By ROGER EASTER
ERATH COUNTY (August 10, 2017) – Members of Turnbow-Higgs American Legion Post and Auxiliary Unit 240, gathered at Oakwood Assisted living on Wednesday, August 9th, to celebrate WWII Army veteran Mickey Maguire’s 70th year of continuous American Legion membership.
Post 240 commander, Curtis Anderson, began the festivities by introducing a 30-year friend and fellow Texas A&M graduate, Fred Cross, whose brief presentation acknowledged his long friendship with Mickey while delivering a Mickey Maguire bio that included his WWII action during the Battle of The Bulge.
Commander Anderson then introduced Past Commander, Roger Easter, who noted the significance of Mickey’s 70-year membership stating that the 70-year mark will probably never occur again since the next in line is a Korean war veteran who will reach the 50-year mark next July.
Easter also briefly detailed the history of the Purple Heart Medal explaining Mickey was a recipient and read the Purple Heart citation awarding the medal for wounds received during action in Brest, France.
Following Easter’s remarks, Commander Anderson presented the 70-year Continuous Membership Certificate of Appreciation. He also presented an American Flag.
The presentation of the flag & shadow box was the first in what will become a Turnbow-Higgs Post 240 annual tradition of presenting to a deserving person, the retired flag that has flown over the West Memorial Cemetery American Legion Field of Honor and is retired each year on Memorial Day.
Rhonda Baxter, of Oakwood Assisted Living, also made a presentation.
Mickey’s daughter, Nancy Evatt, Mary Macias (Legionnaire and friend) and his Oakwood Family were present to share the moment as ice cream and beautifully inscribed cake were served as dessert following the regular mid-day meal.
Post 240 extends its appreciation to Rhonda Baxter for her help in organizing and planning the event. We’re also grateful to all Legionnaires that participated in making this a memorable occasion for all.
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