PARKER COUNTY AMERICAN LEGION POST 163200 CARTWRIGHT PARK ROAD WEATHERFORD, TEXAS 76088

(817) 594-4101MAY - JUNE 2021

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Post 163 TimesAs we look to the future, things appear to be opening up and a great deal of community activities are taking place. Over the past couple of months, we have seen more of our American Legion Family members come out. Still, in my opinion, we are a little ways from being normal. We are working to bring about some new activities within the next few months. Ones that will hopefully bring members in to enjoy the camaraderie shared by many veterans.

We are exceptionally pleased with the quality of our guest speakers at our Monthly Membership meetings as they bring a message that is not only value-added to veterans, but to the general community as well. In March we worked with the “Wreaths Across America” Educational Van as they stopped in Weatherford for a day to make the public aware of their program of putting a wreath on the grave of every veteran at Christmas time. During that time, we were able to assist in welcoming home some Vietnam veterans who had not received a 50 Year Vietnam War Commemoration pin and “welcomed home”. It was truly a humbling experience to participate in presenting a pin to a Vietnam Vet.

We have continued to provide transportation to Parker County veterans needing to go to routine medical appointments. We participated in a flag retirement ceremony at the West Fork Assisted Living Center, and we are expecting to start going back to some of the Health and Rehabilitation Centers to visit veterans in the near future

Our Post hosted the American Legion, Department of Texas,17th District Spring Convention on Saturday, April 24, 2021. I am proud to announce the results of the election of the 17th District leaders for the 2021-2023 term. Mrs. Penny Chandler was elected as the 17th District Auxiliary President; Andy Browning was elected as the 17th District Sons of the American Legion, Detachment Commander; and yours truly was elected as the American Legion 17th District Commander.

Commander’s Corner Help Wanted!!!

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News From the Adjutant

Hello to All,

When the American Legion national computer system went down for a major update we were less than twenty members from achieving our 2021 membership goal. This is probably the earliest achievement in the history of the post. I believe we have achieved or exceeded our goal.

Our post is the flagship of our division. In our district we are the largest. We also are the most active, even though we need more members to step up. All organizations have this problem and this problem was alive long before COVID19. As vaccinations become more plentiful and life labors to become “regular,” we still need more help. Society is dragging us to the left as the old right side dies. The plea for assistance continues. Can it be heard?

Memorial Day is coming up fast. The Wreaths Across America continues, July 4th will be a fun day out, and then Labor Day closes out the summer. The point is that time is speeding past us. Now is the time to step up and enjoy fellowship with your military brothers.

Think about having dinner out every Friday. It is just not so important as to what is on the menu, it is important to visit with other post members. Your circle of friends should widen to include all of the post members. Ask if any of our members need a ride on Friday. For the three hundred members we should fill the hall and run out of food. What an experience! Our friends, our family, and our post; we should bond together. Consider Making Our Post First!

We care about you, no matter what circumstances surround you. Be generous with your time and spend some with us.

Thank you for your service!

Heroes don’t wear capes. They wear dog tags!

Vaughn Oliver Adjutant Post 163

Commander Continued…….

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter the words, but to live by them.” – John F. Kennedy -

Each of us are proud to serve the Posts in the 17th District and obviously our goal is to work towards continuous improvement in membership and the quality of the American Legion programs.

We continue to send out weekly e-mails about “Happenings at the Post” as well as postings on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Parker-County-American-Legion-Post-163-220747284610134. You can visit our website at https://americanlegionpost163.com/

We look forward to seeing you at the Post.

“For God and Country”

Dan Robertson, CM Commander, Post 163

A Message From Our Chaplain

As I write this article, we are coming upon Memorial Day Weekend, a time to remember the ultimate sacrifices made by men and women who served in the armed forces for our freedom and country. Families will get together and many will visit the grave sites of loved ones who are now in POST EVERLASTING.

Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated following the years of the Civil War and became an official holiday in 1971. Remembering the deceased has a long history. The tombs and pyramids in Egypt were great structures not only for burial of important people, but also to last as a reminder of them. Our national cemeteries and the “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier” is our way of remembering and recognizing those who gave their all.

My prayer goes out to the families of these brave men and women who gave their all for our country. May the peace of God fill them and comfort them and may they always remember the great times they had with them. May we never forget the sacrifices made by them and may their deaths not be in vain, but that our country may continue in the freedoms they died for.

The Bible shows us that the priests were to place on their shoulder pieces of their ephods, two stones as a memorial for the children of Israel and for Aaron, the first high priest. Exodus 28:12

Blessings,

Jeffrey Eaton, MPT Chaplain, Post 163

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From The Auxiliary President From Our Auxiliary Chaplain

How time is flying by, we are almost halfway through the year. As a unit, we have already been very busy with several projects. Our dinners continue to generate some funds for our fund-raising line item on our budget. We are working “Wreaths Across America” again this year, so get your wreaths bought. Our goal is 1150 wreaths to cover Memory Gardens and try to cover East Greenwood as well as the City Cemetery.

The unit was involved with the decorating and hosting of the 17th District Convention this past weekend. Our group is always ready to help in any way possible to make this a fun and a productive time for all. I cannot thank my group enough for pitching in on Friday night and helping the Sons with the meal and on Saturday for all who helped make the day a great success. I received many compliments on our Post and our group working together as a Family Post.

Our Unit participated in the “Give 10” project again this year and we have done great. Penny Chandler is in charge of this project and has done a fantastic job with Seguin School. This program helps our school teachers and their students during hard times. We are doing a collection of women’s only items to deliver to the Parker County Jail for female inmates. We will do this for the rest of this year. This helps Parker County Sheriff’s Department defer the costs of a lot of the feminine products needed for all the female inmates.

Our unit is at a little over 76% on membership. We need to keep working on the membership renewals. The deadline for membership has been moved to May 31 for reaching 100% membership. As a unit, we have stayed in touch with each other by sending e-mails and updates weekly. This is an important way of checking on each other during the hard times we have been facing as of late. If you have not heard from someone in a few days or weeks drop them a note or give them a call. Keep the spirit, we are strong, and we will remain strong.

We will be holding officer elections during our meeting on May 25th, so if you would like to become an officer please let me know.

The unit will be handing out poppies at Wal Mart on South Main on the 29th of May from 10-2 please be a part of this great project. Help spread the word of what this little red flower means. Please let me know if you would like to volunteer some hours during that time frame. We will also be helping with the flag placement at Memory Gardens on Memorial Day.

Our unit always practices “Service not Self” and for that I am thankful. For God and Country Nancy L. Cobb Auxiliary President Unit 163

The 17th District Spring Convention was held on Saturday April 24, 2021 at Post 163. This being the spring convention elections were held. I, Nancy Cobb was elected as your 17th District Chaplain for the Auxiliary and John was appointed as the Legion’s 17th District Chaplain. We will serve a 2 year period term of 2021-2023. We are looking forward to the next 4 conventions of serving the 17th District as Chaplains. We are both members of the Texas Chaplains Association. Please plan on attending just one of the memorial services for the Post Everlastings held during the conventions. It is truly a solemn time to reflect on our past and a reminder of our future. Freedom is never Free and should never be taken for granted.

Please continue to hold several of our members in your prayers as several have lost loved ones in the past several weeks and several are still going through testing, rehab, and treatments.

May God Bless each of you until next time.

John and Nancy Cobb 17th District Chaplains

A Message From The 17th District Chaplains

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Sons of The American Legion (S.A.L) Squadron 163

I want to thank everyone who came out to make the 17th District spring convention a success for all branches of the American Legion Family. We had a very successful burger night, followed by a great day of meetings and fellowship.

As some of you are already aware, during the Sons of the American Legion meeting, some of our Squadron 163 members were elected to the executive committee. It is my honor to serve this next term as Commander for the 17th District SAL. Kevin Crawford will be serving as the District Sergeant-at- Arms and Ron Chandler will continue his duties as District Advisor for the SAL.

Normally, the SAL burger night is held at the Post on the first Friday of each month. In May, we will be partnering with Gary Eubank to do a veteran’s appreciation dinner on the first Friday night. We will be serving Catfish with all the fixin’s on Friday May 7 at 6:00 p.m. There will be no charge for dinner, however, donations will be accepted.

As we move into the Memorial Day season, it is important to remember that all veterans gave some, and some gave all. With that sentiment in mind, let us never fail to honor those brave men and women who have served to keep the United States the greatest country on the planet.

“To our men and women in uniform, past, present, and future, God bless you and thank you.“

“For God And Country”

Andy Browning Commander, SAL Squadron 163

The flag fund is set aside for the purchase of new flags for our memorial area out front of Post 163 as well as the purchase of grave marker flags. The grave marker flags are to be put out 10 days prior to Memorial Day and taken up by 10 days after. All torn and tattered grave marker flags should be returned to the Post for proper disposal. We keep approximately 1200 of the grave marker flags on hand at the Post for the ceremony held each Memorial Day at Memory Gardens Cemetery. I have approximately 23 cemeteries that have a count of over 2200 flags placed on graves. This is an important service provided by Post 163 that has always taken seriously, and the Legion wants to continue to be in the forefront of service for our Veterans. To maintain our reserve stock of flags for replacement we are seeking donations to help in this endeavor. We are looking at doing some fund-raisers during the next few months, so look for more details on this. We will be doing flag folding services for different groups requesting this service, as well as, memorial services when requested. We do provide this as a free service, but donations are always welcome as it helps us offset the cost of the flags. I would like to have a steady group of 5 people to take part in this flag folding ceremony when called upon. If you would like to participate please let me know and I will start a listing of the group.

Don’t forget Memorial Day for placement of flags at Memory Gardens. The Ceremony starts at 10:00 a.m. with flag placement following.

John Cobb Post 163, Flag Chairman

A Word From Our Flag Chairman

Hello from District 17,

A wonderful Convention was held at our Post on April 24th. Teresa Wheeler, our 17th District President, did a great job of facilitating the ALA meeting. As she is going out of office, this was her last Convention. The new officers will be installed at the State Convention in Austin in July. On a personal note, I have been honored to serve the 17th District ALA as Vice President. Thanks to all of Unit 163 members that attended the Convention in their own backyard. A big hug to all of the American Legion Family that worked hard to make Post 163 shine like a STAR at the Convention. Hope to see many of you at the Division 4 Convention in Abilene in June and the State Convention in July in Austin.

Penny Chandler 17th District, Auxiliary Vice President

DISTRICT 17 - IT TAKES A FAMILYThe V.A. "Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers" is a program in which family members can receive a stipend for providing care for needy injured veterans. A veteran must be rated at 70% or higher to qualify for this Program. The caregiver must be at least 18 years of age and can be a family member or a person living with the veteran and agrees to the program. The caregiver will receive training and support from the V.A., and can receive travel and lodging when traveling with the veteran for veteran care. There is also a monthly stipend for the caregiver, it is based on the Bureau of Labor stats, skill code 311011 for the area in which the veteran resides.

This has become a very important and much needed program for seriously disabled veterans.

Anyone interested should contact the Veteran Family Care Program at the Dallas V.A. Hospital 214-857-4398 or the Family Caregiver Support line 1-855-260-3274.

John Hale, Veterans Service Officer, Post 163

"Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers"

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“May the flag wave boldly with its vibrant hues…Honoring veterans like you, today, with the beautiful red, white and blue. - Unknown -

Congratulations Weatherford Police Officer Travis W. McClure

Parker County American Legion Post 163 selected Weatherford Police Officer/Investigator Travis W. McClure as the “Law Enforcement Officer of the year for 2020.”

On April 24, 2021, during the American Legion 17th District Spring Convention, Officer McClure was unanimously voted as the 17th District candidate for the American Legion Department of Texas, Law Enforcement Officer of the Year for 2020.

Officer McClure, a (4) year USMC veteran served in the Iraq War as a Platoon Sergeant and Fire Team Leader. He was highly recommended by American Legion Post 163 for Law Enforcement Officer of the year and was also Police Officer of the Year for the Weatherford Police Department for 2020. He received a Medal of Valor Lifesaving award for an event in July of 2020. Officer McClure was also voted SWAT member of the year for 2018.

We are very pleased to support Travis McClure as a candidate for Department of Texas, Law Enforcement Officer of the Year for 2020 and know he will be a formidable candidate.

History of National Armed Forces Day

We will celebrate Armed Forces Day on Saturday, May 15, 2021. The following is the history of this special day. The history of the United States Armed Forces spans over two centuries. The United States rapidly evolved from being a new nation fighting for independence against Great Britain between 1775 and 1783, to fighting in the landmark American Civil War from 1861 to 1865, to proving their valor and strength during World War II, and finally emerging as a world superpower towards the end of the 20th century. The U.S. armed forces comprise five branches of the military: the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and the Coast Guard. The origin of the United States Army dates back to 1775 when the Continental Congress established the Continental Army, Continental Navy, and Continental Marines, commanded and led by General George Washington. This newly assembled military force fought the British during the American Revolutionary War with French soldiers by its side, leading to the Treaty of Paris and its independence. In 1789, the new Constitution delegated the president as the commander in chief of the military, with the authority to create laws, levy taxes, and declare war. Ever since its formation, the primary responsibility of the Army division of the Armed Forces is to fight battles on land and deploy the military for takeover. The United States Army Corps of Engineers mainly control the rivers of inland America. Following the war against the British Army, the U.S. Army was still relatively small and operating in peacetime. This changed in the 1940s when the Air Force became a completely separate unit outside of the Army Air Forces. In 1947, control of the U.S. Army switched over from the War Department to the Defense Department. The major wars that the U.S. Army participated in were the Indian Wars of the 1790s, the War of 1812, the American Civil War in 1861, the Spanish-American War of 1898, World Wars I and II in 1917 and 1941 respectively, the Korean War in 1950, and the Vietnam War in 1965. The U.S. military also took part in the Gulf War in 1991 and the war in Afghanistan. As of 2019, the Armed Forces of America fall under the command of the Department of Defense and the Coast Guard, which is authorized by the Department of Homeland Security. The President of the United States is the commander in chief and they exercise their authority through the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who supervises combat operations.

The American Legion Auxiliary will be handing out poppies on Saturday, May 29, 2021 from 10:00 a/

m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Wal Mart located on South Main Street in Weatherford. We need

volunteers to help with this worthwhile project.

Save the Date!!!

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“Two things to remember in life. Take care of your thoughts when you are alone, and take care of your words when you are with people.” - Unknown -

Parker County American Legion Post 163 Veterans Serving Veterans

Did you know that at American Legion Post 163, we provide free transportation to Veterans who are unable to drive for medical appointments? We provide this service to our Parker County veterans. We will take you to the VA Hospital in Dallas, the VA Clinic in Fort Worth or to any doctor’s office. Depending on the guidelines and restrictions passed down concerning COVID -19, we will try our best to take care of our veterans.

We need volunteer drivers, with a valid Texas driver’s license to help continue our transportation service to our veterans.

As stated, this is free service to our veterans, but in order to maintain this level of support we rely heavily on donations to maintain the van and cover the cost of insurance.

For information and to schedule a ride contact Kevin Crawford, Jr call or text to 682-283-2006 or e-mail at kevzemail34@gmail.com. If you would like to volunteer to be a driver, please contact Kevin. Kevin Crawford, Jr. Veteran Transportation Service, Chairman

May 4 SAL Meeting 6:00 P.M. Legion Exec Board Meeting 6:30 P.M. May 7 SAL Fish Fry 6:00 P.M. May 11 Monthly Membership Meeting 7:00 P.M. May 14 ALA Enchilada Dinner 6:00 P.M. May 21 ALR Dinner Chicken Fried Steak 6:00 P.M. May 25 ALA Meeting 6:30 P.M. May 28 Steak Night 6:00 P.M. May 29 Poppies at Weatherford Wal Mart 10:00 A.M. May 31 Place Flags At Memory Gardens 10:00 A.M. Jun 1 SAL Meeting 6:00 P.M. Legion Exec Board Meeting 6:30 P.M. Jun 4 SAL Burger Night 6:00 P.M. Jun 4-6 4Th Division Convention- Abilene Jun 8 Monthly Membership Meeting 7:00 P.M. Jun 11 ALA Dinner Salad Bonanza 6:00 P.M. Jun 14 Flag Day Dignified Disposal 5:00 P.M. Jun 22 ALA Meeting 6:30 P.M. Jun 25 Steak Night 6:00 P.M. * Every Thursday Night - 42 Tournament 6:00 P.M>

“We don’t know them all but we owe them all!" - Unknown -

It is that time of year again when we pause for a moment to extend thanks and appreciation for all our many blessings. I would be remiss not to include each of you in my message of gratitude. It has been my pleasure to serve you over the past year, and I would like to personally express my heartfelt thanks to all of you for your very active participation and support of the American Legion. Post 163.

On both a professional and a personal level, I really appreciate all the time you have dedicated in support of our activities this past year and extend my thanks and appreciation to you and your family as well for allowing your involvement.

No matter what our task was this past year, there was a common thread that ran through all of them, a dedication to those we serve, a commitment to making things better and a willingness to go the extra mile to get the job done. These characteristics are symbolic and representative of the kinds of efforts made by all of you in all we accomplished. Such efforts go a long way toward serving our veterans, our fellow members, and our community. Together we all made a difference. Best wishes and continued success in the coming year.

Wendell Pichon, CM 1st Vice Commander

A Message of Appreciation and Thanks

Calendar of Events

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“Give 10” To Education An American Legion Auxiliary

“Give 10” to Education is part of the Education Program of the American Legion Auxiliary. Our Unit has participated in this Program for a few years with great pride. This year we collected the following items for Sequin Elementary School: markers, hand sanitizer, tissues; bottle water; disinfecting wipes. The staff at the school were so appreciative to all of us. In November, we gave each staff member a thank you card for all they do for children and especially military children. For the celebration of the Month of the Military Child, we gave each staff a red, white and blue bracelet, as well as a copy of the story of daffodils and how they relate to military children. Several children of Sequin Elementary decorated folders for the District 17 Convention attendees that was held at Post 163 on April 24th. Many veterans made positive remarks about the pictures of veterans, flags and statements made on the folder s`by the children, such as, “we love you” or “thank you for your service.” Thank you to everyone that donated to this program. Your donation of items, money or praying for the success of the Program did not go unnoticed. A special thanks to Rita Robertson, Ron and Mary Chandler for assisting me in preparing some of the Items for delivery. Serving others especially our teachers and children in Parker County is a blessing. I appreciate all of Unit 163 members and your commitment to our veterans and community is SUPERB!

Penny Chandler "Give 10 Education”, Chair

On behalf of the Parker County American Legion Family of Post 163, we express our sincere gratitude to all the military personnel for their supreme sacrifices as Memorial Day approaches on May 31, 2021.

A true American never asks what their country can do for them….. They always ask themself what can I do for my nation….. Let us celebrate Memorial Day with this noble thought….

Freedom always comes with a heavy price….. We also lost so many soldiers of our nation who fought to guard our freedom. Though they will never return but they will always stay alive in our memories.

Remembering Our Veterans That Gave All

Remember Flag Day - June 14, 2020

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Parker County American Legion Post 163 Hoists the “Space Force” FlagOn March 9, before our Monthly Membership Meeting, we ceremoniously hoisted the Space Force

Flag. The ceremony was led by John Cobb and Ron Chandler.

Our guest speaker for March was Carol Holmes. Carol is a certified yoga instructor with Yoga Warriors International and Warriors At Ease. She is also a certified American Heart Association CPR instructor. Her

presentation to the group was very enlightening and informative.

March Monthly Membership Meeting Guest Speaker “Carol Holmes”

Parker County American Legion Post 163 Recognizes Local Businesses

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On March 12, we had the opportunity to recognize a couple of businesses for providing outstanding support to veterans in Parker County. Dan Robertson, Post Commander and Bret Watson, Post Judge Advocate,

presented Certificates of Appreciation to North Main Street Lube and Inspection and to Ernie’s Tires and Automotive for providing outstanding support to local veterans.

Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Exhibit

On March 18, the Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Exhibit visited Weatherford. This was a great opportunity for the local community, veterans, active-duty personnel and their families to witness through

interactive exhibits, short films, and shared stories the mission of Wreaths Across America. This special day was supported by members of the Parker County American Legion Family Post 163, Daughters of the American

Revolution, and Memory Gardens of the Valley

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Parker County American Legion Post 163 Places Retired Flag Drop BoxFlag Chairman, John Cobb, placed a drop box at the front gate of Parker County American Legion Post 163 for

those in the community who wish to have us provide a Dignified Flag Retirement for “Old Glory”, the United States of America Flags that have proudly flown over government buildings, businesses and residences. We will proudly

dispose of the worn and tattered flags.

Parker County American Legion Post 163 Assists in Flag Retirement

On April 1, members of the Post 163 to proudly retired the tattered U.S. and Texas flags flying over the West Fork Assisted Living and Memory Care Center. John Cobb, Post 163 Flag Committee Chairman, was assisted in the ceremony by Paul Hernandez and Dan Robertson as the U.S. and the Texas Flags were replaced. It was a rare

opportunity and a pleasure to interact and visit with veterans residing at West Fork, as visits have been restricted due to the COVID pandemic. The flag retirement ceremony was greatly appreciated by the veterans, other residents

and the staff at the West Fork Assisted Living and Memory Care Center.

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April Monthly Membership Meeting Guest Speaker “Renea Skelton”Dr. Skelton, a Certified Emotional Intelligence Life Coach, Communication Consultant, Master Professional

Development Trainer, Speaker and Author. She helps individuals get unstuck and achieve joy in life, leadership, relationships, and parenting. She is a retired 22-year Air Force veteran who served in various roles such as

Executive Administration, Mortuary Affairs Officer, Services Flight Commander, and a Professor at the United States Air Force Academy. She had a challenging Air Force career going from the enlisted ranks to becoming an

Air Force Major upon her retirement.

Parker County American Legion Post 163 Hosts 17th District Spring Convention

The Parker County American Legion Family worked very hard to make sure the Convention was a success and they “exceeded all expectations”. The one-day Convention was informative and a great deal of business was conducted throughout the day. We were able to have a mid-day Banquet featuring, Mr. Bob Glenn, an Army

Veteran and President of Weatherford College Foundation. A great time was had by all!!

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Find Us on FACEBOOK: Parker County American Legion Post 163

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 163 American Legion Riders Post 163 Weatherford Texas

Parker County Veteran’ Memorial Park

The American Legion strives to promote a better understanding of the principles of democracy and to inculcate among all people a higher appreciation of the benefits of American citizenship. To serve the needs of all veterans and their families. To fulfill our commitment to community, state and nation.

Post 163 Times Editor: Dan Robertson

Please submit all comments & questions to: American Legion Post 163

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 216

Weatherford, TX 76086 amlegionpost163@gmail.com. Visit Our Website!

https://americanlegionpost163.com.

Commander: Dan Robertson 817-706-8936 1st Vice Cmdr: Wendell Pichon 817-847-8419 2nd Vice Cmdr: Owen Raynel 915-276-5822 Adjutant: Vaughn Oliver 817-550-6012 Service Officer: John Hale 817-598-6153

Sgt-at-Arms: Mark Young 682-262-1770 Judge Advocate: Bret Watson 817-946-0906 Chaplain: Jeffrey Eaton 661-803-3763 Historian: Kevin Crawford, Jr 682-283-2006 Finance Officer: Tyler Watson 817-456-2043

Executive Committee: Larry Allen 817-253-1586 John Cobb 817-480-2182 Rhea Wickware - 817-599-4228

Post Officers for 2020/2021

The American Legion is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization founded on the values, contributions and sacrifices, of those who have answered the Nation’s call to arms, therefore we must: Respond to quality of life needs of all veterans and their families, prepare each generation to meet its citizenship obligations, maintain a strong national defense, perpetuate the principles of government embodied in the United States Constitution, be a values-based organization committed to serving God, country, community and every veteran today, tomorrow and throughout the 21st Century.

American Legion Mission Statement American Legion Vision Statement

“Parker County American Legion Post 163” “Veterans Serving Veterans”

The vision and mission statements provide a focal point that helps to align our Post with the American Legion Organization, thus ensuring that everyone is working towards a single purpose. This helps to increase efficiency and productivity in the organization