Turnbow-Higgs American Legion Post 240 Honorary Life Member, Dr. B. R. Kirkland was born and now resides in Linden, Texas.
B.R. earned his American Legion membership by serving in the United States Marine Corps from 1954 to 1958 where he achieved the rank of sergeant. He remains an active Life Member of The Marine Corps League. His love and honor for America have been expressed in the many patriotic activities he conducted for youth and adults as a member of the American Legion.
He served two terms as Commander of Turnbow-Higgs American Legion Post 240,(1996-1997)and (2005-2006)as well as the offices of First Vice, Historian, and Adjutant. During his tenure in 1996-1997, Post 240 earned the distinction of being "one of the fastest growing Posts in Texas" which led to winning the "Hall of Fame" category for recruitment, activity, and growth in 1997.
He was honored as Legionnaire of the Year for Outstanding Leadership in 1994-1995 and Legionnaire of the Year for Outstanding Leadership again in 2003- 2004.
He actively served in presenting patriotic programs to schools in Erath County and for three years,volunteered to coach students English as a Second Language to improve speaking and reading English as part of community service.
He established a Nursing Home Program for the American Legion Post 240 to visit and honor veterans with patriotic programs, flag dedications, Certificate of Appreciation recognitions for each veteran, and make at least two weekly visits to the nursing home veterans. With his initiative, the post made the Nursing Home Program a priority, and Stephenville Post 240 was the first and only one in the state to have such a program when it began in 1997.
During his tenure as Commander Dr. Kirkland also established "Flag Watch" where he commended businesses which regularly fly the U. S. flag and encouraged the proper retirement of worn flags. He diligently wrote letters to the local newspaper editor encouraging citizens to participate in "Flag Watch" patriotic events.
He participated in American Legion funeral details for veterans, POW/MIA ceremonies, Flag dedication and disposal ceremonies, support of current members of the armed forces, Flag etiquette programs, Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day events, and cemetery monument dedications. He initiated and continued an annual Gold Star Mothers' Night.
Dr. Kirkland was instrumental in Post 240's receiving The Community Builder Award in 2004.
During his years of participation in the Legion, he met three persons he regards as mentors for helping him handle "life" occurrences as they came hurtling by him. They are Mr. Jack Curtis, businessman who is now deceased, Mr. Brad Thompson, a leading citizen and businessman of Erath County, and Joanna Lay who served as President, Secretary, Treasurer, and many additional offices for Post 240 Auxiliary. These three professionals counseled on a moment's notice with trustworthy advice, encouragement, and honesty. Their valued integrity cannot be surpassed. Their straight forward, advising with care and concern, created confidence. Dr. Kirkland said, “These individuals shared the shade as well as the sunshine in his life.”
Dr. Kirkland retired in May, 2011, completing forty years of teaching and serving in education and the community. After retirement, he and wife, Bridge, departed Stephenville and returned to their native East Texas town of Linden where he continues to plan Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Flag Dedication programs as they are needed in Cass County.
B. R. has reached the goal of having a fulfilling life with students, academia, community, and friends. He frequently reflects on past experiences and cherishes memories of the American Legion Post 240 in Stephenville, Texas. His passion for the American Legion and the community will forever continue.
Dr. Kirkland's leadership and accomplishments as Commander and active member of Post 240 are legendary. Those members present to serve with him during those by-gone years were well justified in bestowing Honorary Life Membership on Dr. B.R. Kirkland in 1998. He has more than earned, and truly deserves having his record and Bio posted on this time line.
Semper Fi.. SGT!
