Scarlett Sweckard recognized at April Membership Meeting

Scarlett Sweckard recognized at April Membership Meeting

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.

 

Auxiliary – Unit 178 Members Visit  Clyde W. Cosper Texas State Veterans Home

Auxiliary – Unit 178 Members Visit Clyde W. Cosper Texas State Veterans Home

(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.

 

Post 178 Observes Vietnam War Veterans Day

Post 178 Observes Vietnam War Veterans Day

March 29 is National Vietnam War Veterans Day. America thanks and honors all Vietnam Veterans and the families of those who served during the Vietnam War period.

Since the birth of the United States, no single generation of Americans has been spared the responsibility of defending freedom by force of arms. More than 44 million American men and women have sacrificed and served in times of war. Their collective service and individual sacrifices have safeguarded the cherished concepts embodied in our constitution.

Most military families endure the hardship of separation, uncertainty, and fear, but the families of our Vietnam Veterans also witnessed their husbands and wives, sons and daughters, and fathers and mothers returning home to a nation in turmoil. They watched as the vast majority received no formal recognition for their service or welcome home ceremonies hosted by their communities.

Like Veterans returning from today’s battlefields, those who served in Vietnam came home with both physical and unseen injuries of war. Many of the unseen injuries suffered by our Vietnam Veterans went undiagnosed and were not understood by our medical community or citizenry as they are now. Veterans were left to meet these challenges without the assistance available today.

Post 178 offers its thanks to all Vietnam Veterans and the families of the Veterans who served from Nov. 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975. These inclusive dates maximize the recognition of United States military Veterans who served on active duty during the Vietnam War period. No distinction is being made between Veterans who served in-country, in-theater or who were stationed elsewhere during the Vietnam War period. All were called to serve and the overwhelming majority served honorably and admirably.

Post 178 honors its more than 200 men and women Vietnam Veteran members.

The Nation’s Largest Veterans Service Organization Turns 106 on March 15

The Nation’s Largest Veterans Service Organization Turns 106 on March 15

March 15, the designated birthday of The American Legion, is the day in 1919 when the first American Legion caucus, held by members of the American Expeditionary Force, convened in Paris. Much as the birthday of the United States is celebrated on July 4 – for the day in 1776 when revolting patriots declared the independence of the British colonies and the spirit of America was born – March 15 is the date on which the Legion came to life.

Event: U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs Women Veterans Community Support Forum

The Center for Women Veterans (CWV) will host the VA Women Veterans Community Support Forum. The forum will be an opportunity to exchange information on VA benefits, services, and initiatives as well as to discuss with community partners how to connect Servicemembers, Veterans, caregivers, survivors and family members to VA and community resources.

Notable Invited Speakers (tentative): Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Congresswoman Jennifer Kiggans, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs – The Honorable Douglas A. Collins

Topics:

  • Overview of Women’s Health
  • Updates on the Deborah Sampson Act
  • VA Homeless Programs
  • VA Transition Assistance Programs
  • Overview of Center for Minority Veterans
  • VA S.A.V.E
  • Updates on PACT Act

Friday, March 28, 2025 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM
(UTC-05:00) Central Time (US & Canada)

Register