10 Oct 2026

International Gavel Passing, annual tradition of fun and camaraderie

What is the International Gavel Passing? Simply put it is a weekend of fun and camaraderie between the American Legion posts of North Central Washington and the Royal Canadian Legion branches of Central British Columbia. This tradition started in 1952 to celebrate friendship and common experiences across the border. On even number years, the event is held at a Canadian Legion branch and on odd numbered years it is held at an American Legion branch (typically in the 9th district). ...

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07 Oct 2026

Trajector Medical Files Bankruptcy

Veterans across the country have encountered companies charging fees for assistance with VA disability claims outside the traditional VA-accredited claims process. These are often called “claim sharks”. One company many veterans may recognize is Trajector Medical, LLC, formerly known as Vet Comp & Pen Medical Consulting, LLC. Veterans who paid Trajector Medical or Vet Comp & Pen for assistance obtaining or increasing their Department of Veterans Affairs disability benefits may have claims in Trajector’s pending bankruptcy. Trajector Medical and affiliated ...

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21 Sep 2026

The results are In!

During August, we hosted a Veteran Services Survey, asking members of our community to share their thoughts and opinions on their County Veteran Service Officers and their Offices. We also asked some questions regarding the potential merger of Chelan County Veteran Service Office and Douglas County Veteran Service Office, to gauge the public’s knowledge and interest in the idea that has been brought forward. Once the survey closed on 31 Aug, I began reviewing the data that had been collected ...

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16 Sep 2026

25 years later, we remember

Last Friday, communities around the region (and the nation) paid tribute to those we lost during the attacks of Sept 11, 2001. It has been 25 years since that fateful day, and it is important to take time to remember. For some it is just stories, to others the memories can be haunting. Yet the actions on that day, and the months following, had a significant impact on us as a country and as a community. Here in North Central ...

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01 Sep 2026

County Veteran Advisory Boards

In accordance with WA RCW 73.08.035, each county in Washington state must establish a veterans’ advisory board, which shall advise the county legislative authority on the needs of local veterans, and the resources and programs available to benefit local veterans, and their families, in need. These advisory board meetings are open to the public. Schedules and locations updated and confirmed for Fall 2026. Okanogan County VAB meets on the first Tuesday of every 3rd month (March, June, Sept, Dec) at ...

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26 Aug 2026

Arts, Health, and Employment focus of Serving Those Who Served 2026

The Serving Those Who Served (STWS) Conference is a two-day, Veterans resource providers’ conference aimed at establishing better collaboration and connection, as well as providing a wealth of knowledge from industry experts in areas that impact the lives of our Veterans and their families. This conference provides collaboration with professionals from a variety of state agencies and community partners from across the state and includes breakout sessions surrounding arts, employment, Veterans benefits, and wellness. Hosted in Wenatchee this year, the ...

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24 Aug 2026

Only a few days left!

There may be some big changes coming to how veterans in Chelan and Douglas counties receive support and services from their local Veteran Service Officers. But we need to hear from our community members first!   Open until 31 August 2026, we have a survey for you to share your thoughts and opinions on the current state of Veteran Services in Chelan and Douglas counties. Chelan County has published the initial proposal for this merger – you can view the ...

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13 Aug 2026

Website improvements are coming

Hey everyone. I know it’s been a while and I’ve been kinda quiet, but things are shifting. I am finding more time to focus on the efforts needed here at NCW Veterans Info, along with a refresehd sense of purpose. Over the coming months, you may notice some changes here on the website. I’ve got quite a bit of modernizing I’m working on behind the scenes, but it should result in a better looking directory and blog moving forward. First ...

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09 Aug 2026

Purple Heart Communities come together for Honor

[Editor’s note: segments of this article are taken from Norm Manly’s recap of the Manson event, combined with additional writing from this website’s reporter.] Manson’s inaugural Purple Heart Day celebration drew a crowd of 75 community members on a smoky August 7, filling the back yard of Tapped Out Sports Bar for an afternoon dedicated to honoring wounded and fallen service members. The event began at noon with a stirring performance by the Lake Chelan Patriotic Singers. Norm Manly, Post ...

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03 Aug 2026

Why Service Organizations are declining, and what you can do about it

Why is membership in Veteran Service Organizations like the VFW, American Legion, and DAV dropping? DAV fell below 1 million members in 2024 for the first time in 40 years. VFW is down to 1.5 million, about half of what it was 30 years ago. The American Legion is seeing the same steady decline. It’s not because people stopped supporting veterans though. There’s a lot more happening. Here’s what’s really going on… Our WWII, Korea, and Vietnam members are passing. ...

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01 Aug 2026

Your Input is Needed!

There may be some big changes coming to how veterans in Chelan and Douglas counties receive support and services from their local Veteran Service Officers. But we need to hear from our community members first!   Open for the month of August 2026, there’s a survey available where you can share your thoughts and opinions on the current state of Veteran Services in Chelan and Douglas counties. Starting today, you can visit our Survey Page or head over to tally.so/r/J9Zyjd ...

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27 Jul 2026

Manson declared a Purple Heart Community, installs signs

On 20 April 2026, Chelan County Commissioners read a proclomation declaring the city of Manson as a Purple Heart Community, joining Wenatchee, Chelan, East Wenatchee, and Waterville on the Purple Heart Trail. Since 2024, the Wenatchee Valley and surrounding communities have recognized and honored Purple Heart recipients on 7 Aug each year. This year Manson is joining in. The American Legion (Post 108) and the Manson Community Council marked an important milestone on 15 July 2026 as members installed the ...

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