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.

Post 178 Member Raymond Cage Excels  at the 2025 National Veteran Golden Age Games

Post 178 Member Raymond Cage Excels at the 2025 National Veteran Golden Age Games

Gold Medal Winner Raymond Cage and wife Angela at the 2025 National Veterans Golden Age Games in Memphis, TN. On May 30 – June 3.

Raymond Cage, coached by his wife Angela, attended the 2025 National Veterans Golden Age Games in Memphis, TN. on May 30 – June 3.  Raymond won a total of five medals, four gold medals in track, and one bronze medal in horseshoes.

Raymond also became a new track record holder in the 50M, 100M, 200M and 400M events. Raymond credits his wife, who is his personal track coach, for getting him prepared to break the four records.

Raymond plans to participate in the 2026 National Veteran Golden Age Games in Tampa, FL. on June 27 – July 2.

See videos of Raymond’s 50M, 100M, and 200M races below:

50M race
https://photos.app.goo.gl/wW6Xzvc2kPgRQ5jYA

100M race
https://photos.app.goo.gl/3rNF7DByp9xdf6uk8

200M race
https://photos.app.goo.gl/ciGA6apTvwujumds8

 

The American Legion Post 178  Named Recipient of 2025 BAPS Charities Award

The American Legion Post 178 Named Recipient of 2025 BAPS Charities Award

(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.

Post 178 Presents American Legion Medals at Three High School Cadet Awards Ceremonies

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.

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.