SAN ANTONIO – (March 15, 2019)
Members of Fred Brock American Legion Post No. 828, located on the city’s East Side, hosted a special event to commemorate 100 years of The American Legion.
The event began with a reception, followed by a program which featured the “Posting of the Colors” by the Bexar County Buffalo Soldiers Association.
Post Cmdr. Al Alford welcomed all and recognized all distinguished guests.
Special guest speakers included State Rep. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins, Bexar County Precinct 4 Commissioner Tommy Calvert, and retired Navy Rear Adm. Eric Young.
District 6 Councilman Greg Brockhouse delivered and read a proclamation from the City of San Antonio, and former District 2 Councilman Keith Toney gave the history of the post.
Additionally, Miss Black San Antonio Kiah Ford, assisted by Legion Squadron Cmdr. Thomas “Bubba” Tyler, conducted the Missing Man (POW/MIA) Ceremony.
Afterwards, all were treated to dinner served by Auxiliary President JoAnn Flint and the members of the post’s Auxiliary.
Gervin-Hawkins thanked the post commander and the committee who organized the centennial observance.
“It is so important to never forget our true history,” said Gervin-Hawkins, the sister of NBA Hall of Famer George “Iceman” Gervin. “Our veterans are one of the most respected classes of citizens in the United States.”
“This is a great day,” said Calvert, who followed Gervin-Hawkins. “I want to thank the members of Post 828, their families and friends who make this post such a spirited place; a place of community and a place of civic engagement.”
“I am honored to be here as a sailor, as an American, and as a veteran,” said Young, who served as commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command. “I could think of no other place to be tonight than with Fred Brock Post 828, a community of veterans, supporters, and loyal patriots.”
According to Alford, of the 100 years of The American Legion’s existence, Fred Brock Post No. 828 has served veterans and the community for 72.
“I am really proud of the attendance we had at the centennial celebration,” said Alford, a retired Air Force veteran. “It’s was not just the Legionnaires, the Auxiliary or the Sons of the American Legion who came out, but the members of our state and city government and the community.”