Author Archive: Editor

Heather Peterson, volunteer coordinator for Continuum Hospice. spoke to our November Post meeting about their program. She is looking for Veteran volunteers to meet with Veteran Hospice members so they can talk Veteran to Veteran. No set schedule, volunteer as much or as little as you like. https://continuumwa.com/

When you have a chronic illness, you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed as your disease progresses. Continuum Palliative Resources provides home-based palliative care, you will be assigned a Nurse Practitioner to provide home visits to enhance your daily lifestyle through education, medication management and necessary medical tools to support your management of your advanced disease.

Highlights of Business Meeting

One new member, Eric Baum was accepted & one transfer, Jim Armstrong from Post 1040. (We will introduce these member in detail when they have attended their first meetting)
Minutes from the October Meeting were read & approved with no changes.
Quartermaster’s report was reviewed. The following expenditures were approved by the membership. $29.68 for pre-meeting meals, $39.17 for soft drinks.
Community Service Reporting. According to Don Wischmann (District 1 Quartermaster) the reporting is going well. He suggested that we work on combining repeating activities into one report. (As an example, if you you spent 3 hours per day for 3 days during the month you should submit one (1) report for the month showing the total hours.)
Relief Fund was reviewed and is in good shape to meet budgeted commitments.
Service Officer Report. Alden has received several requests for assistance & has been busy directing folks to the help that they need.
We received 3 essays (youth/patriots pen) that will be reviewed and forwarded on to District.
Don Wischmann the District 1 quartermaster did an audit of our post financials found everything in order
The Post Charter was draped for Dick Simmons & Norm Goldstein.

business meeting, Continuum Hospice, Heather Peterson, post meeting

Post Christmas Party

Saturday, Dec. 17, 1-5pm

The annual Christmas pot-luck event will be held at the American Legion Hall in Edmonds at 117 6th Ave S. in downtown Edmonds. The American Legion and VFW Posts will supply turkey, ham, Stuffing, soft drinks, and coffee/tea. Families attending are asked to bring a dish that will be shared with others. We need side dishes, salads, rolls/bread, and desserts. There will be an auction/fundraiser, and a recognition ceremony. Please sign up on the Sign – up genius on line via this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c094caaab2da5f5ce9-vfwlegion

Post Christmas Party

Never Forget…

It has been a difficult year in which we have experienced the loss of a number of our comrades. This is the latest group departing our ranks. May they all rest in peace and never be forgotten.

Norm Goldstein was one of our few remaining WWII veterans, serving in the Navy as a Torpedoman, mostly in shore stations, servicing torpedos for Aircraft. Following his WWII service, Norm graduated from the UW with a teaching certificate in 1950. He taught at Ballard High School, Mountlake Terrace High School and as Dean of Students, Athletic Director, and Varsity Basketball coach at Edmonds Community College. He would have celebrated his 100th birthday on January 6, 2023.

Gil Loomis was a VFW Life Member at large before joining our post. Corporal Loomis served in the Army Infantry from 1947 until 1952. He was in Korea for Occupation duty beginning in 1948. When war broke out in 1950, Gil was with I Company, 31st Infantry, 7th Infantry Division. He was shot in the hand and forearm, suffered frostbite and was eventually evacuated from the battlefield. Awards include Purple Heart w/ 1st Oak Leaf Cluster, Korean Service Medal w/ 3 bronze service stars and the Good Conduct Medal. He also led the Lynnwood Chapter of Disabled American Veterans.

John Shelton enlisted in the Marine Corps and was sent to Vietnam in 1959 where he served as a sniper. He was severely wounded in Vietnam and has been confined to wheelchair ever since. He went to UCLA and four years later emerged with a baccalaureate degree in psychology going on to earn a masters degree and ultimately a PhD in behavioral psychology. Dr. Shelton had a long and successful practice ministering to thousands of patients. John and his wife had just recently moved to Spokane, Caroline’s home town, after many years in Edmonds. As our long time Post Guard, we will miss John’s presence at the front desk signing us into meetings, collecting meal money and selling raffle tickets.

Dick Simmons served as an officer in the Navy on supply ships, including the AE class, which resupplied the carrier task forces with bombs and other munitions. Later in the Vietnam years, he served on an LST, (Landing ship tank) delivering such munitions. After the Navy, he followed a career in journalism, working as a reporter and editor for the Seattle P.I. Dick was our Post adjutant for several years and was a frequent member of our color guard at parades and other events. Recently, he was living in a memory care facility in edmonds prior to his recent passing.

In Memoriam, News, Newsletter Articles

dick simmons, Gil Loomis, John Shelton, Norm Goldstein

Veterans Day Poppies – 2022

On Friday and Saturday, Nov. 4 & 5, we held our semi-annual poppy distributions and raised money for our Veterans Relief Fund at three area grocery stores – QFC Westgate in Edmonds, QFC Speedway in Mukilteo and Town & Country market in Mill Creek. Given the weather conditions, including power outages experienced that week, as well as a rather light turnout of participating members we did remarkably well, bringing in a total of $14,000 over the two days (after all all adjustments).

In past years, we have staffed as many as five stores, but it has become more difficult to staff even the three locations. We have lost a number of our regular participants over the past couple of years, some of whom have moved away and others who are no longer physically able to be with us, or who have passed on. We are very much in need of new members and participation from our more inactive members in this and the Memorial Day event. 20 Post members participating, out of a total of around 200 on the roster? Surely more of us can give up a couple of hours twice a year to help out.

The participants were:

Duane Bowman
Calvin Barnard
Carl Kurfess
Dan Doyle
Charlie Gaul

Pete Farmer
Les Abel
Nia Parvini
Vivian Olsen
Tom Hallums

Michael Reagan
Rose Gilliland
Alden Gilliland
Don Stapleton
Bryan Rowe

Charlie Smith
Mike Denton
Linda Denton
Dan Mullene
Steve Brown

Jim Murdock
Jim Traner
Holy Rosary Girl Scouts

Chaplain Doyle recruited a group of Girl Scouts from Holy Rosary church in Edmonds, which included his granddaughter. A creative way to draw attention to our cause. Many thanks to non-member participants, Edmonds City Councilor and USAF Veteran Vivian Olson, and Linda Denton, wife of past Commander Mike Denton, as well as American Legion Post 66 Adjutant Dan Mullene.

Photos from left: Presenting our certificates of appreciation to the store managers: Tom Hallems and Les Abel at QFC Westgate, Duane Bowman at Town & Country Market, Jim Traner at QFC Speedway. Next are photos with Dan Doyle and granddaughter and lastly, Past Commander Rose Gilliland with gift of roses presented by a family at QFC Speedway! (A new experience!)

Veterans Day Poppies

Veterans Day at the Plaza

More than 75 veterans, their families and community members filled Edmonds Veterans Plaza Friday morning to honor and give thanks to those who have served in the military and to the military families who support them and sacrifice with them.

After welcoming remarks from Carl Kurfess, Commander of VFW Post 8870 and the invocation by Post Chaplain Dan Doyle, Edmonds Mayor Mike Nelson delivered introductory remarks.

“You carry the weight many cannot bear,” he began, addressing veterans and their families. “It is a constant reminder that what we have today came with a price that includes not only serving in far-flung locations, often in harm’s way, but the days and nights away from family, missing holidays, children’s’ birthdays and more.”

Concluding with a quotation from Gen. Douglas MacArthur on the meaning of the words duty, honor and country, Nelson stressed that these are not just words that are said, but for veterans it is the words they live.

Keynote speaker Michael Reagan, founder of the Fallen Heroes Project, then spoke of the things that tie veterans together.

“All veterans have one thing in common,” he began, “– memories. Each of us who have served walks a different path. Some were wonderful, allowing us to experience different cultures and people. Others were not pretty or nice, and some of these left scars we don’t like to talk about.

“If you’re not telling your stories and you need to, call me,” he concluded. “I don’t celebrate Veterans Day one day a year — it’s every day for me. When someone dies for me, it’s the greatest gift anyone can give me.”

The second keynote speaker was Mike Schindler, founder and CEO of Operation Military Family.

“I had a prepared speech today, but I’m not going to give it,” he began. “Instead, I want to tell you about a message I received this morning from my daughter, telling me how proud she is of me and my service to our country. It really choked me up. For me, this was a great reminder that because of all who have served and the sacrifices they have made, my daughter is today able to live her passion and pursue a career in medicine.

“I served not for political reasons,” he concluded, “but because I love this country. I don’t believe God put us here to be small — we are here for a reason. Now go out there and do something amazing!”

Photos & portions of the article courtesy Larry Vogel, MyEdmondsNews.com

Chris Edwards, Edmonds Veterans Plaza, Fallen Heroes Project, Mayor Nelson, Michael Reagan, Mike Schindler, Operation Military Family, Piper Kyle Gaul, Veterans Day

Christmas Toy Drive

Edmonds VFW Post 8870 has once again arranged to collect toys at “Teri’s Toybox” (420 Main St in downtown Edmonds) to benefit the Edmonds Food Bank’s Toy Shop program for families in need. We have placed an appropriately decorated and labeled box at the store in which to deposit donations. (Shown at left)

We encourage all VFW members and friends to drop by the store, purchase a toy and drop it in the box unwrapped. The toys will be collected periodically between now and the pre-Christmas deadline of Dec. 15 and delivered to the United Methodist Church, where the Edmonds Food Bank distributes toys for needy children. In the photo at right, Post 8870 Chaplain Dan Doyle delivers the first load to the Edmonds Food Bank for distribution.

This has been very successful drive over the past few years and we would like to repeat that success.

Christmas Toy Drive, Edmonds VFW Post 8870, Teri’s Toybox

The Veterans Memorial Wreath Foundation cordially invites you to the 2022 Wreaths Across America Ceremonial Wreath Commemoration

veterans memorial wreath foundation, Wreaths Across America

Please join us at Veterans Memorial Park at Evergreen Washelli Cemetery on Saturday, December 17th at 9 AM

During a short military ceremony eight ceremonial wreaths will be dressed to honor our Fallen Heroes who served in the United States Armed Forces. Help us place wreaths on headstones of our military heroes in gratitude for their service. We encourage you to invite family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers.

Attendance is FREE.

Questions? www.vmwf.org

News

From the Commander’s Desk

Watch the weather. It is Autumn now and it will be getting colder and wetter. Make sure you are drinking plenty of fluids, wear sunscreen, don’t be out in the sun too long (while it lasts).
The Sergeant First Class (SFC) Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act. This is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. It is relevant to Vietnam era Veterans. You can find more information at the following links:

PACT ACT The PACT Act And Your VA Benefits | Veterans Affairs
PACT Act and Toxic Exposure Information – VFW

Consider signing a Veterans Day card for a fellow Veteran. See the link below. The VFW has a special way for you to show our brothers and sisters they’re appreciated as we head toward Veterans Day. The VFW will be sending cards and we want to make sure a fellow veteran receives one from you. We know how much you care, so please sign a card for a hospitalized veteran or service member (at this link) and brighten their day.
Speaking of Veterans Day, this year it will be Friday, November 11th. We are planning a ceremony at our Edmonds Veterans Plaza at 11am. Our keynote speaker will be Mike Schindler of Operation Military Family. Pins, and a display from the Northwest Veterans Museum will be there.

We will be be handing out Buddy poppies on Friday, November 4 and Saturday, November 5 at three stores: 1) QFC Westgate, 2) QFC Mukilteo, and 3) Town & Country Market in Mill Creek. As always, we need volunteers. Please attend our October 19th Post meeting for a chance to signup.

Commander, News, Newsletter Articles

commander, PACT Act, Veterans Day

September Post Meeting

Summary of minutes of September Post Meeting

Guest speaker Dean Olson talked about the need for volunteers to assist people with hearing disabilities at the Edmonds Waterfront Center.
New member Chuck Smith was introduced. Member acceptance was moved by Jim Traner/and 2nd by Duane Bowman & accepted by vote.
Zoom recording of the Post meetings are now available on the post website. Quartermaster’s report was reviewed and approved. Members authorized the payment of small outstanding bills.
Senior Vice Commander Duane Bowman led a discussion of upgrades to the display materials for the tables that we use during our fund raising efforts.
Veterans Day Poppy distributions will be held November 4 and 5. Members are urged to sign up early, at the October Post meeting.
District 1 School of Instruction was held on Sept 10, 2022. It as announced that the Community Service Report will be done on an individual member basis, ONLY ON LINE. (Instructions in a separate article in this newsletter.
Don Stapleton will manage the Essay contest.
The Bylaw update is in progress.
Will have a Veterans Day ceremony on 11-11-2022, @ the Veterans Plaza. We need to find a speaker.
It was moved by Brian Rowe & 2nd by Cal Barnard the Post spend approximately $120.00 to get 2 plaques for Rose Gilliland & Dennis Peterson to be awarded for their devotion and hard work that they have given to the Post over the years.

Sept.Speaker Dean Olson — Sept. Speaker Dean Olson

Dean Olson joined us to speak about the need for volunteers to assist people with hearing disabilities at the Edmonds Waterfront Center, one of the many programs offered at the EWC. If you missed his presentation and are interested in this program, contact Olson at [email protected].

At age 4, Olson began experiencing minor hearing loss that ultimately progressed until — as an adult — he became profoundly deaf, requiring bilateral cochlear implants. Olson serves as president of Washington State Communication Access and was instrumental in getting a Senate bill passed in the State legislature requiring closed-captions on televisions in all places of public accommodation in Washington state – which was unanimously adopted and signed by Gov. Jay Inslee May 10, benefiting people who are hearing impaired.

Dean Olson, September Post Meeting

Leavenworth Autumn Leaf Festival

Al Boyett participated with other veterans on a float in the Autumn Leaf Festival Parade in Leavenworth on September 24.

al boyett, Leavenworth Autumn Leaf Festival

Edmonds Octoberfest

Post 8870 participated with the Rotary Club of Edmonds Octoberfest event Sept. 23 & 24. We had 4 volunteers to hand out Buddy Poppies and make VFW membership applications available to festival visitors. Participating with Commander Carl Kurfess were Les Abel, Bryan Rowe and Pete Farmer. The members handed out a bunch of poppies & flags. and collected $ 21 in donations, as well as membership applications and VFW info. No applicants signed up on the spot.

Above right, the post’s tent was broken out of storage for the event, and Commander Carl set up a separate tent for a display from the Northwest Veterans Museum, shown at left.