by larryw | Oct 15, 2025 | American Legion Post 178, Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Events, Marine Corps, Navy, Press Release
Open to the public and all veterans, seating will be available.
A Veterans Day Ceremony to celebrate and honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Frisco Veterans Memorial in Frisco Commons Park, 8000 McKinney Road, Frisco, TX 75033. The American Legion Post 178 and Auxiliary Unit 178 are coordinating the ceremony. Music provided by the Frisco Community Band, National Anthem performed by Leslie Rainey.
The ceremony will include special guests from the City of Frisco and keynote speaker John Bagwell, a decorated veteran with a Bronze Star with a “V” device and the Purple Heart. His experience has recently been chronicled in a documentary, Vietnam: The War That Changed America, released on Apple TV+.
John Bagwell is a Vietnam Veteran who served in the US Army as a DJ / announcer for the American Forces Radio Station. He was wounded during the Tet Offensive during the siege of Hue, South Vietnam, where he received the Bronze Star with a “V” device and the Purple Heart.
He was part of the only American Forces Radio or Television Station to be taken by the enemy during any war. Of the staff, five were taken prisoner, three were killed, and John was able to escape.
Over the next two days, John was shot at over a dozen times – Six by the North Vietnamese and six by the Americans who did not know he was behind enemy lines.
He has found humor in the face of tragedy; his story will inspire you to face another day.
He has been active in the Veteran groups and is a past commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 542 in Dallas, and is on the board for Collin County Vietnam Veterans of
America Chapter 1122
He lives in the Dallas area, is married to Rosemary Bagwell, and has two sons, Jonathan and Ben.
by larryw | Sep 23, 2025 | American Legion Post 178
Keynote Speaker: SSgt Shilo A. Harris
Toyota Stadium National Soccer Hall of Fame
9200 World Cup Way, Frisco, TX 75033
November 18 11:00 am – 1:30 pm
Veterans and First Responders Appreciation Lunch is held annually in November in Frisco, Texas. Every year, we feature a veteran as our keynote speaker to share his or her story and inspire us. Please join us as we support these amazing men and women of our military and first responders.
If you’re a veteran or first responder, we want to honor you! There is no cost for you and your spouse or guest to attend. Please let us know you’re coming by registering below.
General Registration: https://fellowshippowerlunch.com/veterans/register/
Complimentary to All Veterans and First Responders and must register here: https://fellowshippowerlunch.com/veterans/register-veteran/
by larryw | Sep 11, 2025 | American Legion Post 178
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.
by larryw | Aug 7, 2025 | American Legion Post 178
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
by larryw | Jun 19, 2025 | American Legion Post 178
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.
by larryw | Jun 18, 2025 | American Legion Post 178
Lazy Dog Plano is hosting a fundraiser for American Legion Post 178, Frisco TX. This is only at the Lazy Dog located at 8401 Preston Rd, Plano, TX 75024 .
Be sure to tell your server you are here to support the American Legion to have them properly apply the donation.
Thank you!
American Legion Fundraiser
