flags at grave sites of the heroes who have passed on. We offer scholarships to our youth for art, writing and community service that demonstrates what patriotism means. When our membership grows we can do so much more, and more is needed.

 

The VFW Ballard Auxiliary needs members. If you have a spouse, late spouse, sibling, parent, grandparent, or child who fought in a battle in a foreign war in the American Armed Forces, you qualify to join the VFW Auxiliary. It costs $50.00 to join but our auxiliary can sponsor you if you are unable to pay the dues. The Auxiliary provides advocacy to our lawmakers on behalf of our veterans and our armed forces to protect and improve benefits for our veterans, armed forces and their families. Members in our ranks means more people who have an interest in veterans and military issues. Finally, more members in our auxiliary means that we have more people to provide all the services our community and veterans need.

 

So, what’s in it for you?  Being in the auxiliary is fun. You get to meet wonderful people who are dedicated to various projects. It is social. Last May I was involved in a group that hosted bingo for VA Hospital patients. We brought sandwiches, snacks, cake and ice cream. The patients got the chance to win vouchers for the hospital canteen. We had a blast! Last Memorial Day the post and auxiliary participated in a poppy drive in front of the QFC. People coming out of the store shared their stories of being a vet, or of the vets in their family. One lady from Britain shared her memories of doing poppy drives with her parents since she was a little girl. The auxiliary also has a scholarship program for members who face cancer that pays for treatment expenses. Your participation in the auxiliary would look great on a resume!

 

So, if you want to belong to a fun group of people who are dedicated to making a difference please consider joining the VFW Auxiliary. We would love to have you.

Auxiliary President’s June 2018 Update

Dear auxiliary and post members:

 

I would like to introduce myself as the current president of the VFW Auxiliary of the Ballard Eagleson Post 3063. We have an all-new board of officers: Senior Vice President Margo Clutter; Junior Vice President Dorothy Harrell; Treasurer Liz Guncay; Chaplain Kristine Sawyckyi; and Conductress Karen Flynn.

 

What we need now is a secretary and trustees. We also need people who can chair our committees: Hospital, Americanism, Community Service, Legislative, Publicity, Scholarship, Sunshine, and Youth Activities.

 

Most importantly we need members.

 

Do know someone who is a spouse, widow, parent, child, grandparent, grandchild or sibling of someone who served their country fighting in a foreign war? If you know anyone who is interested in becoming a member of the VFW Auxiliary, please forward my contact information to them.

 

If you are a member who has not been active in a while, please come see the new and exciting plans that will revitalize this organization.

 

I would like to invite you all to come join us the third Thursday of each month for the VFW Post 3063 Social. The first Thursday of each month is our auxiliary business meeting. Please come learn about the exciting new changes and plans we are making to continue the good work of supporting our veterans and our community.
Please contact me if you have any questions. I can be reached by phone at 206-852-5434. You can e-mail me at [email protected]. You may also send mail to 2812 NW Market St, Seattle, WA 98107.
Sincerely,

Donna Limric
Auxiliary President 2018
Ballard Eagleson VFW Post 3063

New Member Profile: Chris Dresnek

This is the first profile in a new recurring column that will highlight new VFW Post 3063 members. Chris Dresnek joined the post in April 2018.

 

What motivated you to join the VFW?

The need to be around my fellow veterans. We get each other in ways non-vets can’t.Chris Dresnek

 

What is your military background?
I’m retired Army. I was a Human Resources NCO, part-time supply sergeant, and the lead gunner on both deployments (Twice to Iraq: Kirkush and Kirkuk).

 

Civilian job, education, family, hobbies, or anything else you’d like to tell us about yourself?
I’m not employed right now as I’m going to school full time on the GI Bill for a degree in Photography. Previously I was a manager and state certified medical marijuana consultant for a chain of Cannabis stores.

 

You’ve taken great photos of post events. Tell us about your photography.
It’s been a hobby for 25 years but I’m looking to make it a career. I am most interested in black and white film photography. I enjoy shooting landscapes and trees.

 

What do you hope to achieve being a member of the VFW?
Meet some cool people and be part of a thriving veteran community.

Sr. Vice has Recruiting Plans

By Joe Tiffany, Sr. Vice Commander

 

Nobody does more for Veterans.

 

That is the VFW’s motto. Our motto.
I’d like to impress upon every member of Post 3063 the importance of new members. It is the life force of our organization.

 

I have some ideas for recruiting new members:

 

1. Set up a booth at the Ballard Sunday Market where we can answer questions and get our name out to the public.

 

2. Host an open house at our post with a barbecue of hamburgers and hot dogs this summer. We’d invite not only prospective members but our neighbors and community as well. We could also include a live band performance and a food truck. That will entice younger members to join.

 

If you have any ideas please contact me at [email protected] or 206-619-9521.