SAN ANTONIO – (Jan. 19, 2026) – Prior to the start of the 39th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. March at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Academy, Fred Brock American Legion Post 828 hosted its 3rd Annual MLK Day Veterans Coffee Social at the post.
According to Post Commander Amanda Parham, the purpose of the event was to enhance communication and foster bonds among veterans, active-duty servicemembers, and Guard/reserve personnel within the city.
“Dr. King consistently emphasized service, sacrifice and unity,” said Parham. “For Post 828, the coffee social is a living expression of those ideals. It creates a welcoming space where active-duty personnel, veterans and their families can connect across generations, branches of service and life experiences.”
Special guests included Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones, Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) Commander U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Randy Oakland, JBSA Command Chief Master Sgt. Lance Power and JBSA Military Ambassadors.
“These activities are a reminder of a call to action for the work that remains to be done,” said the mayor, who is a U.S. Air Force veteran.
She thanked Post 828 for all the work that has been done to continue talking about the importance of public service and the importance of service in uniform.
“We highly value our community, and we depend upon our community to be successful in the various missions we perform each and every day,” said Oakland, who attended the coffee social in 2025. “For those who have served in the military, we want to recognize you for the amazing work you have done on behalf of your nation.”
After the coffee social, attendees walked to the start of the MLK March, which kicked off at 10 a.m. and ended at Pittman-Sullivan Park.
Special thanks to event sponsors, retired U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Eric Young, TJ Caters & Events, H-E-B and Bonafide Smoke Brewing.
This year, the coffee social became an official event under the city’s Martin Luther King Jr. Commission. The commission organizes the annual MLK March and leads community efforts through various events that pay tribute to Dr. King.
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.
