Susan Junker, Commander of American Legion Post 157 in Bandera, spoke to the Bandera County Retired Teachers Association about the history and mission of the American Legion.
The Legion is one of the biggest community organizations in Bandera County with between 150 and 200 members at Post 157 and just over 100 members at Post 410 in Lakehills.
Always an engaging speaker, Junker talked about the history of the Legion. She noted that they were set up earlier but fully chartered by 1919.
Junker reminded the group that after World War I, there were no provisions to help veterans rejoin public life.
Today, the American Legion is engaged in a multitude of activities in Bandera County.
The Legion sponsors Boy Scout Troop 146 and Cub Scout Pack 146.
The Legion holds once a month executive committee meeting and once a month potluck suppers for the general Membership meeting.
The Legion also holds once a quarter free Community Breakfasts.
Responsibility for posting the flags at the Bandera County Courthouse during Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
The organization also responds quickly to community calls about veterans and their families.
The group Initiated and hosted National Day of Prayer as well as the Vietnam Veterans Day Commemoration and National Police Officers Memorial Day.
The Legion also placed floats in all local parades from Bandera, Tarpley and Lakehills.
On Memorial Day, the Legion places flags at the county cemeteries and at St. Stanislaus Cemetery.
The American Legion conducts Veterans in the Classroom. This program is an educational day about the US armed forces.
The American Legion brings patriotic programs to area nursing homes with monthly gifts and visits to residents.
Works with the community to retire unserviceable flags.
The Legion sponsors high school juniors in the Girls and Boys State Programs and provides scholarships to seniors.
The Legion provides money on a quarterly basis to local nonprofits through the use of their weekly nonprofit bingo.
The American Legion is Bandera County’s blood drive chairman. It also assists the county Veterans Affairs Officer to serve the over 2500 veterans in Bandera County.
Provides community service hours to area students as well as providing financial help and onsite support to students laying the Wreaths Across America.
The audience clapped enthusiastically at the end of Junker’s presentation.
The Business Meeting moved forward with the group approving the February Meeting Minutes and the Treasurer’s report.
Sharon Anderwald reported that the group had 91 members at present due to several members moving out of the area.
Legislative Officer Denise VanDyke gave a report on how the WEP / GPO were affecting the members who qualify for Social Security benefits.
Health and Safety Chair Anna Montague gave a report on senior knowledge about car theft and carjacking.
No reports were presented from Member Benefits, Volunteer/Community, and Retirement Education.
In unfinished business, Scholarship Chairperson Sharon Anderwald gave an update on the scholarship program.
Both high schools have applications which are due on April 17th.
President Dee Anne Mazurek reviewed the procedures for the Day at the Capitol on March 26. She also reminded the group that the Spring Spirit Night fundraiser would be on Wednesday, April 16 at the Dough Joe from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Treasurer Sharon Anderwald reminded the group that there were some members in the area who are at large members. She encouraged the members present to talk up membership in the BCRTA.
The next meeting of the BCRTA will be held on April 16 at 10:00 a.m. at the American Legion Hall. The speaker will be RTA District 20 President Melissa Ramos.
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