A Day of Heat, Horsepower, and Honor in East Texas
The pavement outside the Oil Palace shimmered under the July sun. The smell of motor oil and hot tires hung in the air as polished chrome gleamed from rows of cars and trucks lined up for judging. Families walked between the rows, snapping photos, admiring engines, and trading stories of builds and restoration projects. Children pointed excitedly at lifted trucks, while veterans in ballcaps leaned on fenders and quietly took pride in the vehicles they brought to the show.
In the middle of the crowd, wearing Legion caps and sweat-soaked polos, members of American Legion Jordan-Duncan Post 15 stood tall—serving in a different kind of formation.
On Saturday, July 12, 2025, Post 15 attended the East Texas Regional Final Showdown Car & Truck Show at the Oil Palace in Tyler, Texas. The event, a major regional gathering for car and truck enthusiasts, drew thousands despite sweltering heat and bright sunshine. Post members used the opportunity to connect with local veterans, promote membership in The American Legion, and raise funds for current and future Post programs.
Set up alongside restored muscle cars and custom pickups, the Post 15 booth welcomed veterans and families alike. Legionnaires handed out membership information, spoke one-on-one with veterans about their service, and invited them to become part of a community dedicated to mutual support and continued service.
Throughout the day, members also sold tickets for the Post’s ongoing Gun Raffle and offered the much-loved “Adopt a Turtle” magnets, handcrafted by the Post 15 Auxiliary Unit. The magnets, both creative and meaningful, drew smiles from kids and adults alike while supporting the mission of the Auxiliary.
The day was not without solemn service as well. In the early afternoon, several members of the Post 15 Honor Guard departed the car show to perform a flag folding and presentation ceremony at a memorial service hosted by the Shriners of Tyler. Their presence reflected the Post’s ongoing commitment to honoring fallen veterans and supporting the families they leave behind.
This day at the car show wasn’t just about fundraising or recruitment—it was about presence. It was about living out The American Legion’s Four Pillars: Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children & Youth. Every handshake, every conversation, and every “thank you for your service” was a small but significant act of Americanism.
“Our goal at events like this is simple,” said Post Second Vice Elect, James Stanley. “We’re here to serve, connect, and remind veterans they are not alone. Whether you wore the uniform in 1965 or 2015, The American Legion has a place for you.”
The atmosphere was vibrant, and the conversations sincere. From classic Cougars to wire-tucked Civics, the vehicles became a bridge between generations, sparking shared memories and building new connections among veterans who may not have realized just how many comrades were still close by.
Photos included in this post capture just a few of the veterans and their vehicles featured during the event. Their pride in service was matched only by their pride in the craftsmanship of their builds.
American Legion Jordan-Duncan Post 15 extends heartfelt thanks to the event organizers, the Shriners of Tyler, the Post 15 Honor Guard, and the Auxiliary Unit for their continued dedication. Special thanks go to every veteran who stopped by the booth to share a story, ask a question, or consider joining our ranks.
Events like the East Texas Regional Final Showdown are a powerful reminder that service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. Whether it’s standing guard at a memorial service or handing a magnet to a curious child, Post 15 continues to serve—this time, in the heart of the East Texas community.