Purple Heart Day 2020

Posted on August 7, 2020 by

Purple Heart Day on August 7 commemorated the creation of the oldest American military decoration for military merit. The Purple Heart honors the men and women who are of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. During the American Revolutionary War, the Badge for Military Merit decorated six known soldiers.

General George Washington created the Badge of Merit in 1782. The honor was to be presented to soldiers for “any singularly meritorious action.” Its design included a purple, heart-shaped piece of silk bound with a thin edge of silver. Across the face, the word Merit was embroidered in silver. While the badge symbolized the courage and devotion of an American Patriot, no one knows who designed the award.

Until Washington’s 200th birthday, the Purple Heart persisted as a Revolutionary War footnote. Through the efforts of General Douglas MacArthur, the U.S. War Department created the Order of the Purple Heart. Today the medal bears a bust of George Washington and his coat of arms.

National Geographic recently estimated that nearly 1.9 million Purple Hearts have been awarded since its creation. It is the oldest U.S. military honor still bestowed upon service members today. Until 1944, the Purple Heart recognized service members’ commendable actions as well. Then in 1944, the requirements limited the award to only those wounded or killed in combat.

Post 178 is honored to have Purple Heart recipients in its ranks. If you know one, thank him for his sacrifice. Each unquestionably deserves it.

Submitted by Ed Reed

Posted in Americanism

HAPPY 226th BIRTHDAY, U.S. COAST GUARD

Posted on August 4, 2020 by

Every year, August 4 is celebrated as the U.S. Coast Guard Birthday, commemorating the military organization for its valor and discipline.  Since 1790, the U.S. Coast Guard has kept the nation’s waterways safe, playing a critical role in national security.

The U.S. Coast Guard patrols our coasts for drug smugglers, human trafficking and both domestic and international terrorism. As the bad guys (and girls) have gotten savvy with technology, the Coast Guard has developed sophisticated, effective technology to combat crimes on the water and at our ports. It is a 24/7 job. If you know a Coast Guard veteran or someone on active duty, thank them for their service.

Visit the U.S. Coast Guard Website

Posted in Coast Guard

Women Veterans Day – 72 Years in the Armed Services

Posted on June 11, 2020 by

This year we celebrate 72 years of women in the armed services. On June 12, 1948, President Harry Truman signed into law the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act allowing women to serve as regular members of the military.

On May 5, 2017, Representative Victoria Neave filed House Bill 2698, establishing Women Veterans Day. HB2698 was later incorporated into Texas Senate Bill 805 and on June 9, 2017 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott designating June 12th as Women Veterans Day.

Read more.

Image is from the Texas Veterans Commission website.

Posted in Anniversary | Tagged

76th Anniversary of D-Day Invasion of Normandy

Posted on June 6, 2020 by

During World War II (1939-1945), the Battle of Normandy, which lasted from June 1944 to August 1944, resulted in the Allied liberation of Western Europe from Nazi Germany’s control. Codenamed Operation Overlord, the battle began on June 6, 1944, also known as D-Day, when some 156,000 American, British and Canadian forces landed on five beaches along a 50-mile stretch of the heavily fortified coast of France’s Normandy region. The invasion was one of the largest amphibious military assaults in history and required extensive planning. Prior to D-Day, the Allies conducted a large-scale deception campaign designed to mislead the Germans about the intended invasion target. By late August 1944, all of northern France had been liberated, and by the following spring the Allies had defeated the Germans. The Normandy landings have been called the beginning of the end of war in Europe.

Read the whole article here: https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/d-day

Picture is from the original article.

Posted in Anniversary | Tagged ,

Frisco Memorial Day Observance

Posted on May 21, 2020 by

𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 “𝐆𝐎”

Frisco, Texas – Frisco Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8273 and the Frisco Garden Club partner to host the 2020 Memorial Day Ceremony.  At 9:00 am on Monday, May 25, 2020 veterans and members of the community will join together to pay respect to America’s heroes that fought and died in battle.  The ceremony will be held at the Veterans Memorial within Frisco Commons Park located at 8000 McKinney Rd, Frisco, TX 75034.  This year’s ceremony will include a keynote address from retired “Marine One” pilot and community volunteer Lieut. Col. Richard “Dick” Peasley.  In addition, the Mayor of Frisco, Jeff Cheney, the Frisco Community Band, the Frisco Chorale, and other organizations will come together to round out the program.

In this day of increased health concerns associated with COVID-19, the Frisco VFW and Garden Club request that social distancing be practiced while in attendance.  In addition, face masks are encouraged to be worn and will be available on-site, while supplies last.  Hand sanitation stations will also be available in order to mitigate risk.  Residents with increased health risks are encouraged to enjoy the program in the comfort of their home as the ceremony will be streamed live via Facebook Live.  A rebroadcast of the ceremony will be available on Facebook and YouTube.

 “Although we are sensitive to the current health situation, we felt it critical to move forward with this program to honor those men and women that gave the ultimate sacrifice to our country.” commented Shenna Lawless, Commander of Frisco VFW Post 8273.  “We will honor them on Memorial Day while practicing social distancing, providing disposable face masks, and sanitation stations to those in attendance.”

The City of Frisco, Frisco American Legion Post 178, Frisco Independent School District will participate or provide support to the ceremony.  Frisco VFW Memorial Day Coordinator and Frisco Councilmember Tim H. Nelson added, “There is no way that we could pull off such a special event and in such a short time without the support and assistance of our partners.  Two weeks ago, this event looked like it would never happen.  Last week we received approval from the city of Frisco and were pulling this together in no time with all of their help.”

In this time of need, attendees are encouraged to bring in unexpired canned goods, all of which will be donated to Frisco Family Services.

Credit: Frisco Post No. 8273, Veterans of Foreign Wars, US

Posted in Americanism | Tagged

Frisco Legion Distributes Over 700 Masks to Residents

Posted on May 16, 2020 by

Frisco American Legion distributes over 700 masks to Frisco area residents, physical therapy clinic patients, and two Non-Profits

This past week the Frisco American Legion, Peter J, Courcy, Post 178 partnered with local businesses Classique Jewelers, Big Frog Custom T-Shirts and More, and EventHaus and distributed over 700 reusable cloth masks to local residents, local physical therapy clinics (to distribute to their patients in need), and two local Non-Profits, Frisco Family Services, and Frisco Fastpacs. The Legion 2nd Vice Commander, Rob Altman II, stated, “This particular service project was quite fun —we are truly blessed to live in a community, like Frisco, where the passion for service to others is so strong.”

Frisco Community Mask Distribution 2020

Members of the American Legion, Peter J. Courcy, Post 178, distribute masks outside of Classique Jewelers.

Frisco Family Services Mask Distribution

2nd Vice Commander, Thor Anderson, delivers masks to Frisco Family Services.

Frisco Fastpacks Mask Distribution

2nd Vice Commander, Thor Anderson, delivers masks to Frisco Fastpacks

Posted in Giving Back, Health | Tagged

MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS CANCELLED

Posted on April 9, 2020 by

Until further notice monthly Membership Meetings have been temporarily cancelled because of the President’s Coronavirus (COVID – 19) Guidelines. The Executive Committee will advise when meetings are scheduled. For more information, For more information, contact Thor Anderson, 214-240-7027, or thoramericanlegion@gmail.com.

Posted in Events, Membership | Leave a comment

American Legion Post 178 Hosted the 2020 State Oratory Finals

Posted on April 8, 2020 by

On President’s Day the top student orators in the state arrived in Frisco to win the top honors in the annual American Legion Department of Texas High School Oratorical Contest.

The contest was held on February 17, 2020 at Collin College, Preston Ridge Campus, 6700 Wade Blvd., Frisco, TX 75035. Post 178 Commander and State Oratorical Chair, Fred Rogers, planned the contest and was the moderator.

Over the past several months in 22 Legion districts in Texas, students competed with their presentation of original speeches on the U.S. Constitution. Each of the 22 districts selected a winner to send to one of the four Legion division contests. The top four speakers from those divisions participated in the final competition. Each of the speakers completed their presentations before a distinguished panel of judges hoping to be named state champion. The panel of judges included Eileen Elledge, Jim Johnson, Jason Mrochek, Jared Patterson, Tom Smith and Paul Jones.

Orators were required to create and memorize an original speech on some aspect of the Constitution with an emphasis on a citizen’s duties and obligations to our government. Each used this oratory throughout the competition. An additional element of the contest required each student to deliver extemporaneous remarks over one of four amendments to the Constitution.

The final standings of the four outstanding high school student participants were:

PLACE NAME GRADE DIVISION
1st Tanner David Junior 3
2nd Rehan Rupawalla Senior 2
3rd Kateltynn Mitchell Junior 1
4th Carter Moxley Senior 4

Scholarships totaling $5000, along with medallions, were awarded by Department Commander Jeff Perkins.  The first-place winner received a $2,000 scholarship, second-place winner received a $1,500 scholarship, third-place winner received a $1,000 scholarship and fourth-place winner received a $500 scholarship.

Mr. Tanner David, the state champion, would have advanced along with more than 50 other winners from across the U.S. to the National Competition in Indianapolis on April 18 and 19, 2020, but, unfortunately, the national contest was cancelled because of COVID-19.

American Legion Peter J. Courcy Post 178 was selected to host the state competition for 2019 and 2020.  “It was a distinct honor for Post 178 to have been chosen to host such a patriotic contest for the past two years,” observed Post Commander Fred Rogers.

Many volunteers from Post 178 and American Legion Auxiliary 178 assisted with preparation before and during the contest.  Additionally, a banquet for the finalists and their families, as well as many state officials and dignitaries from the Legion Department of Texas, was hosted before the contest.

Learn more about the National, Department (State) and Post (Local) Oratorical Contests at:

  1. legion.org/oratorical
  2. txlegion.org/programs/oratorical
  3. friscolegion.org/programs/youth/oratorical-scholarship-competition

 

Posted in Oratorical | Leave a comment

Governor Abbott Announces Federal Grant for Senior Citizen Meals

Posted on March 25, 2020 by

Governor Greg Abbott today announced that Texas has received a $16.2 million grant from the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Administration for Community Living (ACL) to help communities provide meals for older adults.

The grant was part of a $250 million dollar outlay authorized by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, signed into law by President Trump on March 18, 2020. Originally created by the Older Americans Act (OAA) of 1965, these programs provide meals to more than 2.4 million older adults nationwide each year, both through home delivery and in places like community centers.

“This grant is especially timely given the disproportionately high toll that COVID-19 has been taking on seniors around the world,” said Governor Abbott. “As social distancing measures increasingly and appropriately limit people’s social mobility, it is imperative that alternate means for feeding our state’s elderly like Meals on Wheels receive additional resources to handle the growing need.”

Texas will receive its proportional grant, $16,205,796, second only to California ($25 million) and Florida ($18 million) this week for further distribution to local meal providers.

Older adults who need assistance can contact the Eldercare Locator to find services available in their community. The Eldercare Locator can be reached at 1-800-677-1116 or https://eldercare.acl.gov/.

For more information about the Texas response to COVID-19, please visit https://texas.gov/#covid19/.

For more information about the Older Americans Act nutrition programs, please visit https://ACL.gov.

Original article here.

Posted in Giving Back, Home | Leave a comment

GI Bill Fix Will Keep Funds Flowing During Pandemic

Posted on March 25, 2020 by

President Donald Trump on March 21 signed a bill into law that will ensure GI Bill benefits aren’t suspended for college programs forced to switch to distance learning because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Without the bill, tuition, housing, and subsistence allowances might have had to be suspended when schools switch from classroom to distance learning formats.

The Air Force Association joined a coalition of organizations that signed a March 17 letter to the leaders House and Senate Veterans Affairs committees urging quick action. With well over 100 educational institutions shuttered and transitioning to online coursework due to the virus, a rapid fix was necessary, they wrote.

“While all students are affected by these course changes, many military-connected students face urgent and unique impacts regarding receipt of GI Bill benefits that are tied to specific types of course approval,” the letter said.

Read the whole article here.

Posted in Health | Leave a comment