Service Member's Corner

April 2023 Update

COMMANDER'S COMMENT

As the commander of the Cathay Post, entering my second year, I am thankful for the support of my American Legion post members who have become like family to me.
I am proud of each member for their support of our mission of "Veterans serving Veterans" as well as for helping to carry on the rich legacy of Post #186.
I would like to encourage all to join in and prepare for the Memorial Day ceremony at HIng Hay Park to assure it will be honoring to all who gave their lives for our country so that we can continue to enjoy the rights and freedoms as guaranteed in the US Constitution and its amendments.
We are working toward the financial stability of our post by hosting an online fundraiser in November of this year.  We hope all will participate and give generously.
Our inaugural Hometown Hero event last September turned out to be a huge success and we look forward to recognizing our Hometown Heroes once again in 2024.
-For God and Country-
Blessings,
Haydon Mar, Commander
Cathay Post #186

APRIL GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING:

Our April meeting will take place on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at the NVC Memorial Hall.

We are honored to have retired Seattle Fire Department Battalion Chief, Mike Nakamichi to be our guest speaker.  He will be speaking on Emergency Preparedness for Homeowners. 

We have invited members of the Chinese American Citizens Alliance - Seattle Lodge (CACA) to join us at the potluck and meeting.  CACA-Seattle has partnered with us during the Chinese American World War II Veterans "Congressional Gold Ceremony," the 2022 AAPI Hometown Hero Celebration, and recently, the Seattle Police "Red Envelope" Outreach Initiative.

If you have any agenda items for consideration, please contact Post Commander, Haydon Mar a week prior to the meeting.   Thank you. 

New Post Members

LARRY LUKE, U.S. Army

We welcome Larry Luke back to Cathay Post #186.   Larry found our Facebook page and decided to rejoin the post.  He was a previous member of our post for 20+ years and also served as Post Commander from 2010 - 2012.   

Welcome back Larry!  

ANNUAL POST ELECTIONS:    

For more information on Post Officer positions, please check out the Officer's Guide.  Nomination of positions will take place in May and voting will take place in June for all Post Officers.  The term runs from September until August of each year.  

CATHAY POST'S ORATOR IS STATE CHAMPION!

Emma Lo is the 2023 Washington State American Legion Oratorical Champion!  Emma is sponsored by Cathay Post #186.  She won the state oratorical contest on March 11.  She won a $2,000 scholarships by the Department of Washington and an expenses paid trip to Indianapolis to compete in the National Oratorical Contest and share in the $203,000 scholarship pool to be awarded there in April.

The purpose of The American Legion’s National High School Oratorical Contest is to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States on the part of high school students. Other objectives of the contest include the development of leadership qualities, the ability to think and speak clearly and intelligently, and the preparation for acceptance of the duties and responsibilities, the rights and privileges of American citizenship.  For more information about the program please click here.  

Congratulations Emma!  We will be cheering you on at Nationals. 

American Legion Department of Washington official announcement of the oratorical contest winners is here.  The link also has photographs of the event.


Community Service projects:

for those that expressed interest in the Memorial Initiative to identify and honor all 1000 veteran graves located at Lakeview Cemetary (Seattle) on morning of April 15th, 2023. 

Everyone is encouraged to come, bring flowers, and volunteer (recommend wearing our community service organization's logos). Daffodils and chrysanthemum in bloom on this time, and also last weekend of Sakura "Cherry Blossoms" it should be a beautiful day for this community event.

Best Regards,

~Sea Chan  (206)488-5847 

LUCAS MAR COMPLETES 26 MILES MEMORIAL MARCH


The Bataan Memorial Death March is a challenging march through the high desert terrain of the White Sands Missile Range. The memorial march is conducted in honor of the heroic service members who defended the Philippine Islands during World War II, sacrificing their freedom, health, and, in many cases, their very lives.


Lucas Mar, son of Post Commander Haydon Mar, Cathay Post scholarship recipient, recently completed the 26.2 miles Bataan Memorial Death March in the "heavy division."   

Marchers in the heavy division must have a minimum of 35 pounds including their rucksacks/backpacks, which will be weighed and verified at the finish line.


Lucas carried 31lbs of food (30 lbs of rice and 1lb of quinoa).  The remaining weight was his backpack.  After the race, the food was donated to a food bank.

Lucas, thank you for marching in honor and memory of Army Staff Sergeant Hamburger and all the heroic service members who defended the Philippine Islands during World War II