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Central Texas American
Veterans |
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Post TX115 had an extraordinary 2019! Be sure to check
out our future special events! |
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Holiday Homecoming December
15, 2019 – Post TX115 hosted its 8th annual
winter holiday gathering on Sunday, December 15th at 1600. As is
our custom, we followed our Christmas music program with a large traditional
family feast, bringing together members, their families, and friends of the
Post in a joyous celebration of the season.
There was a delicious
collection of holiday food and a great time was had by all.
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Christmas Caroling December
15, 2019 – For our eighth year, the Post orchestrated a
Christmas music program at a local senior living facility. Our program this year, on December 15th,
featured solo performances and group songs with piano accompaniment. Special thanks to Post member Alan Cameron
for leading us in the carols and for adding the “Twas' The Night
Before Christmas In Texas, Ya'll” tale and a lovely
rendition of the holiday classic “The Christmas Song” to the program. And we were grateful to have Friend of the
Post Sam Pulis enrich the day with his piano playing before and during the
event.
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Veterans Day Program November 11, 2019 – On Monday,
November 11th our Post
partnered with Orchard Park Senior Living to honor the 19 veterans who are
residents at their Kyle home. It’s a
struggle for them to get to out, so our Post went there to honor them! Post
Commander Kerman Hammond, Honor Guard Officer Rachel Patrick, Master of
Ceremonies Alan Cameron, and guest speaker Adria Garcia collaborated to
organize and present an outstanding event.
They were supported by 1st Vice Commander Stan Lipinski and members Alba Melgar-Ce’De Baca,
Cassaundra Melgar-Ce’De Baca, Stu Hoyt, Mike Garceau, and Steve Pulis. Highlights of the program included Adria’s
reflections on military service and Veterans Day, presentation of certificates
to the resident veterans, the Orchard Park Choir’s renditions of the military
service songs, and Alan’s heartfelt performance of “Proud to be an American.” |
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Veterans and residents of Orchard Park
Veterans and residents of Orchard Park
Veterans and residents of Orchard Park
Members Stu Hoyt,
Mike Garceau, Adria Garcia, Kerman Hammond,and Stan Lipinski visit prior to the program |
Alan Cameron guiding the
program
Commander Kerman Hammond
Combat Veteran Adria Garcia
addressing the group
Combat Veteran Ed Campbell
reflecting on
Color Guard Cassaundra Melgar-Ce’De
Baca,
Color Guard Cassaundra Melgar-Ce’De
Baca, |
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Buda Veterans Parade November 9, 2019 – Post TX115
was on point for the 2019 Buda Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, November 9th,
with Honor Guard Officer Rachel Patrick
leading members Adria Garcia, Steve Pulis, Cassaundra Melgar-Ce’De
Baca, and Alba Melgar-Ce’De Baca. Post
Commander Kerman Hammond followed driving the Post float with veterans,
family members, and friends aboard. It
was a beautiful day to commemorate Veterans Day with members of the Buda
community. |
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Honor Flight Donation October 26, 2019 – AMVETS Post
TX115 donated $1,000 to Austin Honor Flight, the nonprofit organization that
has taken over 2,000 WWII, Korean War,
and Vietnam War veterans to our Nation’s Capital to visit and experience the
Memorials built in their honor. Our Post donation was made in honor of Post member
John Corzan, a decorated Korean War combat
veteran. John’s wife Beverly presented
the check to former City of Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell,
Austin
Honor Flight
Vice Chair. Former Mayor Leffingwell is a former United States Navy Pilot and Vietnam
War veteran. After leaving active
duty, he served in the Navy Reserve and retired at the rank of Commander.
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Veterans Challenge Cup Chili Cook-Off October 26, 2019 – Teams
brought their competitive spirit to this year’s Veterans Challenge Chili
Cook-Off. Rachael Patrick earned the judge’s 2nd
runner-up Chili Ace trophy plus the coveted “Chili of the
People” award. The Ben and Gilbert
Arismendez combined their culinary efforts to net the 1st
runner-up Chili Master title. Team SAR (Sons of the American Revolution)
walked away with the highest bragging rights – Chili Grand Master. Special
thanks to our judges – AMVETS Texas State Commander Jesse Bean, Justice of
the Peace Beth Smith, and Constable John Ellen. |
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State Commander Jesse Bean
1st Place
- Chili Grand Masters - Team SAR |
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Community
Yard Sale October
19, 2019 – Post TX115 hosted its third yard sale of 2019 Saturday, October 19th.
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Hispanic American Veterans Achievement &
Appreciation Celebration September
28, 2019 – Post 115 celebrated the
service and sacrifice of Latino Americans in military service with an
outstanding schedule of activities. We started
with a special breakfast at 0800 and then had a special commemoration at 1000
featuring Vietnam Marine Corps Combat
Veteran Maximo “Max” Vasquez. Max
delivered a most moving address and individually recognized Hays County
Hispanic-Americans who lost their lives in Vietnam. Lehman
High School Mariachi Los Lobos entertained attendees at 1100 – these superb
young adults put on a magnificent performance – Maravilloso!
We closed
out the day with a delicious meal from Donn’s BBQ. Post TX115
can be most proud of this commemoration and celebration – it was a fitting
recognition. Special thanks to Max
Vasquez and Mariachi Los Lobos for making the program so special. And an extra-large salute to Ben Arismendez, Gilbert Arizmendez, Rachel Patrick, Adria Garcia, and Gerry
Mullen for all their hard efforts in planning, staging, and executing – a lot
of hard work goes in to prepare and run an event this grand – well done to
all! |
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Patriot Day September
11, 2019 – Members set flags on the fence to mark Patriot Day
at 401 Rebel Drive.
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First Responders Appreciation Breakfast September
7, 2019 – For our fifth year, Post TX115
hosted an appreciation breakfast for area law enforcement, fire fighters, and
emergency medical personnel on Saturday, September 7th. It was our special way to say thank you all
those who keep us safe and save lives every day. By most
accounts, this was our most successful FR breakfast to date. Over 36 police officers, sheriff’s
deputies, fire fighters, EMTs, and judicial personnel enjoyed some great food
and left the Post knowing they are greatly appreciated by the community they
serve. Once again Ben Arismendez,
Gilbert Arizmendez, and Rachel Patrick were at the
Post extra early to ensure all was ready by 0600. These three members were the first to
arrive and the last to leave, working steady all morning to keep both our
guests and fellow Post members fed and happy.
Many members jumped in to assist, with Max Vasquez taking the lead on
the all-important trash control duties. Our annual
FR breakfast is named in honor of Post member Lyle Bollinger, who was a strong
supporter of public service and especially first responders. He was a board member for Hays County Emergency
Services District Five (ESD-5) for 16 years, advocating for the Fire
Department that serves Kyle and the surrounding area. Lyle instilled that sense of service in his
daughter Susan, who continues the family legacy by serving on the ESD-5 board
today. We were happy Lyle’s wife Mary
and his daughter Susan could join us for the breakfast. |
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Chief Master Sergeant Charles R. Schlund
(Retired) Remembrance August 31, 2019 – Post
TX115 hosted a Memorial and Celebration of Life
Car Display to honor the life of retired Chief Master
Sergeant Charlie "Chaz" Schlund at our Post – 401 Rebel Drive in Kyle. Charlie Schlund was proud of his 29 years of service in the Air
Force, of his assignments around the world, and especially of his tours in
Vietnam and Thailand during the war.
Here at home in Texas he was a fixture and a valued friend in the
Mustang community. Post members rallied to provide two meals and deliver final military
honors. Most members didn’t know
Charlie Schlund, but that didn’t stop them from
enduring the heat to honor the Chief. Ben Arismendez, Gilbert Arizmendez,
and Rachel Patrick started early and worked hard so all could enjoy a
wonderful breakfast and later a tasty lunch. Rachel Patrick served as our Honor Guard Officer,
leading Alba Melgar-Ce’De Baca, Cassaundra Melgar-Ce’De Baca, Mike Garceau,
Jim Clements, Stan Lipinski, Stu Hoyt, and Larry Keiser. Under Rachel’s expert leadership the team
delivered a beautifully executed three-volley rifle salute. Everyone in attendance was impressed! Alan Cameron delivered a beautiful National Anthem
and served as chaplain, providing thoughtful and touching words of
contemplation. Many members jumped in to assist – Max Vasquez, Rex
Drake, and others – when most needed to pull it all off. This remembrance was
another example of our Post at its finest – veterans closing ranks to honor a
fellow veteran’s service to our country.
This is the foundation of an honorable veteran's post. Those close to Charlie
were extremely touched by and very much appreciated the efforts of Post
115. They expressed much gratitude
to all the Post veterans and family members who stood in the heat, shoulder
to shoulder with them, in a final salute to a life of service and purpose, a
life that touched so many, a life well lived.
Master of Ceremonies Bob White Alan Cameron offers contemplation Brian Pulis remembering his friend
Post Honor Guard delivering the Three-Volley Rifle Salute Jackie Gibson
rendering Taps
Flag
Detail – Air Force veterans Neal Armstrong, Ron Butler, Mike Jenniges, and Steve Pulis The Final Salute
Two early model Ford
Mustang Fastbacks, a 1965 HiPo and 1967 GTA,
lovingly restored by Charlie Schlund
Members of the Central
Texas Mustang community who cherished Charlie Schlund |
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Post Family Picnic August
10, 2019 – We had a wonderful turnout at
our annual summer social. It was a
relaxed gathering to spend time together with some traditional American backyard
cuisine and some old fashion camaraderie – yes, it was all about friendship
and food! The Post grilled up the
hamburgers and hotdogs and members brought scrumptious summer side dishes and
delicious desserts to share. Special
thanks to Gilbert Arizmendez and Ben Arizmendez for the setup, teardown, and all the cooking,
and to Stan Lipinski for the music and the running the door prize/raffle
operation. Our special
guests this year were AMVETS Department of Texas Commander Jesse Bean and his
lovely wife Dannie. We were most
honored to have them visit our Post.
They enjoyed a wonderful meal while visiting with our members and
families. From the State Commander: “…we made to Kyle Texas and pulled into the
parking lot of AMVETS Post 115. Very
nice bldg, huge parking lot and very clean
surroundings. Very positive image for
AMVETS. The Post Commander, Staff and all the Members as
well as wives and children were so welcoming and friendly. The event they were having was their Family
Picnic. Heavy on the Family. This is one of our best Post and they are very
active in the Community and serve Veterans in so many different and
beneficial ways. They prepared a feast and the folks I met were so
kind I was touched by the atmosphere and the nature of their support for each
other, the Veterans they serve year round and their ongoing efforts. The pictures on the walls is a directory of their
never ending projects, fund raisers, and so many community activities I was
very impressed the quality and quantity of their service. To each one of you I say thanks so much for what
you have done, are doing and will continue to do in the future. Great Effort. Great Results.” Commander Bean continued: “This is a beautiful plaque sent to AMVETS Post 115
from SPECIAL OPERATIONS JOINT TASK FORCE. The reason this bunch of warriors
sent this to the AMVETS is in appreciation for the package the Post sent
them. I was amazed to begin with by the show of appreciation. In our society now days, not much of that
going on. I guess their nobility goes far past just fighting their ass off
for this Country and its people. There are several other plaques like this
around the walls of Post 115, but the impact statement is; they have sent
almost forty (40) of these packages to our warriors in the last year. That's
what I be talking about people. Doing it, they are flat doing it. Just know they are is enough, but knowing
they are doing it without fame, fortune or glory makes it even better.” |
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Flag Retirement Program July
20, 2019 – The program, which was open to the public, was an
educational endeavor as well as a dignified ceremony of flag retirement. John Knox, a local historian specializing
in the flags of America, delivered a detailed history of the many flags that
have flown over the United States and how the current flag was
developed. Mr. Knox demonstrated the
proper way to retire “Old Glory” and facilitated the retirement of the many
flags that have flown over local homes and businesses. Special thanks to Terry Murray for
coordinating the program and to Gilbert Arizmendez
and Ben Arizmendez for the setup and teardown.
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Women Veterans
Breakfast June 15, 2019 – Post TX115 held its
second annual Women Veterans Recognition Breakfast on June 15, commemorating
the Texas Women Veterans day, the 71th anniversary of the Women’s
Armed Services Integration Act, and 102 years of women in uniformed military
service. Dr. Alba M. Melgar-C’De Baca, United States Army, Lieutenant Colonel
(Retired), provided a moving narrative of nearly 30 years of military
service. From the Post Commander: Today was a special
day because we had our program to show appreciation to women veterans. If you were not at the Post, you missed a
great speaker that was really enthusiastic about what she had to say. We had a great breakfast, program, and
afterwards cake and coffee and a great time just meeting everyone and
enjoying the conversation. I
personally want to thank everyone that made the program a success. Team work is what makes things happen –
thanks to Steve Pulis, Stan Lipinski, Ben Arismendez, Gilbert Arismendez,
Rachel Patrick, Mike Cook, Alan Cameron, Terry Murray and our picture taker
Tina Murray. Wow, what a team. Kerman D.
Hammond, Sr. Commander
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Flag Day June 14, 2019 – Post TX115 partnered with
the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) to mark Flag Day at 401 Rebel
Drive.
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Community
Yard Sale June 8, 2019 – Post TX115 hosted its
second yard sale of 2019 on June 8th.
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Officer
Installation May 25, 2019 – From Former Commander Steve Pulis: I had the special privilege of inducting our new cabinet of officers
for 2019-2020 at our Saturday morning breakfast. Please come out to our Post meetings, both
the General Membership Meetings and the Executive Committee Meetings, to
provide your input and support your officers! |
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Commander 1st
Vice 2nd
Vice 3rd
Vice Adjutant Finance
Officer Judge
Advocate Provost
Marshall |
Kerman
D. Hammond, Sr. Terry
Murray Gilbert
Arismendez Rachel
Patrick William
P. Banks, Sr Stan
Lipinski Mike
Garceau Ben Arismendez |
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World War II
& Korean War Veterans Appreciation Breakfast May 18, 2019 – On May 18th,
Post TX115 honored local WWII and Korean War veterans. The morning included a special breakfast
followed by a program with period music, leader’s perspectives, and
individual narratives highlighting the service and lives of the 11 veterans
recognized.
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Memorial Day
Program May 23, 2019 – Post TX115 partnered with Orchard Park
Senior Living to present a Memorial Day program on May 23rd. Post Honor Guard members presented the
colors and the
Orchard Park choir sang four beautiful songs and performed the five military
service songs. The program closed with Post Member Alan
Cameron singing a moving rendition of Taps.
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Lions Club Wiener Dog Races April 27 & 28, 2019 – Post TX115 once again supported the Buda
Lions Club at their annual Wiener Dog Races, providing AMVETS veteran members
to direct parking. This event is the
Lions major fundraiser for the year, one hundred percent of which is used to
support local youth that are disabled and/or disadvantaged.
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JROTC Awards April & May 2019 – Post TX115 supported a record 20 high school
programs requesting AMVETS JROTC award packages for end of school year awards
ceremonies. Additionally, post members
presented the awards at a record 16 schools in April and May.
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Community
Yard Sale March 30, 2019 – Post TX115 hosted its
first yard sale on March 30th.
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Military Care Packages January & February 2019 – Throughout January, veterans, family members, and friends contributed
hundreds of items for our annual “Veterans Valentine” Care Packages
program. On February 2nd
the Post family helped fill the boxes that we sent to military members
deployed overseas. This year’s effort
yielded 37 boxes, filled to the brim
with goodies for the troops.
2019 is the 7th year Post Commander Kerman Hammond has
orchestrated this important program to support those serving all of us
downrange. While we often receive
thanks, this year we were sent a particularly touching letter from Afghanistan;
it is great to know Post TX115 is having such a positive effect on those
serving in harm’s way.
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Mid-Winter Raffle January 2019 – During
January Post members sold tickets for our annual Mid-Winter Raffle, once
again featuring the popular Ruger LC9s.
Due to the outstanding efforts of many, this fundraiser was very
successful.
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