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Recruitment Drive: Floresville Home and Garden Show Helping Local Veterans Build Community

American Legion Post 38, the US Military Veteran 501(c)(19) non-profit organization based in Floresville, Texas, made a strong showing at the South Texas Home & Garden Show on Saturday, March 21, 2026. The popular event, held at the Lauro G. Deleon Floresville Event Center and presented by the Wilson County News, drew hundreds of local residents for vendor booths, workshops, live demonstrations, and community exhibits.

American Legion Post 38 recruitment booth at South Texas Home & Garden Show

Our dedicated team of Legion and Auxiliary volunteers staffed the recruitment table all day, sharing information about veteran services, community programs, and the many benefits of membership. The results were outstanding: two new members joined The American Legion and eight new members signed up for the American Legion Auxiliary!

The American Legion Auxiliary is the vital partner that multiplies everything Post 38 is able to accomplish. Under the motto "Service Not Self," Auxiliary members support the Legion through hands-on programs including the iconic Poppy Program (which raises funds for disabled and hospitalized veterans), youth patriotism initiatives such as Girls State, volunteer work at VA hospitals, care packages for deployed service members, community service projects, and strong advocacy for veterans' rights and benefits. Their tireless efforts allow the Legion to focus on our core mission while the Auxiliary handles critical support that directly benefits veterans, their families, and the entire Floresville community.

Eligibility Requirements

For The American Legion: Membership is open to any man or woman who served at least one day on federal active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Merchant Marine during WWII) from December 7, 1941, to the present and received an honorable discharge (or is still serving honorably).

For The American Legion Auxiliary: Membership includes grandmothers, mothers, sisters, spouses (including male spouses), and direct or adopted female descendants of current or eligible American Legion members or qualifying veterans. Women who are eligible for The American Legion in their own right may also join the Auxiliary.

If you or someone you know meets the eligibility criteria and would like to join this proud tradition of service, stop by American Legion Post 38 at 1412 4th Street in Floresville or visit our website at https://txlegion38.org/. Membership dues help fund local programs, and the friendships you'll make will last a lifetime.

We extend a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who visited our table and to the organizers of the South Texas Home & Garden Show for providing such a wonderful community platform. We look forward to seeing our ten new members at upcoming Post 38 events!

Details
Written by: Johnathon Farrell
Category: News
Published: 05 September 2026
Hits: 59

Music Builds Camaraderie: April Guitar Jam Sessions at American Legion Post 38

April is a month of renewal and fellowship at American Legion Post 38, and our popular Guitar Jam Sessions are the perfect way for veterans and the community to come together through the healing power of music.

Guitars for Vets program graphic with acoustic guitar

Hosted right here at our hall (1412 4th Street, Floresville, TX), the jam sessions continue every Sunday in April from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. These relaxed, welcoming sessions are open to Guitars for Vets program graduates, current students, Post 38 members, and anyone in Wilson County who loves music. All skill levels are welcome — whether you're a beginner strumming your first chords or an experienced player, there's a place for you. Just bring your own guitar (BYOG), your voice, and a positive attitude.

The sessions are part of our ongoing partnership with the Guitars for Vets program, which provides free guitars and music instruction to veterans as a form of therapy and camaraderie. Music has proven healing benefits for veterans dealing with the invisible wounds of service, and these Sunday jams turn learning into joyful community connection.

At Post 38, we know that fellowship is at the heart of what we do. Whether you served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard, these jam sessions offer a chance to share stories, laugh, and make new friends in a patriotic setting. Families and non-veterans are also encouraged to attend and support our local veterans.

No performance pressure — just good music, great company, and the spirit of American Legion camaraderie.

Mark your calendars and join us this April! Doors open at 11:00 a.m. For more information, call Post 38 at (830) 393-7929 or check our Facebook page at "American Legion, Post 38, Floresville, Texas."

Come strum a few chords, honor your service, and help keep the music — and the mission — alive at Post 38.

American Legion Post 38, Floresville, TX – Where Veterans Gather, Serve, and Heal Together

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Written by: Johnathon Farrell
Category: News
Published: 05 September 2026
Hits: 56

Chuck Norris: An American Legend, Air Force Veteran, and Lifelong Friend to Those Who Served

American Legion Post 38 pauses this April to remember and honor the life of one of America's most iconic veterans — Chuck Norris. Born Carlos Ray Norris on March 10, 1940, the martial arts master, actor, and staunch supporter of the military passed away in 2026 at age 86. His story is one of service, strength, and unwavering commitment to the men and women who wear the uniform.

VA Veteran of the Day collage honoring Chuck Norris Portrait of Chuck Norris in cowboy hat

Norris proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1958 to 1962. Stationed as an Air Policeman at Osan Air Base in South Korea, his time in uniform not only shaped his legendary discipline but also introduced him to martial arts the foundation of his future career in Tang Soo Do and his creation of Chun Kuk Do. What began as military service became a lifetime of inspiring others through toughness, honor, and quiet patriotism.

Beyond the silver screen and his famous roles in Walker, Texas Ranger, Chuck Norris became a true champion for veterans. He traveled with the USO to Kuwait and Iraq in 2006, spending time with troops far from home, shaking hands, sharing stories, and boosting morale in the toughest conditions. He worked alongside the Department of Veterans Affairs and used his public platform to advocate for those who served, always emphasizing the sacrifices made by American service members and their families.

His personal connection to loss ran deep: his younger brother Wieland served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam and is memorialized on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Chuck carried that family legacy with dignity, never forgetting the cost of freedom.

At Post 38, we see in Chuck Norris the same values we live every day at our hall on 1412 4th Street in Floresville service before self, loyalty to comrades, and love of country. Whether through his on-screen heroism or real-world support for troops, he reminded us that true strength comes from standing up for what is right.

As we gather for our April tailgates, meetings, and guitar jams, let us remember Chuck Norris with gratitude. He was more than a celebrity; he was one of us — a veteran who never stopped serving.

Rest in peace, Chuck. You will be missed, but your legacy of toughness, patriotism, and veteran advocacy lives on in every Legion hall across Texas and the nation.

American Legion Post 38, Floresville, TX – Honoring All Who Served

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Written by: Johnathon Farrell
Category: News
Published: 05 September 2026
Hits: 48

Unlock Your Leadership Potential: American Legion Training Opportunities for Post 38 Members

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.

Department Legion College Save the Date flyer, March 21-22, 2026 American Legion conference training session with attendees

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

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Written by: Johnathon Farrell
Category: News
Published: 05 September 2026
Hits: 48

VA Rescinds Controversial Disability Ratings Rule: A Win for Veterans

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.

American Legion Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation presentation

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
Published: 05 September 2026
Hits: 53
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