Frisco Lakes Veterans Group Supports the Boys State and Girls State Programs

Frisco Lakes Veterans Group Supports the Boys State and Girls State Programs

On December 3, 2019 the Frisco Lakes Veterans Group presented a program to members and residents of Frisco Lakes on their 2019 accomplishments. One of their proudest accomplishments was the support of both Texas Boys State and Bluebonnet Girls State.

Two of the 2019 delegates were invited to share their story on what attending the program meant to them. Karlene Stelling, Reedy High School, represented Girls State and Preston Cook, Legacy Christian High School, represented Boys State; both made compelling presentations.

Every year the Frisco American Legion, Peter J. Courcy, Post 178 and the Post Auxiliary Unit 178 coordinate, organize, and raise funds for students from the Frisco area High Schools to be able to attend these events in Austin.

Fred Rogers, Post Commander, said, “We are sincerely grateful for the support from this fine volunteer organization.”

Karlene Stelling at Frisco Lakes Veterans Group

Preston Cook at Frisco Lakes Veterans Group

LEGION Act Signed Into Law

LEGION Act Signed Into Law

The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow servicemembers and veterans.

In July this year Congress passed the LEGION Act (Let Everyone Get Involved in Opportunities for National Service) and President Trump signed the bill into law on July 30, 2019. One of the impacts from this law is that the American Legion’s eligibility criteria immediately changes from seven war eras to two: April 6, 1917, to Nov. 11, 1918, and Dec. 7, 1941 to a time later determined by the federal government.

We BelieveThe Frisco American Legion, Peter J. Courcy Post, 178 serves Frisco and the North Texas community through Texas Boys State, Flag Education, School Programs, a statewide High School Oratorical Contest, and its regionally known Color Guard. It is actively engaged in assisting Frisco and North Texas Veterans.

11 things you need to know about the LEGION Act

For more information on membership please contact us, or you can also find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ALPOST178TX/

Membership Drive at Frisco Gun Club

On Saturday, September 7, 2019, from 9:00am – 3:00pm, we will be holding a Membership Drive at the Frisco Gun Club during their Vendor Day 2019 Event. Come out and enjoy demonstrations and giveaways at FGC, and be sure to stop by our table to find out more about what we do.

Current members can also renew their membership for the upcoming year.

Veterans History Project

Veterans History Project

The Veterans History Project collects, preserves, and makes accessible the firsthand accounts of American wartime veterans so that future generations may learn about veterans’ experiences in their own words to better understand the realities of war. The United States Congress created the Veterans History Project (VHP) in 2000, and the project is overseen and archived by the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress (LOC).

All veterans who reside in the 26th Congressional District are encouraged to register to be interviewed for the Veterans History Project. Interviews will be conducted every Tuesday at U.S. Congressman Michael Burgess’ Lake Dallas district office.

You can sign up by submitting your interview request to Congressman Burgess’ office by mail, email, or by calling his district office at 940-497-5031. (If you are unsure of your residency, please check here.)

The Project collects first-hand accounts of U.S. Veterans from the following wars:

  • World War, 1914-1918
  • World War, 1939-1945
  • Cold War
  • Korean War, 1950-1953
  • Vietnam War, 1961-1975
  • Grenada–History–American Invasion, 1983
  • Panama–History–American Invasion, 1989
  • Operation Restore Hope, 1992-1993
  • Persian Gulf War, 1991
  • United Nations Operation in Somalia
  • Haiti–History–American intervention, 1994-1995
  • Operation Allied Force, 1999
  • Peacekeeping forces–Bosnia and Hercegovina
  • Operation Joint Guardian, 1999-
  • War on Terrorism, 2001-2009
  • Afghan War, 2001-
  • Iraq War, 2003-2011

In addition, U.S. citizen civilians who were actively involved in supporting war efforts (such as war industry workers, USO workers, flight instructors, medical volunteers, etc.) also are invited to share their valuable stories.

Note: This post does not constitute an endorsement of U.S. Congressman Michael Burgess on the part of the American Legion or its members.

Recognition our Veterans Deserve – Badges of Honor

Collin County is honored to be called home by nearly 40,000 of our nation’s valiant veterans. As a Marine, ensuring my fellow servicemen and women receive the recognition they deserve for their sacrifice to our nation is incredibly important.

That’s why I’m excited to help local veterans obtain the military medals they earned in service to our country. On April 12, 2019 my office will host a Badges of Honor event to assist veterans and their families in beginning the military medal request process. Paperwork required by each military branch can be daunting, however my staff will be available to help TX-03 veterans and their loved ones complete the necessary forms.

The event will take place on Friday, April 12, 2019 at my Collin County Office located at 5600 Tennyson Blvd, Suite 275, Plano, TX 75024 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

If you are interested in requesting your military medals or decorations, or those of a loved one, please RSVP online or call my Collin County office at (972) 202-4150.

It is an honor and privilege to serve you in the United States House of Representatives.

Semper Fidelis,

Van Taylor
Member of Congress