VFW Post 51

Comrades
This is perhaps the most difficult letter I have ever had to write. However, there comes a time when one must place personal health and well-being above all other considerations.
Due to ongoing health concerns over the past year and a half, I have reached the point where I must focus my full attention on my health. After careful consideration, I have determined that I am no longer able to carry out the responsibilities required of the office of Post Commander as outlined in Section 218, A-1, Duties of the Commander, of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Manual of Procedure.
Therefore, effective at 2400 hours on June 13, I hereby resign as Commander of VFW Post 51, as well as any other offices I may currently hold.
This decision is not one I make lightly, nor is it one I ever wished to make. Over the years, I have dedicated myself to serving the Veterans of Foreign Wars and advancing its programs and its mission. I have always strived to ensure that veterans throughout the State of Washington received the benefits, services, and support they earned through their sacrifices. During my tenure as your State Chaplain, I have worked with a number of dedicated members of this organization to foster not only the programs but the health and welfare of the Veterans of the State of Washington. Unfortunately, my current health no longer allows me to continue serving in the manner that our organization and its members deserve.
I recognize that this resignation comes at a particularly challenging time with the upcoming Department Convention, and for any inconvenience this may cause, I sincerely apologize.
It has been an honor and privilege to serve alongside so many dedicated comrades. I offer my heartfelt thanks to all who have supported me throughout my years of service. I also extend my best wishes to the incoming Department Officers and to all those who will continue the important work of serving our veterans and their families in the year ahead.

Comrades, Brothers, and Sisters,

It is with deep regret that I announce the passing of Tom Millspaugh. Tom served as Post Quartermaster for many years and was instrumental in ensuring that the Post remained on sound financial footing. His dedication, hard work, and commitment to Post 51 will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life for Tom will be held on Saturday, June 6th. In keeping with Tom's wishes, there will be a Waffle Bar in his honor from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at a cost of $10.00 per plate. The Celebration of Life service will follow from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. All Post members are encouraged to attend as we gather to honor and remember our friend and comrade.

The next Post Meeting will be held on June 10th at 6:00 p.m. (1800 hours). This will be the final meeting of the 2025–2026 year, and we will address any remaining business before the transition to the new administrative year.

The next House Committee Meeting will be held on June 8th at 5:30 p.m. (1730 hours). All House Committee members are encouraged to attend. During this meeting, we will review any outstanding issues and complete remaining business before the newly elected House Committee members assume their duties on July 1st.

The newly elected Post officers for the 2026–2027 year will officially take office on July 1st. We look forward to another successful year serving the members of Post 51 and our community.

Membership Update:
We are currently just one paid-up member away from reaching 100% membership. If you have not yet renewed your membership, please do so as soon as possible. Remember, this is your Post, and your participation and voice matter. Your membership helps ensure the continued strength and success of Post 51.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our Post.

Yours in Comradeship,

Wes Anderson
Commander, VFW Post 51

Bar bingo VFW Post 51 @ 5 P.M tonight Tue
300 W Mission

Comrades, Brothers, and Sisters,
The Memorial Day Program previously scheduled for May 25th has been cancelled. Unfortunately, I was unable to secure the assistance necessary to properly organize and conduct the event, and there were also conflicts with other events scheduled for that day.
The new officers of VFW Post 51 have now been formally installed for the 2026–2027 year:
• Wes Anderson — Commander
• Tom Meirk — Senior Vice Commander
• David Tracy — Junior Vice Commander
• Derek Morrow — Quartermaster
• John Clark — Chaplain
• Anthony Matthews — Trustee
• Brandon Eichenlaub — Trustee
• Carlos Jones — Trustee
These are the officers elected by the membership of Post 51 to oversee the operations of the Post and to continue the mission and programs of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. We are honored by the confidence you have placed in us and are committed to serving the members and the community to the best of our abilities.
However, the success of Post 51 depends not only on its officers, but on the active participation and support of its membership. The members of this Post provide the direction, ideas, and guidance that shape the future of our organization. We encourage you to share your thoughts on what you would like to see at the Post, improvements that can be made, new events or activities that could be organized, and programs you would like to support.
We also strongly encourage all members to attend our monthly meetings, as this is where the important business of Post 51 is conducted. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 1800 hours (6:00 PM).
Your voice matters, and your participation is essential. Together, through the involvement and dedication of our membership, we can continue to make VFW Post 51 one of the strongest and most vibrant Posts in the City of Spokane.
Remember, this is your Post, and its future depends on all of us working together.

Comrades, Brothers, and Sisters,
Post 51 and its Auxiliary will conduct a joint Installation of Officers on May 13th at 6:00 p.m., prior to the regularly scheduled meetings. Family members and friends are warmly invited to attend.
This event will formally introduce the newly elected officers who will lead the Post and Auxiliary for the 2026–2027 year. It also provides an excellent opportunity for members and guests to meet and become acquainted with the incoming leadership.
Your attendance and support are encouraged as we mark this important transition.

Comrades Brothers and Sister.
The formal installation of VFW Post 51 officers will be held on May 13th at 6:00 PM, prior to the regular Post and Auxiliary meeting. This ceremony will be open to the public.
All incoming Post and Auxiliary officers are strongly encouraged to attend, and members are invited to bring their families to share in this important occasion.
The installation for the Post will be conducted by District 9 Commander Dan Hillman, and the Auxiliary installation will be conducted by District 9 Auxiliary President Laura Bondurant.

Comrades, Brothers, and Sisters,

After many years of dedicated service, Lynne Larson has stepped down from her role as editor of the Hashmark. We extend our sincere appreciation for her hard work and commitment in keeping our membership informed. Her contributions have been invaluable to the Post.

At this time, we are seeking a volunteer to assume responsibility for the Hashmark. Members with experience in multimedia, writing, or publishing are encouraged to come forward. A template is already in place; responsibilities would include compiling articles, highlighting Post activities, and maintaining the monthly calendar. Those interested are asked to contact Post leadership for further details.

As a result of this transition, there will be no Hashmark published for the month. However, the May calendar has been included with this communication, and all members are encouraged to review it for upcoming events.

One of the most significant events this month will be our Memorial Day Program, which will begin at 1300 hours (1:00 PM). The program will include the VFW Ritual and a guest speaker as we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Please note that there will not be a formal installation ceremony for Post and Auxiliary officers for the 2026–2027 year. The Auxiliary will conduct its installation during their May 13th meeting, and it is anticipated that the Post will also complete its installation at that time.

The Post will continue to serve breakfast on Saturday mornings and dinner on Saturday evenings. Members are encouraged to attend, enjoy a meal, and take advantage of the opportunity for fellowship.

For the latest updates and events, please visit our page: https://www.facebook.com/vfwpost51/

Finally, all members are encouraged to share their ideas, suggestions, and feedback. This is your Post, and your voice is important to its continued success.

Respectfully,
Wes Anderson
Commander, Post 51

Unfortunately due to circumstances outside of our control, today's planned activities such as the live auction and the surf and turf, that was actually supposed to be a lunch not a dinner, has been postponed.

A further date will be announced soon.

We do apologize for the inconvenience and the late cancellation.
We still do have a full kitchen with a full menu and a full bar available for you to come in and have an amazing meal and tasty drinks!!

Comrades, Brothers, and Sisters,
I am reaching out to the members of Post 51 for your assistance. Lynne Larson has informed us that she will no longer be preparing the Hashmark. We extend our sincere appreciation for the dedication and hard work she has contributed over the past several years. Her insight and effort in shaping this publication have been invaluable, and her contributions will be greatly missed.
At this time, we are seeking a member who would be willing to assume responsibility for the Hashmark. This publication remains our primary means of communication with the membership, and its continued success is vital to the Post. If you have experience, interest, or know of someone who may be a good fit for this role, please reach out so we can discuss how to move forward.
Additionally, we have several important events approaching:
Memorial Day Program
The program at the Veterans Cemetery will take place at 11:00 AM. We are planning to begin our Post 51 program at 1:00 PM (1300 hours). Details of the program are still being developed, and I welcome any suggestions or ideas from the membership.
Installation of Officers
The installation of the newly elected officers of Post 51 will be held on May 23 at 2:00 PM (1400 hours). All members of the Post and Auxiliary are encouraged to attend. This will be an excellent opportunity to meet the officers who will be leading Post 51 in the coming year.
As your newly elected leadership, we want to hear from you. Your input is essential as we plan for the future. Please share your ideas regarding events, activities, and the direction you would like to see the Post take. Remember, this is your Post—and your voice matters.
Respectfully,
Wes Anderson Commander