Author Archive: Editor

Commanders Column By Jim Blossey

It is a genuine privilege to have been chosen to be your Commander. I thank you all for your support and ask for your continued efforts as we move forward.

I am more fortunate than most incoming Commanders in that I have two exceptional predecessors to guide me and—where need be—correct me: Fred Apgar and Jim Traner. What a comfort it is to know that I can fall back on the knowledge and wisdom of these two models of effective leadership. Comrade Commanders, your example has been extraordinary and has definitely set a high standard for the future.

I am also greatly encouraged to see the dedication and experience of the active membership of VFW Post 8870. You members are the ones that have made this post one of the best in the district, if not the state. No other post even comes close to generating the amount of revenue that we do from the distribution of Buddy Poppies.

More revenue means that we can do much more through our Relief Fund. As one of four members of your relief committee, I have been perhaps more closely informed about the various causes that we support. We have taken the job seriously, researching each organization in depth and not committing even one cent until we are fully convinced that doing so is the best use of our funds. I plan to stay on with the Relief Committee and will continue to exercise close fiduciary responsibility.

The motto of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States is “No One Does More for Veterans.” At Post 8870 our relief efforts reflect that, either in direct veteran support, or in support of current active duty military or of local youth.Besides financial support, each year the VFW as a whole donates more than 13 million volunteer hours of community service. Post 8870 continues to carry more than our share of those hours. From a personal point of view I am proud and honored to be a part of such an organization. So as your new Commander, what could possibly improve on such a record? Actually, I have two items on my agenda; they will be the topic of my column next month. Stay tuned.

Post Participates in ECC Memorial Day Ceremonies

Post Participates in ECC Memorial Day Ceremonies

Edmonds Community College had its first Memorial Day Ceremony and Post 8870 played a major roll in it. Mike Reagan gave a profound and moving speech while Buck Weaver lead the gathering in God Bless America which was almost up to par with Kate Smith’s rendition. We had a good representation and it was nice to see the student veterans show the rest of the college that we will never forget our fallen comrades.

Poppy Drive a Success

Our Memorial Day Buddy Poppy drive grossed $11,062. That is down a bit from last year but still enough to be considered a very successful weekend of collections. Another big thanks to Bob Crawford who ramrodded the event and to Liz Mather who counted the funds. In addition, I want to thank everyone who participated. For those who didn’t, consider it in the future. A bunch of us pulled multiple shifts and it would be nice to share the efforts with a few more folks.

Edmonds Dedicates “Veterans Plaza”

Edmonds Dedicates Veterans Plaza

Commander Fred Apgar presented the Post at the dedication ceremony with remarks on how important to remember those who have given their lives for America. Ron Clyborne organized the dedication and was able to pull a rabbit out of the hat, so to speak, in putting together a somber but dignified dedication on relatively short notice. Mike Reagan escorted Myra Rintamaki, a Gold Star mother, in placing a wreath at the monument. Post 8870 and American Legion Post 66 also placed a wreath at the monument. I would estimate there were approximately 80-100 attendees. This plaza has been a goal of Post 8870 since I was Post Commander 6 or 7 years ago, and I witnessed the dedication with pride on how our efforts have come to fruition.

Fred and Nancy Diedrich Honored at Memorial Day Ceremony

Fred and Nancy Diedrich Honored at Memorial Day Ceremony

Memorial Day at the cemetery was terrific. First, I think that is the first Memorial Day regretting I had forgotten my sunblock. After rain all day on Sunday, we were prepared for the worst and instead were greeted with sunny skies and downright hot weather. Second, our own Fred and Nancy Diedrich were honored guests at the ceremony. Eli Longacre, a local Boy Scout, read Fred’s story in the first person. He did a tremendous job and the crowd loved it. Fred, of course, was a paratrooper with the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment who jumped into Normandy on June 6th. Of the 2,056 men who jumped, only 995 returned to England with the rest being dead, wounded or captured. Fred met Nancy on his return to England. Courting was done via mail when Fred return to combat and he proposed via a letter. Nancy said yes and, like they say, the rest is history. Of course, Nancy had to write to Fred’s commanding general (as an old E-5 I can only gulp on that one), and wrangled a couple of days for Fred before he was shipped to the states in preparation for the invasion of Japan. The general had Fred hitch a ride on his personal airplane and the wedding was a success since it’s beginning to look like the marriage will work out. It was a real honor for Fred and Nancy. Post 8870 and American Legion Post 66 do a great job on the ceremony and I only hear compliments from those who attend.

Post Charter Draped to Honor Richard Kane

Post Charter Draped to Honor Richard Kane

At the outset of the May meeting, the Post charter was draped to honor the memory of Richard “Rick” Kane. Rick was a member of the Army and served in the 101st Airborne. During his one year tour of duty in Vietnam, Rick was assigned to the 321st Artillery Regiment and served at numerous fire bases. He served in-country from November 1967 until December 1968. He died last August from Agent Orange related health issues. Lucy Kane, Rick’s widow, attended our meeting. Following the draping of the Charter, Lucy proudly accepted the 30 year longevity pin and patch that her late husband had earned.

Memorial Ceremony for Erv Schmidt

A memorial service for Erv Schmidt will be held on Saturday, June 7th at 1:00PM at the First Baptist Church, 22800 56th Avenue, Mountlake Terrace. As I think everyone knows, Erv was a longtime member of our Post and a Pearl Harbor Survivor. Katie, his daughter, let me know that he would have loved to have as many as his “shipmates” as possible attending his service.

Heads Up for July 4th Parade & BBQ

As usual, we will be leading the July 4th Parade through Edmonds. However, our Annual BBQ will be held on July 5th at the Edmonds City Park. The parking and logistics of trying to do a BBQ on the same day as the parade were overwhelming. Consider yourself forewarned—the Parade is on the Fourth (show up at 10:30) and the Picnic is on the 5th at noon. Details to follow.

Newly Elected Officers Installed

At its May meeting our newly elected officers were installed by District 1 Commander, Jim Traner, who is also one of Past Commanders. The newly elected officers will assume their year-long terms in June. Jim Blossey was installed as Commander, and he is replacing Fred Apgar who has served as Post Commander for the past two years. Under Commander Apgar’s leadership, the Post has experienced significant growth in membership, enhanced fund raising efforts to increase support to veterans in need, expanded the Post’s visibility in community programs, established the Freedom Scholarship for four deserving graduating seniors, and participated in Edmond’s planning of the newly created Veterans Plaza. The newly installed officers for VFW Post # 8870 are:

Commander

Senior Vice Commander

Junior Vice Commander

Quartermaster

Surgeon

Chaplain

Judge Advocate

Third Year Trustee

Jim Blossey

Chris Edwards

Terry Crabtree

Dennis Peterson

Al Boyett

Fred Apgar

Don Stapleton

Daniel White