October 2026 Commanders Corner

October's Meeting

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Commander’s Corner

October 2026

Legion Family,

October has always been one of my favorite times of the year. The temperatures finally begin to cool down here in Central Texas (at least historically); the holiday season is just around the corner, and there is something special about seeing the excitement on children's faces as Halloween approaches. I especially enjoy seeing kids dressed up in costumes, whether they are superheroes, princesses, ghosts, or something entirely from their own imagination. Watching families come together, neighborhoods fill with laughter, and children enjoy the simple excitement of trick-or-treating reminds me how important these traditions are and how quickly those childhood years pass.

It is also a wonderful time to reflect on the importance of family, friendship, and community, values that are at the heart of what the American Legion represents. As we move into the final months of the year, our Post has plenty to look forward to, from our American Legion Riders' Columbus Day event to preparing for Breakfast with Santa. We also have several new fundraising opportunities and community partnerships taking shape.

Before looking ahead, however, I want to recognize the tremendous work our American Legion family accomplished in September. Our Post continues to grow its presence in Cedar Park through service, education, fundraising, and fellowship. None of this would be possible without the dedication of our Legionnaires, American Legion Riders, volunteers, and community partners.

Remembering September 11

September was highlighted by our 25th anniversary September 11 remembrance ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park in Cedar Park. We were honored to bring our community together to remember those who lost their lives, recognize the courage of our first responders, and reflect on the sacrifices made by our military personnel in the years that followed.

Our speakers delivered powerful, meaningful messages, reminding everyone why it matters that we continue to honor that day and educate future generations. I want to sincerely thank the City of Cedar Park, our first responders, Toyota of Cedar Park, Scouts, and JROTC, our generous sponsors, and everyone who helped organize and support this outstanding ceremony.

I especially want to recognize Mary Dale and Eric Doane for their hard work, dedication, and countless hours spent planning and coordinating this event. Their efforts were instrumental in bringing everything together and ensuring our community could commemorate this important anniversary in a meaningful, respectful way. Events of this magnitude don't happen without people willing to work behind the scenes, and we sincerely appreciate their contributions.

This ceremony demonstrated what our Post can accomplish through teamwork, community partnerships, and a shared commitment to ensuring that the sacrifices of September 11, 2001, are never forgotten.

October 13 Meeting – Stop the Bleed Training

At our October 13 meeting, we are pleased to welcome a deputy from the Williamson County Precinct 2 Constable's Office, who will provide Stop the Bleed training.

This important program teaches individuals how to recognize and respond to life-threatening bleeding emergencies. Whether at home, on the road, or during a community event, knowing how to respond during those critical first minutes can make the difference between life and death.

I encourage everyone to attend and take advantage of this opportunity. Supporting our community means being prepared to help when someone needs us most.

American Legion Riders – Wanderers and Warriors Ride, October 12

Our American Legion Riders are preparing for their Wanderers and Warriors Ride on Monday, October 12, bringing together riders, veterans, families, and community supporters for a day of camaraderie, fundraising, and live entertainment.

The ride will begin at Veterans Memorial Park in Cedar Park, with riders gathering between 10:30 and 10:45 AM. Following a safety briefing at 10:55 AM, kickstands will be up at 11:00 AM. The route will take participants down Anderson Mill Road to Lime Creek Road, with a break at The Oasis before returning along Anderson Mill Road and continuing to Whitestone Boulevard. The ride is expected to conclude around noon. Although relatively short, the route offers some enjoyable curves and beautiful Hill Country scenery.

Following the ride, everyone is invited to join us at Whitestone Distillery/600 Degrees Pizza for pizza, fellowship, and live music featuring Tyee Miles and the Hard Times. The band will perform from noon until 2:00 PM, with a break at 1:00 PM.

We will also hold our raffle drawing at 1:00 PM, featuring three prizes. Tickets are $10 each, with only 150 tickets available. Winners don't need to be present to win, so even those who can't attend can participate and support our Riders. Event T-shirts will also be available for purchase.

I encourage everyone to come out and support our American Legion Riders. You don't need to own a motorcycle to join the festivities. Bring your family, enjoy some great food and music, and help us make this another successful community event.

For additional details, visit our Wanderers and Warriors Ride event page or our Facebook event.

Our Riders continue to demonstrate their dedication to veterans and the community, and I appreciate the hard work that goes into organizing these events. I look forward to seeing everyone there!

Breakfast with Santa – December 5

Although December may seem a little way off, we are already beginning preparations for one of our most anticipated annual traditions: Breakfast with Santa.

This year's event is scheduled for Saturday, December 5, from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM, at the same location we used last year.

Breakfast with Santa is more than a holiday celebration. It is an opportunity for our Post to bring families together, create lasting memories for children, and demonstrate the spirit of giving that defines the American Legion.

We are also planning special Breakfast with Santa T-shirts for this year's event. Additional information about the shirts, volunteer opportunities, and event preparations will be shared as plans develop.

As always, an event of this size depends on the support of our members and volunteers. I encourage everyone to consider how they can contribute to making this year's celebration another memorable success.

Membership Growth and Opportunities to Serve

One of our priorities as we move forward is growing the membership of American Legion Post 911. I encourage every member to take an active role in our membership drive by reaching out to fellow veterans, sharing their experiences, and explaining the benefits and camaraderie that come with belonging to the American Legion. Membership is about much more than carrying a card. It is about being part of an organization that understands the bonds formed through military service, provides opportunities to continue serving our communities, and brings veterans and their families together.

We have a great deal to offer prospective members. Our Post meetings regularly feature outstanding guest speakers who share their experiences, expertise, and knowledge on subjects ranging from military history and veterans' issues to public safety and community service. These presentations provide opportunities to learn something new, engage in meaningful discussions, and enjoy the company of fellow veterans. I encourage members to invite eligible veterans to attend a meeting and experience firsthand what makes our Post special.

We also have several well-established programs that have served our community successfully for years. From Boys State and Girls State to our patriotic ceremonies, youth activities, and community outreach efforts, these programs demonstrate the lasting impact our Post has made. They are not simply events we organize each year. They are traditions built through the dedication of members who believe in the American Legion's mission. With continued membership growth, we can strengthen these existing programs while developing additional opportunities to serve veterans, support young people, and expand our involvement throughout Cedar Park and the surrounding communities.

We are also looking for members interested in learning about and assisting with leadership for our Boys State and Girls State programs this year. We would like to identify someone willing to shadow the current program chair, learn the responsibilities, and help ensure these important programs continue successfully for years to come. Boys State and Girls State provide exceptional opportunities for young people to develop leadership skills, learn about government, and better understand the responsibilities of citizenship. Supporting these programs is one of the most meaningful ways our Post invests in the next generation.

If you're interested in helping with Boys State and Girls State, or becoming more involved in any of our programs, please reach out to me. You do not need to have all the answers or years of experience. What matters is a willingness to learn, contribute, and help carry forward the work of those who built these programs.

Every new member brings additional experience, ideas, talents, and energy to our Post. Just as importantly, every member who becomes more involved helps strengthen our ability to accomplish our mission. If each of us invites one fellow veteran to a meeting, explains what our Post offers, and encourages them to become part of our American Legion family, imagine what we can accomplish together.

Our success has always depended on members willing to step forward and serve. Growing our membership and developing the next generation of Post leadership will ensure that American Legion Post 911 continues making a difference for many years to come.

Fundraising and Community Partnerships

Our fundraising efforts continue to expand as we work to strengthen the Post's ability to support veterans, youth programs, scholarships, and community activities. We are fortunate to have local businesses willing to partner with us, and I am excited to share a new opportunity that makes supporting our Post as easy as enjoying your morning coffee.

Scooter's Coffee – Sip, Support, Repeat!

American Legion Post 911 has officially joined the Scooter's Coffee Community Partnership Program at both Leander locations. Through this program, we'll contribute $1 to our community fundraising efforts for every qualifying $5 purchase made through the Scooter's Coffee app. The program runs through April 30, 2027.

Participating is simple. Download the Scooter's Coffee app, scan the QR code on our fundraising flyer, and select "American Legion Cedar park - Post 911" from the Community Partnership drop-down menu. You only need to select our organization once. If you already have the app, you can register your support without creating a new account.

After registering, simply visit either participating Leander Scooter's Coffee location and make your purchases through the app. Your qualifying visits will help fund our Post. You don't need to make a separate donation, and those morning coffee stops can add up to meaningful support over time.

I encourage every member to participate and share this opportunity with friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers. You do not need to be a Legion member to support the program. The more people who select Post 911, the greater the potential benefit to our veterans and community programs.

You can also follow the participating locations on social media through Scooter's Coffee Leander Ridge, Scooter's Coffee Gateway Leander, and Instagram @coffeebrew512.

More Community Partnerships Coming Soon

We are also working on additional fundraising events with Spare Birdie and Wayback Burgers. We'll share announcements with event dates, participation details, and opportunities to help as plans are finalized.

These partnerships bring our community together while generating support for the programs and activities that make our Post successful. I encourage our members to support the businesses that support our mission. When local organizations and the American Legion work together, everyone benefits.

Looking Ahead to March

Planning is also underway for our event scheduled for March 2027. While there are still details to finalize, we anticipate sharing additional information over the next several months.

Our goal is to continue building events that increase community participation, strengthen our partnerships, and expand the impact of American Legion Post 911.

I look forward to sharing more as those plans take shape.

Moving Forward Together

As Commander, I continue to be impressed by what our members accomplish when we work together. From honoring the fallen during our September 11 ceremony to preparing for educational programs, motorcycle rides, holiday celebrations, and community fundraisers, our Post remains active and committed to service.

However, the success of our Post is not measured simply by the number of events we hold. It is measured by the people we help, the relationships we build, and the example we set for the next generation.

I encourage every member to attend our meetings, participate in upcoming activities, invite a fellow veteran to join us, and find an opportunity to volunteer. Every contribution matters, whether it is helping organize an event, selling a raffle ticket, welcoming a guest, or simply showing up to support our fellow members.

Thank you to everyone who continues to give their time, talents, and resources to American Legion Post 911. Together, we are building a stronger Post and making a meaningful difference in our community.

For God and Country.

Ray Via II Commander, American Legion Post 911 Cedar Park, Texas