Supporting a Fellow Veteran in the Wake of Devastating Storms

Pine trees snapped along CR 3440 by a confirmed EF-1 Tornado in Hawkins, TX. (Image Courtesy of KETK)

This past weekend, East Texas was hit by a powerful and unforgiving storm system that left destruction in its path. Torrential downpours, fierce winds, and multiple tornadoes tore through our region, causing widespread damage across several counties.

Here in Lindale—our home city—the storm flooded much of the downtown area, brought down trees across roads and properties, and even caused a dam failure at Lorraine Lake. The damage has been overwhelming, and many in our community are still working to clean up and recover.

Among those affected was a fellow veteran and member of American Legion Post 92 in Morris County, who lost his home entirely. The storm took everything from this veteran and his family, leaving them without shelter and facing a deeply uncertain future.

At tonight’s regular business meeting, the members of American Legion Post 15 stepped up with the kind of compassion and unity that defines our post. Although this veteran is not one of our own members, that didn’t matter—because in the American Legion, we are all one family. When one of us is hurting, we all feel it.

In a spontaneous show of solidarity, Post 15 members passed the hat and quickly raised $490 to support this veteran and his family. It was a simple yet powerful gesture—a reminder of the strength that comes from standing together in times of need.

The American Legion has always been about more than meetings and traditions—it’s about service, brotherhood, and unwavering support for one another. Post 15 is proud to uphold those values, not just for our own members, but for veterans everywhere.

If you would like to contribute to the support efforts for this veteran and his family, please contact Post 92 Commander Bobby Baker at 903-720-2316 or legion1dis@aol.com.

We encourage our community to continue looking out for one another, lending a hand where it’s needed, and remembering that service to others doesn’t end when the uniform comes off.