Post 240 Stephenville, Texas
Post 240
Stephenville, Texas
About This Post
Post Namesake
TURNBOW-HIGGS
Turnbow-Higgs American Legion Post 240 Stephenville, Texas chartered in 1920, was named Ammon Turnbow Post 240. Ammon Turnbow, a Marine, died November 1, 1918, just ten days before the Armistice was signed between the Allies and Germany on November 11, 1918. His death resulted from being hit by German machine gun fire during the Meuse-Argonne battle, the last great battle of World War I. He was a former student at John Tarleton College located in Stephenville, TX. His body was returned to America and interred at Turnbow Cemetery near the community of Alexander located a few miles southeast of Stephenville, TX.
On July 24, 1947, the Post name was changed to Turnbow-Higgs Post 240. This was in honor of all servicemen killed in WWII and specifically for John Fielding Higgs, son of Rufus F. Higgs, one of Post 240 founders and long-time publisher of local newspaper, The Empire-Tribune. John graduated from Stephenville High School and Tarleton College. He was a student at Texas University when he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. A B-17 Bomber pilot, he was killed on a mission over Germany and was buried in France. His body was later brought to Stephenville for reburial.
Notable Members
POST 240 HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS: Charles R. 'Mickey' MaGuire Jr.: (D), The longest serving member in Post History at 73-yrs (1947-2021); John Rogers (D): 2nd Longest serving member in post history at 71-yrs (1946-2017); Brad Thompson (D): 3rd longest serving member in Post history at 69-yrs (1946-2015); J. Fred Cross (D) 32 yrs of continuous service as Post, District & Division Commander, Adjutant & Chaplain; B.R. Kirkland (D), 30-yrs continuous service, 2 terms as Post Commander; Ben McCollum (D); Brian Whitecotton; LeRoy Griffin (D); Don Douglas (D); Roger Easter; James T. Smith; Marilyn Smith (D); Burton Smith; Sid Moon.
* (D) Deceased
Photos
Stephenville American Legion Post 240 WWII Navy Veteran’s 100th Birthday celebration
Turnbow-Higgs American Legion Post and Auxiliary Unit 240’s Annual Awards and 2025 Membership Year Officers installation Banquet
TURNBOW-HIGGS POST 240 PRESENTS 2023 VETERANS DAY CEREMONY
DEAN JONES USAF VETERAN & TWENTY YEAR + LEGIONNAIRE
TURNBOW-HIGGS POST 240 HONORS AND CELEBRATES WWII ARMY AIR CORP MIA NOEL SHOUP HOMECOMING
TURNBOW-HIGGS AMERICAN LEGION POST 240 HONOR GUARD PRESENTS COLORS AT TRIBUTE TO FIRST RESPONDERS LOST ON 9/11
TURNBOW-HIGGS AMERICAN LEGION POST 240 HONOR GUARD PRESENTS COLORS AT TRIBUTE TO FIRST RESPONDERS LOST ON 9/11
2023 AWARDS AND OFFICER INSTALLATION BANQUET
Paul David 'PD' Peak Eagle Scout Project
WWII Army Veteran Tad Gilbreath Celebrates 102nd Birthday
CONSTITUTION DAY VETERANS STILL SERVING AMERICA At Gilbert Intermediate
American Legion Post 240 Past Commander (2000-2001) USAF Colonel Bea Marin Statue Dedication
HISTORY
1920
Turnbow-Higgs American Legion Post 240 History
Jan 20, 1920
Turnbow-Higgs American Legion Post 240 Stephenville, Texas chartered in 1920, was named Ammon Turnbow Post 240.
Ammon Turnbow, a Marine, died November 1, 1918, just ten days before the Armistice was signed between the Allies and Germany on November 11, 1918. His death resulted from being hit by German..
1930
Post 240 Building Construction
Sep 29, 1939
The first Post 240 meeting place was the Employment Agency portion of The King and Neblett building located at the junction of Washington & Belknap streets on the northwest corner of The Stephenville Courthouse Square. In the mid-thirties, Post 240 membership decided it was time they had their own meeting place. Fund raising began and money pledged by Post 240 members,coupled with a working arrangement and assurances from The NYA/WPA, the new construction project was..
1940
American Legion Post 240 Name Change
Jul 24, 1947
On July 24, 1947, the Post name was changed to Turnbow-Higgs Post 240. This was in honor of all servicemen killed in WWII and specifically for John Fielding Higgs, son of Rufus F. Higgs, one of the founders and long-time publisher of The Empire-Tribune. John graduated from Stephenville High School and Tarleton College. He was a student at Texas University when he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. A B-17 Bomber pilot, he was killed..
On July 24, 1947, the Post name was changed to Turnbow-Higgs Post 240. This was in honor of all servicemen killed in WWII and specifically for John Fielding Higgs, son of Rufus F. Higgs, one of the founders and long-time publisher of The Empire-Tribune. John graduated from Stephenville High School and Tarleton College. He was a student at Texas University when he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. A B-17 Bomber pilot, he was killed..
1990
HONORARY LIFE MEMBER BRAD THOMPSON
Jul 15, 1992
Honorary Life Member Brad Thompson, joined Turnbow-Higgs American Legion Post 240 in 1946. He earned his American Legion membership by serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps (later became U.S. Air Force) during WWII. Brad celebrated his 20th birthday at Camp Miles Standish in the State of Massachusetts where he embarked on what would become a three year tour of duty in Europe. He sailed on the TSS Scythia arriving in Greenock, Scotland where he..
Honorary Life Member Brad Thompson, joined Turnbow-Higgs American Legion Post 240 in 1946. He earned his American Legion membership by serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps (later became U.S. Air Force) during WWII. Brad celebrated his 20th birthday at Camp Miles Standish in the State of Massachusetts where he embarked on what would become a three year tour of duty in Europe. He sailed on the TSS Scythia arriving in Greenock, Scotland where he..
POST 240 HONORS B.R. KIRKLAND
Jul 15, 1998
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..
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..
2000
Finnis Dawson McCleery- Congressional Medal of Honor recipient
Jan 15, 2001
Finnis Dawson McCleery (December 25, 1927 - July 11, 2002) Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient Turnbow-Higgs American Legion Post 240 Life Member Born in Stephenville, Texas. Finnis Dawson McCleery was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in the Vietnam War. McCleery joined the Army from San Angelo, Texas, and by May 14, 1968 was serving as a platoon sergeant..
Finnis Dawson McCleery (December 25, 1927 - July 11, 2002) Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient Turnbow-Higgs American Legion Post 240 Life Member Born in Stephenville, Texas. Finnis Dawson McCleery was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in the Vietnam War. McCleery joined the Army from San Angelo, Texas, and by May 14, 1968 was serving as a platoon sergeant..
West Memorial Cemetery Veterans Field of Honor Dedication
Nov 11, 2001
On August 25, 1999 the City of Stephenville honored a request by Bea M. Marin, then Turnbow-Higgs American Legion Post 240 Commander and Stephenville City Council member, by graciously providing 100 burial spaces in West Memorial Cemetery. This action was made necessary when all available burial spaces at the original Veterans Field of Honor, located at East Memorial Cemetery, had been used. Past Post 240 Commander, Lyle Lacy, arranged through Rawlins Monument to purchase a..
On August 25, 1999 the City of Stephenville honored a request by Bea M. Marin, then Turnbow-Higgs American Legion Post 240 Commander and Stephenville City Council member, by graciously providing 100 burial spaces in West Memorial Cemetery. This action was made necessary when all available burial spaces at the original Veterans Field of Honor, located at East Memorial Cemetery, had been used. Past Post 240 Commander, Lyle Lacy, arranged through Rawlins Monument to purchase a..
J. FRED CROSS HONORARY LIFE MEMBER
Jan 15, 2002
In 2002, Turnbow-Higgs American Legion Post 240 passed a resolution naming J. Fred Cross the sixth Honorary Life Member in the long history of the Post.(Chartered 1920) Other members receiving this distinction and year they were honored are; Brad Thompson, John Rogers & Ben B. McCollum (D) 1992; Brian Whitecotton & B.R. Kirkland 1998; J. Fred Cross 2002; LeRoy Griffin 2007; Don Douglas 2011 (D) and Roger Easter 2014. Fred is a Past Commander of..
In 2002, Turnbow-Higgs American Legion Post 240 passed a resolution naming J. Fred Cross the sixth Honorary Life Member in the long history of the Post.(Chartered 1920) Other members receiving this distinction and year they were honored are; Brad Thompson, John Rogers & Ben B. McCollum (D) 1992; Brian Whitecotton & B.R. Kirkland 1998; J. Fred Cross 2002; LeRoy Griffin 2007; Don Douglas 2011 (D) and Roger Easter 2014. Fred is a Past Commander of..
LeRoy Griffin Honorary Life Member
Jan 17, 2007
Leroy Griffin was delivered into this world by a Mid Wife on October 21, 1928 at his birth place in Globe, Arizona. He was attending school when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941. LeRoy was 15-1/2 years old at the time of the Normandy invasion on June 6, 1944. Joining the Army at age 17, he became part of the Allied WWII occupying force upon Germany’s surrender in 1945. He was sworn..
Leroy Griffin was delivered into this world by a Mid Wife on October 21, 1928 at his birth place in Globe, Arizona. He was attending school when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941. LeRoy was 15-1/2 years old at the time of the Normandy invasion on June 6, 1944. Joining the Army at age 17, he became part of the Allied WWII occupying force upon Germany’s surrender in 1945. He was sworn..
2010
LEGIONNAIRE BRAD THOMPSON A MAN OF MANY TALENTS
Mar 15, 2010
The following article titled, 'BRAD THOMPSON A MAN OF MANY TALENTS' was written by Friend and Post 240 Legionnaire, Stuart Chilton, a freelance writer, whose articles have appeared in the Stephenville Empire-Tribune newspaper and Erath County Living Magazine. This article appeared in a 2010 edition of Erath County Living magazine. 'BRAD THOMPSON A MAN OF MANY TALENTS' Brad Thompson has been a major part of Erath County ever since he made his initial entry into..
The following article titled, 'BRAD THOMPSON A MAN OF MANY TALENTS' was written by Friend and Post 240 Legionnaire, Stuart Chilton, a freelance writer, whose articles have appeared in the Stephenville Empire-Tribune newspaper and Erath County Living Magazine. This article appeared in a 2010 edition of Erath County Living magazine. 'BRAD THOMPSON A MAN OF MANY TALENTS' Brad Thompson has been a major part of Erath County ever since he made his initial entry into..
Independence Day Parade
Jul 4, 2013
Turnbow-Higgs American Legion Post 240 entry in the annual Stephenville Independence Day Parade was a Lincoln Navigator provided by TexStar Ford. Brad Thompson made arrangements and Scott Byrd of TexStar Ford delivered the vehicle to the assembly area. Many Parade Floats were already parked in the assembly area at the football stadium home side parking when Post 240 Members arrived at 8:15 AM. A couple of cell phone calls enabled Post 240 personnel to locate..
Turnbow-Higgs American Legion Post 240 entry in the annual Stephenville Independence Day Parade was a Lincoln Navigator provided by TexStar Ford. Brad Thompson made arrangements and Scott Byrd of TexStar Ford delivered the vehicle to the assembly area. Many Parade Floats were already parked in the assembly area at the football stadium home side parking when Post 240 Members arrived at 8:15 AM. A couple of cell phone calls enabled Post 240 personnel to locate..
Honorary Life Member Brad Thompson is honored
Jul 16, 2013
Turnbow-Higgs American Legion Post 240 and Auxiliary Unit 240 annual Officer Installation Banquet was held Tuesday evening, July 16th, at the Local Post 240 Building. In photo (L-R) Division 4 Commander Ronnie Pietzsch from Roscoe, TX; District 17 Commander Bret Watson from Weatherford, TX; Post 240 Commander Roger Easter from Stephenville; Post 240 Lifetime Member Brad Thompson, also from Stephenville and Department Commander Jim Fleming from Atlanta, TX gather following installation ceremony to congratulate Post..
Legacy Run Arrrives In Stephenville
Aug 20, 2013
With Military Precision, the 300 plus Legacy Riders began arriving at Stephenville's City park at 6:58 PM to be greeted and welcomed by Chamber of Commerce President and Director July Danley and Turnbow-Higgs Post 240 Commander, Roger Easter. Turnbow-Higgs American Legion Post 240 Honorary Life Member, Brad Thompson, greets National Commander James ‘Jim’ Koutz as the Riders continue to pass through one of two Hard Eight Bar-B-Q chow lines. Brad Thompson, a member Of Post..
With Military Precision, the 300 plus Legacy Riders began arriving at Stephenville's City park at 6:58 PM to be greeted and welcomed by Chamber of Commerce President and Director July Danley and Turnbow-Higgs Post 240 Commander, Roger Easter. Turnbow-Higgs American Legion Post 240 Honorary Life Member, Brad Thompson, greets National Commander James ‘Jim’ Koutz as the Riders continue to pass through one of two Hard Eight Bar-B-Q chow lines. Brad Thompson, a member Of Post..
Turnbow-Higgs Post 240 92nd Veterans Day Event (2013)
Nov 11, 2013
Turnbow-Higgs American Legion Post 240 has sponsored a Veterans Day Ceremony at Stephenville Court House Square every year since 1921. This year (November 11, 2013), Master of Ceremony, Post 240 Commander, Roger Easter, introduced guest speaker Mayor Kenny Weldon, Col. Air Force retired, who gave an inspiring and moving tribute to our military past and present. Tarleton University ROTC led by Col. Jason Vranes, Professor of Military Science, performed Color Guard and Rifle salute duties...
Turnbow-Higgs American Legion Post 240 has sponsored a Veterans Day Ceremony at Stephenville Court House Square every year since 1921. This year (November 11, 2013), Master of Ceremony, Post 240 Commander, Roger Easter, introduced guest speaker Mayor Kenny Weldon, Col. Air Force retired, who gave an inspiring and moving tribute to our military past and present. Tarleton University ROTC led by Col. Jason Vranes, Professor of Military Science, performed Color Guard and Rifle salute duties...
Post 240 bestows Honorary Life Membership
Mar 18, 2014
During the New Business segment of Turnbow-Higgs Post 240's regular monthly meeting, Post 240 Judge Advocate Fred Cross, introduced a resolution naming Commander Roger Easter a Post 240 Honorary Life Member. A vote was taken and the resolution was adopted. Fred Cross presented The Commander with Honorary Life Member Certificate that reads; This honor is given in recognition and sincere appreciation of outstanding loyalty and dedication to Turnbow-Higgs American Legion Post 240. This honor recognizes..
During the New Business segment of Turnbow-Higgs Post 240's regular monthly meeting, Post 240 Judge Advocate Fred Cross, introduced a resolution naming Commander Roger Easter a Post 240 Honorary Life Member. A vote was taken and the resolution was adopted. Fred Cross presented The Commander with Honorary Life Member Certificate that reads; This honor is given in recognition and sincere appreciation of outstanding loyalty and dedication to Turnbow-Higgs American Legion Post 240. This honor recognizes..
Tarleton State University ROTC Dining out Awards Banquet
Apr 11, 2014
Turnbow-Higgs American Legion Auxiliary President, Patti Douglas and Post 240 Judge Advocate, Fred Cross are photographed with the Sons of the Revolution during the Texas Battalion ROTC Annual Dining Out event held at The Tarleton Ballroom, Barry B. Thompson Student Center on the Tarleton State University Campus. A 350 plus crowd was present to honor and congratulate cadet recipients of outstanding achievement awards during the 2013/2014 term. Turnbow-Higgs American Legion Post 240 Judge Advocate, Fred..
Turnbow-Higgs American Legion Auxiliary President, Patti Douglas and Post 240 Judge Advocate, Fred Cross are photographed with the Sons of the Revolution during the Texas Battalion ROTC Annual Dining Out event held at The Tarleton Ballroom, Barry B. Thompson Student Center on the Tarleton State University Campus. A 350 plus crowd was present to honor and congratulate cadet recipients of outstanding achievement awards during the 2013/2014 term. Turnbow-Higgs American Legion Post 240 Judge Advocate, Fred..
Annual Cancer Survivors Celebration
Apr 15, 2014
Auxiliary Unit 240 members are photographed (L-R) Jean Moon, Joanna Lay, Deecie Jones, Patti Douglas, Karen Bertrand, Kathy Geffre, Jonnie Ratliff and Francine Pratt as they prepare to partake in the Auxiliary Unit 240 presentation of the Annual Cancer survivors celebration at the regular third Tuesday April meal meeting. Upon entering the Hall, cancer survivors were pinned with a colored ribbon. Some attendees were pinned with multiple ribbons of different colors, the colors representing a..
Auxiliary Unit 240 members are photographed (L-R) Jean Moon, Joanna Lay, Deecie Jones, Patti Douglas, Karen Bertrand, Kathy Geffre, Jonnie Ratliff and Francine Pratt as they prepare to partake in the Auxiliary Unit 240 presentation of the Annual Cancer survivors celebration at the regular third Tuesday April meal meeting. Upon entering the Hall, cancer survivors were pinned with a colored ribbon. Some attendees were pinned with multiple ribbons of different colors, the colors representing a..
Mayor Congratulates WWII Honor Flight Veterans
Apr 18, 2014
Mayor Kenny Weldon (C) recently visited WWII Veterans, Leroy ‘Candyman’ Griffin (L), Mike Masuda (R) and Brad Thompson) (R-standing) for the purpose of thanking them for their service during WWII and congratulating Leroy and Mike on their upcoming Honor Flight Trip. The Mayor, a former resident of Washington D.C., described in vivid detail some of the wonderful memorial sites Leroy and Mike will observe during their trip. All three WWII Veterans have been the recipient..
Mayor Kenny Weldon (C) recently visited WWII Veterans, Leroy ‘Candyman’ Griffin (L), Mike Masuda (R) and Brad Thompson) (R-standing) for the purpose of thanking them for their service during WWII and congratulating Leroy and Mike on their upcoming Honor Flight Trip. The Mayor, a former resident of Washington D.C., described in vivid detail some of the wonderful memorial sites Leroy and Mike will observe during their trip. All three WWII Veterans have been the recipient..
Memorial Day Ceremony 2014
May 26, 2014
“ Why does Turnbow-Higgs American Legion Post 240 continue to present a Memorial Day Ceremony?” “America is losing heroes everyday in Afghanistan and in military training accidents and missions around the world. The loss to their families, friends, fellow service members and country is permanent. Some were only teenagers and most of those killed in action were under age 25. In the eyes of their loved ones, they are forever young.This is why Memorial Day..
“ Why does Turnbow-Higgs American Legion Post 240 continue to present a Memorial Day Ceremony?” “America is losing heroes everyday in Afghanistan and in military training accidents and missions around the world. The loss to their families, friends, fellow service members and country is permanent. Some were only teenagers and most of those killed in action were under age 25. In the eyes of their loved ones, they are forever young.This is why Memorial Day..
Memorial Day 2014 Hot Dog Event
May 26, 2014
Turnbow-Higgs Post 240 Legionnaires gathered at Wal-Mart following the Memorial Day Service to participate in the second of what is hoped will be an annual joint Memorial Day 'Free Hot Dog' event. Wal-Mart provided the set up, Hot Dogs and Cake. Post 240 provided the servers who greeted and interacted with a grateful citizenry. Public expressed their appreciation for those who served in the military by filling the donation jar several times during the event.
Turnbow-Higgs Post 240 Legionnaires gathered at Wal-Mart following the Memorial Day Service to participate in the second of what is hoped will be an annual joint Memorial Day 'Free Hot Dog' event. Wal-Mart provided the set up, Hot Dogs and Cake. Post 240 provided the servers who greeted and interacted with a grateful citizenry. Public expressed their appreciation for those who served in the military by filling the donation jar several times during the event.
