Programs And Advocacy

WHAT WE DO

The Four Pillars of The American Legion are the foundation of everything the organization stands for. These pillars guide their work in supporting veterans, service members, and communities across the country. Let’s break them down:

I. Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation

This pillar is all about taking care of veterans. The American Legion helps former service members get access to health care, benefits, and support they’ve earned through their service. Whether it’s navigating the VA system, filing claims, or getting mental health resources, the Legion is there to make sure no veteran is left behind.

Think of it as: “You served us — now we’ve got your back.”

II. National Security

Here, the focus is on keeping America safe. That means supporting a strong military, advocating for a well-prepared defense, and helping communities prepare for emergencies. The Legion also stands behind those still serving — active duty, National Guard, and Reserve.

In short: “We care about the safety of our country and the people who protect it.”

III. Americanism

This pillar promotes patriotism and responsible citizenship. The Legion organizes events like flag education programs, youth activities, and oratorical contests that teach about our country’s history, the Constitution and American values.

It’s about: “Loving your country, knowing your rights, and teaching the next generation to do the same.”

IV. Children & Youth

The American Legion is deeply committed to helping young people thrive. They support programs that protect kids, provide educational opportunities, and build leadership skills. They also step in to help families in need — especially military families.

Basically: “Let’s give kids the best shot at a strong, healthy future.”

Together, these four pillars make The American Legion a powerful force for good — supporting veterans, military members, families, and communities across Northeast Tarrant County.

Veteran Outreach

Find A Veteran’s services Officer (VSO)

Service Officer

Our Post 14 Service Officer provides the following services for veterans and their dependents:

  • Assists all veterans and their dependents with educating them regarding their lawful rights and the VA benefit claim process.
  • Assists veterans who petition DoD boards for review of less-than-full-honorable discharges or dismissal from the military.
  • Assists veterans in obtaining deserved decorations and medals.
  • Provide necessary claims forms.

Please contact the post for ways we can help.

Suicide Prevention

Post 14 wants to remind all veterans of the resources available to those in crisis or needing additional support. Veterans remain at an elevated risk of suicide – and one veteran suicide is one too many. While suicide is often thought of as an individual problem, it has devastating impacts on families, loved ones, and communities, making it a public health crisis. Our goal is to reduce Veteran suicide through collaboration with national, State of Texas, and local partnerships and initiatives, bringing together many different resources, perspectives, and strategies aimed at saving the lives of Northeast Tarrant County Veterans.

Here are some key resources to assist with suicide prevention.

Veteran Crisis Page. Click to chat, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255 for 24/7, confidential crisis support for Veterans and their loved ones. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect.

VA North Texas- If you’re a Veteran in crisis or you’re concerned about a Veteran in crisis, VA North Texas has health care suicide prevention coordinators who can get you the support you need. They work with our behavioral health providers and community organizations to assist Veterans who are managing emotional or mental health crises. Suicide Prevention | VA North Texas Health Care | Veterans Affairs

Texas Veterans Commission has a wealth of resources at the federal, state, and local levels. Please visit https://tvc.texas.gov/mental-health/suicide-prevention/

American Legion Be The One– Veteran Suicide Prevention Training Campaign https://www.legion.org/advocacy/be-the-one.

Buddy Checks– Post 14 actively reaches out to local veterans and conducts buddy checks by text and phone. We consider it our most sacred responsibility to look out for each other and our fellow veterans. If you or a loved one would like to be added to our buddy check list, please contact us.

Health Benefits

Veterans in Texas are eligible for several state health care benefits programs in addition to the health benefits disabled veterans receive from the VA.

1. No-Cost Medical Records

Texas veterans are entitled to receive free copies of their medical or mental health records when they are needed to file a claim for a disability with the VA. The health care provider or health care facility is only required to provide one complete copy free of charge.

2. TVC Health Care Advocacy Program

The Texas Veterans Commission’s Health Care Advocacy Program bolsters the health benefits provided to veterans by the VA. It helps manage a range of issues for disabled veterans in Texas, including VA grievances and complaints, external referrals, billing problems, pharmacy and medication issues, lab tests, and more.

3. Long-Term Care Benefits

Texas has 10 state-sponsored long-term care facilities available to veterans regardless of disability status. Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 70 percent or higher are eligible for no-cost care at the following facilities:

Amarillo : Ussery-Roan Texas State Veterans Home
Big Spring : Lamun-Lusk-Sanchez Texas State Veterans Home
Bonham : Clyde W. Cosper, Texas State Veterans Home
El Paso : Ambrosio Guillen, Texas State Veterans Home
Floresville : Frank M. Tejeda, Texas State Veterans Home
Fort Worth : Tuskegee Airmen Texas State Veterans Home
Houston : Richard A. Anderson, Texas State Veterans Home
McAllen : Alfredo Gonzalez, Texas State Veterans Home
Temple : William R. Courtney Texas State Veterans Home
Tyler : Watkins-Logan Texas State Veterans Home

4. Recreation and Leisure Benefits

Texas grants resident disabled veterans recreation and leisure benefits, including the following:

5. Hunting and Fishing Licenses

In Texas, honorably discharged veterans with a disability rating of 50 percent or greater or the service-connected loss of the use of a foot or leg are eligible for a free Super Combo Hunting and All-Water Fishing License each year. This package comes with multiple state hunting and fishing endorsements and entitles veterans to hunt and fish for all licensed species other than waterfowl.

6. State Parks

Veterans in Texas with a service-connected disability rating of 50 percent or higher are eligible for a free lifetime entry passport into all state parks. Up to three guests per visit may accompany the veteran.

Education, Transportation, & More Benefits

From education aid to transportation assistance and everything in between — enjoy a full suite of benefits designed to empower our veterans and their families.

TRANSPORTATION

Post 14 encourages and enables all local veterans to be more involved in voting. Our volunteer drivers provide safe transportation to the polls on election day. We also offer rides to the VA Hospital in Fort Worth. Please contact us in advance so we can coordinate a driver.

BENEFITS EDUCATION

Post 14 members often provide veterans with information on benefits education. In addition to VA benefits (www.va.gov) there are many important state specific benefits for Texas veterans.

Educational Benefits

In addition to benefits such as the GI Bill, Veteran Readiness and Employment training, and similar federal educational services for veterans, disabled veterans living in Texas are eligible for certain other educational benefits on the state level.

The Hazlewood Act

The Hazlewood Act Tuition Exemption Benefit is Texas’s primary state-level educational benefit for veterans. It provides eligible veterans, their spouses, and dependent children up to 150 hours of tuition-free education at state colleges and universities.

To be eligible for this benefit, the veteran must be a Texas resident at enrollment, have received an honorable discharge, and have served a minimum of 181 days of active duty service, among other criteria. Hazlewood Act benefits are only available to veterans not receiving other federal education benefits, such as Chapter 33 or 31 benefits, dedicated to paying tuition and fees.

Employment Benefits

Texas prioritizes veterans’ hiring initiatives and offers state-level services aimed at increasing veteran employment through the Texas Veterans Commission’s Department of Veterans Employment Services, or VES. Employment benefits for Texas veterans are generally applicable to all veterans, regardless of whether you have received a VA disability rating or plan to do so in the future.

Job Coaching and Resume Writing Services

Texas VES offers several benefits programs for veterans looking to enter the workforce. These include job coaching, resume-writing courses, job training, mock interviews, and other services. Many benefits are accessible through the Texas Workforce Commission’s Work in Texas job portal.

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation offers occupational licensing benefits to veterans and military spouses. These include expedited licensing for veterans and spouses transitioning into civilian occupations, waived licensing application fees for veterans with relevant experience, and the ability to credit verified military experience toward the required credentials for a given professional license.

Texas Veteran Entrepreneur Program

The Texas Veteran Entrepreneur Program, or VEP, helps veterans start businesses based in Texas and grow existing veteran-owned companies. It assists with business fundamentals such as corporate planning, networking and funding, logo design, marketing research, external partner referrals, and more.

Texas State Employment Veterans’ Hiring Preference

All Texas state agencies are required to provide a hiring preference to veterans until they reach 20 percent veteran employment. This means qualified veterans will receive consideration over non-veteran applicants for positions within the state government. Veterans’ hiring preference is only available to veterans who received an honorable or general discharge from active duty. Disabled veterans receive additional preferential consideration over non-disabled veterans.

Texas State Retirement Military Service Credit

Veterans employed by the state of Texas can receive credit for up to 60 months of active duty military service toward their state retirement benefits. To be eligible for this service credit, veterans must not be eligible for military retirement pay and cannot have received a dishonorable discharge.

Property Tax and Housing Benefits

Disabled veterans in Texas are eligible for certain tax benefits and loan programs designed to make homeownership more accessible to veterans.

Property Taxes

Texas veterans with a VA disability rating of 10 to 90 percent are eligible for a reduction in their home’s assessed value, ranging from $5,000 to $12,000, based on their disability rating. Veterans with a 100 percent VA disability rating receive a full property tax exemption. The full exemption is also available to those receiving Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability, or TDIU, benefits.

VA Disability Rating

Texas Property Tax Exemption Amount

  • 10 to 29% $5,000 from the property’s value
  • 30 to 49% $7,500 from the property’s value
  • 50 to 69% $10,000 from the property’s value
  • 70 to 90% $12,000 from the property’s value
  • 100% rating or TDIU Tax-exempt with no limits

Veterans Land Board Loan Programs

In addition to the home loan benefits offered to disabled veterans by the VA, the Texas Veterans Land Board, or VLB, offers multiple types of property loan programs to qualified veterans. These loans cover land purchases, home purchases, and certain home improvement costs.

VLB Land Loan Program

The VLB land loan program provides financial assistance to active duty service members, veterans, reservists, and surviving spouses of veterans missing or killed in action for land purchases up to $150,000. Loans require a minimum 5 percent down payment and a $325 appraisal fee due at the time of application for a fixed-rate 30-year loan term.

Land eligible for VLB land loan assistance must consist of at least one acre located entirely in Texas, not be zoned entirely for commercial use, and have legal access to public roads. The veteran or their spouse cannot have previously owned the land within the three years before the purchase.

VLB Home Loan Program

The VLB home loan program offers low-interest loans to veterans with little to no down payment required toward the purchase of a primary residence located in Texas. Veterans with a VA disability rating of 30 or higher qualify for discounted interest rates. Successful applicants for VLB home loans may receive up to $766,550 on a fixed-rate home loan for a term of 15, 20, 25, or 30 years.

To be eligible for VLB home loan assistance, the applicant must occupy the home within 60 days of closing and have it serve as their primary residence for at least three years. Homes may be attached or detached single-family homes, townhomes, or condominiums. Duplexes and other multi-family units must be at least five years old to be eligible for VLB assistance. New homes of all types must have a Home Energy Rating System Index score of 75 or less or Energy Star certification.

VLB Home Improvement Loan Program

The VLB home improvement loan program offers low-interest loans with no required down payment to veterans for home improvements and renovations in Texas. The veteran can use the loan’s funds for any alterations, renovations, and improvements eligible for FHA Title 1 financing through the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Loans are available up to $50,000 for terms from 2 to 20 years or in amounts ranging from $7,500 to $10,000 for a 2- to 10-year term. Veterans with a VA disability rating of 30 percent or higher qualify for discounted interest rates.

The property must serve as the applicant’s primary residence and be at least five years old at the time of application. Single-family homes, condominiums, and multi-family residences up to a fourplex are eligible for funding. Borrowers must have the home inspected to ensure that construction has not begun before closing, and they must also hire a general contractor to manage the renovation.

Vehicle and DMV Benefits

Texas veterans are also eligible for certain benefits at the DMV. Decreased fees and benefits for identification and license plates can make it easier for veterans to drive and improve access to their local communities.

Driver’s License and State ID Fee Waivers

Disabled veterans in Texas who have been honorably discharged and are receiving VA compensation for a disability rating of at least 60 percent are eligible for a free Texas state ID card or non-commercial driver’s license. Documents verifying the veteran’s service and disability should be submitted to the Department of Public Safety either in person or by mail, along with a completed Texas Driver License or ID Card Application form.

Texas Disabled Veteran License Designation

Disabled veterans in Texas who received an honorable or general discharge are eligible for a written designation on their driver’s license or state ID indicating their disabled veteran status. Eligible veterans must have a VA disability rating of at least 50 percent or a rating of at least 40 percent with amputation of a lower extremity

Texas Disabled Veteran License Plate

The Texas Disabled Veterans license plate is available to honorably discharged veterans residing in Texas who have a VA disability rating of 50 percent or more or 40 percent with amputation of a lower extremity. The International Symbol of Access, often known as the “handicap” icon, can be added to your license plate if you submit a notarized signature from a medical professional with your license plate application.

Emergency Assistance

Post 14’s Emergency Assistance Grants is a program for low-income veterans in the Southlake area facing eviction/foreclosure or for those affected by fire, flood, or other natural disasters. Post 14 will take a collection from current members and funding will go to the creditor and not directly to the veteran. Please contact us for more information.

Youth Programs

Post 14 proudly invests in the next generation through youth programs that teach leadership, citizenship, and civic responsibility. From Boys State and Oratorical Contests to BSA support and civics classes, we help young Texans develop the skills and values that strengthen our communities.

Boys State

American Legion Boys State is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for high school students. It is a participatory program that involves each participant in the operation of their local, county, and state government.

At Texas Boys State, participants are exposed to the rights and privileges, the duties, and the responsibilities of a franchised citizen. The training is objective and practical, with the city, county, and TX state governments operated by students elected to the various offices. Activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, chorus, and recreational programs.

High school juniors are selected by Post 14 to attend the program. Expenses associated with attending this program are paid by the Post and supported by the generous donations of the local community. For more information on Texas Boys State, please visit Texas Boys State

Here is the trailer for the 2021 Apple Films documentary on TX Boys State

Girls State

The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors a similar program as Boys State for young ladies called Girls State. Post 14 does not currently have a Ladies Auxiliary affiliated with our post; however, we are happy to fund selected candidates and connect high school junior girls with our partners at the Ladies Auxiliary of Post 379 in Bedford. Home | Texas Girls State

Oratorical Contest

The purpose of The American Legion’s National High School Oratorical Contest is to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States on the part of high school students. Other objectives of the contest include developing leadership qualities, the ability to think and speak clearly and intelligently, and preparing for the acceptance of duties, responsibilities, rights, and privileges associated with American citizenship. Post 14 hosts the first round of this contest, with the winner being offered the opportunity to compete at the district, state, and national levels.

BSA Support

The Boy Scouts of America develops young people in achieving full physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual potential as individuals and as responsible citizens and members of the community. Post 14 supports local BSA chapters by educating them in flag etiquette, customs, and ceremonies, as well as American history and the Constitution. BSA color guards proudly support Post 14 at local American Legion events in the area.

Civics Classes

Post 14 provides classes on the US Constitution and Flag Etiquette in addition to BSA. Please contact us (link) to discuss your training needs. Courses can be tailored to different age groups and backgrounds.

Community Outreach

Post 14 passionately backs the City of Southlake and the surrounding community through a myriad of community service opportunities. From serving beer at Oktoberfest to participating in the Southlake Stars and Stripes Celebration, you will see us around town. Some of our key initiatives include:

Whites Chapel Cemetery

Whites Chapel Cemetery is one of the oldest surviving landmarks in modern-day Southlake. It is located on the southeast corner of the intersection of Southlake Boulevard (FM 1709) and South White Chapel Boulevard. The cemetery sits beside historic White’s Chapel Methodist Church, but the two have never been legally linked in any way. Post 14 honors the 61 veteran graves at the cemetery by placing flags at their headstones over Memorial Day and Veterans’ Day. It also maintains the flag pole and flags at the cemetery. The Cemetery is also the home of the City of Southlake Memorial Day Ceremony hosted by Post 14.

American Legion Riders

Although our post does not have a designated Legion Riders chapter, several members actively participate in rides and events throughout the DFW area. The Legion Riders are involved in a variety of charitable and community activities, including annual regional rides such as Operation Wounded Warrior, sponsored by Riders across Nevada, Texas, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, California, and other Western states. They organize local charity events supporting The American Legion and local communities, raise funds for VA hospitals, women and children’s centers, youth centers, and schools, and sponsor or join motorcycle runs that benefit numerous causes. Riders also take part in local memorial ceremonies, community parades, and the American Legion Legacy Run, an annual cross-country fundraising ride from The American Legion National Headquarters in Indianapolis to the national convention city. They ride to honor fallen military men and women, protect the sanctity of their funerals, escort military units to and from deployment, and accompany buses to the annual Boys State Convention held at the University of Texas in Austin. For more information, contact Bill Deal at 817-718-6665.

Miracle League

The American Legion has a long history of baseball. Post 14 is a sponsor of Southlake Miracle League. Legion members attend baseball games on Saturdays, volunteer, and sponsor the organization when able.

The mission of The SOUTHLAKE miracle league is to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for handicapped children and young adults adults in the metroplex and surrounding area to play and enjoy the great game of baseball. Post 14 is one of the proud sponsors this noteworthy effort. Games are at Bicentennial Park in Southlake at the Miracle League Diamonds— follow the signs. See schedule for dates and times.

To learn more, visit Baseball | Miracle League of Southlake | United States

Flag Ettiquette

Post 14 offers flag etiquette education to the local community. Please contact us to discuss your training needs.
We recommend you stay informed on flag protocols. Halfstaff.org is a go-to resource on when the American flag should be displayed at half-staff. Their comprehensive platform offers both national and Texas-specific notifications, ensuring you never miss an important moment of remembrance.

Flag Disposal

Retire Your American Flag in The Most Respectful, Dignified, and Safest Way Possible

According to the United States Flag Code, Title 4, Section 8k states-

“The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”

American Flags should be retired if they are –

  • Torn and tattered beyond repair
  • Sun-bleached or extremely faded

Many of today’s flags are composed of synthetic fibers.

  • Burns at an accelerated rate
  • The flames can be difficult to control
  • Will emit noxious gases harmful to humans and local ecosystems

Donate your American Flag Post 14 to ensure your flag will be retired and disposed of in a dignified and respectful manner. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us (link) to coordinate the donation.

Southlake DPS drop-off locations

  • DPS Headquarters – Station 1: 600 State Street, Southlake, TX 76092
  • DPS West – Station 2: 2100 W. Southlake Boulevard, Southlake, Texas 76092
  • DPS North – Station 3 (Training Center): 100 E. Dove Road, Southlake, Texas 76092

Blood Drive

Give the gift of life with Post 14. Twice a year, we partner with the City of Southlake Department of Public Safety and Carter Blood Drive to host a community blood drive.

Donating blood is a life-saving act that can make a significant difference in the lives of others. Here are some key reasons to consider donating blood:

Lifesaving

Blood is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. It is used for patients in need of transfusions.

Health Benefits

Donating blood can provide health benefits, such as free health screening tests, including A1C testing for prediabetes and diabetes.

Community Impact

Your blood donation can help those in your community and beyond, ensuring that there is always enough blood available for those in need.

Support for Veterans

Donating blood provides essential care and support to veterans, military members, and their families.

Support for Medical Research

Blood donations are used in medical research and can help advance medical knowledge and treatment.

By donating blood, you contribute to a world where every life can be saved, and you can help make a difference in the lives of many, maybe your own or a family member’s.

Color Guard

The Post 14 Color Guard presents the Colors at community events and Post functions in Southlake and the surrounding areas. We do not currently have an Honor Guard performing at funeral/memorial services for area vets, but we can point you to other posts that may be able to provide an honor guard at a veteran’s service.

Disaster Recovery

Disaster recovery is in many veterans’ DNA. Post 14 members provide direct support and relief during natural disasters.

On-the-ground assistance

Post members and their families provide direct relief by helping with cleanup and repair after disasters.

Emergency Supplies

The post has delivered essential supplies, including food and water, to disaster-stricken areas, in collaboration with The City of Southlake DPS Emergency Management and national disaster relief organizations.

National Emergency Fund

Nationally, the American Legion has a disaster relief fund that provides up to $ 3,000 in grants to those members who have suffered a loss. You can find out more about this program at www.legion.org