by larryw | Apr 29, 2022 | Veteran Services
On April 26, VA announced the addition of nine rare respiratory cancers to the list of presumed service-connected disabilities due to exposure to fine particulate matter for Veterans who served any amount of time in
• Afghanistan, Djibouti, Syria or Uzbekistan during the Persian Gulf War, from September 19, 2001, to the present, or
• The Southwest Asia theater of operations from August 2, 1990, to the present.
VA identified, through a focused review of scientific and medical evidence, a biological plausibility between airborne hazards, specifically particulate matter, and carcinogensis of the respiratory tract; the unique circumstances of these rare cancers warrant a presumption of service connection.
Veterans and survivors who had claims previously denied for any of the below respiratory cancers are encouraged to file a supplemental claim for benefits:
• Squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx;
• Squamous cell carcinoma of the trachea;
• Adenocarcinoma of the trachea;
• Salivary gland-type tumors of the trachea;
• Adenosquamous carcinoma of the lung;
• Large cell carcinoma of the lung;
• Salivary gland-type tumors of the lung;
• Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung and;
• Typical and atypical carcinoid of the lung.
VA will contact impacted Veterans and survivors to inform them about their eligibility and it will provide information on how to apply.
To apply for benefits, Veterans and survivors may visit VA.gov or call toll-free at 800-827-1000.
by larryw | Apr 28, 2022 | American Legion Riders
ALRs from Post 178 and 321 prepare to ride in Gainesville’s 21st annual Medal of Honor parade.
The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States.
In 2001 Gainesville, Texas became the only city in America to host our nation’s highest decorated heroes to promote patriotism. On April 23, 2022, it completed its 21st annual Medal of Honor parade.
Seven Medal of Honor recipients attended the parade this year: Sgt. Allen James Lynch, Specialist Fourth Class Michael John Fizmaurice, Staff Sergeant Melvin Morris, Capt. James Allen Taylor, Capt. James E. Livingston, Petty Officer Robert “Bob” Ingram, and Hospital Corpsman Second Class Donald “Doc” Ballard.
Eight ALR members from Post 178 and 321 rode 70 miles to participate along with hundreds of other motorcyclists in this year’s parade. George Sutton, Post 178 ALR Director, said, “It was an honor to celebrate the heroism of the Medal of Honor recipients.”
by larryw | Apr 25, 2022 | American Legion Post 178
L-R Voter registrars Marty Martel, US Air Force, Retired, and David Break, US Army, Retired, register a new voter.
Recently, two Post 178 members visited the Memorial High School campus to register young voters. David Break, US Army Retired, and Marty Martel, US Air Force, Retired, volunteered to participate in the voter registration drive.
During the two-hour drive, numerous student inquiries were received and answered. More importantly, eight students were registered as new voters. The two Post 178 members were guests of Ms. Alicia Webb, Social Studies Department.
Memorial High School has been very receptive to Post 178 new voter registration drives.
by larryw | Apr 21, 2022 | Oratorical
Terry Gilbert, Vice Commander, and Oratorical Program Chairman presented Emma red roses and a Post 178 coin after her presentation.
Miss Emma Ko, a senior, home school, graciously shared her 2022 oratorical contest experiences with members at their April membership meeting. Miss Ko participated in the contest for the past two years. In 2021, she participated in the district contest, but in 2022 she progressed to the department finals where she finished as first runner up.
At each contest, Miss Ko delivered two orations; a prepared oration and a randomly assigned constitutional topic oration. She impressed the judges with her prepared topic, “The Humble Article” and multiple assigned topic orations.
During her presentation, Miss Ko commented that the positivity shared by post members at each contest level was immensely helpful to her performance. She also commented that the frequent communication with Terry Gilbert, the 2022 Oratorical Committee Chairman, was also extremely helpful. Finally, she felt that her experiences would have a significant, positive impact on her future goals.
For her performances in the four contests, she received college scholarships totaling $5,000. For her outstanding oratory performances, she was recognized by the Frisco City Council and Mayor Jeff Chaney who presented her a Certificate of Achievement.
Post 178 is enormously proud of Emma and wish her every success in her college endeavors.
by larryw | Apr 21, 2022 | Anniversary
San Jacinto Day is a day of state pride for Texans in the United States on April 21 each year. It commemorates the Battle of San Jacinto between the Texan army and Mexican forces, which took place on April 21, 1836. The battle was a turning point for Texas’ independence from Mexico.
Around 1820, the area that is now Texas was part of the newly independent country of Mexico. However, there was a strong push for an independent Republic of Texas so, in 1835, the Texas Declaration of Independence was drafted, and a provisional government was formed. This movement was supported by a wave of volunteers from the United States. In 1836, Mexican president Santa Anna travelled to Texas to bring down this uprising. His campaign started successfully, and the Mexican forces regained control of a number of areas.
Texan forces fought and won the Battle of San Jacinto on and captured General Santa Anna. This event led to negotiations for Texas to become fully independent from Mexico. The site of the battle is now known as the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site, which is close to the Houston Ship Channel and the cities of La Porte and Baytown. The site features the San Jacinto Monument, which is 570 feet (or about 174 meters) high and the world’s tallest masonry tower.
The Battle of San Jacinto lasted for only 18 minutes. However, hundreds of Mexicans were killed, injured, or captured. Nine Texan soldiers were killed and 26 were wounded.
San Jacinto Day is a public holiday in Texas, where it is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed.
by larryw | Apr 12, 2022 | Events
On Monday, May 30 join the City of Frisco, the Frisco Garden Club, and Frisco VFW Post 8273 for a Memorial Day Observance at Frisco Commons, 8000 McKinney Road.
The event will feature a traditional flag and wreath laying ceremony, patriotic music, and participation from local scouts. The Frisco Garden Club and the VFW have been coordinating Memorial Day services in Frisco since 1994.
Post 178 Honor Guard and the VFW Guard to raise the Colors at 9 A.M.
