American Legion hosts community breakfast
American Legion Community Breakfast Cooks (left to right) Jay Lyn Earl, Tom Phillips, Gary Hetrick, Bill Cox, Dennis Birchall, Don Ritter and Jim Webb. BULLETIN PHOTO/Tracy Thayer
Landon Williams of Midland helps American Legion Post Commander Susan Junker (far right) draw a raffle ticket for a $2000 scholarship as grandmother LeeAnn Williams looks on. BULLETIN PHOTO/Tracy Thayer
American Legion Post 157 served up its quarterly free Community Breakfast on Saturday, June 12, drawing a large crowd of veterans and community members.
At the front door, Post Commander Susan Junker welcomed guests and directed them to the serving line at the back of the hall.
The homemade breakfast, made entirely by veterans and post members, consisted of made to order omelets, waffles, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, sausage and bacon with orange juice and coffee.
The crowd was jovial for a Saturday morning as neighbors visited and drank coffee while eating the delicious fare.
Junker commented, “A lot of veterans don’t eat breakfast, and the members had been concerned about the lack of nutritious weekend meals for those men and women,” said Junker.
Veteran Julie Baker remarked that the breakfast was “very nice and a great way to meet people.”
“And I don’t have to cook,” she added.
Husband Scott Baker, Director of the Legion Riders motorcycle group, said it “was a great way to get everyone back out after the pandemic and to talk to them about Legion Riders.”
Seven women veterans were honored with a special recognition and a pin at the breakfast.
Patricia Moore of the Bandera County Convention and Visitors Bureau commented, “I am so proud that we have an active American Legion. This is a wonderful event that draws people from all over the county. It is a great opportunity for the community to get together.”
“We have included various non-profits each time so that they are represented during the breakfast,” Junker added.
At last Saturday’s event, the Lakehills Community Center headed by President Kelly Beedle had set up in the back of the hall with flyers and handouts touting their programs.
“The Lake Hills Community Center is so glad to share with the Bandera community all of the activities and events we provide,” said Beedle.
At noon to cap off the breakfast, Junker drew the winning raffle tickets for scholarships of $2,000 and $500.
Winning the right to name the recipient of the $2000 scholarship was Flying L Event Coordinator Kathlyn Cunningham. The right to name the winner of the $500 scholarship was won by J.L. Jackson.
Junker was excited to announce that the Legion had already collected enough for two scholarships in 2022.