by larryw | Oct 3, 2021 | American Legion Post 178, Community
Voter registration wall poster created by Liberty HS students.
Post 178 Collin County deputy voter registrars recently visited the Liberty High School campus to register young voters. During the two-hour visit, numerous student inquiries were received. Post 178 members were guests of Mr. Jeff Crowe, Instructional Coach and Social Studies and U.S. History Department Chair. Liberty High School has been one of the most receptive campuses for Post 178 efforts to register young voters.
by larryw | Sep 11, 2021 | American Legion Post 178, Memorial
September 11 marks a tragic day in U.S. history, but the date has also been chosen to honor those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
Patriot Day honors the memory of the nearly 3,000 innocent victims who died in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Each year Americans dedicate this day to remembering those who died and to the first responders who risked their own lives to save others.
On December 18, 2001, President George W. Bush officially designated September 11th as Patriot Day.
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. In addition, the people of the United States are asked to observe a moment of silence on Patriot Day in remembrance of the victims
by larryw | Sep 1, 2021 | American Legion Post 178
September is National Service Dog Month, a time marked to pay tribute to the animals who support Americans with special training to help with people dealing with vision impairment, medical issues, mental health, and many other areas.
A service dog is trained for as long as two years at an expense that can reach as high as $40,000. The training for service dogs varies depending on the emphasis. Medical alert dogs will have different skill sets than those who assist people with unrelated medical issues.
There is no single breed of preferred service dog. They can be large or small, they can be especially bred for service or they can be sourced as rescue dogs. There are dogs trained to help the visually impaired, those with PTSD, and much more.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur when an individual experiences a traumatic event like combat, military sexual trauma, violence, and terrorism. It is normal for most people to have a stress reaction after a traumatic experience. But, if the reaction doesn’t dissipate or begins to disrupt daily life, then you may have PTSD. According to the National Center for PTSD, eight out of every 100 veterans have PTSD.
If you or a fellow comrade is struggling with PTSD, here are nine organizations that can help:
Military OneSource
National Alliance on Mental Illness
PTSD United
Give an Hour
BraveHeart: Welcome Back Veterans Southeast Initiative
PTSD Foundation of America
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
National Resource Directory
Suffering from PTSD can be a lonely and isolating experience. The first step to getting well and learning how to manage your symptoms is to ask for help. There is absolutely no shame in admitting that you may not be able to cope by yourself. Know that you are not alone and use these resources to contact professionals who are ready to help.
by larryw | Aug 29, 2021 | American Legion Post 178, Marine Corps
Happy Birthday to the Marine Corps Reserve!
The Marine Forces Reserve (also known as the United States Marine Corps Reserve or the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve) was created in 1916, in conjunction with the creation of the Navy Reserve. Since then, the evolution of this force would expand from just thirty-five to today’s 40,000 Marine Corps Reservists. The Marine Corps Reserve Birthday is observed every year on the 29th of August.
Marine Corps Reserve birthday will be celebrated on Sunday, August 29, 2021.
The Marine Forces Reserve is tasked with the mission of augmenting and reinforcing active-duty Marine forces during a war or open hostilities, national emergencies, and contingency operations. The Marine Corps Reserve also relieves active-duty forces in peacetime missions and offers service to the community.
by larryw | Aug 17, 2021 | American Legion Post 178, Boys and Girls State, Recognitions
2021 Post 178 Boys State Statesmen and parents honored at the Post 178 August Membership Meeting. Photo by Jeanie Beal.
The 2021 Texas Boy State Statesmen were honored at the Post 178 August membership meeting. Larry Wilhelm, the Program Committee Chairman, said, “We had a very strong group of nineteen young men from Frisco ISD and private high schools complete the program this year. High school principals, counselors, and teachers played a key role in nominating these young men from each of their respective schools.”
Seventeen high school juniors who attended the 2021 Texas Boys State virtual program from June 27 through July 2, 2021, were recognized. Each received a Certificate of Recognition from U. S. Congressman Taylor or Burgess. Thomas Davies, who was also selected a Boys Nation Senator and attended a week-long program in Washington, D.C., received certificates from both U. S. Senators Cruz and Cornyn.
The American Legion Boys State, an 85 years-old program, is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instructions for high school students. It is a participatory program where each delegate became part of the process of his local, county, and state government. The American Legion Boys Nation is a weeklong educational program held in Washington, D.C. on the structure and function of federal government.
Since June 2014, including the 2021 selected young men, Post 178 has sponsored 141 Texas Boys State delegates. The highly competitive Texas Boys State and Boys Nation programs support mentoring youth, which is one of the Four Pillars of The American Legion.
