Here we are at the start of another VFW year. The new officers have taken their positions and committee members are appointed and anxious to go to work. I know you’ve heard and read it before but I’ll say it again. We have our regular business meeting on the first Thursday of each month and a social every third Thursday. Help kick off the new VFW year by planning to attend regularly.
With the beginning of a new year we are starting from last year’s calculated base to make one hundred percent of our membership again. Every year we lose members due to some moving out of our area, some passing on to their reward and some deciding not to renew their membership. I know that last is hard to believe, but it actually happens once in a while so look around and see if you can bring in at least one new member this year to help get our membership back up to one hundred percent.
Your post is getting more and more active in the community. The newly formed Color Guard is practicing marching and drilling with our new M1 Garand rifles. Interested personnel should email the Color Guard Captain, Bill Hoeller, at [email protected] or call him at 206-632-3173.
Our redesigned website (vfwseattle.org) is up and running. When you have time give it a look. It is interesting and you may find some information you can use.
We are visiting more hospitals and nursing homes. If you would like to volunteer to participate in these visits shoot us an email, contact us via our website or call the office, 206- 782-8618.
Our new Service Officer, Gail Engler, attended the Washington State VFW Service Officer school last week and is ready to provide assistance to veterans and family members in our community who need help applying for benefits or who would like more information about what’s available. Contact her via the Web page or email at [email protected].
Two weeks ago on Flag Day, for the first time in over 35 years, we held a flag retirement ceremony in our parking lot. It was an impressive ceremony.
On Memorial Day some of our members visited the patients at the Seattle VA Hospital. We plan another visit on Independence Day, the Fourth of July, to visit with patients and pass out treats. If you are interested in attending, please call me at: 206-972-2135 or email [email protected].
By Harold Rodenberger
On Flag Day, June 14, 2016, Ballard Eagleson VFW Post 3063 held the first flag retirement service in more than 35 years to dispose properly of worn flags that had been left at the post.
s Flag Code. The incinerator device was home-made by our Quartermaster Harold Rodenberger from half of a 55-gallon drum mounted on a piece of salvaged aluminum from an old post sign with wheels added for portability. A raised grating supported the flags, while a healthy bed of burning wood provided the fuel.