Greetings 7th District, "The District in the Sticks!" Yes, I'm keeping it!
On behalf of AL Dept. of Texas Commander Huntley, I would like to thank you all for your service to the United States of America, service to the American Legion Department of Texas, the 7th District and your Post. Welcome to all of our new and first time Commanders.
I would like to introduce myself to those of you who do not know me. My name is Terry Batson. I have been a member of The American Legion Sam Houston Post 95 and a Legionnaire and a son for over 17 years. I have served as the Post Adjutant for 5 consecutive term (when we did not have the current "easy" computer system). I served as Post 95 Commander for 6 consecutive terms. I have also served as 1st Vice and 2nd Vice of Post 95. More recently, I served as your 7th District Vice Commander for just over two years. Having been elected to the 7th District Commander position earlier this year, I officially took office on Sunday July 13, 2025.
Although, I have not had much contact with most of you to this point, I have been busy with the business of the District. Since taking office, I have visited 4 Posts in the northern portion of our District. I hand delivered the membership packets, I assisted the Crockett Post with an emergency special election and have already met with my counterparts in the Auxiliary and Sons to begin planning of our District Convention. Lastly, this past weekend attended the 3 day District Commanders school in Austin Texas.
For information purposes: I am still full-time employed as a Project Manager for the leading general contractor in Walker County, Texas. I typically work 55-60 hours per week. I am available by phone during the day in emergency situations. It is best to text me first and I will respond with my availability or call you if I am available. With my job, I am on the phone constantly. I am usually home by 5:30 p.m. most days. I have an open door policy. Call me anytime you need my assistance...with one caveat...call me after 9:00 p.m., I won't answer. I get up at 5:00 a.m. Monday - Friday.
Now that's out of the way, what do I want to accomplish in the 7th District during the 2026 membership year? Yes, membership, membership, membership. We failed as a District in 2025...not all of us, but as a District, we sank from number 1 a year ago to almost last in 2025.
Why is that important? I hate to lose! I hope we all hate to lose. If we lose membership, we lose power with our Lobbyists in Washington, DC that get legislation passed that directly benefits us...THE VETERANS. I won't get into all of the legislation that has been passed here. We also miss out on cash awards for our Posts that can be used to help generate more membership.
Please take the time to learn about all of the awards you are eligible to earn from the Department website at txlegion.org. I will be providing more specific information at our District Convention on September 27, 2025 in Willis.
If you have any questions or need anything of me, feel free to reach out. My information is available in the Blue Book at txlegion.org. My cell is 936-661-5653. It is best to text me first during the day and I will respond at my earliest convenience. I look forward to working with you all for the 2026-2027 membership year.
For God and Country,
Terry Batson
7th District Commander