May 2026 - Post 911 Commander’s Corner

First, on behalf of Post 911, I want to wish all mothers a very Happy Mother’s Day. The sacrifices made by military families are often carried out quietly, but they are no less important. Mothers have long served as the foundation of military families, supporting loved ones through deployments, hardship, service, and sacrifice, and helping families hold together during difficult times. We thank all mothers, grandmothers, spouses, and caregivers who continue to support veterans, active-duty service members, and our communities each day.

As we move into May, I want to begin by recognizing several outstanding young men and women from our local JROTC programs. Members of Post 911 had the honor of presenting Scholastic

Excellence and Military Bearing awards during the Vista Ridge High School JROTC Spring Awards Ceremony on April 29 and the Leander High School JROTC Spring Awards Ceremony on May 1.

These awards represent far more than grades or appearance. They recognize young people who consistently demonstrate integrity, responsibility, and service to others. Post 911 remains proud to support programs that help develop the next generation of leaders in our communities.

Our May meeting will continue with that focus on youth leadership and mentorship as we host the annual Boys State and Girls State banquet. During the evening, we will recognize the students receiving scholarships and those selected or endorsed to attend Texas Boys State and Texas Girls State this June.

Dinner will be served at 6:00 PM at Hero’s Resource Center in Cedar Park, and the evening will provide students and parents an opportunity to meet the other delegates and families representing Post 911 this year.

Casey Thomas will speak with students and parents about what to expect from the upcoming programs while answering questions from those preparing to attend. Casey brings exceptional experience to the discussion, having attended Boys State himself before later serving seven years as Chairman of Texas Boys State. He has also guided his own children through these programs and understands both the student and parent perspectives.

Boys State and Girls State remain among the finest leadership and citizenship programs available to young people today, helping students gain firsthand experience in how our constitutional system of government operates while building confidence, leadership skills, and lifelong opportunities.

Parents are both invited and encouraged to attend. We hope all families will come out for an evening of fellowship, mentorship, and preparation as these outstanding young men and women prepare to represent our community this summer.

I encourage all members of Post 911 to attend this important evening, meet these future leaders, and help encourage them as they begin this journey.

The strength of our Post is not simply found in meetings or ceremonies. It is found in mentorship, fellowship, and service to our veterans, families, and community. Thank you for continuing to make Post 911 an active and growing presence in Cedar Park and the surrounding area.

For God and Country,

Ray Via II

Commander

American Legion Post 911

Girls State Update

Congratulations to all of our Girls State nominees. Post 911 is incredibly proud of these outstanding young women, and we hope each of them has a rewarding, educational, and fulfilling experience at Texas Girls State this summer.

Girls State continues to provide young women with an exceptional opportunity to develop leadership skills, learn firsthand how government functions, build confidence, and form friendships and connections that can last a lifetime.

A full recognition of this year’s Girls State delegates will be presented during our May banquet meeting.

The Legion is also seeking volunteers to support the fundraising committee as we expand our youth leadership efforts within the community.

In addition, the Auxiliary is seeking sponsors and supporters to help raise funds for next year’s Girls State program. Those interested in supporting this important initiative or assisting with fundraising efforts are encouraged to contact Second Vice Commander Mary Dale through the Post leadership team.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support our Boys State and Girls State programs and invests in the future leaders of our communities.

Thank you,

Mary Dale

2^nd Vice Commander

American Legion Post 911

2026 Heroes Appreciation BBQ

Post 911 encourages all members, families, and supporters to attend the 2026 Heroes Appreciation BBQ hosted by Heroes Resource Center.

2026 HEROES APPRECIATION BBQ

MAY 23, 2026 | 10 AM - 3 PM

REUNION RANCH

Each year, this outstanding event brings together veterans, active-duty service members, first responders, and their families for a day of fellowship, appreciation, and community connection ahead of Memorial Day weekend.

As one of the largest free military appreciation BBQ events in Central Texas, the gathering offers families an opportunity to relax, enjoy activities, and connect with local businesses and nonprofit organizations that support the military and veteran community.

Post 911 will also have a booth at the event, and we are looking for volunteers to help represent the Post throughout the day. We hope members will consider volunteering for a two-hour shift to help greet visitors, answer questions about the Legion, and support community outreach efforts. Sharing the workload allows more members to participate while helping us maintain a strong presence within the community.

Registration and additional event information are available at: HTTPs://www.heroesresourcecenter.org/bbq

Flag Retirement Ceremony

On Flag Day at 0900, American Legion Hunter-Morris Memorial Post 911 will once again host its annual Flag Retirement Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park in Cedar Park.

This solemn tradition honors worn or unserviceable United States flags through a respectful retirement ceremony conducted in accordance with long-standing American Legion traditions and proper flag etiquette. The ceremony serves as a reminder of the values, sacrifices, and freedoms represented by the American flag.

Community members from Cedar Park, Leander, and across Williamson County are encouraged to attend. Post 911 also accepts worn U.S. flags from the public for proper retirement.

Location: 2525 W New Hope Dr, Cedar Park, Texas 78613

Hosted By: American Legion Hunter-Morris Memorial Post 911

We invite veterans, families, youth organizations, and community members to join us in honoring this important American tradition.

Chaplain’s Corner

“For God and Country: Faith, Fellowship, and Service”

One of the greatest strengths of the American Legion has always been the bond shared between veterans, families, and the community. Our upcoming American Legion Prayer Breakfast is an opportunity to strengthen those bonds through faith, fellowship, and service to one another.

The goal of this gathering is simple but important: to bring together Legionnaires, Auxiliary members, Sons of The American Legion, and their families for prayer, reflection, encouragement, and fellowship around a shared meal.

In a world that often feels divided and rushed, taking time to gather together reminds us that service does not end when the uniform comes off. We continue serving through mentorship, compassion, encouragement, and support for one another.

The theme for this year’s breakfast is:

“For God and Country: Faith, Fellowship, and Service”

Our morning together will include prayer, fellowship, breakfast, patriotic observances, and reflections focused on the importance of continuing forward in life and service.

One of the central thoughts for the morning will be:

“The journey starts by putting one foot forward.”

Many veterans understand that progress is not always measured in great leaps. Sometimes it is simply found in continuing forward one step at a time while supporting those around us along the way.

Please continue to keep our veterans, active-duty military, first responders, and their families in your prayers.

Prayer Breakfast June 19^th, starting at 8:30 AM at IHOP in Cedar Park

Respectfully,

David Harrison

Chaplin

American Legion Post 911

American Legion Riders Report

Founding Members Wanted

We’re building something powerful, and you can be part of it from day one.

For the first time in our area, Post 911 Hunter-Morris is forming an American Legion Riders Chapter, and we are calling on veteran motorcycle riders to step forward as founding members.

This is more than a riding group. It is an opportunity to help shape the mission, culture, and legacy of something that will stand for years to come within our Post and our community.

The American Legion Riders have long represented veterans through service, patriotism, fellowship, and support for veterans and their families. Riders participate in ceremonies, community events, veteran support missions, escorts, fundraising efforts, and outreach programs while building strong bonds through service and camaraderie on the open road.

If you ride and want purpose beyond the miles, this is your opportunity to help build something meaningful from the ground floor.

Stand up. Ride out. Build a bond that lasts.

What We Stand For

• Supporting veterans and their families

• Riding in community events and ceremonies

• Promoting the Legion's patriotism with pride and honor at memorial and interment events. 

• Building strong bonds through service and camaraderie

Join Us,

Raymond Mejia

Finance Manager

American Legion Post 911

Membership Matters

Membership remains the foundation of everything we do at Post 911. Every ceremony, scholarship, youth leadership program, veteran support effort, and community event is only possible because of the continued support and participation of our members.

Annual dues for American Legion Post 911 are $50.00 per year. Membership renewals help support programs at the Post, the Department, and the National levels while ensuring we remain a strong and active voice for veterans and their families throughout Cedar Park.

Members should note that The American Legion operates on the upcoming membership year well in advance of the calendar year. National Headquarters begins processing renewals for the next membership year on July 1, which is why many members may begin receiving renewal notices for 2027 earlier than expected.

While membership cards expire on December 31 of the paid membership year, there is an administrative period before members are removed from the rolls. Members become delinquent after January 1, suspended beginning February 1, and may be dropped from membership rolls after June 30 if dues remain unpaid.

Renewing early helps the Post maintain strong membership numbers throughout the year and supports planning for our youth programs, ceremonies, veteran outreach efforts, and community activities.

At Post 911, we also view membership as something far more meaningful than simply paying annual dues. We believe membership means remaining connected to fellow veterans, supporting the community, and continuing a life of service after military duty.

Our hope is that every member attends at least 3 meetings or events each year and volunteers to support at least 1 of our outreach activities annually. Whether it is Boys State and Girls State, Flag Day ceremonies, veteran support activities, community outreach, fundraising, or mentoring young people, every member has something valuable to contribute.

When the workload is shared across the Post, no one carries the burden alone, and everyone can take pride in the accomplishments we achieve together as a veteran community.

We especially encourage members who may not have attended recently to come back out and reconnect. Your presence, experience, and support continue to matter.

If you have questions regarding your membership status or renewal, please reach out to the Post leadership team during one of our meetings or events.

Louis Wolting

Adjutant

American Legion Post 911