News

Quartermaster’s Update (November 2021)

Some quick notes as we head into November.


We have decided to hold the November, and future business meetings (until further notice) in person with a Zoom option. Members and guests who are fully vaccinated may attend in person, others please tune in via Zoom, using the directions that are elsewhere in this newsletter.


We are running way behind in drawing for free life memberships from those who have attended two meetings and who are present at the current meeting, in person or via Zoom. Please attend a meeting and take advantage of the very favorable odds that you might win a free life membership.


The November social will be our Thanksgiving dinner. The same vaccination policy will apply to in-person attendance. Others may pick up a takeout dinner. Please remember that all socials and other dinners will be by reservation only – whether in person or take out. To make reservations, please text or call me (206-972-2135), or email at: [email protected].  


For the November dinner, reservations must be in no later than noon on Monday, November 18th. 


Our annual fundraiser was held in October this year. Attendance was less than in years past due to a variety of reasons, but based on early returns, it looks like it was quite successful. I’ll have a full report at the business meeting on November 4th. Meanwhile, many thanks to Co-Chairs Russ and Kay Seelig and all those who helped by soliciting or donating prizes, volunteered in the kitchen and at the hall, or contributed their hard-earned bucks to make the event successful.


Please remember our typical fall/winter weather presents challenges when out and about. Darkness, wind and rain make it hard to see pedestrians, so remember to drive defensively and keep a weather eye out for the unexpected person, animal, bike or car that might pop up from the darkness.


Yours in Comradeship,

Harold  

Annual Spaghetti Dinner and Fundraiser a Success

After a two-year hiatus due to Covid-19, the post’s annual in-person Spaghetti Dinner went on without a hitch Saturday, Oct. 23. It was a wonderful dinner, courtesy of Chef Kay and her amazing team. There was also a raffle for select items and a virtual auction. If you missed out on the action and want to contribute to our Relief Fund, you can mail a check to the post or donate via our PayPal link. All donations are tax deductible! Thank you to everyone who pitched in and participated!

Officer Spotlight: Bob Lehman, Post 3063 Surgeon

This is a recurring column that highlights the 2021-2022 post officers.


What is your military background?

      My military service is backwards to nearly everyone else:  I was in private practice for 22 years, and then joined the Air Force at age 52. Accidentally, I became a flight surgeon, that got me deployed to Iraq, and led to another residency in Aerospace Medicine. Which then led to 3 more deployments: Korea, Iraq again, and Kyrgyzstan. My role as Aerospace Medicine specialist meant I flew and took care of air crews, but it also put me overseeing shop safety and public health on the base, which put me in an experienced role when Covid arrived – having dealt with SARS1, MERS, Swine Flu/N1H1, and Ebola already.


Tell us about your position and what you hope to accomplish during your term.

I’m still trying to decide my role with the Post. I’ve enjoyed contributing to the newsletter, particularly trying to translate what is going on with Covid. I can offer medical advice to members and fellow board members as we negotiate these times where the goal posts seem to keep moving. My goal is still to meet people, and hopefully we will be able to do more in-person functions in the future as vaccination of the members increases.


How long have you belonged to Post 3063 and did you previously serve in an officer position?

I joined the VFW less than 2 years ago after I retired from the Air Force and moved to Seattle.  My intent was to try to meet people, but then Covid hit.  I was asked to be Post Surgeon, which is fun for some as I really am a surgeon.