Fellow Legionnaires of American Legion Post 38 in Floresville, Texas—whether you're a longtime member helping at our monthly veterans tailgates, supporting our scouting programs, or organizing the annual gun raffle for scholarships—now is the perfect time to invest in yourself and strengthen our Post. With more than 228 members serving Wilson County and beyond, Post 38 has long been a pillar of patriotism, community service, and veteran support at 1412 4th Street. Training opportunities from National and the Department of Texas equip every Legionnaire with the knowledge and skills to lead more effectively, serve veterans better, and keep our organization thriving for future generations.
The American Legion offers accessible, high-quality training designed specifically for post-level members like us. These programs cost little or nothing, fit busy schedules, and deliver real results—whether you want to become a stronger post officer, help fellow veterans navigate VA benefits, or simply deepen your understanding of our Four Pillars: Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children & Youth.
Start with the Basics—Free Online Training for Every Member
The American Legion Extension Institute (also called Basic Training) is the perfect first step. This completely online program takes less than two hours and is free for all Legionnaires and Sons of The American Legion members. It covers the history and organization of The American Legion, our programs, and how posts operate, with videos, photos, clickable links, and a final exam. Finish and you receive a digital certificate of completion.
Register today at legion.org/alei (or through txlegion.org). Post 38 encourages every member—especially new ones—to complete this course. It's the foundation recommended for anyone considering leadership roles or simply wanting to be more effective in our community work.
Build Real Leadership Skills with the National American Legion College
For those ready to take the next step, apply for the National American Legion College (NALC)—a prestigious six-day immersive leadership program. Participants learn servant leadership, team building, advocacy, public engagement, financial management, and best practices in everything from social media to alumni relations. You'll leave with a personal action plan to implement right here at Post 38.
The program uses lectures, small-group discussions, and hands-on activities led by national instructors. Applications go through the Department of Texas (deadline typically July 31 for the following year). Talk to your Post Commander about endorsement—Post 38 proudly supports members who want to grow into district, department, or national leaders.
Texas Department Opportunities Close to Home
The Department of Texas makes training even more accessible. The Department Legion College offers specialized training tailored to Texas Legionnaires. The annual District & Division Commanders School in Austin at the Renaissance Hotel is open to anyone—perfect for future leaders. Training sessions also appear regularly at district conventions and post meetings.
Plus, the Department provides free Post Commander Orientation and a full library of manuals and guides on txlegion.org/training. Post 38's own Training Chairperson (or any officer) can request instructors for our regular meetings.
Help Veterans with VA Claims Through Service Officer Training
If you're passionate about veterans benefits, consider Service Officer Training. National offers beginner, intermediate, and advanced courses (including VA Disability Claims Processing) that prepare you for accreditation. Department Service Officers and Post Service Officers receive specialized accreditation training through the VA. These skills let you directly assist comrades and families with claims—work that aligns perfectly with Post 38's mission of direct veteran support.
Monthly Virtual Training and On-Demand Resources
Don't miss Training Tuesdays—60- to 90-minute virtual sessions from National Headquarters on the last Tuesday of each month. Topics cover post operations, membership, leadership, and more—ideal for our officers and anyone interested.
Additional tools include "Training in a Box" (a free Dropbox of presentations and videos) and specialized programs like Be The One suicide prevention training, developed with Columbia University. The National Regional Information Conference and Combined Americanism Conference bring deeper dives into programs that power our youth oratorical contests, ROTC support, and community events.
Training Starts Right Here at Post 38
You don't have to travel far. We can incorporate short training segments into our monthly meetings (held the second Thursday at 7:00 p.m.) or tailgates (third Thursday, 6:30–8:00 p.m.). Our Post Training Chairperson keeps records and shares successes with the district—helping Post 38 stand out as a model for other posts.
Ready to Get Started? Contact Post 38 today at (830) 393-7929 or visit us at 1412 4th Street in Floresville. Follow us on Facebook at American Legion Post 38, Floresville, Texas, for updates. Visit legion.org/training and txlegion.org/training to explore programs and register.
By investing in training, we honor our motto "For God and Country" while ensuring Post 38 remains strong for the next 100 years. Every Legionnaire who steps up makes our Post, our community, and our nation better. Let's lead by example—sign up for a course today and bring those skills back to Floresville!
For God and Country, American Legion Post 38 Floresville, Texas
- Details
- Written by: Johnathon Farrell
- Category: News
- Hits: 6
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has officially rescinded a highly controversial interim final rule that would have changed how disability compensation ratings are calculated for millions of veterans. The rescission, published today in the Federal Register as "Rescission of Interim Final Rule, Evaluative Rating: Impact of Medication," is effective immediately and restores the prior regulatory text. This rapid reversal comes after intense backlash from veterans, service organizations, lawmakers, and the public—demonstrating the power of unified veteran voices.
What Was the Controversial Rule?
The interim final rule was published on February 17, 2026, without prior public input. It would have required VA medical examiners to consider the positive effects of medication and treatment when assigning disability ratings for conditions such as mental health disorders and musculoskeletal injuries. In practice, this meant ratings could be lowered if symptoms were well-managed by medication—essentially penalizing veterans for following their doctors' orders and staying healthy.
The VA said the rule was intended to clarify long-standing policy (dating back to 1958) and respond to court rulings, including the 2025 Ingram v. Collins decision. However, veterans and advocates viewed it as a direct counter to multiple court rulings that prohibited the VA from reducing ratings based on medication effectiveness. The change risked affecting hundreds of thousands of pending claims and could have cost veterans billions in benefits over time.
Why the Strong Opposition?
Within days of publication, more than 19,000–20,000 public comments flooded in via the Federal Register and regulations.gov. Veterans and advocates argued the rule created an impossible choice: take medication to manage service-connected conditions (and risk lower ratings) or skip treatment to preserve benefits (and harm your health).
Major veterans' organizations—including the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans, and American Legion—spoke out strongly. VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore and National Service Director Michael Figlioli called the proposal rushed and harmful, urging the VA to listen to the community. Lawmakers, including Rep. Mark Takano and Sen. Richard Blumenthal, sent letters condemning the rule as a "political maneuver" aimed at cutting costs. At least one federal lawsuit was filed by veterans' law firms.
VA Secretary Doug Collins quickly halted enforcement just 48 hours after the rule's publication, acknowledging the widespread concerns.
What the Rescission Means for Veterans
Good news: The VA has fully restored the previous standard. Disability ratings will continue to be based on the severity of your service-connected condition as evaluated during your Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam—without automatically discounting for the benefits of medication. This protects:
- Veterans whose mental health or physical conditions are managed by daily medication
- Ongoing and future claims (including the more than 350,000 pending claims potentially affected)
- The trust veterans place in the VA benefits system
The VA's official notice states: "VA always takes veterans' concerns seriously and recognizes that many commenters construed the interim final rule as something that could result in adverse consequences… the department hereby advises that the interim final rule is rescinded effective immediately."
- Details
- Written by: Johnathon Farrell
- Category: News
- Hits: 6
On March 4, 2026, American Legion National Commander Dan K. Wiley appeared before a joint hearing of the Senate and House Committees on Veterans' Affairs in Washington, D.C., to present the organization's legislative priorities for the second session of the 119th Congress. The testimony, delivered during The American Legion's annual Washington Conference, highlighted the urgent needs of the nation's 1.5 million Legionnaires and the broader veteran community amid a "pivotal time for our country."
Commander Wiley, a retired Air Force veteran and former Kansas district court judge from Leavenworth, Kansas (a member of Byron H. Mehl American Legion Post #23), was introduced by Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), who praised Wiley's service and the Legion's advocacy. The hearing provided a platform for Wiley to share the organization's resolutions-based agenda, rooted in 107 years of grassroots input from posts nationwide.
In his opening remarks, Wiley emphasized reframing how the nation repays military service. He noted that only about 6% of American adults have served, yet military service often becomes a "family business," with lifelong impacts on veterans and their loved ones. Addressing recent media narratives criticizing veterans for "taking advantage" of the VA benefits system, Wiley called the focus misguided and urged a shift toward systemic improvements rather than blaming those seeking earned benefits.
Wiley underscored the Department of Veterans Affairs' core mission: "to care for him who shall have borne the battle." He highlighted ongoing challenges and opportunities, including the proposed Veterans Health Administration reorganization, the NextGen Community Care contract, and accelerated deployment of the Electronic Health Record system. He stressed the need for adequate resources and congressional oversight to ensure VA fulfills its obligations.
Key legislative priorities outlined in the testimony included:
- Advancing Be the One, The American Legion's flagship suicide prevention initiative, to combat veteran suicide through awareness, intervention, and support.
- Ensuring robust access to high-quality health care for veterans, including exploration of alternative and breakthrough therapies for conditions like PTSD and traumatic brain injury.
- Supporting passage of key bills such as H.R. 2730 – Military Moms Act and H.R. 4769 – Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act of 2025.
- Pushing for the Major Richard Star Act to provide fairer benefits for combat-injured veterans.
- Priorities in Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, Veterans Employment and Education, and National Security.
Wiley concluded by thanking the committees for their bipartisan commitment to veterans, especially as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. He expressed eagerness to collaborate on meaningful legislation that honors service and supports readiness in the Armed Forces.
The full written testimony is available on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs website, and video of the hearing can be viewed through Senate and House committee channels or The American Legion's resources.
This appearance reinforces The American Legion's role as a leading voice for veterans, delivering direct input from the community to lawmakers. Commander Wiley's testimony serves as a call to action for continued advocacy to ensure veterans receive the care, benefits, and respect they have earned.
- Details
- Written by: Johnathon Farrell
- Category: News
- Hits: 13
As we enter February, the American Legion Post 38 takes a moment to honor the United Service Organizations (USO) on its 85th birthday. Founded on February 4th in 1941, the USO has been a beacon of morale and comfort for U.S. military personnel and their loved ones through wars, peacetime, and everything in between. We at The American Legion recognize the USO's vital role in supporting our veterans, much like our own programs that foster community and assistance.
The story of the USO begins in the shadow of World War II. In 1940, with America mobilizing its forces and the world on the brink of global conflict, President Franklin D. Roosevelt sought a way to boost the spirits of servicemen and women. He called upon six established civilian organizations—the Salvation Army, YMCA, YWCA, National Catholic Community Service, National Travelers Aid Association, and National Jewish Welfare Board—to unite under one banner. On February 4, 1941, the USO was officially incorporated in New York as a private, nonprofit entity, not a government agency, relying on donations and volunteers to fulfill its mission of providing recreation, entertainment, and a "home away from home" for troops.
As the U.S. entered World War II later that year, the USO expanded rapidly. By 1944, it operated over 3,000 recreational clubs worldwide, from converted barns and churches to storefronts and railroad cars. These centers offered everything from dances and movies to quiet spaces for writing letters or seeking counsel. More than 1 million civilian volunteers stepped up, handling millions of service requests, including traveler's aid and family support. Iconic USO Camp Shows brought celebrities like Bob Hope and Marlene Dietrich to entertain troops in remote locations, lifting spirits amid the hardships of war.
With the end of WWII in 1945, the USO's role seemed complete, and it disbanded in 1947. However, the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950 prompted its revival, and it has remained active ever since. During the Vietnam War, the USO grew even larger, adapting to new challenges by providing services in conflict zones and at home. Today, it continues to support active-duty members, veterans, and families through programs like mobile canteens, care packages, and transition assistance, operating in over 200 locations worldwide.
The USO's enduring impact resonates deeply with organizations like The American Legion, where we share a commitment to honoring those who serve. From its humble beginnings to its modern-day initiatives, the USO has touched countless lives, reminding us that support for our military extends beyond the battlefield. On this 85th anniversary, let's reflect on its history and renew our gratitude for the volunteers and donors who make it possible.
At The American Legion Post 38 in Floresville, TX, we're inspired by the USO's model as we provide our own veteran support services. Join us in celebrating this milestone—visit https://txlegion38.org/ to learn more about our events, resources, and ways to get involved in supporting our heroes. Happy Birthday, USO—here's to many more years of service!
Celebrating 85 Years of Unwavering Support: The History of the USO on Its Birthday- Details
- Written by: Johnathon Farrell
- Category: News
- Hits: 9
As February unfolds with its promise of love and affection, Valentine's Day serves as a perfect reminder to celebrate not just romantic partners, but the steadfast companions who stand by our veterans through thick and thin. At The American Legion Post 38 we dedicate this month's newsletter to recognizing the incredible sacrifices and resilience of veteran spouses. These remarkable individuals embody the spirit of unwavering support, often navigating the unique challenges of military life with grace and strength.
Military spouses are the backbone of our service members' lives, enduring a journey that demands extraordinary adaptability and fortitude. Imagine the emotional toll of frequent deployments, where loved ones are separated for months or even years, leaving spouses to manage households, raise children, and maintain stability single-handedly. Relocations every few years disrupt careers, social networks, and children's education, forcing spouses to rebuild their lives time and again in unfamiliar places. The constant uncertainty—worrying about safety during missions, coping with the aftermath of injuries or PTSD, and adjusting to post-service transitions—tests their resolve in ways civilians can scarcely comprehend. Yet, through it all, veteran spouses provide emotional anchors, offering love, encouragement, and a sense of normalcy amid the chaos. Their role is pivotal in military spousal support systems, where they often become advocates, caregivers, and pillars for entire families.
This Valentine's Day, let's channel the holiday's theme of love into meaningful expressions of gratitude for these heroes behind the heroes. Appreciation doesn't have to be grand; it's the heartfelt gestures that resonate most. Start with a simple, sincere note or card detailing specific ways their support has made a difference—perhaps acknowledging how they held the fort during a deployment or helped navigate VA benefits. Plan a quiet evening at home with their favorite meal, free from distractions, to reconnect and share stories. For those who enjoy experiences, consider a couples' retreat or workshop focused on military family wellness, many of which are offered through organizations like ours at The American Legion.
Practical acts of service can speak volumes too. Take over household chores for a day to give them a well-deserved break, or surprise them with a spa voucher or hobby-related gift that encourages self-care—something military spouses often put on the back burner. If your spouse has put their career on hold due to military moves, support their professional growth by helping with resume updates or networking opportunities. And don't forget community involvement: Join local veteran support groups or events hosted by The American Legion Post 38, where spouses can connect with others who understand their experiences. These networks foster a sense of belonging and provide resources like counseling, financial aid, and social activities tailored to military families.
In the words of many veterans we've served, "My spouse's love got me through the toughest times." This February, let's make sure they feel that love returned tenfold. Whether through words, actions, or shared moments, expressing appreciation strengthens the bonds that have weathered military life's storms. At The American Legion Post 38 in Floresville, TX, we're committed to supporting veterans and their spouses every step of the way. For more ways to get involved or access resources, head to https://txlegion38.org/. Happy Valentine's Day—may it be filled with love, gratitude, and renewed appreciation for those who serve alongside our heroes.
- Details
- Written by: Johnathon Farrell
- Category: News
- Hits: 8