Author Archive: Editor

March Post Meeting 

Author: April 30, 2023

Jim Armstrong

Following yet another excellent meal put together by our favorite USN culinary expert, Parnia Parvini, Jim Armstrong, one of our newer members, was our speaker. 

Jim gave us an overview of his service in Iraq and Afghanistan, as an NCO of a bridge building engineer unit. It is always interesting to hear of the experience of veterans who served in different capacities, times and places from our own. 

Jeff McKinney

At this meeting we welcomed a new transfer member, Navy veteran Jeff McKinney. McKinney recently moved here from Pennsylvania. Welcome aboard Jeff! 

Election of Post Officers 

Nominations will be taken from the membership present and elections held for Post Officers for the 2023-24 VFW year at the April Post Meeting.

In other news: 

  • We are working on the details for the proposed raffle of one of Mike Reagan’s signed celebrity portraits as a fundraiser for the post. We anticipate that the raffle will be held and the prize awarded at the annual Christmas party in December. Details such as the timing of ticket sales and how best to promote it are under discussion. 
  • We will have beach clean-up event on Saturday May 6 as our contribution to the VFW National Service dayof Service. The plan is to meet on the Edmonds waterfront @ 9 AM. 
  • The new MIA/KIA banner “proofs” have been approved by Jim Traner. We expect to have them available for Memorial Day. 
  • The Memorial Day Ceremony at the Edmonds Memorial Cemetery will recognize all Purple Heart Recipients. 
  • A “Heroes in the Ball Park” event is scheduled in Tacoma later this spring. Anyone who is interested can contact Carl Kurfess for details.

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“Team Mojo” Presents Check to Heroes’ Cafe 

Author: April 30, 2023

“Team Mojo” Presents Check to Heroes’ Cafe
Edmonds-Woodway High School Senior Moses Martin and his dad and granddad, present a check for $9,999.99 (a nod to Moses’s football number) to Heroes Cafe! 

Edmonds-Woodway High School senior and defensive linebacker Moses “Mojo” Martin is combining his respect for war veterans and his passion for football into a creative fundraiser aimed at supporting the Heroes’ Cafe. 

The Heroes’ Cafe provides a place where veterans can share common experiences and open up and get things off their chests in a safe environment. By doing so, the cafe addresses the sense of isolation many veterans feel and ease their transition from active duty back to society. 

“I really love our veterans,” explained Martin. “I learned about them growing up, and feel they are underappreciated and underloved for what they do. Sadly, many of our hero veterans are not thriving and are struggling with homelessness, hunger, mental health, suicide risks, and basic living needs. So I contacted Snohomish County to ask how I could help.” 

That’s where he learned about the Heroes’ Café, and after a bit of thought and discussion with his dad, came up with a plan to link his performance on the field to raising funds to support this effort. 

“Dad and I came up with the idea to allow people to pledge a certain amount per tackle or sack, with every cent going to the Heroes’ Café,” he explained. “I’m eager to get out there this season and ring up a good string of tackles and quarterback sacks, and this will give me even more motivation. Heck, if just one person pledges a dollar for each and I complete a hundred by season end, that’s a hundred bucks for the Heroes’ Café.” He had a terrific season and ended it by donating far more than $ 100.00 to Heroes’ Cafe! 

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Helping with the Easter Egg Hunt 

Author: April 30, 2023

Helping with the Easter Egg Hunt

At the March Post meeting, Quartermaster Jim Traner put out a call for volunteers to help the Rotary Club of Edmonds Daybreakers in putting on the club’s annual Easter Egg Hunt at Frances Anderson Playfield. Traner, as well as several others of our Post, is also a member of the Daybreakers Rotary. 

On Saturday, April 8, Commander Carl Kurfess and House Committee Chair Parnia Parvini, joined Past Commander Mike Denton to support this event. (Jim Traner was on the sick list that day.) 

Plenty of candy and prizes were collected by three age groups of children on Saturday, April 8.

The Easter Bunny joined the festivities as well! (Photo courtesy MyEdmondsNews) 

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Memorial Day Poppies 

Author: April 30, 2023

Memorial Day Poppies

On Friday May 26 & Saturday May 27, members of Post 8870 will be distributing “Buddy Poppies” at QFC stores at Westgate in Edmonds & at Mukilteo Speedway as well as at Town & Country Market in Mill Creek. Stop by. Sign up at the April Post Meeting or online. 

In Flanders fields the poppies blow 
Between the crosses row on row… 

Never Forget

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From the Commander’s Desk: 

Author: March 16, 2023

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Things are going well at 8870, we have some new members (we can always use more) and we are staying busy. Post elections are coming up. Anyone who is wanting to become a post officer, please let me know. 

VFW National Day of Service is May 6. We are planning a Beach cleanup “crawl”, as a Joint effort of VFW & Auxiliary with American Legion. We will start at Marina Beach Park and walk North along the Beach picking up trash. 

Memorial Day will be here before you know it. Our Buddy Poppy Drive is set for Friday and Saturday (May 26 & 27). We always need volunteers. If you can’t work a morning or afternoon shift or more, volunteer an hour or more. Contact Duane Bowman, our Poppy Committee chairman for more details. 

On Memorial Day itself, we will participate in annual Memorial Day ceremonies at the Edmonds Memorial Cemetery. This year’s theme is honoring Purple Heart recipients.

We need someone to act as our for a Public Servant/Safety Chair to contact Police and Fire departments to recognize outstanding public safety personnel. If interested, please contact the Post Commander. Some new MIA/KIA Banners are on order for Memorial Day and for the Fourth of July parade. The Post is on track for getting All State/All American recognition for the year. Thanks to all our Post members for your work.

News

February Post Meeting 

Author: March 16, 2023

February Speaker 

Dennis Gibb - Scout Helo pilot in Vietnam

Dennis Gibb – Scout Helo pilot in Vietnam

Gibb, who also joined our post ranks at this meeting, spoke first about his experience as a scout helicopter pilot in Vietnam. Although most combat aircraft in Vietnam aimed for altitudes and speeds that helped them avoid anti-aircraft weapons, U.S. Army crews of the lighter scout helicopters flew low and drew fire – to set up shots for artillery, or the Bell AH-1G Cobras circling above. These hunter-killer missions, among the most hazardous of the Vietnam War, tested the resolve of the OH-6 pilots and the aerial observers sitting beside them. Their survival depended on well-honed instincts and razor-sharp reflexes, along with plenty of luck. After many such missions, Gibb received injuries which ended his service and still impact him today. 

Dennis Gibb - Scout Helo pilot in Vietnam

After a long career in the financial services, he now works at Edmonds College, helping formerly incarcerated veterans to reestablish their lives following release. He presently works with some 40 such vets at the College who are furthering their education. This new career is a reformation of sorts, following some mistakes for which he is paying restitution to this day. 

New Members Sworn In 

New Members Sworn In

Craig Dougherty Department of WA Sr. Vice Commander. (at left) Adminstered the oath to two new members, (LtoR) Bryon Wada and Dennis Gibb. Both were introduced and proposed for membership by Membership Chair Jim Traner and approved by voice vote of the assembled members. 

New Members Sworn In
New Members Sworn In

Mike Reagan presented a portrait of Harlow “Bud” Hart to Craig Dougherty

Harlow was a very close personal friend of Craig. 

Mike Reagan presented a portrait of Harlow “Bud” Hart to Craig Dougherty.
Mike Reagan presented a portrait of Harlow “Bud” Hart to Craig Dougherty.

New Member, News, Newsletter Articles

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Vietnam War Veterans Day – March 29 

Author: March 16, 2023

Vietnam War Veterans Day - March 29

Vietnam War Veterans Day commemorates the sacrifices of Vietnam veterans and their families and is part of a national effort to recognize the men and women who were denied a proper welcome upon returning home more than 40 years ago. 

The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act, signed into law in 2017, designates March 29 of each year as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 establishes the day as a national observance. However, it is not an official holiday in any part of the United States. 

Vietnam War Veterans Day - March 29

Most states celebrate “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day” on March 29 or 30 of each year. Though there is some debate, March 29 is generally viewed as a more appropriate date. On that day in 1973, the last combat troops were withdrawn from Vietnam and the last prisoners of war held in North Vietnam arrived on American soil. It is also the date President Nixon chose for the first Vietnam Veterans Day in 1974. Among local observances is the event at left, which takes place at the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center, 5011 Bernie Whitebear Way, Seattle. (Ft. Lawton) 

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Celebrating Women’s History Month 

Author: March 16, 2023

Military Women’s Memorial 

Celebrating Women’s History Month Military Women’s Memorial

March being Women’s History Month, it would seem in order to salute our sisters in arms who have served alongside us throughout our country’s history and do so today in greater numbers than ever. A short introduction to the Military Women’s Memorial located with the cemetery at Arlington, VA seems a step in the right direction. 

The Military Women’s Memorial is a one-of-a-kind tribute to the more than 3,000,000 American women who have served since the Revolution. The Memorial features an education center, interactive exhibits, and a world-class collection of military women’s stories. The Military Women’s Memorial is located at the ceremonial entrance to Arlington National Cemetery, Memorial Avenue & Schley Drive, in Arlington, VA. 

Celebrating Women’s History Month Military Women’s Memorial

Mission 
The Military Women’s Memorial honors and tells the stories of women, past and present, who serve our nation. The Memorial celebrated its 25th anniversary in October 2022. 

Vision
We are the leading memorial and education center honoring women’s contributions to the service of our nation. As the only historical repository documenting all military women’s service, we educate and inspire through innovative and interactive exhibitions, our world-class collections, and engaging programs and events for all generations. We honor the commitment, contributions and experiences of every woman who serves in, or with, the Armed Forces.” 

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Our National VFW Essay Winners 

Author: March 16, 2023

Our National VFW Essay Winners

In the left hand image, VFW National Commander Tim Borland (right) and VFW Auxiliary President Jane Reape (left) present Voice of Democracy first place winner Scotland Stewart (center) with his $35,000 award. Stewart represents Post 1893, Winchester, TN.

At right, they present Patriot’s Pen first place winner Leighton Peters (center) with her $5,000 award. Peters is from Rice Lake, WI, representing Post 2204. 

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