On this night in the small town of Royse City, the men and women of Post 100 are busy volunteering and passing out backpacks and school supplies at the local Back to School Bash. On this evening the post will hand out over 50 backpacks with $400 in school supplies. The post was founded less than a year ago, and in that time the members of Post 100 have assisted veterans to find employment, supported local food pantries, and provided assistance with local beautification projects.
It was in October 2016 that the idea of bringing a post back to Royse City began. The town of Royse City had a post back in the 1920s that eventually closed its doors, but now there is a revitalization going on in Royse City and the men and women of Post 100 are a part of it.
The town of Royse City is experiencing a growth it has never seen before. In 2000 the town’s population was just 2,900 but today it is over 13,000. There are plans for an independent baseball team and a Buc-ees. Everywhere you look there are new houses being built. Along with the community of Royse City, Post 100 is also growing. Since it received its temporary charter in January the post has grown to 54 members.
From Day 1 the post wanted to integrate itself into the community. Early on they joined the Chamber of Commerce, adopted a highway, networked and supported local churches, participated in town festivals and volunteered in Main Street beautification projects. “None of these programs are traditional American Legion programs but we saw them as opportunities to integrate ourselves into the community,” the post commander says.
Besides the community projects the post also participated in Boys State, School Awards and First Responder awards. They also supported veterans by visiting the VA hospital in Bonham, helping veterans with their search for employment, and helped homeless veterans receive assistance. “Our members are involved in the local Honor Guard, they are involved in Scouting and volunteer their time at food pantries and other nonprofit organizations.” said the commander.
The post has a motto of “Every Member Matters” and they believe that The American Legion is a family. No matter what war era or gender a veteran is, that veteran is welcome at our post. But more than that the members want to look after each other and help each other in their times of need. The post truly exemplifies a family-first atmosphere. The future feels bright for the new up-and-coming post.