Community Spirit Shines at Southlake’s Oktoberfest American Legion Post 14 Connects with Locals

A Great Day for PFC Ruth E. Warlick Post 14 and the community of Southlake, celebrating the annual Oktoberfest

Red, white, and blue banners adorning the American Legion PFC Ruth E. Warlick Post 14 booth made you forget it was just inches from your home state barbecue shack. Post 14 members Rick, Bill, Cindy, and the crew would greet visitors throughout the day with smiles, stories, and that ageless message of The American Legion continuing to serve.

The event was part of an October celebration in Southlake that attracted hundreds of residents and others who wanted to take advantage of the beautiful weather and show their appreciation for veterans living in their community. Scores visited the Post 14 booth to find out more about the organization, make donations, or just stop by and thank its members for their service. What started as a simple initiative turned into a beautiful display of Southlake’s heart for honoring those who served our country.

Sharing the Mission of Service

For Post 14, events like these are about more than just fundraising; they’re about connection. Rick, Bill, and Cindy spent the day talking about how the American Legion helps veterans, current service members, and their families in communities across America and programs that help support the next generation.

“People are seeing the American Legion name, and they’re knowing that we stand for service,” said Rick, who is our vice commander and personally welcomed dozens of families. “It’s only when they stop and talk to us that they realize the extent of what we do from scholarships in town to youth programs, helping out veterans who need assistance,” he added.

Allie’s mom, Cindy, provided an extra dose of warmth by interacting with kids who eyed the patriotic displays and distributed American flags. “We want the younger generation to know what it means to be patriotic not just a word, but something we live our lives by every day,” she said.

And Bill, being Bill, the man everyone loves to hear spin a yarn, told stories of Post 14’s history, including that of PFC Ruth E. Warlick, the post’s namesake, a local hero who died serving in World War II. Attendees strain to hear, with more than a few murmuring their appreciation for having learned something new about Southlake’s storied past.

Generosity That Inspires

Post 14 was overwhelmed with community support and appreciation throughout the day from various sources. From receiving small donations of cash and all the way to an emotional conversation, every one of these interactions reminded people why they joined. Raffle tickets were bought for both the car and gun drawings. Veterans arrived with parents bringing their children to meet the warriors, while seniors dropped by to remember loved ones who fought in previous wars. Some of them even asked how they could sign up to be in the Legion or volunteer for future events.

“What we saw today from people was more than money it was spirit,” Bill said. “Yet again, Southlake showed us that patriotism is alive and well.”

Local merchants, meanwhile, also got involved with donations of refreshments and gifts to support the Post’s interaction with residents. Their involvement was an example of how veterans’ causes can bring together entire communities, spanning generations and differences in personal background under a shared love for country and service.

Building Community Through Every Handshake

What really made it a memorable day was the feeling of connection that built with every handshake and each “thank you for your service.” The Post 14 stand was no longer just another stop on the fairground ­it became a meeting place where tales of service, sacrifice, and gratitude were intertwined.

Rick, Bill, and Cindy spent hours answering questions about membership, upcoming meetings, and local projects such as flag retirement ceremonies, Boys State and Girls State programs, the Miracle League (a baseball program for children with disabilities), and holiday drives for the troops that are deployed overseas. The real curiosity of those who came supported the fact that Southlake appreciates its veterans not just on national holidays but every day of the year.

“Every person who comes and listens, that is one more person to share our story,” Cindy said. “It’s that fire of remembrance being kept alive.”

Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future

“The PFC Ruth E. Warlick Post 14 of the American Legion remains committed to its mission of service, patriotism, and community leadership — character traits that demonstrate what it is to be a member of The American Legion.” This is the time we take pride in helping those who have served and continue to serve.” Fighting events such as Pound 4 Pound not only bring the community together, but they also remind people of the significance of supporting current and former military members.

As Southlake residents moved among members of Post 14, the conversations often switched to the future veterans initiatives that lay ahead, youth education programs, and community service projects that unite people. The message was clear: When a community cares for its veterans, all benefit.

Looking Ahead

After the success of the October 17 event, Post 14 will continue to attend upcoming events in the Southlake area, like holiday parades, Veterans Day ceremonies, and local volunteer projects. The Post invites anyone who would like to know more to come visit or attend a meeting.

Membership is available to all who have served honorably since December 7, 1941, or to current active-duty military personnel of the United States. Whether you are those who deserve our support. Post 14 – VISION · MISSION · PURPOSE. Welcome to the online home of Post 14.

A Heartfelt Thank-You and an Open Invitation

As the sun went down over Southlake that Friday evening, sitting in their booth belonged to a team of Post 14 members who had spent the day with full hearts and renewed purpose. The success of the day was not measured in how many flyers we handed out or donations collected, but it was measured by the connections that were made and the gratefulness that was shared.

Rick, Bill, and Cindy expressed gratitude to all those who visited, donated, or gave the team a word of encouragement. “You are the reason that we do what we do,” Rick added. “It’s about service always was, always will be.”

If you didn’t see us this time, we hope to catch you at our next one! Whether you’re a seasoned, faithful, or just a neighbor who would like to know more…pop in and say hi! You will discover friendly faces, impactful stories, and a common love for preserving the heart of service in Southlake.