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 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 | Mar 15, 2025 | American Legion Post 178
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.
by larryw | Jan 14, 2025 | American Legion Post 178
Post 178 Commander Joanne Schumm and Post Executive Committee members present a Purple Heart Memorial donation to John Keating, Frisco City Council Member, Place 1 and Scott Dillingham, community patriot. Photo by Mark Hurlen.
In 2024, an idea originated to add a purple heart monument at the Veterans Memorial at Frisco’s Commons Park to honor the men and women veterans who have been awarded the medal. The memorial, originally dedicated in 2004, had been expanded over time, and now included the veterans Walk of Honor, the Wall of Honor, a Battlefield Cross, the Gold Star Family Memorial Monument, WWII Flyboy statue and information plaques on wars and conflicts since Frisco was founded in 1902.
Introduced as the “Badge of Military Merit” by General George Washington in 1782, the Purple Heart is also the nation’s oldest military award. It is one of the most recognized and respected medals awarded to members of the U. S. Armed Forces.
The idea for the monument quickly garnered city hall and community support. The Frisco Veterans Advisory Committee (FVAC), a dedicated group of veterans and citizens supporting over 6,000 local veterans to establish Frisco as a nation-leading, Veteran-ready community, was identified as the project planning and fundraising lead with a community donation goal of $50,000. To date, more than $42,000 has been donated.
The projected monument dedication is Memorial Day, May 26, 2025.
by larryw | Jan 8, 2025 | American Legion Post 178, Community
(L-R) Bill Drake, Color Guard Captain, and Cadet Program Chair, LtCol Hamartrya Tharpe, USMC (Ret.), Senior Naval Science Instructor, Senior Chief Petty Officer Keven Scullin, USN (Ret.), Naval Science Instructor. Larry Wilhelm, Boys State Program Chair, and Ed Reed, Immediate Past Commander.
The Frisco ISD Navy National Defense Cadet Corps (NNDCC) program was established with 69 cadets in 2022 at Lebanon Trail High School. Because of the program’s successes, the 2024-25 enrollment has grown to 124 cadets, allowing them to become a Navy JROTC program. As a result of a recent leadership team change. members of the Post 178 Executive Committee met to welcome and discuss plans with LtCol Hamartrya Tharpe, USMC (Ret.), Senior Naval Science Instructor, and Senior Chief Petty Officer Keven Scullin, USN (Ret.), Naval Science Instructor.
During the meeting, Bill Drake, Color Guard Captain and Cadet Program Chair, Larry Wilhelm, Boys State Program Chair, and Ed Reed, Immediate Past Commander, reviewed ideas that will ensure the continuation of their successful supportive partnership. The cadets frequently partner and participate in community events with the Post 178 Color Guard.
The NJROTC program and the Post 178 Americanism programs share common missions. The mission of the Cadet Corps is to motivate young people to become better citizens and effective leaders. Post 178 Americanism programs, such as, Boys State, Oratorical Scholarship Contest, School Awards, and Scouting, have an identical mission. The teaching goals of both programs are focused on leadership, teamwork, personal responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment.
Post 178 is honored to support and partner with the Lebanon Trail High School NJROTC.
by larryw | Dec 17, 2024 | American Legion Post 178, Oratorical
L-R: Anaira Upadhyay ,Madhuryasri Pedireddy, Ved Srinivasan, Kanad S. Bhandarkar, Briana Elegbede, Scarlett Rae Sweckard, Andrew G Ables, Saanvi Sharma, Milan G McKnight, Aarti Srinivasan, Krithik Aggarwal, Saanvi Polishetty.
The American Legion Post 178 Oratorical Scholarship Contest set a new all-time record for the number of high school orators that participated in its 2024 contest. Four winners were selected from the twelve orators, and each winner received a $500 college scholarship to any college of their choosing. The contest was held at The Grove at Frisco Commons on Saturday, December 14, 2024. The four winning orators will now have the opportunity to compete with other 4th District post winners in Frisco on January 4, 2025, at The Grove at Frisco Commons.
Each contestant delivered a prepared 8–10-minute oration as well as a 3–5-minute oration on a randomly assigned constitutional topic. The twelve contestants included: Aarti Srinivasan, Sophomore at Independence High School; Anaira Upadhyay Senior at Independence High School; Andrew G Ables, Junior at Panther Creek High School; Briana Elegbede, Junior at Emerson High School; Kanad S Bhandarkar, Junior at Liberty High School; Krithik Aggarwal, Junior at Emerson High School; Madhuryasri Pedireddy, Freshman at Independence High School; Milan G McKnight, Junior at Reedy High School; Saanvi Polishetty, Freshman, at Reedy High School; Saanvi Sharma, Junior at Panther Creek High School; Scarlett Rae Sweckard, Junior at Reedy High School and Ved Srinivasan, Sophomore at Reedy High School.
The four winners were L-R: Scarlett Rae Sweckard, Saanvi Sharma, Kanad S Bhandarkar, Milan G McKnight.
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. Each speaker is judged on depth of knowledge of their topic and presentation and speaking skills demonstrated in their delivery. Post 178 annually holds this contest for area high school students to encourage and develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution. The contest presents an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation’s laws, the importance of research, the ability to think and speak clearly and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship.
