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.
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
Prior to the installation ceremony at our May meeting, the Post conducted its annual recognition of members for their long years of membership in VFW. Robert Crosby has been a member of VFW for 50 years, and Joe Kuchiniski joined VFW 35 years ago. Those whose membership has spanned 30 years are Wilson Burrill, William Garber, Billy Johnson, Jack Mowat, and Thomas Schulstad, and Rick Kane (posthumously). Jim Collins received a pin for his 15 years of service, and Les Abel and Fred Diedrich each received 10 year pins.
Our room at the Senior Center doesn’t allow it due to space constraints, but for those of you who attend District meetings or those of other Posts, know that there is a specific seating of officers. The Commander, Adjutant, and Quartermaster are at the head table while the rest of the officers are seated between the head table and Post members. The Senior Vice is at a Station directly in front of the Commander, the Junior Vice is at Commander’s left with the Officer of the Day adjacent to the Jr. Vice. The Chaplain is to the left of the Commander. Now why that order came about, I have no idea. However, the next time you visit Post 9417 in Gold Bar, 7511 in Monroe, or 2100 in Everett, you’ll know why everyone is located where they are.
At this month’s meeting, Jim Blossey will assume the role of Commander of VFW Post # 8870, and my two-year run as your Post Commander will come to an end. I know all of you join me in wishing Jim good luck, pledging him our full support, and working alongside of him to fulfill our Post’s mission. Jim has prepared himself for this leadership position by directly involving himself in many Post initiatives and making many fine contributions. Thanks to his vision, interpersonal skills, and hard work, Post # 8870 will continue to move forward.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincerest appreciation to the members of VFW Post # 8870 for the wonderful opportunity to have served as your Commander. Thank you for the confidence you placed in me. It was both a privilege and honor to have served in that capacity. Regardless of the role I was asked to assume, it had always been a goal of mine to serve the heroes of my childhood; WW II and Korean War veterans. I am so grateful for having had the opportunity to serve and look forward to continuing to serve my comrades.
Finally, I would like to recognize the many significant contributions made by members of our leadership team. I was blessed to have had so many dedicated comrades serving in elected and appointed positions, and your loyal support has been greatly appreciated. Thank you for a job well done.
Commander: Jim Blossey
Senior Vice: Chris Edwards
Junior Vice: Terry Crabtree
Quartermaster: Dennis Peterson
Chaplain: Fred Apgar
3rd Year Trustee: Dan White
Appointed—
Adjutant: Dick Simmons
Judge Advocate: Don Stapleton
Surgeon: Al Boyett
Sargent at Arms: John Shelton
Officer of the Day: Jim Collins
Service Officer: Don Whedon
Following the Military Funeral Honors Ceremony that was conducted on March 25, 2014, VFW Post # 8870 presented a new American flag to the Edmonds Memorial Cemetery and Columbarium. Commander Fred Apgar presented the flag to Cemetery Board member Melissa Johnson and Sexton Cliff Edwards, after which they were joined by Junior Vice-Commander, Jim Blossey in raising the new flag.
The Edmonds Memorial Cemetery and Columbarium has played a leadership role in the Edmonds community to honor the memory of deceased veterans and to honor all of those who have served their country as a member of the Armed Forces. Each Memorial Day, the Cemetery is the site of a very moving Memorial Day Ceremony, and each month, the Cemetery is the site of a Military Funeral Honors Ceremony that confers honors on those deceased veterans who did not receive such recognition at the time of their death. The ceremony is conducted by Sgts. Glenn Jones and Oleg Chudak of the Washington State National Guard. Glenn and Oleg are both members of VFW Post #8870. The Military Funeral Honors Ceremony is conducted on the last Tuesday of each month at 10:45 AM.
Loren is a Seattle native and attended Lincoln High School. He served in the Army 1952-1969, primarily in the Army Security Agency. He served in Korea October 1953-54 attached to the 3rd Infantry Division. He also served in Germany Occupation 1954-55. Loren left the service as a Captain. His civilian occupation was a Lineman and Construction Inspector. Loren and Jean live in Edmonds and have a daughter.
David is from Richfield, WA. He served with the Air Force 1951-1956. He was with Military Police and performed security duties. He served in Korea Jun 1952 – Mar 1954. David has a Masters Degree from the University of Washington in social work administration. He resides in Edmonds and has 5 daughters. David is holding a book published by the Kore-an Government for service men and women who served in Korea.
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Roy is originally from Lynnwood, WA where he resides now. He served in the Army 1966-68 and Vietnam 1967-68. Trained as a radio operator, the Army chose to have him cook on board a Landing Craft Utility (LCU). He was part of the 97th Trans-portation Company, Cam Ranh Bay, RVN. LCU’s, with a crew of about 10, were 115 ft in length and could carry 50 short tons. With a front ramp, they were used to deliver cargo and personnel along the coast of Vietnam. Roy has an AA degree in Air Transportation Management from Green River Community College. He is retired from Boeing. He and Gabriele have one son.
The old adage that 10% do 90% of work is very true when it comes to handing out Buddy Poppies. If you would like to join the 10% and help out with our annual fund raiser, send an email to me at [email protected] and I’ll make sure someone contacts you. We just gave away funds to assist veterans and their families who were affected by the Oso slide. These funds came from our Buddy Poppy donations.
Memorial Day at the cemetery is simply showing up and honoring our dead. This year the veterans from D Day are being recognized. Our own Fred Dietrich will be the guest of honor. Fred parachuted into Normandy and participated in many operations during WWII.
Eagle Scout candidate, Art Winton, attended our April meeting to present an overview of his very ambitious Eagle Scout project. Art plans to construct a Korean War Memorial to honor our nation’s veterans who served in Korea. The memorial will be erected in Veterans Memorial Park in Lynnwood, which is a park that was built by VFW Post # 1040. Our Post donated $500 to assist in the construction of the Korean War Memorial.
Thanks to the skiers who travel to their favorite ski resort by means of the Spalding Express bus service, the Post received a significant donation. Dorothy Harkness, the wife of our comrade Jim Harkness, and several of her friends have organized and coordinated the Spalding Express for many years. During winter months, the Spalding Express provides transportation to and from ski slopes. Whatever profits that are earned during a season are donated to a worthwhile organization. This year, VFW Post #8870 was designated as the recipient of any funds that were raised.
At last month’s meeting, Dorothy and the other organizers of the service presented Commander Fred Apgar with a check in the amount of $2340. At the request of the Spalding Express organizers, the funds will be used, exclusively, to fund the four Freedom Scholarships the Post awards to four deserving high school seniors.