SAN ANTONIO – (Jan. 14, 2023) – In support of one of The American Legion’s pillar programs, Children & Youth, Fred Brock Post 828, in partnership with H-E-B Operation Appreciation, provided new shoes to Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) cadets and students of Sam Houston, Highlands, and Breckenridge high schools during its Project Shoes event held at Hibbett Sports. (Photo by Jerry Johnson/HEB)

 

Fred Brock Post 828, H-E-B Operation Appreciation provide students with new shoes

Fred Brock Post 828 - San Antonio, TX

January 15, 2023

SAN ANTONIO – (Jan. 14, 2023) – The American Legion is a strong supporter of the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program across the country. In support of one of its pillar programs, Children & Youth, Fred Brock Post 828, in partnership with H-E-B Operation Appreciation, provided new shoes to JROTC cadets and students of Sam Houston, Highlands and Breckenridge high schools during its Project Shoes event held at Hibbett Sports.

“This was an outstanding event sponsored by Post 828 and H-E-B,” said retired Army Lt. Col. Alan Maitland, senior JROTC instructor at Highlands High School. “The cadets and other students here are most deserving. These kids are doing great in school and are giving back to the JROTC program, some of which only had one pair of shoes to wear to school for the entire year.”

Students, who were accompanied by their parent(s), had a $100 budget to purchase new sneakers. Additionally, they enjoyed pizza and sodas provided by Hibbett Sports.

"I just wanted to say thank you so much for what Post 828 and H-E-B did for our kids,” said retired Army 1st Sgt. Donald Halford, a JROTC instructor at Sam Houston High School. “What a blessing it was to have the support and for the community to be there for them. We look forward to maintaining and strengthening the relationship between the JROTC program and Post 828."

According to H-E-B’s Top Store Leader SA7 Jerry Johnson, it is important for the community to know that H-E-B does more than just sell groceries.

“Our commitment is to get out of the stores and into the neighborhoods,” said Johnson. “Consumers are statistics, customers are people. H-E-B's Veterans Partner Resource Group is a great tool to better serve the people in our store's communities both veterans and civilians alike.”

Johnson recalled having his first pair of Jordans at the age of 13 and how excited he was.

“For some this might be that same experience, one they will never forget. The shoes will fade but the memory they have of that day will be forever,” Johnson said.

The mission of Fred Brock Post 828 is to enhance the well-being of San Antonio’s veterans, their families, the military and the community by its devotion to mutual helpfulness.

Follow Fred Brock Post 828 on Facebook at American Legion Post No. 828.


SAN ANTONIO – (Jan. 14, 2023) – Post Commander Burrell Parmer of Fred Brock American Legion Post 828 with students who received new shoes. (Photo by: Legionnaire Marcellus Hutchinson/Post 828)

SAN ANTONIO – (Jan. 14, 2023) – 1st Vice Commander Johnny Shepheard (right) of Fred Brock American Legion Post 828, joined by members of the post’s Project Shoes Committee, speaks with Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps cadets with Sam Houston High School on their shoe selection. (Photo by Post 828 Commander Burrell Parmer)

SAN ANTONIO – (Jan. 14, 2023) – Legionnaire Douglas Russell Jr, judge advocate of Fred Brock American Legion Post 828, speaks with a Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps cadet with Highlands High School on his shoe selection. (Photo by Post 828 Commander Burrell Parmer)

SAN ANTONIO – (Jan. 14, 2023) – Post Commander Burrell Parmer (right) of Fred Brock American Legion Post 828, joined by H-E-B’s Top Store Leader SA7 Jerry Johnson, briefs students and parents. (Photo by: Legionnaire Marcellus Hutchinson/Post 828)

Submitted by:
Burrell Parmer, Post 828 commander

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