To further educate and inform the community about The American Legion, Post Commander Burrell Parmer of Fred Brock American Legion Post 828 was invited to serve as the guest speaker at the bi-weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of San Antonio Pearl held at the Botika Restaurant on February 2, 2024.

His speech focused on the beginnings of The American Legion and its four pillars: Veterans, National Defense, Americanism, and Children & Youth. Additionally, Parmer provided information on the history of Fred Brock American Legion Post 828.

“I truly thank Rotary Club President Karen Allen-Mirabeau for inviting me and my fiancé to the Mardi Gras-themed meeting,” said Parmer, of Monroe, Louisiana. “It’s important to inform our civic groups on those various programs that are important to us, such as Texas Boys State and Post 828’s Project Shoes.” He also urged those in the audience to join The American Legion Family, if eligible.

On February 3, Parmer and his fiancé Tesha Leggett, attended the 5th Annual Jacqueline Smith Foundation Dancing with the Vets held at the Double Tree by Hilton. Annually, the Jacqueline Smith Foundation hosts a Valentine's dance, and Volunteer Veteran Awards Program to educate veterans on resources available to them in the community.

“Most veterans do not know what resources are available to them, or how to tap into them,” said Foundation Founder Jacqueline Smith. “We are here to change that! On this night, veterans can speak to veteran service organization [VSO] representatives, and schedule appointments to seek assistance.”

After the presentation of awards and the keynote speech by retired Marine David Sherman, 3rd vice president of the San Antonio Branch of the NAACP, the dance battle of the services was on with the Marines taking the title.

Ending the evening was the contest for prom king and queen with Parmer, a Marine veteran, and his fiancé coming in second to Legionnaire and Marine veteran Richard and Natasha Delgado Jr.

The Jacqueline Smith Foundation thanked all their honorees for their hard work and dedication to our community, and for the phenomenal leaders that they are.

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.