Hello Huntsville 2/28/25
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
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!
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!
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.
Vendor Information
Our upcoming vendor event is the 18th Annual Chigger Hill IBCA BBQ Cook-off!
Requirements for vendor participation for Chigger Hill: $30 vendor fee OR donate an item for our silent auction. Prepayment or early item donation is required to save your space. Payment can be cash or check. Payment can be mailed or dropped off to our post during business hours (see Contact page). If mailing, please address your payment or item to Attn: Chigger Hill, 1919 American Legion Drive, Huntsville TX 77320. Make sure to include the vendor registration form with your payment (attached). Event coordinators will be in touch to confirm the payment and registration were received!
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.
Concrete patio space and power is VERY LIMITED. Contact our vendor coordinator right away if you want to offer live services during the event and have equipment that will need power. We cannot guarantee accommodation as it first comes, first served.
Be prepared to set up outside on the lawn. Depending on your goods for sale, you may need to bring portable lighting and power (if you plan to be open after dark, outside lighting at the post is limited). You should bring table(s), chairs, and shade, such as an Easy-up awning or other shade tent. Our post has a canteen and inside restrooms which will be available for your patronage during the event window.
Be prepared to drive onto the vendor area for set up and take down only. Once you are unloaded and set up, we will ask that you relocate your vehicles to the parking areas out back on the property. We will ensure that we have mowed and do our best to offer safe conditions for your vehicle.
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
Team Captain Hunter Papania Pulling His Weight At The Willis Kids Cookoff - Hunter Papania was team captain for the Kookie Krumblers, supporting his sister, Jr Auxiliary Unit 95 Vice President Stormi Papania and her fellow junior auxiliary unit members. Hunter, you did great! You brought the Kookie Krumblers home with a little smokey grill!
Team Captain Hunter Papania Pulling His Weight At The Willis Kids Cookoff - Hunter Papania was team captain for the Kookie Krumblers, supporting his sister, Jr Auxiliary Unit 95 Vice President Stormi Papania and her fellow junior auxiliary unit members. Hunter, you did great! You brought the Kookie Krumblers home with a little smokey grill!
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
TexVet
REFERENDUM
Notice is hereby given, that at an election, to be held at the American Legion Sam Houston Post 95, 1919 American Legion Drive, Huntsville TX 77320, on Tuesday April 1st at 6pm, the following question will be submitted to a vote of the Legionnaire general membership:
Should the post become a no smoking institution?
Notice is also given that the election of new Legionnaire officers for the 2025-2026 membership year will also be held during this meeting at the American Legion Sam Houston Post 95, 1919 American Legion Drive, Huntsville TX 77320, on Tuesday April 1st at 6pm.
Legionnaires, your participation is requested for these very important matters. Your membership must be current to vote!