It was nice to sit in the back of the room and watch Comrade Fred take over command of Post 8870. Of course, he did a great job in his first meeting as Post Commander. The Post continues to grow and add new members, take on new challenges, and make its mark on the community and Fred has been and will continue to be an integral part of the success of Post 8870.
For the past couple of summers, we have teamed up with Post 1040 and spent an evening at the Aquasox game in Everett. This year, the entire District 1 and its eight Posts are going to spend a night at the game. Tickets will be $10 (discounted) and we hope to get 30 or 40 of us at the game. There are tentative plans to have one of our District 1 veterans throw out the first pitch. Following the game, the Aquasox are having a fireworks show which is usually great. If you are interested, let the Quartermaster know ([email protected]) or call 425-672-0279 and leave a message on the number of tickets you need.
The 4th of July parade was a fantastic event. Our Senior Vice Chris Edwards (or as he is known to his troopers “1st Sergeant Edwards”) was able to bring down 4 military vehicles from the reserve center. The parade was lead by members from 8870,1040 and American Legion Post 66 carrying the Colors, POW flag, and Post Colors. In addition, we had about 12-15 who walked (including Buck Weaver who is 94) and a bunch of folks (Dexter Miller is pictured above) in the various vehicles including the deuce and half, 3/4 ton, and Humvees provided by the Army. The parade route was packed, perhaps 2-3 deep over most of the route on both sides of the mile route. After 30 days of rain and gloom, the 4th ended up being sunny and warm. Following the parade, we met at Shelter #2 at the City Park. We invited all veterans to join us and we had a crowd. The 50 hotdogs and 50 hamburgers disappeared immediately and Dennis Peterson came to the rescue by bringing his own smoker BBQ and cooking pulled pork sandwiches which were a hit. I’m not sure how many folks we served but the chow line seemed to last for an hour or so. The after action report suggested that this would become an annual event and Ron Clyborne has requested the shelter for next year so mark your calendars to attend next year.
Our Post is 30 years old this August. In honor of our birthday, we will have cake in lieu of Senior Center desert so save some room for it. To anyone who was a founding member and reading this article if you could drop a short note to us about those early years it would be sincerely appreciated. We have lost a lot of history over the years, particularly with the passing of Mary Justason, our first Quartermaster. It would be nice to revisit history with a few stories from any of you who wish to attend the meeting or drop a note to us.
Sr. Vice Commander Chris Edwards is shown with our four scholarship winners—Rob Willcox (Edmonds Woodway H.S., Madison Azim (Mariner H.S.), Katarina Nguyen (Edmonds Woodway H.S.) and Jay Bennett (Kamiak High School). The four read their winning essays at our July Post meeting. Everyone of them is a superstar and our selection committee did a marvelous job in picking quality young persons to be awarded $1,000 to the college where they will be attending.
Long-time Post member John Steed passed away on July 9th. John was a regular in the 4th of July parade over the years wearing his helmet and uniform from WWII. The Charter will be covered in our August meeting in memory of him.
Jim Traner and Past District Commander Ron Haley presented Tom Hallums with his White Hat which was awarded at the Department Convention in Airway Heights. Jim received one as well but is wearing his District 1 Commanders hat. After he finishes his tour as District Commander, he will pull the White Hat out of the drawer and wear it proudly as it represents a lot of hard work on the part of Post members last year. In addition, Ron Haley read the 8 Department or National awards presented to the Post at the Department Convention. It is obvious that our Post is at the head of the line when it comes to being active for veterans and in our community.
Just a few random pictures that Fred Apgar shot during the parade. Looking at the photo on the right doesn’t give justice to the number of people lining the streets. The official estimate was 8,000 to 10,000 and I think almost everyone thanked the veterans as we marched by during the 1 mile parade route.
I hope you have all had a chance to view the Patriotic Art Winners 2012. The students art work was from all over the United States. The professionalism and their stories attached were very moving. The art work was moving and did draw feelings from the viewers. What a talented and honorable group of young adults we have. It shows the young still have pride in our country and what future talent we have.
If you haven’t visited Veterans Park in Lynnwood, you should. Post 1040 has done a great job in having a nice little park that recognizes veterans. It’s on 44th a block north of 196th. To assist in paying for it, they have memorial bricks that cost $30, a real steal. I have purchased four bricks, one each for my parents, both WWII veterans and my bother and me, Vietnam veterans. I know a number of our other members have done so as well. If you are interested in purchasing one for yourself or a family member, contact Frank Martinez at [email protected] and he will get you a form. Hopefully, someday, Edmonds will recognize its veterans as graciously as Lynnwood does. Until then, help 1040 maintain their park.
The following was written by CAPTAIN Jerry Coffee, USN. I knew Jerry when he was attached to the Staff of CINCPAC and after he had been a ‘guest’ at the Hanoi Hilton. I met him through my brother who is also a Naval Aviator and retired Navy Captain. My brother first met Jerry during a WESTPAC cruise during Vietnam.
CAPTAIN Jerry Coffee, USN (Ret) [a Vietnam POW] wrote:
One night during a bombing raid on Hanoi , I peeked out of my cell and watched a flight of four F-105s during their bombing run. As they pulled up, it was obvious that lead was badly hit. Trailing smoke, he broke from the formation and I watched the damaged bird until it disappeared from sight. I presumed the worst. As I lay there in my cell reflecting on the image, I composed a toast to the unfortunate pilot and all the others who had gone before him.
On New Year’s Eve 1968, Captain Tom Storey and I were in the Stardust section of Hoa Lo (wa-low) Prison. I whispered the toast under the door to Tom. Tom was enthralled, and despite the risk of terrible punishment, insisted that I repeat it several more times until he had it committed to memory. He then promised me that when the time came, and they were again free men, he would give the toast at the first Dining-In he attended. For you civilians, a Dining-In is a dreary formal affair with drinks, dinner, and forced joviality and comradeship where officers get to dress up like the head waiters in “The Merry Widow” — that’s the American version; I’ve heard that the Brits, who created the damn things, have a rollicking good time. Tom’s first assignment following release in 1973 was to the U.S. Air Force Academy. During that same year the Academy hosted the Annual Conference for General Officers and Those Associated Dining-In. The jovial clinking of glasses accompanied all the traditional speeches and toasts. Then it was Tom’s turn. Remembering his promise so many years earlier, he proposed Jerry’s “One More Roll.” When he was finished there was total silence.
We toast our hearty comrades who have fallen from the sky, and were gently caught by Gods own hands to be with him on high.
To dwell among the soaring clouds they have known so well before, from victory roll to tail chase at heavens very door.
And as we fly among them there, we’re sure to hear their plea: Take care, my friend, watch your six, and do one more roll for me.
A toast to all our comrades — POWs, missing in action, living or dead, whatever their duty, whatever their war, whatever their uniform. Bless them all.
May we never forget the sacrifices made to preserve our freedom! It is not the politicians who make the sacrifices but our military – Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard – in every generation. May God Bless and keep them!!