Service Member's Corner

February 2024 Update

Vice Commander's Comments


Greetings Foo Dogs,


Welcome to the February edition of the Cathay Post 186 newsletter, and a heartfelt Happy Lunar New Year from your 2nd Vice Commander! As we usher in the Year of the Dragon, I can't help but feel a surge of optimism and energy. Dragons, after all, symbolize power, perseverance, and good fortune – qualities very much needed in these times.


Speaking of fortune, January was a busy month for our Post. We celebrated a great meeting with our "ROTC Night" and our 2 great guest speakers. Our commitment to veterans' welfare remains unwavering, and we've been hard at work advocating for resources and assistance for our brothers and sisters in arms. The spirit of community is also burning bright. 


But February promises even more! Get ready for exciting events like our annual Lunar New Year potluck meeting, where we'll come together to celebrate this auspicious occasion with food and drink and heartwarming camaraderie.


Of course, this newsletter wouldn't be complete without a call to action. We're always looking for new members to join our ranks and contribute to our mission of service and brotherhood. If you're a veteran who shares our values of patriotism, community, and supporting our fellow citizens, we welcome you with open arms. Come to our next meeting, volunteer at an event, or reach out to any of our officers – we'd love to connect with you.


As we embark on this new year, let's carry the Spirit of the Dragon within us – a spirit of strength, resilience, and unwavering hope. Together, we can make February, and the entire year, one to remember with pride and dedication to our Post, our community, and our nation.


Scholarship Deadline! Don't miss the opportunity for valuable financial support. Applications for Cathay Post 186 scholarships close on Sunday, February 4th. Visit our website for details and the application package.


February Meeting Highlights:  

We'll be joined by members of the ROC Veterans Association in Seattle (Taiwanese Veterans) for a unique cultural exchange.  Our guest speaker is Key Donn: A Boeing veteran with 35 years of experience, Key will share his insights and inspire us all.


Onward, Foo Dogs!


Gerald Chang

2nd Vice Commander




Educational Scholarships, Oratorical Contest, Evergreen Boys State and Evergreen Girls State:

The mission of Cathay Post #186 is to support veteran members—current and past—and their families, and the local community. A way we do that is through educational opportunities which include scholarships, the Washington State Constitutional Speech Contest, Evergreen Boys State, and Evergreen Girls State.

We are currently offering two educational scholarships worth $2000 each. Eligible recipients for the scholarship are current and past Post members and their families. Deadline for applying is February 4, 2024. 

The Washington State Oratorical Contest focuses on the Constitution. High school students (grades 9-12) who are under the age of 20 by May 19, 2024, are eligible to participate. It is open to the public. The State competition will be held March 22-23 at Moses Lake, WA. Cathay Post #186 will help defray the entry cost. A total of $5000 in scholarships are awarded at the State level. State finalists can the compete at the National level which has a grand prize of $25,000. The application deadline is February 4, 2024.

Evergreen Boys and Girls State programs help instill civic knowledge and pride through simulating state governments. Boys State is at Stanwood, WA from June 16-22. Girls State is at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, WA from June 23-24. Applicants must be current juniors in high school. Financial assistance from Cathay Post #186 and the Washington State American Legion is available. Boys State is already accepting applications. The event is limited to 300 students.

For more information, please look at our website or contact as at cathaypostscholarshipfund@hotmail.com

Wishing you a Happy Lunar New Year, the Year of the Dragon!


Cathay Post 186 - Seattle, WA Color Guard proudly presented the colors at the United States Postal Service "First Day of Issue - Year of the Dragon Stamp Dedication Ceremony" held at the Seattle Chinatown Community Center on January 25, 2024.


Color Guard members included:  Robert Dela-Cruz, Frank Gregory, Danny Ing and Tony Chinn.


During the event, we also congratulated Seattle’s newest Seattle City Council member, Tanya Woo. She captivated the audience with a spectacular ribbon dance. In addition, the Mak Fai Kung Fu Dragon & Lion Dance Association 麥顯輝龍獅團 brought the ceremony to a close with their mesmerizing dragon and lion dance.


We express our gratitude to the USPS for organizing this memorable "First Day of Issue" Year of the Dragon stamp dedication ceremony. (20240125)

Cathay Post 186 - Seattle, WA hosted a special 'ROTC Night,' featuring guest speakers Brigadier General Oscar Hilman, U.S. Army (Ret) and Dr. Theresa Cheng, founder of Everyone For Veterans. A heartfelt thanks to Nisei Veterans Committee Commander, Lt Col Mike Yaguchi, USAF (Ret) for graciously opening the Nisei Veterans Museum for the cadets. Our deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the Asian Fusion - Korean BBQ potluck. We had many ROTC cadets from the University of Washington, Seattle University, and Pacific Lutheran University attend our meeting. Special recognition and thanks to AFROTC Det 910, Cadet Zach Dea for being our ROTC Liaison. (20240124)

The following veterans have transferred to our Post

Welcome to the Cathay Post #186 Family!


In 1988, Congress established Feb. 3 of each year as Four Chaplains Day. 

On Feb. 3, 1943, four Army chaplains – Father John P. Washington, Rabbi Alexander D. Goode, and the Revs. George L. Fox and Clark V. Poling – gave up their life jackets on a sinking Army transport in the North Atlantic so that others might live. 

Of the 902 soldiers, Navy armed guard, ship’s crew and civilian passengers on board the Dorchester, only 230 survived. They have told us of the chaplains’ efforts to restore calm in a hopeless and chaotic situation, and how they were last seen at the ship’s stern, arms linked in prayer. 

The survivors’ testimony and the chaplains’ bravery are enshrined at the Chapel of Four Chaplains in the Philadelphia Navy Yard, where the Chapel Memorial Foundation honors acts of selfless service nationwide in memory of the Four Chaplains and crew of USAT Dorchester. 

– Louis A. Cavaliere, retired Navy captain and chairman of the Chapel of Four Chaplains
 

Read more about the Four Chaplains:
- American Legion
- Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation
- VA.gov


We received a very nice package of goodies from Ken & Nanci Hom.  Ken is the nephew of Private Wing O. Hom, an U.S. Army soldier that was tragically killed in action in Italy during World War II.  Adjutant Kent Wong represented Cathay Post #186 at Pvt Hom's memorial service. 

We've ordered a dozen of these embroidered Cathay Post caps.  Cost is $20.00 each.   Please let Adjutant Kent Wong know if you would like to purchase one.  Thanks. 

Rice Collection Update:

So far, we've collected and donated 93 pounds of rice for the ACRS Food Bank.   We plan to continue this initiative throughout 2024.  Thank you for your generosity.   Your kindness plays a crucial role in aiding community members facing food insecurity.

"Veterans Strengthening America"     

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.

PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS:   

Attend the USPS Lunar New Year Year of the Dragon Stamp First Day of Issue Dedication Ceremony. Click here for more information

 

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.

Emma Lo was the 2023 Department of Washington Champion and was sponsored by Cathay Post #186. Emma received a $2,000 scholarship from the Department of Washington and an expenses paid trip to Indianapolis where she came in 4th place in the National Finals Contest.  Cathay Post #186 hopes to sponsor her a few more contestant for 2024 oratorical contest.   

American Legion’s Oratorical Contest is on March 23-24, 2024 at Moses Lake, Washington.

Application must be received by the chairman not later than February 4th in order to qualify to participate in the March contest.  Click HERE for more information.  

Our flagpole at Hing Hay Park sustained significant damage from a vehicle on Saturday, January 13, 2024.


An eyewitness captured the incident and posted this video on YouTube (https://youtu.be/0hs6p_ytsrI?feature=shared), providing a clear view of the moment the errant vehicle collided with our flagpole. Apparently, the eyewitness was driving a vehicle equipped with multiple cameras.


As you may know, Cathay Post #186 takes great pride in serving as the custodian of the United States flag displayed at that location. Our Sergeant-at-Arms, Tony Chinn, along with other dedicated members, ensures the proper display of the U.S. Flag, including flying it at "half-staff" when required. Recently, we installed secondary attachments to fly the POW/MIA flag on special holidays and events. This flagpole also holds significant importance in our Memorial Day ceremonies, where we pay tribute to the memory of our fallen heroes.


We have already reached out to the Seattle Parks Department to inquire about the replacement of the flagpole. Additionally, we express our interest in discussing our inputs for the replacement flagpole with their planners. Some key discussion points include:


1. Opting for a commercial flagpole with lockable internal halyards

2. Incorporating night lighting for enhanced visibility

3. Installation of safety bollards for added security

4. Determining the optimal location for the new flagpole


Furthermore, we have contacted our newest Councilmember, Tanya Woo, who is working with someone from the mayor’s office. They have initiated the process to ensure the replacement flagpole is in place for the Memorial Day ceremony.


We wanted to update you on the recent incident. The flagpole, along with the United States flag it proudly displays, serves as a symbol of our pride and deep respect for our country, the C-ID Community, and, above all, our fallen heroes.


Washington State POW/MIAs Accounted For


HERBERT F. MARCH, Cook, Washington

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (#DPAA) recently announced that U.S. Army Air Forces Technician 4th Grade (TECH4) Herbert F. March, 24, of Cook, Washington, who was captured and died as a P.O.W. during World War II, was accounted for on August 10, 2023. However, his family only recently recieved their full briefing.   Click here for more information.


GEORGE F. BISHOP, Centralia, Washington

Soldier Accounted for from WWII U.S. Army Sergeant George F. Bishop The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that U.S. Army Sergeant George F. Bishop, 22, of Centralia, Washington, who was captured and died as a prisoner of war during World War II, was accounted for June 30, 2023.  Click here for more information.



American Legion Multiyear Membership


Eliminate the yearly hassle of remembering to renew your American Legion membership by taking advantage of the new multiyear membership available to current and potential members. Legionnaires needing to renew for 2024 or veterans joining the organization for the first time can lock-in a three-year membership by visiting legion.org/renew or legion.org/join. 

 

SAVE THE DATE:  Chinatown Seafair Parade


We just received confirmation that the 2024 Chinatown Seafair Parade will be on Sunday, July 21, 2024. Please annotate this event on your calendars now. 



We Are "Foo Dogs" - Guardians & Protectors!


Cathay Post #186 members are "Guardians and Protectors" of AMERICAN VALUES and PATRIOTISM!  


Which means we advocate for upholding and defending the United States Constitution, equal justice and opportunity for everyone and discrimination against no one, youth education, responsible citizenship and honoring military service by observing and participating in memorial events.

As we sit in the comfort and warmth of our homes, let's take a moment to remember the dedication of our servicemen and women who are serving, training, and defending America and all the freedoms we enjoy. This photo of 2ndLt Josh Mar, youngest member of Cathay Post #186 conducting a river crossing at near freezing temperatures.  


Josh gave a brief training update:  "We had our first field exercise where we learned camouflage and concealment, TCCC and winter survival. Did a river crossing, had to waterproof my pack, had to get back into wet cammies for the hike the next day. Just completed “Range Week” which is 3 weeks of rifle/pistol shooting. Shot expert on rifle and sharpshooter on pistol." 


Josh is currently in Phase I of The Basic School (TBS), the foundational training for all newly commissioned Marine Corps officers. Please remember to keep Josh and all our military members in your daily thoughts and prayers for their safety and protection.  

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.    

Tax Deductible Donations

"VETERANS STRENGTHENING AMERICA"
Cathay Post #186 is making a positive impact.  Here are a few examples:

You can help us achieve our mission with a tax-deductible donation.

To donate cash, you can send us a check made payable to "American Legion - Cathay Post #186".  If you want your gift used for a specific purpose by indicating that purpose either in the memo line or in a letter to us.

Contact us if you want to add a bequest in your Will.   We can help you include language in your will or trust specifying a gift be made to Cathay Post #186 as part of your estate plan.

Donations to American Legion Cathay Post #186 are Tax Deductible:

If you have any questions about donations, please contact Cathay Post Adjutant, Kent Wong. 


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"