Service Member's Corner

March 2024 Update

As Spring approaches, elections for post officers are also drawing near.  We are encouraging members, who support the post mission of  "Veterans strengthening America", to consider serving as an officer.  We want members, who heed the call, to contribute to the proud legacy of Cathay Post 186. 


This year, the Nomination Committee, consisting of the current Post Executive Committee, will interview potential candidates.  The term for each office runs from July through June of each year.


Many thanks to the Scholarship Committee for thoroughly reviewing each application and essay of the well qualified applicants.  Congratulations to the two 2024 recipients of the Cathay Post 186 Scholarship: Christa Chan and Francesa Lew.


Cathay Post 186 is pleased to sponsor 5 high school students this year for the annual American Legion Oratorical Contest.  The contest will be held in Moses Lake on March 23, 2024.  We wish each orator all the best : Nathan Chen, Emma Lo, Mateo Mar, Aubrey Jane Moore, and Lilah Moore. 


Boys who have completed Junior year in high school may apply to attend Evergreen Boys State.  This year the program will be held from June 16 - 22, 2024 at Warm Beach Conference Center in Stanwood.  There are 2 boys who have completed the initial paperwork so far who will be sponsored by Cathay Post 186. Please spread the word about this opportunity for current Juniors in high school. 


I would like to extend heartfelt appreciation to Post 1 Commander, Debra Wood.  Post 1 has generously funds to CP 186 supplement our sponsorship of the 5 oratorical contestants and for 2 of our Boys State attendees.  


One of our new members, Jean Bartlett, has recently passed away.  Jean joined the US Navy in 1957 and became an Electrician Mate stationed in San Diego.  She received her PhD in Cultural Anthropology from the University of California at Riverside.  We want to extend sincere condolences to her daughter and member of CP 186, Darsie Dela-Cruz and her family. 


For God and Country,


Haydon Mar

Commander


On behalf of the Cathay Post #186 family, we extend our deepest heartfelt condolences to Robert and Darsie Dela-Cruz on the recent passing of Darsie's mom, Jean Bartlett.  

 

Jean, was a very proud U.S. Navy veteran.  She recently joined the American Legion as a Life Member and our post.  Despite her brief time with the post, we honor her life and her dedicated service to our nation.  

 

We will keep everyone informed about the details of her memorial service at Tahoma National Cemetery once the information becomes available.

Cathay Post #186

Scholarship Committee Report 

February 29, 2024

 

Committee Members: Dorrienne Chinn, Robert Dela-Cruz, and Frank Gregory


The committee received four scholarship applications in response to our solicitation.


Our committee met twice during the month of February, once to set the ground rules for evaluating each applicant and returning the second time after reviewing each applicant on how well they met or exceeded our criteria to eventually select the two finalists.


The selection criteria were agreed to by the committee as the basis for selection.


Based on how well each applicant met or exceeded our criteria, we selected the following as our winners of Cathay Post’s 2024 scholarships.

 

Christa Chan is an undergraduate at the University of San Diego who is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology with minors in Chinese and biomedical ethics.


Francesca Lew is a high school senior with plans to pursue a degree in biology and eventually attend medical school to become a neurologist.  She applied to Point Loma Nazarene University, Boston University, University of Washington, Seattle University, George Fox University, New York University, Pace University, Smith College, University of San Diego, and Wellesley College.


Congratulations to our 2024 Scholarship Recipients

Election for the 2024-2025 Cathay Post #186 officers is approaching.  If you're interested in getting involved, please reach out to a current officer. Here's a brief timeline:

Serving as an officer offers great opportunities for personal growth, community service, advocacy, networking, and the fulfillment of contributing to the Legion's overarching mission.  If you're passionate about making a positive impact, consider becoming part of our leadership team.

Renewing Your Membership

Thank you for renewing your membership by mailing in your check.  Did you know you can easily renew your membership at MyLegion.org?

MyLegion.org

MyLegion.org is a free and secure website for American Legion members to manage their membership profile.  For example, you can update your personal information, print your membership card, renew your annual dues.  Contact me if you need help setting up your MyLegion.org account.

How to Get My Membership Card

- Print a copy of your membership card directly from MyLegion.org

- Pick up your membership card at our monthly post meetings

- Email Adjutant Kent Wong and have a card mailed to you

American Legion Multiyear Membership

Our annual dues will increase this year.  You can lock in the current renewal rate and eliminate the hassle of remembering to renew your American Legion membership by taking advantage of the new multiyear membership available to you.  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. 

Questions About Your Membership?

Please do not hesitate to contact Adjutant Kent Wong for any questions or issues about your American Legion membership.  



We had a successful Cathay Post meeting on February 28, 2024. Four members from the local ROC Veterans organization (Taiwanese) joined us. They provided a very informative briefing about their organization and shared ideas for potential future collaborative activities.


NVC Commander, Mike Yaguchi presented Sergeant-at-Arms Tony Chinn with a “NVC Challenge Coin” for his assistance to the NVC. Tony repaired both of the NVC flagpoles and now “Old Glory” can wave again.


Our commitment to community service shone through as we collected another forty-one pounds of rice for the "Fill the Rice Bowl" food drive.


For those currently serving or past U.S. military veterans, you are eligible to join the American Legion. We encourage you to visit us at a future meeting.


We are Cathay Post #186 "Foo Dogs" - "Veterans Strengthening America."

National Medal of Honor Day is March 25th


Cathay Post #186 proudly salutes and honors all recipients of our Nation's Medal of Honor for their extraordinary acts of valor and unwavering commitment to duty.

 

National Medal of Honor Day is a day dedicated to honoring and paying tribute to recipients of the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government.  The Medal of Honor is presented to members of the armed forces who have demonstrated exceptional valor in combat, often at the risk of their own lives.

 

National Medal of Honor Day is observed annually on March 25th.  On this day, ceremonies, events, and activities are organized to recognize the courage and sacrifice of those who have received the Medal of Honor.  It is an occasion to express gratitude to the individuals who have displayed extraordinary heroism and bravery in the service of their country.  The day also serves as an opportunity to educate the public about the significance of the Medal of Honor and to inspire a sense of patriotism and respect for those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty.


Additional Information about National Medal of Honor Day:

Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Asian American Pacific Islander Medal of Honor Recipients

The Saturday Evening Post:  AAPI Medal of Honor Recipients Exemplify the Best of America


American Legion Seattle Post #1

"Post 1 is proud to support the young people who are our future"


- Debra Wood, Post 1 Commander


Cathay Post #186 extends our heartfelt appreciation to American Legion Seattle Post #1 for their exceptional generosity in providing supplemental funding for our five high school oratorical contestants and supporting our two individuals in attending Boy States.  Under the leadership of Post Commander Debra Wood, Post #1’s commitment to helping a sister post is truly commendable.


"Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much."

- Helen Keller

Dear Sea and Elaine,

 

On behalf of our Cathay Post #186 family, we extend heartfelt congratulations on the arrival of your precious baby boy Lucky!  We were very happy to celebrate with you during the baby shower at the end of January.  But now knowing that your little one was born in the “Year of the Dragon” adds an extra significance to this joyous occasion.  May the newest addition to your family bring boundless love and happiness.  Wishing you all the joy and fulfillment this new chapter brings. Congratulations once again!

 

With Warm Regards - From the Cathay Post #186 Family


Lieutenant Commander Sea Chan was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey. He earned a bachelor's degree from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in 2010. His professional experience includes working as a Merchant Marine Deck Officer. Chan began serving in the United States Navy in 2010.  He is a proud member of American Legion Cathay Post #186. 

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 134 pounds of rice for the ACRS Food Bank.   We plan to continue this initiative throughout 2024 by collecting at each month's post meetings.  Thank you for your generosity.   Your kindness plays a crucial role in aiding community members facing food insecurity.

"Veterans Strengthening America"        

The American Legion motto is "Veterans Strengthening America."  Let's continue to work together and make a positive impact in our community.

 

Some service projects we're currently planning are:

- Cookout for the Beacon Hill VA Medical Hospital Volunteers with Post #1.

- C-ID Community Clean Up.

- ACRS Food Bank Help.  

 

If you have other ideas for community service projects, please email Adjutant Kent Wong.   

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.    

Washington State Constitutional Speech Contest is March 23-24, 2024 at Moses Lake

Cathay Post #186 is very proud to sponsor 5 high school contestants for the annual oratorical contest.   

The competition aims to instill a sense of patriotism and civic engagement in young individuals, encouraging them to articulate their thoughts on important constitutional principles.  The Constitutional Speech Contest provides students with an opportunity to enhance their communication skills and gain a deeper appreciation for the foundational principles of the United States.

You can watch the contest live streamed.  Please click here to get more information.  We wish all the contestants the very best. 

U.S. Coast Guard


A Coast Guard Air Station HC-130 Hercules aircrew flying in Kachemak Bay, Alaska, December 1, 2023. The aircrew was participating in the 2023 Operation Arctic Shield.


-U.S. Coast Guard photo by Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak personnel

Facebook:  U.S. Coast Guard 

Our "Veterans Helping Veterans" program is designed to provide mutual support among veterans through a range of initiatives:

 

We offer complimentary volunteer "handyman" assistance, providing support for various household tasks like installing safety devices, replacing hard-to-reach lightbulbs, and changing smoke detector batteries.

 

We also assist veterans in locating walking and mobility aid devices to enhance the quality of life.

 

We want to connect those in need with available resources, ensuring a network of support for all veterans.

Our objective is to establish a thriving community where veterans can lend a helping hand to one another.

Please contact us if you need help. 

PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS:   

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.

American Legion Multiyear Membership is Here


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. 

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.

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"