(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.
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.
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.
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:
Friday, March 28, 2025 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM
(UTC-05:00) Central Time (US & Canada)
Hosted by Frisco VFW Post 8273 & Auxiliary
March 13, 2025 | 6:00pm | Frisco Hall
5353 Independance Pkwy Frisco, TX
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED!
Orators included (L – R) Scarlett Sweckard, 1st Division, Daniel Ruppawalla, 2nd Division, Sophia Logsdon, 3rd Division, and Evelyn Fisher, 4th Division.
Ms. Scarlett Rae Sweckard, a junior at Frisco ISD Reedy High School, was awarded first runner-up honors at the Department of Texas Constitutional Speech Contest on Saturday, February 17, 2025, in Lubbock, TX.
Scarlett had previously successfully competed in the American Legion Peter J Courcy Post 178, the 4th District, and 1st Division contests. As runner-up. She received a $1,500 college scholarship. In total, she accumulated $6,000 in scholarships to be used at the college of her choice. As runner-up, she will also advance to the national contest if the winner, Evelyn Fisher, 4th Division, Post 575, should be unable to compete.
The American Legion Oratorical Scholarship Program began in 1935 and encourages high school students to study the U.S. Constitution and improve their public speaking skills. Contests are held annually for high school students to encourage and develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution.
Post 178 members join the Frisco ISD and the broader Frisco community in expressing its pride in her accomplishments and extending best wishes for her continued success.
Since Post 178 was formed in 2014, its post contest has advanced three contestants to the State contest.