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 14, 2025 | Events
SAVE THE DATE!! The Frisco Purple Heart Monument team invites you to join us in honoring America’s heroes at the dedication of the new Purple Heart Monument at the Frisco Veterans Memorial on Saturday, September 20, 2025 @ 9:00 AM. More than a medal, the Purple Heart is a sacred emblem of sacrifice, awarded to those combat veterans killed or wounded in service to our nation. It bears witness to courage unshaken and the profound price of preserving our freedom. We extend our sincere gratitude for your financial contribution, which played an important role in enabling our Purple Heart monument project to be fully funded through donations.
Frisco Purple Heart Monument Dedication
Frisco Veterans Memorial – Frisco Commons Park
8000 McKinney Rd, Frisco, TX 75033
Saturday, September 20, 2025 @ 9:00 – 10:30 AM
Dedication Event Speaker – Captain Florent A. “Flo” Groberg, U.S. Army (Retired)
Recipient of the Medal of Honor, Bronze Star Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Purple Heart
Parking Options:
by larryw | Sep 8, 2025 | Community, Events, POW/MIA
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
by larryw | Mar 12, 2025 | Community, Events
Hosted by Frisco VFW Post 8273 & Auxiliary
More Information
March 13, 2025 | 6:00pm | Frisco Hall
5353 Independance Pkwy Frisco, TX
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED!
by larryw | Nov 4, 2024 | American Legion Post 178, Events
Members of the American Legion Post 178 Color Guard presented the Nation’s Colors and service flags at the 2024 Teddy Bear Ride.
Photos by John Brady.
On Sunday, October 27, 2024, the Post 178 Color Guard had the honor of presenting the Nation’s Colors and Service Flags during the opening ceremonies of the 2024 Teddy Bear Ride hosted by the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County.
Each year motorcycle enthusiasts gather for one-of-a-kind fundraiser and awareness event where motorcycle riders make their way across Collin County to deliver their all-important passengers, new teddy bears! These precious stuffed animals will make their way into the arms of children who receive a forensic interview at the Center, providing comfort and hope as they begin their journey to healing.
by larryw | Oct 1, 2024 | Community, Events
Keynote Speaker: SFC John Wayne Walding spent 12 years in the United States Army, including seven years in the Special Forces Group at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. He served in Iraq and Afghanistan, and during his career at 3rd SFG, he served on ODA 396/3336 as a Special Forces Communications Sergeant and the Sniper Detachment as a Sniper Instructor.
It was during the harrowing battle of Shok Valley on April 6, 2008, that John would lose his leg to a sniper, and yet returned fire for four more hours with his severed lower limb tied to his thigh, earning him the Silver Start and Purple Heart.
Post-injury, John attended Special Forces Sniper School and upon graduation became the first amputee ever to become a Green Beret Sniper. He refuses to let his injury be the last chapter of his story.
John’s awards and badges include Silver Star, Bronze star, Purple Heart, Combat infantry badge, Airborne air assault and the special forces tab. John participated in numerous battles during his deployments; most famous was the Battle of Shok Valley, which you can read about in the book “No Way Out: A Story of Valor in the Mountains of Afghanistan” by Mitch Weiss and Kevin Maurer.
It is our honor at Fellowship Power Lunch to give something back. Join us November 19, 2024, for our Annual Special Event honoring those who serve.
Doors open at 11:00; presentation of the flag starts at 11:30.
If you’re a veteran or first responder, we would love to honor you at our Veterans and First Responders Appreciation Lunch. There is no cost for you to attend! (Your guests may purchase tickets via general registration.)
Veteran/First Responder Registration https://fellowshippowerlunch.com/veterans/register-veteran/
General Registration The minimum donation to attend is $60 per person.
https://fellowshippowerlunch.com/veterans/register/
