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

Post 178 Orator Earns Department of Texas First Runner-Up Honors

Post 178 Orator Earns Department of Texas First Runner-Up Honors

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.

 

Post 178 and 4th District Orator Wins 1st Division Constitutional Speech Contest

Post 178 and 4th District Orator Wins 1st Division Constitutional Speech Contest

Ms. Scarlett Rae Sweckard, winner of the 1st Division Constitutional Speech Contest, holds a check representing her scholarship winnings.

On February 1, 2025, Scarlett Rae Sweckard, a junior at Frisco ISD Reedy High School, was announced the winner of the 1st Division Constitutional Speech Contest in Denton, TX. Scarlett had previously successfully competed in the American Legion Peter J Courcy Post 178 and the 4th District contests and now advances to the State competition in Lubbock, TX on February 17, 2025. 

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 area high school students to encourage and develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution. Her extraordinary speaking style and skills as well as her in-depth demonstrated knowledge of the US Constitution resulted in her first-place finish.   

For winning the 1st Division contest, Ms. Sweckard won $3,500 scholarship funds. To date she has accumulated more than $4,500 in scholarship funds to be used at the college of her choice. 

Post 178 members join the Frisco ISD and the broader Frisco community in expressing its pride in her accomplishments and best wishes for continued success at the State contest and beyond.  

Since Post 178 was formed in 2014, its post contest has advanced three contestants to the State contest.