Here is another update on VFW actions regarding the PACT Act. As I mentioned last week, while we’re celebrating this great victory, our mission continues – What’s next is that we now must do everything possible to ensure EVERY veteran is made aware and has opportunity to meet with a VFW Accredited Service Officer.  Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) claims are different than VA Disability claims thus the reason we have entrusted law firms for CLJA claims that require an attorney as it will likely involve litigation in a federal court.  VA Disability Claims are a different matter though.

Wednesday November 16^th we will deploy a website to streamline referrals to our cadre of accredited service officers for VA Disability Claims. Through a short series of questions, veterans can determine whether they’re likely eligible for VA benefits and request to be contacted by a VFW Accredited Service Officer. Our system will capture their answers and generate a referral. The veteran will then be contacted by a VFW service officer within one week.

The site also warns against scams, explains the basics of the PACT Act and encourages veterans to get involved with the VFW through joining the VFW if eligible, by signing up for Action Corps as well as making a donation.  They can choose one, all three or none. 

Making this site available is just phase one of our large-scale effort to make certain every veteran meets with us. We’ll soon start nationwide promotion and will need your help getting the word out, so we’re developing a toolkit for you to use in your communication vehicles to make certain we reach EVERY veteran.

Once these emails come out, we would ask that you promote by sending out to your Department leaders and members, placing on your website or social media accounts and in any print publications you have. 

Please note the url or link is www.pactactinfo.org, but it will not be accessible before Wednesday November 16th.   Before publishing this link check to make sure it is working, it is password protected at the moment as it is still under construction.

The Snoqualmie Casino is hosting a free buffet to all veterans on November 11, 2022.  The casino is located at 37500 SE North Bend Way, Snoqualmie WA.  The hours are 11:00 am – 3:30 PM for lunch and dinner is from 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM.  The Snoqualmie Falls Buffet was voted “best buffet” by  425 Magazine.  

Auburn’s Annual Veterans Parade

Save the Date!! Our Post will be one of the groups marching in the Auburn Veterans Day Parade this year. The date is November 05, 2022. Auburn has hosted the Veterans Parade since 1965. Now in its 57^th year, the parade has grown into one of the largest parades of this kind in the United States of America. The parade typically has over 200 units and around 6,000 participants, including marching bands, military vehicles and veteran’s units.

Please look for the volunteer sign-up sheet on the Post Website, or, contact Alan B’Hymer at alanb91100@aol.com to join in with other Post members. Details will follow when they are released by the Parade organizers.   

Our storage container is now Battleship Grey!

Working alongside educators and youth has always been — and will always be — a  Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) priority.

The VFW youth and education program information are in the links.  Help the VFW give back to the community by participating in the essay program, teacher of the year, and scout of the year programs. 

Scout of the Year

Teacher of the year

VFW Youth Essay contest

6785 volunteers were treated to a night of baseball, food, and drinks  in the USO suite at Cheney Stadium.  And a visit by Rhubarb the mascot of the Tacoma Rainiers was a fun addition to the night of baseball fun.  

Also, invited were the U.S. Navy recruiting office in Kent, WA.  It’s always good to see active duty members at our events. 

Also, our thanks go to Kenneth A Przepiora, Command Master Chief Petty Officer, USN (RET) for coordinating this event. 

As part of the VFW “Vision: Ensure that veterans are respected for their service, always receive their earned entitlements, and are recognized for the sacrifices they and their loved ones have made on behalf of this great country.”

VFW Post 6785 out of Kent, WA shares half day duty with the Kent DAV on the first and second Thursday of each month, with the DAV taking the mornings and the 6785 in the afternoons providing services.

Thank you 6785 honor guard volunteers!

We had our Storage Container delivered last night!

Looking forward to a painting party later this summer.

MCJROTC Cadet Captain Kyle J. Swiderski, 3 June 2022

Cadet Captain Kyle J. Swiderski has been an active participant in the MCJROTC program for the last four years and has slowly but surely risen through the ranks, assuming greater responsibility with each promotion.  

As such, Cadet Kyle’s experience in JROTC has culminated with serving over the last year as the Cadet Company Commander, the highest possible position within the Kent School District’s program.  In this capacity, Kyle led his company to competing in the Regional Drill meet; on numerous community service projects; during color guards and honor guards; and is currently preparing his company for the summer ahead.  

Outside of JROTC, Kyle is an active participant in the Boy Scouts of America and will have been awarded his Eagle Scout this past month on the 23rd of May, 2022.  

Additionally, Kyle has been leaning forward in his education by attending Running Start at Green River College for all of his classes, except JROTC.  

If Cadet Kyle’s past is any indication of his future, he will certainly become an influential member of whatever community he resides and beyond.