IMPORTANT NEWS AND INFORMATION

Afternoon Team Texas. Great job making the 60% target date and in great fashion. We came in at 69% plus, however, we are close to the bottom with all the other Detachments either achieving or close to the next target date of 75%. It is time to make that next push. The holidays are over and it is time for all of us to go back to work, especially on Membership. I know that Team Texas can make it happen. Stay focused, keep making those phone calls and sending out those emails, reach out to the members who may have not paid last year, and most importantly, work on retention. Texas is in the bottom 10% of overall retention for the year. This is a major problem this Detachment has year after year. It is now time to reverse that trend. Adjutants, check your rosters and go after those late members and let's move Texas to the top 10% in retention. We have one month to make that difference, and I know we can accomplish that goal!

Kevin Winkelmann Detachment Adjutant

2026 National Membership Report 60% Target

Once again, the SAL National Commander’s Four Pillar Squadron Challenge is going.

For your convenience we have also included the form for use.

If you have any questions, please let us know.

Thank you,

Kevin Mook

2026 Four Pillar Challenge

Morning Team Texas. Just a short reminder to all Committee Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, Division Commanders and District Commanders about the workshop I will be conducting Saturday morning, Jan. 31, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM at our Mid-Winter Conference. Your presence is required so we can continue to move forward with our Committee goals. All other members are also invited to attend but is not mandatory.

Recently, I mailed out 375 pamphlets to 8 different Squadrons and/or Districts. This flyer/pamphlet is the only one that National produces to date. The pamphlet contains a SAL application, information on the Ten Ideals and 5 Star programs, information on our emblem and cap, and information on eligibility and the SAL program. If anyone would like some of these flers/pamphlets, just send me an email making your request and where to mail them to. I will not have these available at our Mid-Winter Conference unless I can get some more delivered from National Headquarters by the end of January. This also goes for our Sal Handbooks and SAL membership blanks.

Kevin Winkelmann
Detachment Adjutant

Our NEC Bill Kuehner recently had a fall and injured his neck.
update 1/13
Saw the spinal neurosurgeon. CT shows fracture/break is healing but still visible. He can take the brace off but will do physical therapy for 4-6 weeks to see if it improves more. Hasn't had any neck pain for several weeks which is a great sign - they can't rule out surgery just yet but feel the lack of pain indicates a marked improvement and lower chance to go under the knife. Will do another scan in 4 weeks to see.. keep your fingers crossed, light a candle, say the rosary, or rub a Buddha's belly - all good vibes welcome! He appreciates all the cards, texts, calls, etc..Shay

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