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Veteran of the Month
Justin Macaluso, USA, Global War on Terrorism
Legionnaire
Justin Macaluso was the Junior Auxiliary Veteran of the month for February 2025, He is a Global War on Terrorism veteran of the United States Army and proud father of the Unit 95 Junior Auxiliary Historian, Olivia Macaluso. He is married to Auxiliary member Tiffany Macaluso. They serve the legion together, upholding the values of the American Legion Family (Legionnaires, SAL, Auxiliary, AL Riders).
Ryan Christopher Lang, USA, Global War on Terrorism
Legionnaire
Ryan Lang was nominated by the Junior Auxiliary Unit as December Veteran of the month! He is a retired soldier of the US Army and a veteran of the global war on terrorism, having deployed to the middle east. He is an active member in our post, assisting with the Junior Auxiliary program, participating in committees and events, The veteran of the month program is orchestrated by our Unit 95 Junior Auxiliary. Each month they pick a veteran at the post who has stood out to them and honor the veteran with a special certificate and gifts!
Terry Batson, USA, Lebanon/Grenada Veteran
Legionnaire, Past Post Commander, District 7 Vice Commander
The Junior Auxiliary unit nominated Terry Batson for veteran of the month for November 2024. Terry Batson has been the past post commander, he serves as the current post 2nd Vice Commander, the District 7 Vice Commander and he serves TEXALPA as the 2nd Division Vice President. We are proud of his US Army service during the Lebanon Grenada war campaign, and we are thankful for his unwavering support of our American Legion!
Dr. Richard Henriksen, Jr., USAF, Viet Nam Veteran
Legionnaire, Professor, Chaplain
Dr. Richard Henriksen, Jr. was nominated by the Junior Auxiliary Unit as veteran of the month for October. He proudly served in the USAF and is a Viet Nam veteran. He has taught at SHSU and serves the legion as Post 95 and District 7 Chaplain. He has a special distinction of being a formally ordained minister in the state of Texas. He has an unending supply of dedication and care.
John Nixon, USN, Viet Nam Veteran
Legionnaire, Post 95 Commander
Commander John Nixon was nominated by the Junior Auxiliary Unit as the September vet of the month! He is a Viet Nam veteran of the US Navy with a law enforcement career behind him. He serves as Captain of the Post 95 Honor Guard and is in his second term as Post 95 Commander.
Roxanne Moss, USMC, Gulf War Veteran
Legionnaire, Adjutant and Hub master, TEXALPA President
Roxanne Moss was chosen by the Junior Auxiliary unit as Veteran of the month for August. She is a Gulf War Veteran of the United States Marine Corp., with deployments to Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan. She serves the American Legion at the post, district, division and department levels, and is current President of TEXALPA. She has a strong commitment to the mission of the American Legion and a genuine passion for celebrating everyone around her!
Donna Weiss, USA, Viet Nam Veteran
Legionnaire
The Junior Auxiliary Unit nominated Donna Weiss as the veteran of the month for July, surprising her with her certificate during the installation of officers' program. Donna proudly served in the US Army, making the rank of Corporal during the Viet Nam war. She has served on post committees and is a constant reminder of the importance of empowering women and celebrating the women who serve this nation in the Armed Forces and Reserves.
Guy Nealis, USN, Lebanon/Grenada Veteran
Legionniare, Finance Officer
The Junior Auxiliary Unit chose Guy Nealis for their veteran of the month for May. Guy Nealis has served in the role of finance officer and been oversight for the canteen for several years. He has a special distinction of being among the last of the Cold War veterans of the US Navy and was in service during the Lebanon/Grenada war campaign. His knowledge and experience in post operations is invaluable.
Chaplain's Corner
Scheduled Events
Come out and join the fun! It's the 18th Ever Chigger Hill IBCA BBQ Cookoff at Post 95! Camp out, hang out, cook out and see if your best recipes get you a trophy! Sam Houston Post 95 is family friendly and family first, and we can't wait to see all our teams this year! And we need vendors! If you are a local vendor, register and join us! Details available here, www.samhoustonpost95.org, Vendor Info.
Join us on Sunday April 13 for a family style Easter Gathering! We have a free Easter Egg Hunt from 1pm-2pm (age restricted to keep it fair!), a car show from 12pm-4pm, you can come out and vote for your favorites, and we'll have an Easter Bunny on hand for photos! We will also have kite flying and an egg dye station (while supplies last!)! Our event will open at 12pm with a community blessing and prayer by our post chaplain, Dr. Richard Henriksen, Jr. We hope to see you there!
Join us for a meet and greet and learn why our very own Dept. of Texas American Legion Auxiliary Presidential Candidate, Leigh-Anne Stewart, is the best candidate for the job! Pre order your baked potato, buy a raffle ticket and have a great time with our American Legion Family at Sam Houston Post 95!
Fire up that motorcycle and ride for a good cause! Kick stands up at 9am on Saturday March 8 for a benefit run for our American Legion Rider Charles Caldwell, who is battling cancer! Register at 9am, leave the post at 10am and end back at the post to participate in the raffles and enjoy a sandwich on the house! Cancer affects us all! Help us support our Rider!
Join us at the post for the 2nd ever Superbowl Sunday Tailgate a Table Event! This is for our general membership and their guests! Put together a tailgate team, purchase your table, cook up your best Sunday football foods and decorate your tailgate to win! There will also be a silent auction and football scoring squares for sale, which include a meal and drinks!
It's the Breakfast Club Karaoke Membership Drive! Come dressed in your best Breakfast Club costume and sing your favorite songs from the soundtrack! If you are a Walker County Veteran with a DD-214 showing an honorable or general under honorable discharge, our Legionnaires Wants You! If you are a spouse, son, daughter, stepson, stepdaughter, or grandson or granddaughter of a veteran, our Auxiliary Wants You! Join us and learn how you can help us continue the mission!
Join us in celebrating the retirement of Judge Hal Ridley! Enjoy free refreshments while you wish him well in his next chapter of life!
RESCHEDULED DUE TO WEATHER!! Join us this Saturday 12/21, from 10am to 12pm! Bring a camera and the family and join us at the post for free photos with Santa! We will have complimentary cocoa and cookies and a vintage firetruck! Santa is looking forward to seeing you!
It's a Disco Karaoke Membership Drive! Get your groove on while you learn about joining our award-winning post! The American Legion Sam Houston Post 95 is a private, members-only veterans nonprofit, part of the national American Legion organization. Veterans with honorable or general under honorable discharges recorded on a DD-214 and family members of veterans who meet membership criteria are invited to join us! Membership links are on this website!
Play poker for youth baseball! The American Legion Sam Houston Post 95 is proudly hosting this first-ever poker tournament to raise funds for an American Legion Baseball Team! Community service has always been a core value of The American Legion and in1925, this commitment was furthered to include a baseball program! American Legion Baseball has been, and continues to be, a steppingstone to manhood for millions of young men who have gone on to serve their country or community, raise families or play the sport at the highest level. Our post needs your support to sponsor this endeavor and continue a tradition-rich amateur athletic league!
The SAL Squadron at Post 618 is proudly hosting a fundraiser with a meet and greet opportunity for 2026-2027 National Squadron Commander Candidate Thom Skelly! Come out, participate and help us send our candidate to the top! Event opens at 11am with a Bike Run, followed by music, karaoke, ball games, loaded potatoes and more!
It's a Backyard BBQ and Bike Night! Come out and join us! This is an open to the public, non-sanctioned backyard style BBQ, cook-off, hosted by the Sons and Riders at Sam Houston Post 95! Bring your best chicken and ribs recipes and earn some bragging rights! Trophies will be awarded for Grand Champion, Grand Reserve and D.A.L. Friday 11/8 is for registration, cook's meeting and a karaoke party at 8pm! Saturday is all about cooking, turn-ins, a fun bike run and after the awards, the night shenanigans begin! Don't miss out, we'd love to have you!
It's happening! Our third annual Fall Festival and Haunted Hayride here at Sam Houston Post 95! Come out and join us for a fun afternoon with local vendors, games and activities, costume contests and raffles! Stay 'til dark and brave a ride on the Haunted Hayride! This is a family friendly outdoor event, and we can't wait to see you!
The American Legion Sam Houston Post 95 is hosting a Halloween karaoke costume party and membership drive! Join us, if you dare, Friday October 25, 7pm to 10pm. Adults only after 8pm! Dress to impress, costumes will be judged at 9pm! WALKER COUNTY VETERANS AND VETERAN FAMILY MEMBERS WANTED! THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO ALL OF OUR ELIGIBLE VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES, COME JOIN US! FIND OUT WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN THE AMERICAN LEGION! VETERANS ELIGIBILITY: DD214 WITH HONORABLE OR GENERAL UNDER HONORABLE DISCHARGE! If you are on active duty, we will pay your membership dues!
It's a Chili Cook-off! Bring your best recipes and join in the fun! The American Legion Sam Houston Unit 95 Auxiliary is hosting their annual Chili Cook-off, and it is open to the public! There will be local craft vendors, good chili to eat, and all of their proceeds will benefit Legion programs and funds for our Walker County veterans and their families in need!
Are you a Walker County veteran? Do you have your DD-214 with general or honorable discharge? Are you active or reserve duty or serving the National Guard? If you answered yes, come sing with us! Join us at Sam Houston Post 95 for our Totally 80’s karaoke membership drive and learn why the Legion needs YOU! Be a part of an award-winning East Texas American Legion Post! Rat that hair, pull on the spandex and come sing your favorite 80’s songs! Prizes awarded for best 80’s costumes! Veteran family members, we want YOU! Come on out and learn about the SAL (Sons of the American Legion) and the Auxiliary unit, because your membership matters too!
Join us at 10 am for a general worship service presented by our post chaplain, Dr. Richard Henriksen, Jr. Bring your favorite board or card game, enjoy an alcohol-free and smoke-free environment with your children and grandchildren, and have fun! This event is free and open to the public! Meet our members and learn about joining our award-winning post!
Are you a Walker County veteran? Do you have your DD-214 with general or honorable discharge? Do you have a dad, stepdad, granddad, mom or grandma who is a veteran? Is your son or daughter is enlisted in the Armed Forces or National Guard? IF YOU SAID YES COME SING WITH US! We have an American Legion membership for you! Come see us and learn more!
Welcome to our 2024 American Legion Division 2 Convention! Saturday June 15, registration opens at 9am and a light breakfast will be served! The Convention will run from 9am to 4pm, lunch will be provided. The registration fee is $30.00 at the door. There will be a Friday night karaoke party, June 14th starting at 6:00pm, at Sam Houston Post 95! The theme is Urban Cowboy! It will be a Gilley's Friday night, complete with a Dolly Parton look-alike contest! Dust off those old school boots, iron that Pearl Snap shirt, and get your best 'Bud and Sissy' garb on! It's going to be a great time! You can event take a shot at that 8 second buzzer on our inflatable mechanical bull!
Join us on Monday May 27th at 5pm for an incredible Memorial Day program, sponsored by the H.E.A.R.T.S. Veterans Museum and hosted by the American Legion Sam Houston Post 95. There will be a special guest speaker, a silent auction, music and fellowship! No admission! We would love to have you!
Welcome to the 17th Ever Chigger Hill BBQ Cook-off at Sam Houston Post 95! This is an IBCA event, IBCA rules and by-laws apply (see attachments). Cook off spaces are 40' x 40', first come first served! Electricity and sewer are not available, access to water only. Please review the Post 95 rules, those also apply during your stay with us! The flyer serves as your registration form, pre-registration is encouraged! Payment to be cash or check only, checks made out to SAL, and mailed to 1919 American Legion Drive, Attn: Chigger Hill Staff, 1919 American Legion Drive, Huntsville TX 77320. To print the flyer and registration, please use the Web Capture feature (click on the three dots located at the top right-hand corner of the screen, select Web Capture, then select Capture Area. When the X cursor appears, click on it and drag it across the flyer to encompass the whole image, then release the mouse, select Copy, and paste the image onto a Word document to print.
This is a memorial ride honoring Gingerly Coleman. We ask that all interested riders join us at our post, American Legion Sam Houston Post 95 in Huntsville TX, KSU at 10am, from our post there will be stops at Vern's and Back Porch and the ride will end at Riverway Bar, with drawings and prizes! Contacts: Kerry 936-661-1213, or Cat 936-662-0073
Hop on over and join us for an Egg-cellent Easter Gathering! Car show, coloring contest, fun games and activities, plus an Easter Egg Hunt at 1pm! Car show winners to be announced at 4pm, come vote for your favorites! Hot dog lunches for sale and there will be a bake sale hosted by our Junior Auxiliary Unit! It will be a fun-filled day for the whole family! The event opens at 11am with a warm Easter blessing by our Post Chaplain, Richard Henriksen. We 'hop' to see you there!
Sunday, Feb. 25 we honor of the selfless acts of four Army chaplains aboard the sinking United States Army Transport Dorchester. As soldiers rushed to lifeboats, Reverend George Fox (Methodist), Jewish Rabbi Alexander Goode, Reverend Clark Poling (Dutch Reformed) and Father John Washington (Roman Catholic) comforted the wounded, directed others to safety, distributed life jackets, and when they ran out, they removed theirs and gave them to four young men. As the Dorchester sank, the chaplains were seen linked arm in arm, praying. American Legion posts nationwide remember Four Chaplains Day with memorial services that pay tribute to the courageous chaplains and the brave young men who lost their lives on that fateful night.
Sam Houston Post 95 Superbowl Sunday 'Tailgate a Table'! Hosted by our Unit 95 Auxiliary and Auxiliary Junior members! $10 buys you a table at the post, turn it into a tailgate with your best decorations and favorite football foods! Taster's kit for $10 buys you all you can eat, all afternoon, while you enjoy the games and shotgun pots!
2024-2025 Officers
Calendar
Legionnaires
The American Legion is built on a promise from men and women who swore with their lives to defend and protect the United States through military service. The promise begins at enlistment, grows through training and continues after discharge, as veterans in service to community, state and nation. In times of crisis, The American Legion steps into the turmoil and fights to provide needed assistance for others. Veterans in need of advocates to help them achieve meaningful careers, educations, health-care services, friends and stable homes are supported every day, free of charge, by The American Legion. Active-duty, National Guard and Reserve personnel have dedicated supporters in The American Legion. A strong and well-resourced national defense is, and has always been, a central purpose of the organization. As former troops, Legionnaires understand the importance of home-front support. Legionnaires constantly remind communities that freedom and prosperity come with a price. In the American Legion, there is no rank or prejudice, only purpose. And the purpose of veterans in The American Legion is to strengthen the United States of America through programs, services, compassion and actions that have proven vital, timeless and life-changing for over a century.
LEGIONNAIRES ARE VETERANS STRENGTHENING AMERICA!
LEGIONNAIRES ARE VETERANS STRENGTHENING AMERICA!
Auxiliary
Founded in 1919, The American Legion Auxiliary has nearly 1 million members from all walks of life. The Auxiliary administers hundreds of volunteer programs, gives tens of thousands of hours to its communities and to veterans, and raises millions of dollars to support its own programs, as well as other worthwhile charities familiar to Americans. It is all accomplished with volunteers.
While originally organized to assist The American Legion, the Auxiliary has achieved its own unique identity while working side-by-side with the veterans who belong to The American Legion. Like the Legion, the Auxiliary’s interests have broadened to encompass the entire community.
The American Legion Auxiliary is made up of the male and female spouses, grandmothers, mothers, sisters, and direct and adopted female descendants of members of The American Legion. Through its nearly 10,500 units located in every state and some foreign countries, the Auxiliary embodies the spirit of America that has prevailed through war and peace. Along with The American Legion, it solidly stands behind America and its ideals.
Our Post 95 Auxiliary Unit is always ready to welcome new members!
Come be a part of something more, we would love to have you!
While originally organized to assist The American Legion, the Auxiliary has achieved its own unique identity while working side-by-side with the veterans who belong to The American Legion. Like the Legion, the Auxiliary’s interests have broadened to encompass the entire community.
The American Legion Auxiliary is made up of the male and female spouses, grandmothers, mothers, sisters, and direct and adopted female descendants of members of The American Legion. Through its nearly 10,500 units located in every state and some foreign countries, the Auxiliary embodies the spirit of America that has prevailed through war and peace. Along with The American Legion, it solidly stands behind America and its ideals.
Our Post 95 Auxiliary Unit is always ready to welcome new members!
Come be a part of something more, we would love to have you!
Junior Auxiliary
Sam Houston Post 95 and Auxiliary Unit 95 could not be prouder of our incredible Junior Auxiliary! These bright shining stars, the future of our post, are doing big things in our post and for our community!
Want to learn more? Come visit their next meeting and ask them what it means to be part of their unit! Their opportunities for growth and development are unlimited!
Junior Auxiliary membership is open to girls from infancy through age 17. The Junior Activities program prepares girls to become active adult members of the organization by providing positive volunteer experiences that instill the ideals of the Auxiliary.
The American Legion Auxiliary encourages young women to lead the way in continuing its legacy of serving veterans, the military, and their families.
Want to learn more? Come visit their next meeting and ask them what it means to be part of their unit! Their opportunities for growth and development are unlimited!
Junior Auxiliary membership is open to girls from infancy through age 17. The Junior Activities program prepares girls to become active adult members of the organization by providing positive volunteer experiences that instill the ideals of the Auxiliary.
The American Legion Auxiliary encourages young women to lead the way in continuing its legacy of serving veterans, the military, and their families.
Sons
Founded in 1932, the Sons of The American Legion exists to honor the service and sacrifice of Legionnaires. SAL members include males of all ages whose parents or grandparents served in the U.S. military and were eligible for American Legion membership. Members of The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of The American Legion comprise the Legion Family, which has a combined membership of nearly 3 million. Nationally, the SAL has raised more than $8 million for The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, volunteered over 500,000 hours at veterans' hospitals and raised over $1,000,000 for VA hospitals and VA homes.
Our Post 95 Sons preserve this heritage, honor this commitment and proudly represent themselves in service to the community!
Our Post 95 Sons preserve this heritage, honor this commitment and proudly represent themselves in service to the community!
Riders
in 1993, an idea was shared to start a motorcycle enthusiasts association within the organization and offer an environment where Legion family members could come together to share a common love for motorcycles. Currently, over 110,000 American Legion Riders meet in over 2,000 chapters in every domestic department and in at least three foreign countries.
True to the Legion's grassroots tradition, each chapter manages its programs at the post level, where the best ideas are born.
Our Post 95 Riders proudly serve our community, riding with honor, dignity, and commitment!
True to the Legion's grassroots tradition, each chapter manages its programs at the post level, where the best ideas are born.
Our Post 95 Riders proudly serve our community, riding with honor, dignity, and commitment!
Honor Guard
With the sounds of synchronized steps and a bugler playing Taps, in sorrow, and in celebration, an Honor Guard presentation can stir up deep emotions. The Honor Guard symbolizes our freedoms and the sacrifices from the men and women who defend our country by presenting funerary colors for our nation's veterans.
The Honor Guard also hosts flag retirement ceremonies, participates in events that celebrate our nation’s colors and fulfills the American Legion’s Preamble “to foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism.”
Featured here, our Sam Houston Post 95 Honor Guard honored our National Flag Day on June 14 by retiring and replacing our post flag! Then, on August 26, they honored those 13 men and women lost in Kabul Afghanistan. Our Honor Guard regularly presents arms and ceremonial folds flags for local memorial services and supports many other local activities in coordination with the VFW and H.E.A.R.T.S. museum.
On 11/10/23, our Honor Guard posted colors for Congressman Sessions speech at the H.E.A.R.T.S.museum complex storm shelter, tor the USMC birthday luncheon. They were named and thanked personally, one of the many major recognitions our honor guard receives throughout each year.
If you'd like to know more about the American Legion Honor Guards and all the ways they serve, visit this link: https://www.legion.org/honor/honorguards
The Honor Guard also hosts flag retirement ceremonies, participates in events that celebrate our nation’s colors and fulfills the American Legion’s Preamble “to foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism.”
Featured here, our Sam Houston Post 95 Honor Guard honored our National Flag Day on June 14 by retiring and replacing our post flag! Then, on August 26, they honored those 13 men and women lost in Kabul Afghanistan. Our Honor Guard regularly presents arms and ceremonial folds flags for local memorial services and supports many other local activities in coordination with the VFW and H.E.A.R.T.S. museum.
On 11/10/23, our Honor Guard posted colors for Congressman Sessions speech at the H.E.A.R.T.S.museum complex storm shelter, tor the USMC birthday luncheon. They were named and thanked personally, one of the many major recognitions our honor guard receives throughout each year.
If you'd like to know more about the American Legion Honor Guards and all the ways they serve, visit this link: https://www.legion.org/honor/honorguards
photo gallery
membership
Post 95 Rules and Regulations
The American Legion Sam Houston Post 95 Huntsville, TX Post (Private Club) Rules and Regulations. Adopted September 5, 2023, at the regular meeting of the American Legion Sam Houston Post 95 Membership.
Summary: The intent of these Post 95 rules and regulations are that all persons, while on Post 95 property, will always conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the high standard of the post and ensures adherence to the following expected behaviors.
The rules may be amended, changed, or modified at any time by the Post 95 Executive Committee as the need arises. On update of any rule, the header date will reflect the most current modified date; the Post Executive Committee on the date of change is the approval authority.
Contact Us!
- 1919 American Legion Drive, Huntsville, TX, USA
- +1-19362910129
- POST95@ATT.NET
- Monday - Friday 3pm - 12 am Saturday 2pm - 1 am Sunday 12pm - 12 am
Sam Houston Post 95 is part of the National American Legion Veterans non-profit organization. Our post hosts a family of members who are dedicated to their veterans’ community and serve as Legionnaires, Auxiliary, Sons of the Legion, and as American Legion Riders, our national motorcycle assembly.
F.A.Q
What Is the Difference Between the American Legion and the VFW?
The VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) and the American Legion are both support organizations for war veterans that were established after the United States Military engaged in foreign wars abroad.
Periods of eligibility and eligibility requirements are the key differences between the American Legion and the VFW.
The VFW accepts memberships from all current and former military veterans who have received a campaign medal for their service overseas. They must have served at least 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days in Korea, or they must be veterans who have received imminent danger or hostile fire pay at any time.
The American Legion extends eligibility to active-duty personnel or honorably discharged veterans who have served in any of seven eligible war eras, beginning with World War I. Reservists and National Guard members are eligible as well.
Periods of eligibility and eligibility requirements are the key differences between the American Legion and the VFW.
The VFW accepts memberships from all current and former military veterans who have received a campaign medal for their service overseas. They must have served at least 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days in Korea, or they must be veterans who have received imminent danger or hostile fire pay at any time.
The American Legion extends eligibility to active-duty personnel or honorably discharged veterans who have served in any of seven eligible war eras, beginning with World War I. Reservists and National Guard members are eligible as well.
Who Created the Veterans Administration?
The American Legion played a significant role in the creation of the U.S. Veterans Bureau, which later evolved into the Veterans Administration (VA). Founded in 1919, the American Legion has been a leading advocate for veterans’ health care and earned benefits for over 90 years.
In 1930, their efforts resulted in the establishment of the U.S. Veterans Bureau, which served as a precursor to the VA. The American Legion continued to support the VA’s growth, and in 1989, it achieved Cabinet status, becoming the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
The Legion’s commitment to veterans’ well-being remains steadfast, with a nationwide network of accredited service officers and professional staff assisting veterans in obtaining the benefits and care they deserve.
In 1930, their efforts resulted in the establishment of the U.S. Veterans Bureau, which served as a precursor to the VA. The American Legion continued to support the VA’s growth, and in 1989, it achieved Cabinet status, becoming the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
The Legion’s commitment to veterans’ well-being remains steadfast, with a nationwide network of accredited service officers and professional staff assisting veterans in obtaining the benefits and care they deserve.
What are the eligibility dates for membership in The American Legion?
Thanks to the LEGION Act (Let Everyone Get Involved In Opportunities for National Service Act) that was signed into law July 30, 2019, the current eligibility period is Dec. 7, 1941, to the present, and includes the current war campaigns.
Previously, there were seven declared war periods. Now there are two, the current war period dating back to World War II and another war era covering World War I. No other restrictions to American Legion membership changed.
Previously, there were seven declared war periods. Now there are two, the current war period dating back to World War II and another war era covering World War I. No other restrictions to American Legion membership changed.
I didn't retire from the military. I was active duty during a qualifying period. Am I eligible?
Yes, you are a veteran. So as long as you have served at least one day of federal active duty during any qualifying period, you are eligible for membership providing you have an honorable/generable under honorable discharge.
VA Burials
VA burial benefits can help service members, Veterans, and their family members plan and pay for a burial or memorial service in a VA national cemetery. Family members can also order memorial items to honor the service of a Veteran. For complete information, including forms and guidelines, and information regarding applying for a Veterans burial allowance, VA Survivors Pension, Benefits Financial Counseling and Fiduciary services, please visit this website: www.va.gov/burials-memorials.
Veterans, service members, spouses, and dependents may be eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery, as well as other benefits, if they meet one of these requirements.
One of these must be true:
The person qualifying for burial benefits is a Veteran who didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge, or The person qualifying for burial benefits is a service member who died while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty for training, or The person qualifying for burial benefits is the spouse or surviving spouse of a Veteran (even if they remarried after the Veteran’s death), or The person qualifying for burial benefits is the minor child of a Veteran (even if the Veteran died first) or, in some cases, the unmarried adult dependent child of a Veteran.
You can apply to find out in advance if you can be buried in a VA national cemetery. This is called a pre-need determination of eligibility—and it can help make the burial planning process easier for your family members in their time of need. Choose the VA national cemetery you prefer to be buried in. Or, if you’d like to be buried in a state or tribal Veterans cemetery, contact that specific cemetery ahead of time to find out about their pre-need program. Gather the documents you will need. Social Security number Date and place of birth Military status and service history (like service dates, discharge character, and rank—commonly found on the DD214 or other separation documents) Discharge papers (DD214 or other separation documents)
If you’re applying as a spouse, surviving spouse, or unmarried adult child, you’ll also need your personal information, including your Social Security number.
If you’re applying on behalf of someone else, you’ll also need supporting documents showing you have the authority to apply for that person. You’ll need to fill out one of these forms: Appointment of Veterans Service Organization as Claimant’s Representative (VA Form 21-22) Appointment of Individual as Claimant’s Representative (VA Form 21-22a).
If you’re applying for an unmarried adult child of a Veteran or service member, you’ll also need to provide supporting documents with information about the child’s disability. The Veteran or guardian of the child should also ask the child’s current doctor to verify the documents. These documents should include all of the following information:
The date of the disability’s onset. and A description of the disability, mental or physical, and A description of how dependent the disabled child is on the Veteran, and The marital status of the child.
You can apply online for Pre-Need Determination at www.va.gov/burials-and-memorials/pre-need/form-10007-apply-for-eligibility/introduction. Or you can fill out an Application for Pre-need Determination of Eligibility for Burial in a VA National Cemetery (VA Form 40-10007) and mail it to NCA FP Evidence Intake Center, PO Box 5237, Janesville, WI 53547. If you need help with any of these steps, the Pre-Need Determination has a toll-free hotline at 800-535-1117 (TTY: 711). Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET, and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET. Other Helpful Phone Numbers
- National Cemetery Scheduling Office:
800-535-1117 - Headstones and markers:
800-697-6947 - VA benefits hotline:
800-827-1000 - MyVA411 main information line:
800-698-2411 - Telecommunications Relay Services (using TTY)
TTY: 711
PTSD Foundation of america
The PTSD Foundation of America provides programs, outreach services and advocacy efforts designed to help veterans find the tools they need to lead healthy lives after combat.
Mission Statement
Rooted in unwavering faith, our mission is to engage in the relentless pursuit of empowering the veteran community by creating a transformative impact that changes the trajectory of their lives.
Vision Statement
Creating a world where veterans find hope by empowering them to embrace L.I.F.E.
PTSD Foundation of America | Providing Hope and Healing for the Unseen Wounds of War, www.ptsdusa.org
The PTSD Foundation also sponsors Camp HOPE America, the first evidence-based camping and mentoring program in the United States to focus on children and teens exposed to domestic violence. Our mission is to give youth a brighter future by creating pathways to hope and healing. What makes Camp HOPE America special is the trauma-informed lens the program was developed from. At Camp HOPE America, we praise campers for the person that they are becoming; seeing their character for who they are and not what they have accomplished. From the beginning, the goal has been to create a year-round program where youth can feel safe, seen, heard, encouraged, and cared for. Camp HOPE America is composed of a week of camp, supported by year-round activities.
Camp HOPE America, www.camphopeamerica.org
Mission Statement
Rooted in unwavering faith, our mission is to engage in the relentless pursuit of empowering the veteran community by creating a transformative impact that changes the trajectory of their lives.
Vision Statement
Creating a world where veterans find hope by empowering them to embrace L.I.F.E.
PTSD Foundation of America | Providing Hope and Healing for the Unseen Wounds of War, www.ptsdusa.org
The PTSD Foundation also sponsors Camp HOPE America, the first evidence-based camping and mentoring program in the United States to focus on children and teens exposed to domestic violence. Our mission is to give youth a brighter future by creating pathways to hope and healing. What makes Camp HOPE America special is the trauma-informed lens the program was developed from. At Camp HOPE America, we praise campers for the person that they are becoming; seeing their character for who they are and not what they have accomplished. From the beginning, the goal has been to create a year-round program where youth can feel safe, seen, heard, encouraged, and cared for. Camp HOPE America is composed of a week of camp, supported by year-round activities.
Camp HOPE America, www.camphopeamerica.org
Important Links
American Legion National
American Legion Department of Texas
American Legion Division 2 Texas
Texas Veterans Commission
American Legion U.S. Flag Etiquette
Military Veteran Project
22 A Day Suicide Awareness