Category: Volunteering

Post and Sea Cadet Corps Recognize Volunteer’s Service

By Alyson M. Teeter

 

Award presentation
Pete Krawitz, Post 3063 Sr. Vice Commander, presents the VFW Sea Cadet Medal to Jessica Chacko, April 20, 2017.

You may recognize Jessica Chacko’s name: she’s a high schooler who has volunteered with Post 3063 at the Seattle VA Medical Center and she represented Post 3063 at the district level for the Voice of Democracy Essay Contest, where she placed third. Jessica also serves as a petty officer third class with the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets Corps based out of Naval Station Everett.

As a way to recognize these efforts, the Naval Sea Cadet Corps and Post 3063 decided to award her with a VFW Sea Cadet Medal. The medal is granted for outstanding achievement and exceptional leadership ability. Post 3063 Sr. Vice Commander Pete Krawitz formally presented the medal to Jessica, with her family and friends in attendance, at the monthly post social April 20, 2017.

 

The post greatly appreciates Jessica’s dedication to serving veterans. Thank you, Jessica!

 

Post participates in Wreaths Across America ceremony

The Honor Guard fires volleys during the Wreaths Across America ceremony.
The Honor Guard fires volleys during the Wreaths Across America ceremony.

The Post 3063 Honor Guard, consisting of Joe Fitzgerald, Bill Hoeller and Harold Rodenberger, participated in the Wreaths Across America ceremony near the flagpole at Lakeview Cemetery in Seattle on Dec. 17, 2016. After the wreaths were placed honoring the five services, POW/MIA and Merchant Marines, the post Honor Guard fired three volleys honoring the veterans.

 
Bill Griffith was in charge of the ceremony at Lakeview, as he has been for the past four years.

Give blood, save a life

By Harold Rodenberger

 

When I was younger, a lot younger, I used to give blood regularly every couple months. Then we moved to a tropical country and I visited various other tropical countries so my blood-letting was restricted. Then I retired from the Army and got so busy I didn’t have time. Then I was borderline anemic and couldn’t give. Then there was always an excuse not to give. THEN I stopped in at BloodWorks NW one day and gave blood!

 

Compared to how it used to work the new system is amazingly user friendly.

Harold Rodenberger giving blood.
Harold Rodenberger giving blood.

 

  • You save time by making an appointment on line or by phone.
  • The screening questionnaire is done quickly on a small electronic device.
  • The hematocrit is a modern spun version so less blood is needed and it saves time.
  • The reclining couch is more ergonomically designed and extremely comfortable.
  • The actual blood draw is easier from beginning to end with modern crimping devices and even a covered needle extraction shroud.
  • They have machinery on site to separate out various parts of blood such as platelets, plasma or coagulation factors and return the rest to your body.
  • The last time I gave blood I was in and out in less than twenty-five minutes.

 

It seems the staffers and volunteers are friendlier and more efficient. Only the cookies, crackers and drinks are about the same.

 

I understand that, for various reasons, many people can’t donate blood. But if you can, follow the lead of this old guy and give a pint to save a life.