Lavaca County American Legion Posts celebrate milestone anniversaries

The American Legion Posts in Lavaca County are celebrating milestone anniversaries this year. 
The American Legion overall was founded in 1919, so this year, beginning March 15, it will be celebrating its 106th year anniversary. 
The Hallettsville American Legion Post 230 will be turning 105 years this year.
Terry Landrum has been a Commander for Post 230 for nearly 17 years. 
“This is a terrific milestone,” Landrum said. “It’s amazing that almost every small town has an American Legion post. This is where veterans and their wives come together. There’s a special bonding within the American Legion. We meet together and talk about both good times and bad.”
Landrum said there’s been many changes in the Hallettsville American Legion. 
“They’ve gotten more involved in community activities,” Landrum said. “We provide funds to send chosen students to Boys State every year. It’s a real enlightening experience for a young man. Some other programs we offer include sponsorship for Boys Scouts and baseball. We have a contest where they give kids a topic and they present a speech to the post.”
Landrum said the American Legion plays a role in supporting veteran’s needs in the local area. There are core values the American Legion holds according to Landrum. 
“Patriotism is one of our key values,” Landrum said. “We like to promote the flag and what it means. We do military funerals and the presentation of the flag after it’s folded. We feel obligated to serve and do that.”
The Kolar-Stanek American Legion Post 201 of  Shiner will also be turning 105 years in April. It was named after the first two men from the Shiner community to die in battle, Joe Kolar and Frank Stanek.
Currently, there are about 102 members in Post 201, including two WWII veterans. 
John Schroeder Jr. has been a member of the Shiner American Legion Post 201 for quite some time. He was also a past Commander for about five years. 
“I decided to join the American Legion when I got out of the military,” Schroeder said. “I wanted to help other veterans and have some camaraderie with people who have been through similar things I’ve been through.” 
Schroeder stated that there have been many memorable experiences he’s had during his time in the Legion. 
“A yearly highlight for us is participating in the Half Moon Holidays parade,” Schroeder said. “The color guard marches in the parade and it’s nice to hear people cheering for you. We’ve helped a lot of people out and it’s a rewarding experience to serve in Post 201. We help veterans in any way we can. We honor deceased members with the honor guard at funerals and I’ve known people in our post who have taken fellow veterans to doctor appointments and things of that nature.”
Schroeder said one of the biggest recent changes is more inclusivity of the younger generations of veterans who have joined. He said he would encourage more younger people to join the American Legion. 
“It’s a perfect opportunity to help your fellow veterans out,” Schroeder  said. “They’ll also help you work with VA and different programs that are available. There’s a strong camaraderie of people who are in the American Legion. You get to connect with other veterans and talk to people who understand what a veteran has gone through. You have to have experienced the military to understand it.”
The Yoakum American Legion was founded in 1924 and is celebrating its 101st anniversary for Post 395. 
Commander Gale Schneider wants to remind people the importance of joining the American Legion. 
“My dad fought in World War II and we have to remember what they fought for and what we have,” Schneider said. “All veterans are welcome and eligible to join the American Legion. You don’t have to be in the war zone, all are welcome. The American Legion is one of the largest non-profit organizations and membership counts.”
The Sweet Home American Legion is celebrating 71 years this year. 
Harvey Matusek has been a member of that post for 23 years. He was a chaplain as well as Post Commander. 
“I had a friend who was in the military who convinced me to join the American Legion,” Matusek said. “It’s been a great way to learn a lot about veterans and their families. I look forward to going to the meetings every month.”
There are about 85 members in the Sweet Home post. Matusek said 71 years is a great milestone. 
“I’m glad that the American Legion is so active,” Matusek said. “Years ago, you had to be in the service for a certain period of time, but it’s different now. That’s one of the biggest changes that’s occurred these past 71 years. Now it’s wide open, there’s no restrictions.”
Matusek detailed some values he holds as a veteran and a member of the American Legion. 
“I’m a firm believer in the flag,” Matusek said. “It touches me every time I hear ‘Taps.’ The American Legion is a well organized machine. We stick together and have good representation for veterans. We’re a close knit group.”
The Moulton American Legion will also be celebrating a milestone this year with their 101st anniversary. 
All of these members of the American Legion encourage younger generations to join in their cause. As we celebrate these milestones, it’s important to show thanks to all veterans who have given their service for America.