First stop, Sam Houston Post 76, the oldest Post in Texas. Nestled along the famed River Walk, this amazing Post was built in 1917 and was recorded as a Texas Historic Landmark in 2017. The Memorial Room is jam-packed with memorabilia honoring the post's members throughout the years. Through great cooperation with the city, Post 76 was able to negotiate a landing area for the local river boats that ferry tourists along the river. This adds to the already huge following the Post has with bands, food trucks, and fiestas almost every night of the week. We were met by many of the Post leaders and were taken on multiple tours of the grounds and building. We did not see the ghosts of the small child or the World War II soldier that are said to roam the third floor, but that just means we have to return and try again.
Next up, James B. Sprague Memorial Post 8541. Simply put, Wow! This Post has it going on. Every leadership position is held by an OIF, OEF, or both veteran. They are active in the community and they bring the veterans and locals alike into their building by hosting almost nightly pool tournaments and card tournaments. They just completed a Kid's Room that is non-smoking, has televisions, a pool table, foosball, and screens to use play stations and the like. They want to be family friendly. Oh, they also have THE absolute best hamburger I've had in a VFW Post...prepared by a former member of the Women's Army Corps! Sharon even had a hamburger named after her and I believe her when she says it's the best thing on the menu. In the small world department, the Post Commander's niece is a forensic anthropologist working with DPAA in Hawaii. I promised to look her up when I get there and give her regards from Texas!
Front Gate and View of Post 76
Side view from the picnic tables, outside dance floor, and bandstand
Memorial Room that also doubles as a press conference room for the local media
A tour boat plying its way along the River Walk system, preparing to stop at Post 76
