by larryw | Jun 3, 2025 | American Legion Post 178
(L-R) With Post 178 Color Guard members Mark Hurlen and Bill Drake in the foreground, Commander Joanne Schumm and Terry Gilbert, Vice Commander-Programs, accepted the 2025 BAPS Charities Award from numerous BAPS representatives.
The Courcy Post 178 Foundation was the proud recipient of the 2025 BAPS Charities Award. On behalf of the foundation, Post 178 Commander Joanne Schumm and Terry Gilbert, Vice Commander-Programs, accepted the $5,000 donation on Sunday, June 1 at Frisco’s Kaleidoscope Park.
BAPS Charities is an international charitable organization whose reach extends from the United States all the way across the world to Europe, to Asia, and even to Australia. The organization has five areas of focus: Community Empowerment, Educational Services, Environmental Protection and Preservation, Health and Wellness, and Humanitarian Relief.
BAPS Charities walks have been going on for over 20 years throughout North America. Its guiding principle is “In the joy of others lies our own.” The walkathon embodies this ethos by bringing communities together to support causes that uplift and serve. It is not just about physical activity; it is about fostering unity, compassion, and collective action. It aims to build stronger communities and make a lasting impact both locally and globally.
BAPS Charities is honored to recognize The American Legion that has been serving veterans, service members, and their families since 1919. The American Legion offers a range of services, including assistance with benefits, healthcare, employment, youth programs, and community service initiatives. The funds raised from the walkathon will be used to support our post youth programs and supporting various programs that benefit local veterans and their families.
by larryw | May 27, 2025 | Auxiliary
Volunteers Vickie Allen, Pam Break, Delores and Kirk Faulkner, Virginia Mendlik, and Donna Segal were at Lowe’s on Preston Road Friday and Saturday before Memorial Day to hand out poppies. These pictures were taken in front of the military display in the parking lot at Lowe’s.
After World War I, the poppy flourished in Europe. Its growth was attributed to soils in France and Belgium becoming enriched with lime from the rubble left by World War I. The red poppy came to symbolize the blood shed during battles following the publication of the wartime poem “In Flanders Fields.” The poem was written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, M.D. while serving on the front lines.
The poppy became the official flower of The American Legion on September 22, 1920, to memorialize the soldiers who fought and died during World War I. In 1924, the distribution of poppies became a national program of The American Legion.
The American Legion Auxiliary has used poppies for many years to raise awareness and support for our nation’s veterans.
by larryw | May 21, 2025 | Community
The BAPS Charities Walk | Run 2025 is scheduled for Sunday, June 1, 2025, from 5 PM to 9 PM at Kaleidoscope Park, located at 6635 Warren Parkway in Frisco, TX. This event is a family-friendly gathering open to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you are walking, running, volunteering, or simply supporting, it is a wonderful opportunity to come together for a meaningful cause.
Through this event, BAPS Charities hope to inspire individuals to come together, support one another, and contribute to causes that make a real difference. By participating in the walkathon, community members are not only promoting health and wellness but are also actively engaging in service that benefits veterans and their families. It is a step towards building a more connected and caring community.
BAPS Charities is honored to support the American Legion, a nonprofit organization that has been serving veterans, service members, and their families since 1919. If appropriate, wear American Legion attire and caps to show our gratitude to BAPS for supporting the American Legion.
by larryw | May 11, 2025 | American Legion Post 178
Peter J Courcy Post 178 recently presented American Legion JROTC medals for scholastic and military excellence at three cadet awards ceremonies at Lebanon Trail, Rock Hill, and Lake Highlands high schools.
(L-R) At Lebanon Trail High School, Cadet Lieutenant JG Neureka Kundu accepts the American Legion Scholastic Excellence Medal and certificate from Bill Drake, Color Guard Captain, and Post Executive Committee Member.
(L-R) At Lebanon Trail High School, Cadet Lieutenant Joel Sahaya accepts the American Legion Military Excellence Medal and certificate from Bill Drake, Color Guard Captain, and Post Executive Committee Member.
(L-R) At Rock Hill High School, Cadet Major Suryansh Bathina accepts the American Legion Scholastic Excellence Medal and certificate from Larry Wilhelm, Post Executive Committee Member.
(L-R) At Rock Hill High School, Cadet Captain Justus Brewer accepts the American Legion Military Excellence Medal and certificate from Larry Wilhelm, Post Executive Committee Member.
(L-R) At Lake Highlands High School, LTC Robert Gerald, US Army, Retired, SFC Daisy Andrews, Terry Gilbert, Vice Commander-Programs, presents Cadet/CPT Ruth Yusuff the American Legion Scholastic Excellence Medal and certificate, C /CSM Briannan Rodriguez accepts the American Legion Military Excellence Medal and certificate from Bill Drake, Color Guard Captain, and MSG Calvin Washington, US Army Retired.
by larryw | Apr 27, 2025 | Oratorical
On April21, 2025, Scarlett Sweckard and her mom and dad joined us at our monthly membership meeting. Scarlett was one of four of our Post 178 scholarship recipients who moved on to compete in the 4th District Oratorical contest. Scarlett went on to win the 4th District and the 1st Division contests and placed first runner up in the Department (State) contest with her prepared oration on The Importance of the 2nd Amendment.
Scarlett is a junior at FISD-Reedy High School; and it is her second year competing in the American Legion Constitutional Speech contest. Scarlett has continued to grow in her knowledge and passion for the U.S. Constitution and has become a formidable speaking competitor. She has excelled at her research and speaking skills and presentation of her selected topics as well as the assigned topics at each level of the contests.
Scarlett presented, to the membership, a brief review of her experiences in the contests over the past 2 years and her desire to continue to compete in the coming year’s contest. She fielded questions from the membership, demonstrating her maturity, poise and presence and offered her thoughts on how we may improve the post contest and how to reach a broader spectrum of the FISD student population.
We are fortunate to have Scarlett represent our Post 178 program. She is a credit to herself, her family, school, community and Post 178 continuing to demonstrate poise, humility, excellence and class. Scarlett was presented with a bouquet of roses by Terry Gilbert, Program Director and Joanne Schumm, Commander in recognition of her achievement and appreciation of her representation of Post 178.
Scarlett and her parents joined us for the Post after meeting social at Randy’s. We truly enjoyed our opportunity to get to know the Sweckard family. And many thanks to their interest and ongoing support.
The American Legion Peter J Courcy Post 178 2025 constitutional speech contest is scheduled for December 13, 2025, at The Grove at Frisco Commons. More to come at a later date.
by larryw | Apr 19, 2025 | Auxiliary
(L – R) Delores Faulkner, Lexi Harrer, Vickie Allen, Jill Harrer
A group of Auxiliary – Unit 178 members recently traveled to Bonham to visit the ladies residing at the Clyde W. Cosper Texas State Veterans Home. The ladies were either veterans or spouses of veterans. The group enjoyed a tea party and cookie cake baked by Lexi. Other sweet and salty treats were distributed in little Easter bags.
