American Legion Coleman-Isgate Post #293 Brought back To Life!!

Here in Rusk, on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 8 a.m., we host a veterans’ gathering called “As You Were.” Started by Terry Everest about three years ago, it’s a place for veterans to connect and receive updates on VA benefits and other topics of interest.

After moving into the Rusk community, I discovered Terry was my neighbor—and soon, a friend. He invited me to the meetings, and I began attending regularly. One morning, Terry brought in District Commander Terry Batson to speak about the American Legion Coleman-Isgate Post #293, which had been inactive for several years. Without new membership, the post was at risk of being retired. We needed at least 15 paid members to keep it alive.

By the next “As You Were” meeting, we had applications in hand and began recruiting. I signed up to help, not expecting to get deeply involved. But in November 2023, we successfully renewed the charter, with Terry Everest serving as Commander. Meetings began at the Lions Club, then moved to the Arbors Senior Center, where veterans were welcomed with coffee and cookies.

Terry soon discovered that the Veterans Center at 1001 E 4th Street—originally donated to Post #293 in the 1940s—was still legally ours, though it had fallen into disrepair. The VFW had used it for a time, but their post had dissolved. Terry secured the keys and returned the building to Legion hands. Unfortunately, the structure was in rough shape and needed major work.

Due to health issues, Terry stepped down and passed the Commander role to another member, who later found himself too busy to continue. One day, he stopped by my house, handed me a briefcase and a box of records, and said, “Tag, you’re it.”

And just like that, I became Commander of Post #293.

Our first challenge was reinstating our EIN number. I submitted the application in April 2024, and although approval took until November, we were able to operate under the pending EIN in the meantime.

Next came the restoration of the Veterans Center. The community rallied:

  • Harry’s Building Materials donated a new electric panel and supplies.
  • Wallace Thompson True Value provided plumbing supplies.
  • Cherokee Plumbing replaced all the pipes.
  • The City of Rusk repaired the water meter.
  • Cherokee Electric installed the 200-amp panel, passed inspections, and donated all new ceiling, porch, and night lights.

With liability insurance secured, we held our Grand Opening in June 2024.

We were also honored to receive support from local Eagle Scouts:

  • One Scout selected our building for his service project, prepping and painting the entire street-facing side to restore its dignity and visibility.
  • Another Scout began crafting stars from retired American flags, gifting them to veterans as meaningful keepsakes. He raised over $800 in donations to support the project and generously contributed the full amount to Post #293.

We moved our “As You Were” meetings to the Veterans Center and held our first official Legion meeting there in June 2024. From that point on, we were active—and so were the utility bills.

To support the center, we opened it for community use: birthdays, showers, reunions, and memorials. We also launched our own events:

  • First Tuesday Bingo
  • First Friday Dance
  • Tuesday BYOL & Games (Bring Your Own Lunch, 11 a.m.–2 p.m)
  • Thursday Acoustic Jam with local musician Philip Ferguson
  • Sunday church gatherings

We’ve kept the lights on and the calendar full, with most Saturdays booked.

To raise awareness and funds, we host membership drives at local businesses in Rusk and Alto, sell raffle tickets, and participate in community events like Memorial Day and Christmas parades. Our vehicles proudly represent the Legion in these celebrations.

We’ve also modernized operations: our PayPal account (coleman.isgate.postno293@gmail.com) now accepts donations and raffle ticket purchases online. We can also process credit card payments at events.

Our most popular event remains the Thursday Acoustic Jam, followed closely by the First Friday Dance and Tuesday BYOL & Games, which consistently draw 12–20 attendees. Personally, Tuesday games are my favorite.

We welcome everyone in the community—veterans and non-veterans alike. Our goal is to serve as both a Veterans Center and a Community Center.

Location: The Veterans Center is located 1001 E 4th Street, Rusk, TX
Note: Non-smoking, Non-drinking, Adult events facility

Contact:
Email: coleman.isgate.postno293@gmail.com
Phone: 214-709-0933