News

Farewell From the Outgoing Commander

By Pete Krawitz

 

This will be the last column I write as Post Commander. I first wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all once more for giving me the opportunity to lead the post for the last two years. It’s been a very fulfilling and challenging experience. I appreciate the willingness of many of the post members to try some new things, like modified meeting formats and leveraging more technology in our operations. Now, it’s time to hand off the gavel to Joe Tiffany, who I’m confident will bring a fresh perspective to the podium. I look forward to supporting Joe and the new leadership team.

 

Over the last 24 months, we’ve been able to work together to become the largest post in the Seattle District. We’ve built stronger ties with other VSOs, community groups, and local businesses. We are also slowly working on improving our business continuity practices and leveraging technology which will help make running the post more accessible for our current and future officers.

 

We have some exciting projects on the horizon and we’ll need all of the help we can get. Whether you’ve been a member of the post for 40 years or 4 months, there are various post officer positions and committees that could use your expertise. Talk to members of the leadership team if you are interested in helping out in any capacity.

 

While I have moved a bit further away, I still plan to stick with post 3063 for the foreseeable future, the community that welcomed me and my family to Ballard 5 years ago. It’s a community that I’m very proud to be a part of.

From the Commander (July 2019)

By Joe Tiffany

 

First I’d like to say how proud I am to be installed as Post Commander of Ballard Eagleson Post 3063. As I write this I am getting ready for the Department of Washington 99th State Convention in Vancouver, Wash. where I officially become Post Commander. I look forward to our upcoming year. We have many exciting items at hand. There are, and will be, many opportunities for all hands to be involved. Please don’t be shy; get involved and join in. If you have a question please ask. I am of the school of thought that the only dumb question is the one not asked.

 

Thank you to Commander Pete Krawitz for your two years of leadership and “always moving forward” mentality that you brought to our post. I’d also like to say a special thank-you to Jan (Pete’s mother) who is always going above and beyond with her help; and the unsung heroes – the House Committee and Trustees. Maybe not every member understands your duties or functions, but those that do are extremely grateful. That also applies to the entire leadership team. And last, but surely not least, is Quartermaster and District 2 Senior Vice Commander Harold Rodenberger who is the post’s backbone. Without his conscientious efforts, our post just wouldn’t be the squared-away post it is.

 

Thank you all.  I look forward to working with each and every one of you.

Volunteer at the Ballard Seafood Fest

Commander Joe Tiffany is looking for volunteers to represent the post at a booth during the Ballard Seafood Fest July 13-14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Volunteers will talk about our post’s mission, recruit new members, and distribute Buddy Poppies. If you’re interested in volunteering, call or text Commander Tiffany at 206-619-9521.volunteer

Ballard 19 Author Publishes New Book About Local OIF Hero

Valor in IraqThe Post 3063 Adjutant received a tip from local writer of the “The Ballard 19”, Jerry Smith, that he recently published a book called “Valor in Iraq.” It documents the story of a 2003 Ballard High School graduate, Daniel Chavez, who died fighting for his country in Iraq.

 

Here’s a link to an article about the book, which is available on Amazon.

 

All proceeds go to the Daniel Chavez Scholarship at Ballard High School.

 

Building Update: Architect Consultants Wrap Up Building Study

By Pete Krawitz

 

As you probably are aware, the house committee has finished up their work with the consultants from Schacht-Aslani Architects. The 165-page report highlights the current state of the building and various building improvement options ranging from minor refurbishment to a complex redevelopment and even relocation. I’m going to be brief in my summary for the article, however, if you are interested in reading the full report, please e-mail [email protected] or stop by the office and ask Harold.

 

There was one option that we, as the House Committee, also developed. Option Zero. The cost of doing nothing. If our current building upkeep costs vs income are any indication of the future, we are on a likely trajectory to be in a difficult financial situation in the next 20-30 years. This is assuming no major building system failures (i.e. roof or plumbing).

 

Bottom line is we need to do something. At a minimum, there are some structural, electrical, and plumbing works that need to happen if we want to ensure our building to continue to be a safe place for our members and the community. Our hall is our primary source of income, we need to take care of it. As you’d imagine, none of this work will be cheap. Estimates, even for the most minor of renovations, will be in the range of $600K – $1M.

 

At our last meeting, the post voted to allow the house committee to engage in a multi-phase plan to see if it’s financially feasible to conduct a major renovation of the post. The first phase will be to develop a “business plan”. If the return on investment is compelling enough, we’ll move into the second phase where we’ll focus on fundraising feasibility. Our goal is to fundraise 100% of the renovation costs. The third phase would be the actual fundraising. The fourth phase, assuming all of the other phases were successful, will be the actual renovation project planning and the subsequent renovation.

 

It’s an exciting time to be part of this post, however, this is a lot of work and we’ll need all of the help we can get if we want to ensure a project like this is successful. We’ll be looking for volunteers for various committees in the near future. Stop by during our business meetings to learn more or send a message to [email protected].