Patriot Day

Patriot Day

Patriot Day is a day of remembrance to those who died during the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York City, at the Pentagon and on United Flight 93 in Pennsylvania.The day has also been designated as a day that the U.S. flag should be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sundown, not just until noon as is done on Memorial Day.

The September 11 attacks were a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks by the Islamic group al Qaeda against the United States on the morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001.  The attacks resulted in 2,977 fatalities, over 25,000 injuries, substantial long-term health consequences, and $10 billion in infrastructure and property damage.  9/11 is the single deadliest terrorist attack in human history.  It is also the deadliest incident for firefighters and law enforcement officers in the history of the United States.

Post 21 POW/MIA Recognition Sunset Ceremony

Post 21 POW/MIA Recognition Sunset Ceremony

Make plans to attend the American Legion Post 21POW/MIA Recognition Sunset Ceremony on Sunday September 21 6:30pm – 7:30pm at Stewart Creek Park 3700 Sparks Rd, The Colony, TX 75056.

Guest Speaker
Chaplain, Lt Col Nathan Tucker
136th AW Wing Chaplain
Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base

Post 178 Chaplain Called to Assist Families and First Responder Volunteers at the Guadalupe River Disaster

Post 178 Chaplain Called to Assist Families and First Responder Volunteers at the Guadalupe River Disaster

Volunteer Alicia and Tom Evers of Tyler, Texas along with Chaplain Outland assisted Camp Mystic relief efforts.

     Dale Outland is no stranger to being called to provide emotional and spiritual support to families and Post 178 veterans who have dealt with tragedy.  As post chaplain he completes buddy checks with members who are experiencing major health problems, giving them words of comfort.

Chaplain Outland, who is a 14-year U.S. Army infantry veteran, is also a former disaster chaplain volunteer for the Austin Disaster Relief Network.  As a disaster chaplain he has assisted in providing services and resources to families affected by hurricanes in South Texas.

After his military service, he served 23 years as a Mississippi police officer and 10 years in the MS State Guard, attaining the rank of Command Sergeant Major.  As the result of major hurricanes, he helped provide police security and safety operations for Red Cross shelters.

Additionally, as a disaster chaplain volunteer for the Crisis Response Ministry of Collin County Law Enforcement he recently answered the call to deploy to the Kerrville, Texas flood area.  He was contacted in July to assist families and first responder volunteers affected by the recent disastrous flooding of the Guadalupe River.  He was assigned to the Camp Mystic site near Hunt, Tx.  During his weeklong stay, he frequently met and prayed with parents, families and friends of flood victims, as well as volunteer responders, to provide spiritual and emotional support.

Chaplain Outland shared that it was tremendously sad to see the extent of the devastation and loss of life, but he felt grateful to share the word and strength of God’s blessings.

August 7 – Purple Heart Day

August 7 – Purple Heart Day

American Legion, Peter J Courcy Post 178, is proud to be a Purple Heart Post.

National Purple Heart Day is observed each year on August 7, honoring those U.S. service members who have been wounded or killed while serving under enemy action.

The origins of Purple Heart Day trace back to August 7, 1782, when General George Washington established the Badge of Military Merit, the forerunner to the modern Purple Heart. Though awarded sparingly during the Revolutionary War, it symbolized Washington’s intent to recognize valor and devotion among enlisted soldiers.

Purple Heart video

 

2025-2026 Post 178 Officers

2025-2026 Post 178 Officers

L-R:  Mike Olivarez: 4th District Commander, Joanne Schumm: Post Commander, Terry Gilbert: Vice Commander – Programs, Larry Wilhelm: Member-at-Large, Mark Hurlen: Vice Commander – Membership / Historian, Thor Anderson: Vice Commander – Post Activities, Bill Drake: Sergeant-at-Arms, David Grandfield:  Member-at-Large, Delmon Outland: Chaplain, Jose Torres, Sr.:  Adjutant. Not pictured: Hiram Sasser: Judge Advocate, Fred Rogers: Service Officer, Ed Mendlik: Member-at-Large. Ed Reed: Past Commander

The election of our 2025-2026 Post Executive Committee officers was held at our Membership Meeting on June 16, 2025. 4th District Commander:  Mike Olivarez installed the new officers.