Fred Brock Post 828 Supports Youth With $10,000 Shoe Giveaway Program
(By: Legionnaire Burrell Parmer, Texas American Legion Press Association) — The American Legion is a strong supporter of the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program across the country.
In support of one of its pillar programs, Children and Youth, Fred Brock Post 828, in cooperation with WSS, provided new shoes to JROTC cadets and students from eastside-area high schools during Project Shoes held at WSS’ Walzem Road location.
Students, accompanied by their parent(s) or guardian, were provided with a $100 budget to purchase new shoes along with any other item in the store. More than $10,000 was available for students to purchase new shoes and apparel.
According to Post Commander Amanda Parham, it’s important for Post 828 to continue Project Shoes each year because the program reflects the very heart of the post’s mission—service to veterans, families, and the community.
Project Shoes directly addresses a basic but critical need for children in our community. When a child has proper footwear, it impacts far more than comfort—it affects their health, confidence, school attendance, and self-esteem, said Parham, a retired U.S. Army nurse. By providing new shoes, Post 828 helps remove a barrier that many families quietly face and shows our youth that their community cares about their well-being and success.
Special thanks to Wyatt Law Firm, this year’s presenting sponsor. Additional sponsors included Meadowlawn and Lewis Funeral Homes, Randolph Federal Credit Union, and individual donors.
“Seeing the smiles, the excitement, and the confidence that comes from something as simple as a new pair of shoes is a powerful reminder that small acts of service can have a lasting impact,” said Parham. “Being a part of this project is deeply rewarding and brings a sense of pride knowing that our efforts are making a real and immediate difference in the lives of children and families in our community.”
The mission of Fred Brock Post 828 is to enhance the well-being of San Antonio’s veterans, their families, the military, and the community by its devotion to mutual helpfulness.
