As the 2nd Vice Commander of Cathay Post #186, I'm honored to welcome you to our latest newsletter. With November upon us, we have a multitude of important events and updates to share. Let's dive right in.

As we enter the holiday season, we're reminded of the profound impact community service can have. Veterans, like us, should consider embracing this opportunity for several compelling reasons. For many of us, the spirit of service instilled during our military careers remains strong, and community involvement allows us to continue our mission of serving our nation. Furthermore, our shared camaraderie and sense of unity can find expression in volunteering, as we work together to achieve common goals. Our military experiences have equipped us with invaluable leadership skills, and these skills can be harnessed to lead community initiatives and inspire others to participate.

Our experience-based empathy, rooted in the challenges we've faced, compels us to make a difference in our communities. As veterans, we often serve as role models, and our active involvement in community service sets a positive example for others, fostering a culture of giving and volunteerism. The deep sense of fulfillment and renewed purpose that many of us find in serving others can be particularly meaningful during the holiday season, helping us navigate the challenges of transitioning to civilian life.

It's important to remember that the holiday season can also bring added stress and challenges. Therefore, we want to emphasize the importance of looking out for each other and ensuring that our fellow veterans are coping well. Check in on your comrades, offer support, and be ready to lend a listening ear to those who may need it. We are a community, and our strength lies in our solidarity.

Additionally, please be aware that help is always available. If you or a fellow veteran is in crisis, don't hesitate to reach out to the Veterans Crisis Line at 800-273-8255. They are available 24/7 to provide support and assistance to veterans in need.

Our involvement in community service not only benefits those we serve but also enables us to support our fellow veterans who may be facing hardships or struggling with the transition to civilian life. This unique form of mutual aid is invaluable. Through community service, we also strengthen our bonds with our neighbors, fostering a sense of belonging and creating a more supportive and connected community. For some veterans like myself, community service serves as a form of therapy and healing, allowing us to focus on positive contributions, especially in light of post-service challenges. Lastly, our active participation during the holiday season can make a tangible and significant impact on those in need, whether it's providing meals, gifts, or support, veterans have the capacity to create a lasting, positive difference.

In conclusion, our involvement in community service during the holiday season and beyond is an opportunity to harness our unique skills, experiences, and sense of duty to address community needs and challenges, fostering a stronger, more connected, and supportive society. Your dedication to this noble cause is appreciated and makes a meaningful difference.

November: Veterans Day Observance and Marine Corps Birthday 

This month holds a special place in our hearts as we prepare to commemorate Veterans Day and the Marine Corps Birthday. It is a time to remember and honor the brave men and women who have served our great nation. Let us take a moment to reflect on their sacrifices and express our gratitude.

Remembering Gene Moy: It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our oldest Cathay Post #186 member, Gene Moy. His service and dedication to our post have left an indelible mark. For those who would like to learn more about Gene's remarkable life and legacy, you can read his obituary here. Let us remember him with the respect and admiration he rightfully deserves.

Captain Wilfred L. Painter, CEC, USNR: We extend our sincere gratitude to Wil Painter for sharing his father's inspiring story at our October meeting. Captain Wilfred L. Painter's service to our country is a testament to the values we hold dear. You can read more about his remarkable journey here.

Cathay Post #186 Auction Goes LIVE: Our much-anticipated auction is now live! We owe a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has put in the hard work to make this event a reality. Now, it's time to promote the auction widely. Share the auction website with your friends and family, and let's utilize our social media accounts to spread the word. Your support and contributions are greatly appreciated. Auction site can be found here.

Thanksgiving - A Season of Giving: As we enter the season of Thanksgiving, let's remember the spirit of giving. Consider volunteering your time and resources to make a positive impact in our community. Adjutant Kent Wong will send a separate email to explain the "Donation Matching" giving opportunity. Additionally, we have various initiatives like Toys for Tots, Wreaths Across America, Jerry Lee's Costco Chicken, Rice Collection, and more, all aimed at Veterans Strengthening America.  Together, we can make a difference.

In closing, let us remember our veterans, honor those who have passed, and embrace the spirit of giving this November. Your continued support and dedication to our post are what make our community so special. Thank you for being a part of Cathay Post #186, and I look forward to the meaningful events and contributions in the month ahead.

Yours in Service,

2nd Vice Commander Gerald Chang 

American Legion Cathay Post #186

Donating Cash In Memory or In Honor of a Loved One
Donating to Cathay Post In Memory or In Honor of someone is another way to support our mission. 

We Thank Our Generous Donors:  

• Cynthia Bridges ✯ $50.00

• Danny Ing ✯ $100.00 ✯  In Memory Tommy Yee

• Patti & Michael Jordan ✯ $100.00 ✯ In Honor of Don & Lan Mar

• Valerie & Jere Jackson ✯ $50.00

• Larry A. Luke ✯ $100.00 ✯ 

• Lilyan Leong ✯ $150.00 ✯ In Memory of Jimmie Leong

• Don Mar ✯ $500.00 ✯ In Memory of Dan K. Mar

• Doug Mar ✯ $500.00 ✯ In Memory of Dan K. Mar

• Robin Mar  ✯ $100  

• Sue Mar ✯ $250.00 ✯ In Memory of Dan K. Mar

• Steve & Colleen Steinberg ✯ $100.00 ✯ In Honor of Don & Lan Mar

• Lt B.R. Kimlau Chinese Memorial Post 1291, NYC ✯ $500.00 ✯ 

• Fred & Jami Toy ✯ $200.00

To Donate by Check:  

Make the check payable to:  American Legion Cathay Post #186

Mail the check to:  Cathay Post #186, PO Box 3281, Seattle WA 98114

All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.  

To Donate by Credit Card:

Please click the button below or the address below:

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=5C8YRVYUKEFZY

Our Gratitude For Your Support

We are very grateful for all of our generous donors and donations received so far.  We appreciate your ongoing help with promoting our organization and ensuring that we can continue to "Strengthen America."

- Cathay Post #186 Auction Committee

Adjutant Kent Wong had the honor and privilege to attend the funeral service of U.S. Army Private Wing O. Hom, representing Cathay Post #186.  

PVT Wing Hom enlisted in the U.S Army from Boston in 1943.  He was Killed In Action while serving in Italy in 1944. PVT Hom was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and Puple Heart. He was laid to rest in Brooklyn, NYC with his parents.                               Photo Credits:  Kent Wong

News Media Coverage of Pvt Wing O. Hom

• www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/overdue-honor-for-world-war-ii-soldier/4760712/

• https://ltkimlau.com/home/wwii-veteran-honored-with-the-purple-heart-posthumously

• https://youtu.be/T97h9psDtgU?si=4m65pIktE_tlKOZz

Chinese Newspaper (Written in Chinese):

• www.epochtimes.com/b5/23/10/12/n14093587.htm

• www.singtaousa.com/2023-10-11/波士頓英雄廣場將記錄譚阿勇生平/4633046#page2

• www.worldjournal.com/wj/story/121390/7499835

• www.uschinapress.com/static/content/HS/2023-10-12/1162022903543402496.html

Welcome to the Cathay Post #186 Family...  

• Wesley Mitchell, U.S. Navy

• Ronnie Rivera, U.S. Navy

• Marco San Luis, U.S. Navy

Rice Collection

There are many people in our community that experience food insecurity daily.  As an American Legion post who is already doing great things to positively impact our community, we are asking you to consider donating small bags of rice for our local food bank.  This will be our on-going food drive to help feed the hungry.  Any gifts of rice will go directly to the our local area food banks who will, in turn, distribute to community members in need.  We will keep track of how many pounds of rice collected for the next 12 months.  Thank you for feeding the hungry with your generous gift.

• October 25, 2023:  5 lbs Collected

"Veterans Strengthening America"  

Puget Sound VA Medical Center Wellness Fair

Enhancing the well-being of America's veterans, their families, our military, and our communities by our devotion to mutual helpfulness is a core value of the American Legion.  Recently, we participated at a veterans outreach event at the Puget Sound VA Medical Center.  We were able to share our mission and vision with many of the veterans that visited our display.  "Veterans Strengthening America."   

Consider volunteering your time and resources to make a positive impact in our community.  Please click the button below if you want more information about volunteering and "donation matching."  Thank you.  

ACRS Food Bank Helper:  Ongoing High Need  

Help the most revisited food bank in King County serve culturally familiar food to those in need.  The Asian Counseling and Referral Service Food Bank needs help with:  Prepping grocery bags for delivery; Assembling and packaging food; Loading and unloading food into delivery vehicles; Supporting with organization and light cleaning within the facility; (Fridays and Wednesdays) Handing out food to clients.  Volunteer for a 3 hour shift.

Toys For Tots:  Help us Deliver Hope to a Child in Need…

MISSION: The basic mission of the Marine Toys for Tots Program is to collect new unwrapped toys and distribute those toys to less fortunate children at Christmas.

GOAL: The primary goal of Marine Toys for Tots is, through the gift of a new toy, help bring the joy of Christmas and send a message of hope to America's less fortunate children.

FOUNDATION OVERVIEW: The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, is an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity which was created at the behest of the U. S. Marine Corps in 1991.

Wreaths Across America:  December 16, 2023

Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 4,000+ locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad. Anyone who wants to offer a small gesture of gratitude for the freedoms Americans enjoy can volunteer at a wreath laying ceremony to assist in saying veteran names aloud and thanking them for their service.  www.Wreaths Across America.org

Costco Chicken Drive:  Christmas 2023 

Donate to Jerry Lee's annual Costco roast chicken drive during Christmas.  Jerry said "it's pretty straight forth...my friends just donate $125 and I buy 25 chickens from Costco. All the donors/volunteers come and hand out the chicken to the recipients at the ACRS food bank...usually about 450-500 roasted chickens."  This annual event started in 2009 when Jerry drove by the ACRS food bank and saw the long lines for food that year.  Jerry Lee is a member of Cathay Post #186.

EVERGREEN BOYS STATE

Cathay Post #186 is excited to sponsor a Evergreen Boys State delegate.  Please help us promote Evergreen Boys State!  We will select a "rising senior" of the highest quality to ensure a successful Boys State session.   If you know a student that is interested, please tell them to check out the information posted at the Evergreen Boys State website at www.evergreenboysstate.org.  Selection will be managed by our Scholarship Committee.  

Evergreen Boys State is held from Sunday, June 16 through Saturday, June 22, 2024 at the Warm Beach Conference Center in Stanwood, Washington.

Veterans Helping Veterans

Free "handyman" help for Cathay Post veterans and widows of former members on minor home repairs.  If you have any minor home repairs needs, please contact us for a free assessment.

We are NOT licensed, bonded or insured experts.  But we are willing to assist with minor installation of home safety devises such as hand rails, grab bars, change high ceiling light bulbs etc.

Please email Adjutant Kent Wong if you have a potential project for our team.  Thanks.    

Veterans Helping Veterans! 

NOVEMBER MEETING RESCHEDULED.

Due to the Thanksgiving Holiday, we will NOT have our regularly scheduled November meeting.  Instead, this meeting will be combined with the December Meeting and our Post Christmas Holiday Party.  

• Special Cathay Post #186 Meeting/Holiday Party, Wednesday, December 13, 2023

• Location:  NVC Memorial Hall, 1212 S. Jackson Street, Seattle WA

• Start Time:  5:30 p.m.   

• ***Donate a bag of rice to Feed the Hungry and your Holiday Donations.

Submit Your Intent to File a Claim

The Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022 (PACT Act) is the biggest expansion of Veteran health care and benefits in generations. VA encourages all eligible Veterans and survivors to file a claim — or submit their intent to file a claim — for PACT Act-related benefits now. If you notify VA of your intent to file before Aug. 10, 2023, you may be able to get retroactive payments to Aug. 10, 2022, when the PACT Act became law. Learn how to let VA know of your intent to file.  Go to:  https://www.va.gov/resources/your-intent-to-file-a-va-claim/

BE A MEMBER OF CATHAY POST #186 

& THE AMERICAN LEGION

The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation's largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans.

The American Legion's success depends entirely on active membership, participation and volunteerism. The organization belongs to the people it serves and the communities in which it thrives.

If you have served at least one day of active military duty since

December 7, 1941 and were honorably discharged or you are still serving active military duty honorably, you are eligible for membership with The American Legion.

Come to our meeting and check us out.  If you want to join the Cathay Post #186, please contact Adjutant Kent Wong and he can sign you up.    

Let's make a difference in our Community, State and Nation.    

"Veterans Strengthening America"