SAN ANTONIO – (Oct. 18, 2025) – The “Mighty” 20th District, Department of Texas, held their annual Fall Convention at Alamo American Legion Post 2.
Special guests included Department Commander Richard Huntley, who introduced National Security Director Sean Counihan, who traveled from Washington, D.C.
“We’re the one division that doesn’t focus on the veteran. We focus on the active component,” said Counihan. “We focus on the Department of State, we focus on Homeland Security, and we recognize polices and bills that are good for our country for enhancing our national security. We advocate for those bills and policies especially for quality of life for our servicemembers. Additionally, we educate lawmakers and policymakers, to include department directors and department heads in Washington, D.C.”
During the morning session, Legionnaires heard from Johnson High School senior Troy Balogun, 2025 Texas Boys State Governor.
“The American Legion is an organization that genuinely helps out the next generation and puts their foot forward at every opportunity possible,” said Balogun, who plans to attend Howard University in the fall. “I believe we do everything bigger and better here. We really showcased what Texas and San Antonio could bring to Boys Nation.”
According to District Commander Eric Mayer, 1968 was the last year a delegate from the 20th District won the governorship. This year, the district yielded two of the four top positions, that of governor and chief justice of the supreme court.
“These young men did an amazing job,” said Mayer. “Everything I’ve ever wished for our delegates from the 20th District to do, they did, and Troy is a representative of all that excellence.”
Additionally, presentations were given on the latest developments in depression, anxiety and PTSD treatment from Legionnaires Mark Wesseler and Dr. Christopher Jackson from the Family Care Center.
A special presentation was witnessed as Past District Commander Walter Geraghty presented Huntley with a framed copy of the Legion Act. The act, approved on July 30, 2019, amended title 36, United States Code, authorizing The American Legion to determine the requirements for membership in the Legion and for other purposes.
Prior to lunch, a joint session was held between the Legionnaires, the Auxiliary, and Sons of The American Legion where members were briefed on justice for veterans by the Honorable Judge Kristina Escalona, chief of the Bexar County Felony Veterans Treatment Court, and remarks from 20th District Auxiliary President Carol Evans.
After lunch, members heard from Northeast Independent School District’s Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) Director of Army Instruction, retired U.S. Army Col. William LaChance, on the state of JROTC.
Candidates for district commander (Legionnaires Willis Gray and Billy Hill) gave remarks, followed by Legionnaires Ventura Tounsel and Garrett Stacy for district vice commander, and Legionnaire Jack Caniglia for district adjutant.
Prior to the conclusion of the convention, Mayer presented certificates of appreciation to members of Post 2 and its Auxiliary for their support.
Lastly, the members unanimously voted to voice their disapproval of the change for disabled veteran and military plates parking at the San Antonio International Airport. On Nov. 1, 2025, veterans with disabled veteran and military specialty plates will be charged for parking in long-term and short-term parking. Discounts of 25% for short-term and 50% for long term will be offered to qualified veterans enrolled in the program. Prior to the change, veterans with disabled veteran and military specialty plates were able to receive complimentary parking at the airport for up to 30 days.
