The West Seattle Veteran Center, (WSVC) funded almost entirely by personal loans and donations is still in the process of remodeling the former American Legion Post at 3618 S.W. Alaska Street and is now preparing for some significant events to attract more attention and in the process, funding to complete the makeover.

As the Herald told you first last October, the American Legion Post 160 will still meet at the location but its purpose is in the process of being vastly expanded. Legion Commander, Dr. Don Michael Bradford, who got the project underway, is currently out on medical leave and in charge of the effort now is Jim Robinson. Robinson is Commander at Post #40 in Ballard which is also now a partial owner of the WSVC. "I'm the Co-Manager for now," said Robinson.

Coming up is a very special event on April 4 that will feature King County Executive Dow Constantine. It's a 7am benefit breakfast event that will highlight Veteran's issues. The Executive said in his State of the County address on Feb. 10, "To connect military veterans with the services they have earned, I launched a Regional Veterans Initiative with the goal that there will be no wrong door for a vet seeking help."

The breakfast will feature traditional military style breakfast foods plus some vegan choices. There will likely be a split fee to attend with a lower cost for veterans but the price has not yet been announced.

Robinson said, "The agenda Dow was talking about is exactly what we will be doing here."

To that end Veteran's Service Officers are now on hand, with more coming soon, to provide guidance and assistance to veterans seeking help with everything from getting full benefits to seeking employment or education.

Before the benefit breakfast however is an Open House event coming up Feb. 22 starting at 7pm with music from Henry at War. It's a FREE event but there's a suggested donation of $5. There will be a cash bar serving beer, wine and cocktails ranging from $4 to $8 in cost. Light Hors D'oevres will be served. Just prior to the music will be a brief presentation about the WSVC. Live music will end around 9pm to be followed by a DJ.

The next big music event, the Gala, which was postponed will take place May 31.
Live music, cocktails and an extensive array of food will all be part of this sit down elegant event, and a silent auction will be featured. Musical guests and other aspects of the event will be announced later. Personal, group and corporate sponsorships are being sold for the event. Please contact Savannah Miller O'Malley at WSVC for more information.

The remodeling of the building is still underway and arrangements on having a commercial restaurant operator come in to run the Bistro and Lounge portion of the building's east side.

Robinson summed up the renewed purpose of the WSVC. "If you are a vet and you need help, come here."