SOMERSET, Texas – (April 11, 2026) – District Commander Eric Mayer convenes the Spring Convention of the “Mighty” 20th District, held at Gene Ramirez American Legion Post 443. During the convention, Mayer moderated a breakout session on lessons-learned, including discussions on improving post operations and recruitment/retaining/reclaiming of members. (Photo by Legionnaire Burrell Parmer, Texas American Legion Press Association)

 

Mighty 20th District hosts Spring Convention

Somerset, TX

April 22, 2026

SOMERSET, Texas – (April 11, 2026) – Legionnaires journeyed to Gene Ramirez American Legion Post 443 to attend the Spring Convention of the “Mighty” 20th District.

During the morning session, Legionnaires held a memorial service to honor those members who entered Post Everlasting and heard remarks from Department Vice Commander (3rd Division) Tony Lopez and VFBA representative and Legionnaire Brian Piacentini, followed by district officers and post commanders’ reports.

Prior to lunch, three breakout sessions were held on lessons-learned, including discussions on improving post operations and recruitment/retaining/reclaiming of members.

Following lunch, the membership heard an oration by District Oratorical winner Sara Frost followed by award presentations to District Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Sgt. Ricardo Lozano and National Guard/Reservist of the Year Staff Sgt. Benjamin Lund.

Afterwards, members heard remarks by 2025 Texas Boys State Alum Enzo Turnipseed and his father, Trey.

Attending the convention was Department Commander Richard Huntley, who lauded the leadership and programs conducted by the district.

After Huntley’s remarks, District Commander Eric Mayer recognized finalists for District Legionnaire of the Year and announced District Americanism Chairman Michael Knott as the winner.

The 2026 district elections results were as follows: Commander: Billy Hill (828), Vice Commander: Ventura Counsel (300), Adjutant: Jack Caniglia (300), Financial Officer: Randal Remaley (592), Judge Advocate: Ed Richards (593), Service Officer: Garrett Stacy (336), Chaplain: Tony Vega (667), Historian: Paul Goymerac (593), and Sgt-at-Arms: Dan Frith (579).

“As the world and other things change, the largest veterans service organization in the world must change too,” said Hill. “My goals for the district are (1) to take an aggressive approach to serving veterans across the district, (2) to improve the awareness and execution of Children/Youth programs, and (3) to increase our membership footprint in San Antonio and surrounding areas.”

According to Hill, who served as a department vice commander for Maryland, the three goals are directly connected to the mission and vision of The American Legion.

“I know I can add value if given the opportunity, and my previous experience has prepared me for the role of district commander of the 'Mighty' 20th District,” said Hill.


SOMERSET, Texas – (April 11, 2026) – Department Vice Commander (3rd Division) Tony Lopez attended the convention and moderated a breakout session on lessons-learned. (Photo by Legionnaire Burrell Parmer, Texas American Legion Press Association)

SOMERSET, Texas – (April 11, 2026) – Department of Texas Commander Richard Huntley lauded the leadership and programs conducted by the district and reinforced the importance of being able to inform veterans on what the Legion is. “The American Legion is the largest U.S. veterans organization, founded in 1919. It is dedicated to supporting veterans, promoting patriotism, and serving communities through various programs and advocacy efforts. The organization provides resources, camaraderie and assistance to veterans and their families across the United States.” (Photo by Legionnaire Burrell Parmer, Texas American Legion Press Association)

SOMERSET, Texas – (April 11, 2026) – District Americanism Chairman Michael Knott of Alamo American Legion Post 2, was recognized as the “Mighty” 20th District Legionnaire of the Year by District Commander Eric Mayer. The American Legion's pillar of Americanism embodies its devotion to law and order, the raising of wholesome youth, an educated and law-abiding citizenship, and respectful observance of patriotic holidays and remembrances. (Photo by Legionnaire Burrell Parmer, Texas American Legion Press Association)

SOMERSET, Texas – (April 11, 2026) – Sarah Frost, a senior at Advanced Learning Academy High School in San Antonio, delivers an oration. Frost, nominated by Fred Brock American Legion Post 828, won first place at the District Oratorical Contest. The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program has encouraged the nation’s high school students to study the U.S. Constitution and hone their public speaking skills. (Photo by Legionnaire Burrell Parmer, Texas American Legion Press Association)

SOMERSET, Texas – (April 11, 2026) – Texas Boys State alum Enzo Turnipseed spoke on his experience at Boys State. Turnipseed, along with his twin brother, attended Texas Boys State held on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin in the summer of 2025. Texas Boys State is a weeklong program where students become a part of the operation of their local, county and state government. Participants are exposed to the rights and privileges along with duties and responsibilities of a franchised citizen. (Photo by Legionnaire Burrell Parmer, Texas American Legion Press Association)

SOMERSET, Texas – (April 11, 2026) – District Service and Training Officer Billy Hill, 1st Vice Commander of Fred Brock American Legion Post 828, was unanimously elected as the next district commander of the "Mighty" 20th District. The district comprises 17 posts and is the largest membered district within the Department of Texas. (Photo by Legionnaire Burrell Parmer, Texas American Legion Press Association)

Submitted by:
Burrell Parmer, past commander/Texas American Legion Press Association

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