09/01/2026
Sept 2026 Post 3386 News & Views
S. 1307 Loffler St. P.O. Box 149
Airway Heights, WA. 99001 (509) 517-1584
Post Email: [email protected]
Post Newsleter Email: [email protected]
Facebook: VFW Airway Heights WA
Commanders’ Comments:
Greetings,
I want to first start by saying how incredibly proud I am of our membership last month. We had some devastating fires come through. The Post stepped up by helping another veteran and his
wife with a place to stay while they were evacuated. Then there’s all of you who came together, brought donations for the fire victims. Some of you even went out and spent your own money to
get things for the fire evacuees. Some of you even showed up to the fairgrounds and help feed the fire evacuees. I was not a part of this post couple years ago when the medical Lake fire happened being as this is my first disaster with you guys; I am super honored and super proud of the way the post came together to help the less fortunate in need. I am super proud of all of you and I am super proud to be able to call myself your Commander.
I am once again calling upon all the members of our great Post. Friday, September 18th, I will be participating in the POW MIA 24-hour ruck March. I am looking for members to stand outside of
the post for when we for when we walk in front of the Post with flags cheering on all of our active-duty members an email was sent out with how to sign up at stations or even out front of the Post, please come out and support the ruck. I will be rucking from Riverfront Park to the sear track and field on Fairchild. I would love to see everybody come out and support a great cause Support, the current active-duty members from Fairchild.
I am pleased to inform all of you that Mondays from 10 to 2 if you have questions or concerns, please feel free to come in and we can sit down and talk. I have started office hours at the Post; the Adjutant and myself are there every Monday from 10 to 2 the only Mondays I will not be there are during fair. Once again, I want to thank everybody who comes in and help support the greatest Post in the state.
Sam (Woody) Dunwoody
Commander
Auxiliary President Comments:
Greetings Brothers and Sisters,
I don’t know about you, but for me Aug came and went in a blink of an eye. There weren’t a lot of activities for our Auxiliary this past month, and many of us got a much-needed break to prepare for the next few months of activities. September is very busy with the district 9 Fair information and food booths from the 11th – 20th. There are still lots of spaces available to help with the food booth, and I am sure the information booth has spots as well. Please check your schedule and see if you have any time available. Let me know if you need assistance signing up – there is a flyer on the bar that has the QR code to sign up.
There is also help needed on the 2nd – 4th of October at the food booth for the Renaissance Fair, (also via the QR code). You will need your food handlers' card to work at the food booth (bring a copy with you to have posted at the fair). Also, anyone that is volunteering with dinners, please get your food handlers card if you don’t already have it. It is a quick test online at https://srhd.org/programs-and-
services/foodsafety/food-worker-card and is a $10 fee. Let me know if you want assistance withthe process. Please give a copy of your card to the canteen manager, Deb Veltung, or email it
to [email protected].
Our first dinner of the season is Pork Chops on September 25th. I believe we have the Prep team, but we do need to know who can help serve and clean up. We are also looking for a dishwasher for the season since Logan has graduated high school and will not be available. If you know of a teen that would be interested, please let me know. This is a great way for high school Jr’s and Sr’s to get volunteer hours they need for graduation.
If you have not already responded to the Canteen about days/activities you would like to see open (i.e. Sunday breakfast or brunch), please do so. We need to know if we open for an additional day if people will come in/volunteer?
On a more solemn note, September is Su***de Prevention Month. Post 1435 - Spokane Valley, is hosting a Su***de Awareness Training on Wed. Sept. 23rd, with lunch from 12PM – 1PM and training from 1PM to 2:30PM. The training is provided by Nicole Vreeland of WA Dept. of Veteran’s Affairs. Please RSVP by Sept. 16th by contacting Post 1435 at 509-535-9315.
All members are invited to join our monthly meetings at the post or via TEAM’s. Please let me know in advance if you would like to join by TEAM’s so I may send an invitation to you via email.
My email is [email protected] . The next meeting is at 6PM Sept. 10th.
Also, I am going to make myself available at the Post 2 evenings a month to discuss programs, concerns about the Auxiliary, and needs of our members. Including, helping with access to MALTA and the Department Web page. Please watch for dates and times. Is there a specific day of the week that you would like to see me at the Post for these types of things?
Respectfully,
Sherra Eutsler
Auxiliary President
Good of the Order
Did you know that Department of Washington has a website where you can do on-line training such as "School of Instruction" and other great information under their resources tab. Check it
out at www.vfwwa.org and also our district 9 has a website at www.vfwdistrict9.org where you can find scholarship information for VOD, Patriots Pen etc... Our Post contact for this is Ron
Bundy at 1-509-270-0840
We are looking for volunteers to work the VFW food and recruiting booth coming up Sept 11th - 20th please see attached QR code to sign up for a shift. You will also get free entry into the Fair
the days you work.
Also speaking of the Fair, we are looking for volunteers to help push Veterans in wheelchairs from the Vets home. Spend the day helping fellow Vets and get into the Fair and a free lunch as
well. The days we need help is Sept 11, 14 & 17th, Contact Mike Durst at 1-360-593-1953
Sept 18-19 the National 24 Hour POW/MIA Ruck is happening. Location/opening ceremony starts at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (riverfront Park) at 0800hrs. Ruck march will begin at
0900hrs and end at Fairchild AFB. Open to all Military, Dependents and Civilians. Volunteers needed. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0445AEAB23A1FDC34-64254305-
Speaking of volunteers, I would like to thank all of those who helped with the VFW Fireworks stand again this year. A total of $8,495.00 was raised for the different Posts and groups who
helped out. Our Post share was a total of $1,453.09. This helps us continue to run our numerous programs that we support.
If you know anyone who was affected by the area fires, please contact Dist. 9 Commander Mary Crofoot, Post Commander Woody Dunwoody, Post Senior Vice Commander Jerry Goertz. Post
51 still has items for the fire victims or anybody in need.
Kitchen Update
We have been working with Sean from Home Depot on our kitchen update and we are waiting for final approval from corporate Home Depot, the fires in the local area have set us back some.
Hopefully the project will start this month. Home Depot has also donated a $300.00 gift card for us to use and 2 picnic tables out back for us. When I get the word on the date, I will be
contacting everyone to help cleaning out the old cabinets etc.. Stay tuned.
Veterans VA Service Corner
Something I started with the last couple of newsletters is trying to get VA Information out to all of you. Many in the post have not filed for their VA entitlements or disability. The question is why
not??? You have earned these through your service. I have been helping a few of you to start the process. If you don’t know where to start, reach out we will point you in the right direction.
Myself, I have increased my disability rating from 10% to 70%. Don’t wait, do it now, were here to help.
2026 VA Disability Compensation Increases
The Department of Veterans Affairs implemented a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) effective December 1, 2025, with the first increased payments appearing in January 2026. Veterans with a 100% disability rating now receive $3,938.58 monthly tax-free, while those with lower ratings see proportional increases, e.g., 70% rated veterans receive $1,808.45 monthly. Additional compensation is provided for dependents, including spouses, children under
18, children 18–23 in school, and dependent parents, with a 100% disabled veteran with aspouse receiving $4,158.17 monthly.
New Presumptive Conditions
The VA expanded the list of service-connected conditions eligible for presumptive claims in 2026. Notable additions include chronic sinus infections, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, and several respiratory conditions under the PACT Act, such as constrictive bronchiolitis, interstitial lung disease, and pulmonary fibrosis. Gulf War veterans can now claim benefits for digestive issues, fibromyalgia, and chemical exposure reactions. Agent Orange presumptive now include MGUS, hypertension, and hypothyroidism, allowing veterans previously denied
claims to refile without proving direct causation.
Claims Processing and Technology Upgrades
The VA has dramatically reduced claims processing times, cutting the average from 141 days to 81 days and reducing the backlog of cases pending over 125 days by 62%. Over 3 million disability claims were processed in fiscal year 2025, and AI-powered systems now assist in evaluating claims, identifying secondary conditions, and reducing human error. Automated evidence gathering and virtual C&P exams have shortened wait times to approximately 10 days.
Policy and Rating Changes
Significant updates include proposed changes to sleep apnea, tinnitus, and mental health ratings. Sleep apnea ratings may be downgraded if CPAP treatment is effective, while tinnitus
may no longer receive a standalone rating and will be evaluated as a symptom of another condition. Mental health ratings are expected to improve under a domain-based evaluation
system, providing clearer criteria for 70% or 100% ratings
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)
Veterans with severe disabilities or requiring aid and attendance may qualify for SMC, which can exceed $11,000 monthly for the most severe cases. SMC rates are retroactive to the date of
entitlement, allowing veterans to claim substantial back pay if previously unclaimed.
Healthcare and Access Improvements
The VA opened 25 new clinics and expanded telehealth services, improving access for rural and underserved veterans. Over 100,000 new veterans enrolled in VA healthcare in early 2026, and
appointment availability outside traditional hours has increased significantly Key Takeaways for Veterans
• File for rating increases if your condition has worsened; this can result in higher retroactive payments.
• Review PACT Act eligibility for toxic exposure claims.
• Work with Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) for assistance in filing claims andmaximizing benefits.
• Monitor policy changes for sleep apnea, tinnitus, and mental health ratings to understand potential impacts on compensation
Staying informed and proactive ensures veterans receive the full benefits they are entitled to under the 2026 VA disability updates.
Canteen News
With the end of summer coming up, we will be getting back to our Friday night dinners. The first one will be Sept 25th with the Auxiliary Pork Chop Dinner. If you would like to help with the
dinners or serving you must complete the on-line WA state food Handlers course at http://www.foodworkercard.wa.gov/ cost is only $10.00.
The Canteen Committee is still needing people to fill out the survey that was sent out last month. Please do it, so we know what you like to see. Also, we will be starting wear red of Fridays with a $1.00 off your first drinks and new drink specials coming.
We listened and heard you. We are in the process of ordering a Super box for the Post TV. This is a one-time fee and will allow us to be able to receive thousands of channels including your favorite sports.
Holiday Bucks yes, it's about that time again. We will start selling Holiday Bucks soon with a pack of 10 tickets for $10.00 we will be having them at the canteen starting after Labor Day. The
Post Christmas Party and Holiday Buck drawing will be Dec 18th starting at 5:30pm, drawing at 6:30pm and Live Music by the Stage Riders at 7:00pm. See the Bartenders for Raffle tickets.
Canteen Survey, please send your answers to: [email protected]
1. We are looking at opening another day of the week, would you support this, and what day would you rather see, Monday or Saturday?
2. Would you support continuing Friday night dinners throughout the summer and are you willing to help - Yes or No?
3. What type of dinner would you like to see?
4. Would you support bringing back Sunday Breakfast and would you be willing to help - Yes or No?
5. Would you support bringing back Taco Tuesday and would you be willing to help - yes or No?
6. Would you support Game Nights, Bingo, Bunco, Trivia etc - yes or No.
7. Would you support a Post New Years Party - Yes or No?
8. Are you willing to support Post functions such as fundraisers, fireworks stand, Holiday Bucks, raffles etc - Yes or No?
Calendar: (Note Items are subject to change)
Sep 1st - Canteen Open 3 to 8:00pm
Sep 2nd - Bingo @ 6:00pm (Potluck Dinner)
Sep 3rd - Canteen Open 3 to 8:00pm
Sep 4th - Canteen Open (No Dinner -Wear Red Friday get $1.00 off first drink)
Sep 8th - Canteen Open 3 to 8:00pm
Sep 9th - Canteen Committee meeting @ 5:00, Bingo @ 6:00 (no potluck)
Sep 10th - Auxiliary Meeting @ 6:00pm
Sep 11th - Canteen Open 3 to 8:00pm (No Dinner) Interstate Fair starts. Need help see above
with food booth and helping Vets. Sept 11, 14 and 17th (contract Mike Durst)
Sep 15th – Canteen Open 3 to 8:00pm
Sep 16th – Bingo @ 6:00pm (No Potluck)
Sep 17th – Post Meeting (Moved to the 24th due to Fair)
Sep 18th/19th – Ruck Sack march
Sep 22nd – Canteen Open 3 to 8:00pm
Sep 23rd – Bingo @ 6:00pm (No Potluck)
Sep 24th – Post Meeting @ 5:00pm (rescheduled from Sept 17th)
Sep 25th – Auxiliary Pork Chop Dinner @ 5:00pm, with 50/50 drawing
Sep 29th – Canteen Open 3 to 8:00pm
Sep 30th – Bingo @ 6:00pm (No Potluck)
From the Editor:
Please let me know of any changes or new events coming up. If you would like to be added to
the newsletter please let me know at Jerry Goertz 509-279-9508 or [email protected] or
[email protected]
Welcome to Do It Right, Serve It Safe! A training program covering the safe preparation and handling of food. When you complete this course, you can purchase and print a Washington State Food Worker Card.
