IMPORTANT NEWS AND INFORMATION

It has been brought to my attention that DH may not have power by this weekend. That being said, for everyone that was going to head to DH to help with the newsletter, we are putting that on hold until December 13, 2025. I will be sending out more information later. However, the Mid-Winter Call is posted on our website, I have sent a copy to all District Commanders, all Past Detachment Commanders and Detachment Officers and Chairmen. Detachment Chairman, please make sure everyone on your Committee gets a copy of the newsletter and hotel information. Your help with this request is appreciated. If anyone has any questions or needs additional information, please reach out to me via email, text or by phone. Thank you for your patience with this matter.

2026 Mid winter Call Letter and 2025 Fall DEC Minutes

2025 Fall DEC Committee and Commission Minutes

Kevin Winkelmann Detachment Adjutant

Our NEC Bill Kuehner recently had a fall and injured his neck. from Shay regarding Bill Kuehner's Fall Brad called today to check in on Bill...he really enjoyed talking to him. I apologize for not touching base with y'all sooner, I didn't realize he had not kept you updated or shared the details, so......

He is doing really good all things considered, the pain comes and goes but mostly he is sick of wearing that medevial looking neck brace and not being able to drive, lift anything, etc. I think it would do him good to hear from his SAL buds so please feel free to share (a short version) as you see fit. Here's the long version...!

He woke up nauseous around 4am when I was in Houston for the Cancer Research luncheon. He took a few steps and passed out cold! Woke up in a twisted position with neck pain, arms and hands numb & tingling, etc. Finally agreed to go to ER where they said he had a fractured/broken C5 and a tear in an artery in his neck. Brought in a neurosurgeon who decided against surgery in the hopes that wearing the brace would "repair itself" but that takes 6-8 weeks. Dr visit on Jan 5th to get update - keep your fingers crossed! We see the vascular neurosurgeon (for the artery issue) on Feb 20.

His demeanor has been pretty good considering what a grumpy guy he can be, but he's starting to get irritable!

Will know about attending Mid-Winter after the Jan 5th appointment. Anyone is welcome to call me or him - I think he would like that. Will keep you updated.

Hugs! Shay

Candidate Skelley has planned another Texas Tour, for the month of December, starting on Tuesday December 2, 2025. Thom, along with his driver, our own Detachment VA & R Chairman, Jean "Max" Maxwell, will be leaving Comfort, TX, on December 2nd, heading to the VA Hospital in Bonham for the VA Christmas Bazaar. Hopefully arriving somewhere around noon or so. When Thom and Max finish their time in Bonham, they will be heading to Lake Texoma Post 231 in Pottsboro. They will be spending the night on the lake near the Post. However, before its time to call it a night, Thom and Max will be visiting Post and Squadron 231 for Taco Tuesday, a darts tournament and possibly a small fund raiser. I'm sure they will be having a great time at Pottsboro Post 231. When morning arrives, Thom and Max will be heading towards Wichita Falls. Once they get close to Wichita Falls, they plan to visit Archer City Post 198, somewhere around 4:00 PM, and when that visitation is over, Thom and Max will be headed to Wichita Falls Post 120. They should be arriving at Post 120 around 6:00-7:00 that evening. The evening will consist of nachos and Chili Dog Night, and you never know, maybe a small fund raiser. Thom and Max will be spending the night in Wichita Falls. The morning of December 4th, the Dynamic Duo will be heading towards Mineral Wells and will be visiting Post 75. You never know, with some extra free time, they might stop at some Post along the way and make a surprise visit. The 2 Superheroes should be arriving at Post 75 around 4:30-5:00 that evening. There will be a hamburger and hot dog dinner, plus I heard of a small fundraiser. The Candidate and his driver will be spending the night in Mineral Wells. That next morning, December 5th, Laurel and Hardy (Thom and Max) will be heading to Kansas for a special function and may even stop in Oklahoma to visit PNC Rick Cook and his family. Please welcome our candidate and his driver with open arms, smiles, pats on the back, handshakes and show them a great Texas time. The Detachment of Texas is proud of our candidate and wishes him and his driver safe travels on this, their 2nd Texas Trip. Good luck and God's Speed to you both.

PS—-This is Texas, and you never know about the weather. Any and all schedules could change, so always be diligent and prepared.

Kevin Winkelmann
Detachment Adjutant

American Legion Oratory

Time flies when you're having fun!
Before we know it, January will be here and with it, the requirement to report our participation and successes in the American Legion Oratory program.
I need from each Squadron, the number of participants you have in the program.
As time passes and our orators progress to higher levels, please advise who you have that has advanced. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Serving God and Country,
Brad Henderson
Member, Americanism Committee
Detachment of Texas
Sons of The American Legion

From: thomskelley@twc.com
Subject: SAL BRICK PROJECT INDIANA WAR MONUMENT

If you would like to honor the veteran who honorably served our great nation and gave you your eligibility for the Sons of The American Legion, please visit indianawarmemorials.org and follow the instructions under the "BRICK" tab at the top of the page.

Under the "comments" section at the bottom of the order form, enter the code "SAL 2026" to ensure your brick will be placed in the correct section. Deadline to order will be May 4th 2026 (which coincides with our Spring meetings in Indianapolis. You may order online, via mail or bring your completed form along with payment and proof of your honorees service to the Spring meetings. We will have a dedication ceremony at the circle monument during our Fall 2026 meetings.

Thom Skelley
SAL National Commander Leading Candidate

I want to thank everyone for their support! Once again we came together and Made it happen! On another note we still have Flags for "The Flying Flags for Heroes" program. All you have to do to request 200 ea. flags at no charge is send E-mail to broncosanantonio@yahoo.com requesting them. I will send you the details! For God and Country
Kevin Baker
Americanism Chairman

Flying Flags for Heroes flyer

Please see the link below. It is for the USA 250 Challenge. I ask that all parties take a moment to just review all items associated with this link and then disseminate to all Squadrons and Districts. Your help is appreciated.

Kevin Winkelmann
Detachment Adjutant

American Legion Family USA250

Thom Skeley, Candidate for National Commander, Sons of The American Legion.

Check out "Thom's Travels, flyers, activities and pictures while on his campaign.

Thom's Travels

https://www.facebook.com/groups/thomstravels

Past National Commander Joe Mayne introduces
Thom Skelley as Leading Candidate.

Check out the 2025 Detachment of Texas Shirts, Caps and more