What happens when different American Legion posts and squadrons get together in one city park?

Something AMAZING!

On Saturday, Sept. 10, Post 21 and Squadron 21 of The Colony joined forces with Bonham Post 283 and Squadron 283 for the eighth annual First Responders BBQ supporting all police, fire department and city workers in The Colony. SAL Commander Ray Reynolds started this day of appreciation years ago as a way to say “thank you” to those who serve our community all year round. First responders and their families eat free; the community was invited to bring canned goods for the North Texas Food Bank or cash donations to go to charities.

They began cooking on Friday night, smoking brisket, pork and sausage. By Saturday morning the smell of award-winning barbeque wafted over half of the city. With sides of cole slaw, beans, potato salad, mac-and-cheese, rice and homemade brownies for dessert, our first responders went back to work with full stomachs knowing they are appreciated. To-go boxes were also taken to the jailers and dispatchers who couldn’t come to the park, and to members of Post 21 who are housebound for health reasons.

At the end of a long day grilling, smoking and dishing out hundreds of plates of food, Posts 21 and 283 Families could rest easy knowing they served those who “protect and serve."

Well done!