Showing posts with label veterans. Show all posts
Showing posts with label veterans. Show all posts

Shoreline Veterans add kiosk to Veterans Recognition Plaza for the Space Force

Thursday, November 11, 2021

Photos by Doug Cerretti

The Shoreline Veterans Recognition Plaza, north of Shoreline City Hall Council Chambers features kiosks for each branch of the military. 


Recently they added a kiosk for the U.S. Space Force, which was created after the Plaza was completed.


The medallions on the sides of the kiosk are stamped on sheets of metal. They are bolted to the kiosk. A technician engraves the design, then stains it. 


The finished product is quite striking.



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Cartoon by Whitney Potter - Veterans Day

 


Thursday, November 11, 2021 Veterans Day




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Shoreline Schools closed Thursday in observance of Veterans Day


From Shoreline Schools:

There is no school tomorrow, Thursday, November 11, 2021 in observance of Veterans Day. 

We hope you will join us in honoring and thanking all of our veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice.


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Brown Bear Car Wash salutes veterans and active military with free car washes on Veterans Day

Tuesday, November 9, 2021


Brown Bear Car Wash will offer free washes to all current or former members of the military on Veterans Day, Thursday, November 11, 2021.

The free “Beary Clean” washes will be available at Brown Bear’s 28 tunnel wash locations from 8am to 6pm. The offer operates on an honor system and no verification or documentation is required. Drivers should identify themselves as a current or former member of the military to the wash attendant upon arrival.

See www.brownbear.com for a list of Brown Bear’s automated tunnel wash locations.

Brown Bear is a proud partner in Grace For Vets, an international program uniting the car wash industry each year by listing participating car washes that are honoring veterans with a free car wash on Veterans Day.


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Beary Clean car washes for members of the military on Thursday, November 11, Veterans Day

Sunday, November 7, 2021

Brown Bear Tunnel car wash 160th and Aurora
Photo by Diane Hettrick

Brown Bear Car Wash
will offer free washes to all current or former members of the military on Veterans Day, Thursday, November 11, 2021, 8am to 6pm. 

The free “Beary Clean” washes will be available at Brown Bear’s 28 tunnel wash locations, including the tunnel wash in Shoreline at 16032 Aurora Ave N.

The offer operates on an honor system and no verification or documentation is required. Drivers should identify themselves as a current or former member of the military to the wash attendant upon arrival.

See www.brownbear.com for a list of Brown Bear’s automated tunnel wash locations.

Brown Bear is a proud partner in Grace For Vets, an international program uniting the car wash industry each year by listing participating car washes that are honoring veterans with a free car wash on Veterans Day.

Link for tunnel car wash locations: http://www.brownbear.com/services/tunnel-washes

Brown Bear car washes are environmentally friendly. The soapy water is captured on site, filtered and reused. None of it goes into storm drains or waterways.



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Support veterans' Buddy Poppy event with donations at Fred Meyer Friday and Saturday

Friday, November 5, 2021


VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) Post 3348 will be at the Shoreline Fred Meyer at 185th and Aurora on Friday and Saturday, November 5th and 6th, 2021 from 9:30am to 5:00pm with Buddy Poppies and smaller American Flags. 

All of your donations for these items go toward veterans in need.

All of our VFW Post 3348 veterans, who will be there, are vaccinated. 

The VFW is authorized by the U.S. government to use the term “Buddy Poppy” to raise funds for it charitable programs. 

We typically allocate our own donations to local organizations such as the following:
  • The Veteran Homes in Orting and Port Orchard
  • Shoreline Veterans Center (Compass Housing Alliance)
  • Gold Star Memorials
  • USO Northwest (SeaTac)
  • Fisher House Puget Sound (serving the Seattle VA Hospital)

VFW volunteers have been offering Buddy Poppies since 1922. The poppies were inspired by the poem "In Flanders Field" about the dead of World War I.

        In Flanders fields, the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place, and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch: be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

--Colonel John McCrae

Every year, more than 13 million people donate for and wear a VFW Buddy Poppy to honor veterans. 

Since 1922, the VFW has offered “Buddy” Poppies in exchange for donations to raise funds for its charitable programs on behalf of needy and disabled veterans, and the widows and orphans of deceased veterans.

In keeping with its pledge “No one does more for veterans,” Buddy Poppy events are conducted exclusively by volunteers from VFW Posts.



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Engraving of Bricks at Shoreline Veterans Recognition Plaza

Monday, October 25, 2021

A completed brick in the plaza

Story and photos by Doug Cerretti

The Shoreline Veteran’s Association (SVA) with cooperation of the King County Council, City of Shoreline, Shoreline businesses and interested individuals, dedicated the Shoreline Veteran’s Recognition Plaza (VRP) in 2016. 

First step in the process

The VRP honors Veterans from the US Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines and the newly formed Space Force by having bricks engraved with the Veteran's name, service branch and years served. 

VRP is located at Shoreline City Hall, 17500 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline 98133.

Brent Smith from Pacific Coast Memorials engraved a new set of bricks honoring Veterans last Monday, October 18, 2021.

Brent Smith from Pacific Coast Memorials sand blasts the wording into the bricks.

The first step in the engraving process is to adhere templates to the bricks followed by sand blasting which etches the characters into the brick. 

Black paint sealer, which is impervious to the elements and highlights the characters, is applied and the template removed. A similar process is used to create the US Space Force on the granite obelisk; a template is attached followed by sand blasting, paint application and template removal.

Brent applies black paint sealer

Engraved bricks to honor Veterans past and present at VRP can be purchased for a $100 donation. A single brick can be engraved with three lines of text with up to 16 characters in each line. You can choose to have your brick engraved at VRP or shipped to you to display at home or give as a gift.

Bricks can be purchased online from The American Legion Post 227’s webpage  or you can print out the order form, fill it out and mail it in with your check or credit card number. Purchases are tax deductible.

This would be a great holiday gift to honor a Veteran family member or friend.



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VFW Post is looking for a local Scout group to sponsor for a VFW contest

Monday, August 23, 2021

Blackburn Aurora VFW Post 3348 which covers Shoreline, North Seattle, and vicinity and meets in Shoreline, wants to connect with a local Scout organization (Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Sea Scouts, etc.) to sponsor a scout for a VFW contest.

Each year there is a contest for “Scout of the Year” in Washington State held by the VFW Department of Washington. The winner will be invited, along with parents, to a ceremony honoring them --- all expenses paid.

Contact the VFW by phone: Adjutant Thom 425-766-5987 or  Membership Chair Jim 206-522-0508 or send an email to: vfw3348@comcast.net



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Remains of Soldier killed during World War II to be buried in Shoreline

Saturday, August 21, 2021

Tech Sgt Alfred F Turgeo
The remains of a Soldier killed during World War II will be interred at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church Columbarium, August 28, 2021. 

Funeral services for Army Air Forces Tech. Sgt. Alfred F. Turgeon will be performed by Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home, Seattle, preceding the interment.

The private ceremony will be attended by family members with honors by Starr Sutherland Jr. American Legion Post 227 from Shoreline.

A native of Ketchikan, Alaska, Turgeon was a pilot assigned to the 344th Bombardment Squadron, 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy), 9th Air Force. 

On August 1, 1943, the B-24 Liberator aircraft on which Turgeon was serving as a radio operator, crashed after being hit by enemy anti-aircraft fire during Operation TIDAL WAVE, the largest bombing mission against the oil fields and refineries at Ploiesti, north of Bucharest, Romania. 

He was just 23 years old. Turgeon’s remains could not be identified, following the war, and were buried as Unknowns in the Hero Section of the Civilian and Military Cemetery of Bolovan, Ploiești, Prahova, Romania.

In 2017, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency began exhuming unknowns believed to be associated with unaccounted-for airmen from Operation TIDAL WAVE. The remains were sent to the DPAA Laboratory at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, for examination and identification.

Turgeon was accounted for by the DPAA on January 13, 2021, after his remains were identified using dental, anthropological, mitochondrial DNA and autosomal DNA analysis.

His name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at the Florence American Cemetery, an American Battle Monuments Commission site in Impruneta, Italy, along with others still missing from World War II. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

For additional information about Tech. Sgt. Turgeon, go to https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/2472558/airman-accounted-for-from-world-war-ii-turgeon-a/

To learn more about the Department of Defense’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, www.facebook.com/dodpaa, or call (703) 699-1420/1169.


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The Starr Sutherland, Jr. Post 227 of The American Legion is honored to host American Gold Star Mothers, Saturday August 14 at noon

Tuesday, August 10, 2021

Starr Sutherland, Jr. Post 227 will host American Gold Star Mothers, Monica McNeal, Jane Hughes and Linda Swanberg at 1:30pm as they share how their American Gold Star Mothers Chapter gives back to our Veteran and Military Family Community. 
Learn more about the Gold Star Family Memorial Monument to be placed in Veterans Park in Lynnwood.

There will be a BBQ lunch prior to their talk at 12 Noon. This event is open to the Public. The Starr Sutherland, Jr. Post 227 is located at 14521 17th Ave NE, Shoreline, WA 98155.

American Gold Star Mothers Mission

Finding strength in the fellowship of other Gold Star Mothers who strive to keep the memory of our sons and daughters alive by working to help veterans, those currently serving in the military, their families, and our communities.



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Dembowski honors American Legion Starr Sutherland Jr. Post 227 with a $20,000 grant

Friday, July 16, 2021

County Councilmember Rod Dembowski presents a check to Post 227 members while Shoreline Councilmembers Chris Roberts and Betsy Robertson look on. Photo courtesy King County

King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski secured a $20,000 King County grant for the American Legion Post 227 in Shoreline.

This old stove has seen many pancake breakfasts.
Photo courtesy King County
The funds will be used to update the Post’s kitchen (their stove is currently from 1951), renovate an office, and enhance a fire exit. 

The funds are made possible thanks to King County’s Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy.

“It was an honor to present a $20,000 grant to the American Legion Post 227 in Shoreline,” said King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski. 
“The men and women of Post 227 are incredible community leaders who donate their time to help others. 
"They open their doors to those seeking counseling, community groups, and host Red Cross blood drives. The improvements will make this treasured community asset an even more welcoming space.  
"It was an especially joyous event for me, as I was accompanied by my father Al Dembowski, a Korean War veteran.”

Councilmember Dembowski was also joined by Shoreline City Councilmembers Betsy Robertson and Chris Roberts.



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New program will help house King county veterans

The first veteran has already been enrolled in the program. Photo courtesy King County.

To increase utilization of federal housing vouchers to house more local Veterans, King County, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and the King County Housing Authority have joined forces to develop a pioneering new program to aid local Veterans.
 
The Collaborative Case Management (CCM) Pilot Program will combine the power of VA and their federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) vouchers, the expertise of the King County Veterans Program social services staff, and housing units coordinated through the King County Housing Authority to help Veterans experiencing homelessness connect to safe and stable housing.

"King County is proud to join our partners at the VA and the King County Housing Authority to maximize federal and local assistance to house veterans and their families," said King County Executive Dow Constantine. 
"Working together, we are creating housing and supportive services so that every Veteran returning to King County after serving our country can secure a safe and stable home."


"Nobody who serves in our military, risking their lives to defend us and our country, should experience homelessness," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough

"That’s why we worked with King County to create the Collaborative Case Management Pilot program, which will maximize our capacity to help local Veterans obtain and maintain the stable housing they have earned. I hope this collaboration can serve as a nationwide model for preventing and ending Veterans homelessness, and VA looks forward to implementing similar partnerships in communities across America."



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Inslee announces incentives for vaccinated veterans, military and staff, and their families

Saturday, June 19, 2021

Gov. Inslee adds veterans to vaccine lottery
Gov. Jay Inslee announced “A Heroes Thanks” vaccine incentive program on Thursday for Washington's military and staff, veterans and their families who have been vaccinated through the Department of Defense, the VA or the National Guard. 

Starting July 20, 2021 through the Washington State Lottery, eligible Washingtonians can win cash prizes of $100,000 in the first two weeks, Amazon gift cards worth $250, state parks gift cards worth $100, and the final week will have a $250,000 cash prize.

"We are so grateful for these service members, veterans, their families and those who work for the military for their service to our country," Inslee said at a press conference Thursday. "And we are grateful that more and more people are taking care of others by getting vaccinated."

The announcement came two weeks after the rollout of the "Shot of a Lifetime" lottery sweepstakes. Before the incentives were announced, the Department of Health observed a fall off in vaccination rates that began to reverse after the announcement, prompting an expansion of available incentives.

However, when "Shot of a Lifetime" was first announced, data-sharing issues on the part of the federal government made it difficult to include names of veterans, military members and staff, and their families to be included in the drawings. But through innovative collaboration, Washington can now offer incentives to those who serve our state and country, through their work and by getting a life-saving vaccine.

The incentives will be funded with the same federal COVID relief dollars that fund the vaccine lottery. And the Department of Defense will circulate a webform for eligible residents to fill out with the information needed to be entered in the incentives.

The governor was also joined by Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler Thursday to announce incentives and reimbursements for provider outreach to their unvaccinated patients. With medical providers being the most trusted source of information on vaccines for the public, their education on the safety and efficacy of vaccines is crucial to the state’s fight to control the virus.



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Volunteer groups placed 5,000 flags on veterans' graves at Evergreen Washelli

Tuesday, June 1, 2021

Volunteers place flags on graves of veterans
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

The event started at 9:00am with the Northwest Junior Pipe Band (in Shorecrest Robertson Tartans) playing.

The Northwest Junior Pipe Band began the ceremonies
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Boy and Girl Scouts, Campfire, Veterans, and local citizens placed 5,000 flags at the grave markers for Veterans buried at Evergreen-Washelli Cemetery in north Seattle.

Ron Jones, retired Navy, and Shoreline teacher, was among the volunteers.
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

The task was mostly completed by 10:15am.

This is a return to placing the flags on Memorial Day, In 2020 the event was not conducted due to COVID-19.



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Memorial Day Saturday

Sunday, May 30, 2021

Photo by Steven H. Robinson


A multi-generational family group, accompanied by friends and church members, gathered on Saturday, May 29, 2021 to decorate veterans' graves and hold a ceremony at Evergreen Washelli Cemetery in north Seattle.


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Dembowski and Starr Sutherland Jr. Post 227 members lead the King County Council in the Pledge of Allegiance

Friday, May 28, 2021


Dembowski and Starr Sutherland Jr. Post 227 members lead the King County Council in the Pledge of Allegiance

“I want to thank the members of the Starr Sutherland Jr. Post 227 for leading the King County Council in our first flag salute since the start of the pandemic,” said King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski.

Councilmember Dembowski also presented a proclamation from the County Council in honor of Memorial Day.

Dwight Stevens in WW II
The proclamation gives special recognition to veteran and former Shoreline resident Dwight Stevens, who died last year. 

The flag salute was performed live on King County TV and took place at the Shoreline Veterans Recognition Plaza at Shoreline City Hall.



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US Army Air Force hero returns home after 78 years

Monday, May 17, 2021


All photos by Douglas Cerretti

The family of U.S. Army Air Forces Tech. Sgt. Alfred F. Turgeon, whose fate was unknown for 78 years, now knows when and where he died. He was accounted for January 13, 2021 after the Army used DNA analysis from remains buried in Europe.

His family moved to Alaska after he enlisted at age 21 to fight for the Allies in World War II.


On Friday, May 14, 2021, Tech. Sgt. Turgeon's remains were received with honors at Evergreen Washelli Cemetery in Seattle, WA for burial next to his sister, Lorraine Bass.

The official procession was led by the American Legion Department of Washington Patriot Guard.

A van with 3’x5’ American Flags and two Guard members arrived at the Evergreen site and dispensed flags to those assembled. Members of American Legion Post 227 were participants in the ceremonies.

A full funeral service was held

Edmonds artist Michael Regan
presented a portrait of Alfred to 
his nephew, David Bass.
In the summer of 1943, Turgeon was a radio operator/waist gunner assigned to the 344th Bombardment Squadron, 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy), 9th Air Force in North Africa.

On Aug. 1, 1943, the B-24 Liberator aircraft on which Turgeon was serving as a waist gunner and radio operator crashed as a result of enemy anti-aircraft fire during Operation TIDAL WAVE, which was the largest bombing mission against Nazi oil fields and refineries at Ploiesti, north of Bucharest, Romania.

Of the 10-man crew, only the captain survived, taken as a prisoner of war.

More than 300 airmen were believed to have died in the operation and another 100 were captured, according to the National World War II Museum. 

Only 33 of 178 B-24s survived the mission.

His remains were not identified following the war. 

The remains that could not be identified were buried as Unknowns in the Hero Section of the Civilian and Military Cemetery of Bolovan, Ploiești, Prahova, Romania, then later moved to Belgium.

Alfred F. Turgeon
Enlistment photo
1919 - 1943
According to an article in the Anchorage Daily News by Tess Williams, Turgeon's nephew, David Bass, had volunteered a sample of his DNA several years ago to the POW/MIA Accounting Agency. 

The agency began exhuming remains in 2017 at a Belgian cemetery where 80 American soldiers were believed to have been buried. 

The remains of Turgeon and others were sent to Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska for identification. 

Scientists used the DNA provided by Bass, his cousin and his aunt Joan Cutler, Turgeon’s sister, to make the identification.

And Friday, he came home.



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Life Changer Award 2021 – Call for Nominations

Saturday, May 1, 2021

Do you know someone who has made life better for others? That someone might be a friend, a teacher, a doctor, a pastor or anyone? 

You can gain recognition for that deserving person by nominating him or her for an American Legion Life Changer Award. It’s easy to nominate someone and a successful nomination will provide a wonderful reward for that deserving person who has made life better for others in their community.

The person who has made lives better does not need to be veteran or associated with the military or military organizations.

The Starr Sutherland Jr. Post 227 of The American Legion has sponsored the Life Changer Award since 2012. Post members will select the winner. The winner will receive a framed certificate and a $200 award.

The 2020 Life Changer Awardee was Gary Walderman, founder and director of Hero’s Café Lynnwood whose mission is to bring together area Veterans through monthly meetings creating new friendships and to raise funds and services to meet the many needs of Military Veterans. Other awardees can be found here from Shoreline Area News: https://www.shorelineareanews.com/search?q=life+changer+award

Nominations can be made by submitting (up to 300 words) describing how your nominee made life better. Include the full name, address and phone number of the nominee as well as your full name, address and phone number. Email your nomination (before June 1, 2021) to: starrsutherlandjrpost227@gmail.com

You can also send your nomination to American Legion Post 227, P.O. Box 55193, Shoreline, WA 98155. Questions about the Life Changer Award program can be directed to the email or P.O. Box addresses above.



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Youth essay contest through National Veterans of Foreign Wars

Thursday, April 29, 2021


The National VFW holds an annual Youth Essay contest for three different age groups as follows:

The Voice of Democracy (VOD):

Theme is: "AMERICA: WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?”

Total Cash Awards: $154,000
Top Individual National Cash Award: $30,000
Grades 9-12

The Patriot’s Pen

Theme is: "HOW CAN I BE A GOOD AMERICAN?”

Total Cash Awards: $55,000
Top Individual National Cash Award: $5,000
Grades 6-8

The WA State Youth Essay

Theme is: "WHY DO I STAND FOR MY COUNTRY'S FLAG?

Grand Prize: $100

Details and how to enter:

The deadline for each of the three contest entries, to be received by our Post, is on or before: October 31, 2021.

Details are on our website under the “Programs” menu, option: “Youth Essay Contest” --- which has more helpful information --- including links to the Entry Rules and Forms.

Blackburn Aurora VFW Post 3348
Shoreline and Northern King County

VFW website: www.vfw3348.org



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Public Health: Starting April 15, all people in Washington age 16 and older are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination

Thursday, April 15, 2021

By Lily Alexander
Seattle and King County Public Health

Starting April 15, all people in Washington age 16 and older are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination

It is exciting to see vaccine eligibility expanding again – as each vaccination brings us one step closer to ending this pandemic. 

As of this week, nearly 50% of all adults in King County have received at least one vaccine dose.

However, limited vaccine supply continues to be our number one challenge to vaccinating everyone who is eligible and who wants to be vaccinated.

We at Public Health—Seattle and King County acknowledge how frustrating it is that there is not enough vaccine. We are hoping vaccine supply increases early next month. Access will increase as providers in King County receive more doses.

Who is eligible?

Everyone age 16 years and older is eligible for COVID-19 vaccination as of April 15. This means approximately 650,000 people will be newly eligible, bringing the total to nearly one million people in King County who are unvaccinated and eligible.

At this time, COVID-19 vaccines are not authorized for children younger than 16 years old. Clinical trials are in process for young children.

Vaccination is available for eligible individuals no matter your insurance status, immigration status, citizenship, place of work, place of residence, or your health condition.

What vaccine options are available for 16– and 17–year–olds?

The Pfizer vaccine is currently the only vaccine authorized for people under age 18. The Moderna vaccine can be given to anyone 18 and older (and the Johnson / Johnson vaccine is currently on pause, but it also was approved for adults 18 and over).

For 16 and 17-year-olds, make sure the location you choose offers the Pfizer vaccine (see here for information on parental consent).

Some vaccine providers list the type of vaccine available on their online registration sites or can provide that information over the phone. You can also check Washington State’s Vaccine Locator for the type of vaccine available at different sites.
 
How do I find an appointment?

Vaccine supplies and appointments are currently limited in many locations. There may be delays in scheduling due to high demand. Getting appointments will be easier as providers receive more doses and more high-volume vaccine sites open.
  • Option 1:  Call your doctor’s office or health care provider to see if they have available vaccination appointments.
  • Option 2:  Check with your local pharmacies to see if they have available appointments. Just like getting a flu shot at your local pharmacy, many pharmacy chains – including grocery stores – have COVID-19 vaccine appointments available.
  • Option 3:  Use Washington State’s Vaccine Locator – Vaccinate WA: COVID-19 Vaccine Availability
  • Option 4:  Visit one of the King County Vaccination Partnership Sites – You can schedule directly at one of these sites. All King County sites are ADA accessible and have language and ASL interpretation available. For the Auburn and Kent sites, registration is prioritized for residents of south King County to ensure equitable access. For more information about these sites, visit kingcounty.gov/vaccine.
  • Option 5:  Schedule by phone if you need language interpretation or other assistance. For language interpretation, please say your preferred language when connected:
    • Call the Washington State COVID-19 Assistance Hotline: Dial 1-800-525-0127 or 1-888-856-5816, then press #. Available Mondays from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Tuesdays – Sundays and  observed state holidays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    • Phone support is also available from the Public Health COVID-19 Call Center at 206-477-3977, 8am-7pm. Interpretation is available over the phone.
Veterans, K-12 school employees

For additional appointment options for veterans, K-12 school employees, and others, visit Public Health’s Getting Vaccinated in King County page.

More information here



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