Vets Gather for North Texas Coffee Tour

On March 14, we held the first District 13 Coffee Tour, bringing together veterans and members of the American Legion Family from across North Texas. The tour began right here in Olney at Post 414, where we gathered for coffee, fellowship, and a brief welcome before starting a daylong convoy visiting several American Legion Posts across our district.

As the District 13 Commander, I am always looking for ways to bring our Posts together and strengthen the connections between them. Each Post has its own traditions, ideas, and successful events. By spending time together, visiting each other’s communities, and simply talking face to face, we can learn from one another and grow stronger as a District.

Starting in Olney, our convoy traveled North making stops at Wichita Falls Post 169, Henrietta Post 18, Nocona Post 220, Sanger Post 268, and Pilot Point Post 550, before ending the day with a steak dinner and fellowship at Lake Dallas Post 88 where we were joined by the Department (State) Commander, Rich Huntley. At each stop, members had the chance to visit, share ideas, and talk about ways we can collaborate on future events and programs. Even several things I want to implement right here in Olney.

It was important to me that the Coffee Tour begin in Olney. This is my home Post, and I am always looking for ways to involve our community in the work of the American Legion. Starting the event here allowed us to welcome veterans and Legion family members from across the District and show them the great support our community has for veterans.

We also added a charitable component to the tour. Participants were encouraged to bring donated supplies that will be delivered to the Sam Rayburn Memorial Veterans Center in Bonham, helping support the veterans who live there. Service to veterans is at the heart of everything we do, and this gave us another opportunity to give back while bringing our Posts together.

In addition to the Coffee Tour, I have also worked to bring another major American Legion event to Olney this spring. The District 13 Spring Convention will be held here on April 11. Veterans and members of the American Legion Family from across North Texas will be coming to Olney for the event.

We will conduct our district business meeting in the morning followed by a joint session in the afternoon. Hosting the convention here will bring members of the Legion, Sons of the American Legion, Auxiliary, and Legion Riders together in our community, and I am excited for Olney to be a part of it.

We are currently looking for raffle items and door prizes for the convention. Any local businesses or community members who would like to contribute are encouraged to reach out to me.

Anyone interested in supporting the convention can contact me at 940-550-2831.

Both the Coffee Tour and the upcoming District Convention are part of my ongoing effort to strengthen our District, bring Posts together, and continue the American Legion’s mission of service to veterans, service members, and their communities.