1. Tornado Damage
On Wednesday, 15 May 2013, an EF4 Tornado hit the area of Granbury, TX immediately adjacent to Post 491 destroying or damaging over 110 homes. It also caused major damage to the American Legion Post 491 building that has forced us to cease all in-house Post activities until further notice.
On the night of the tornado, there were approximately a half dozen or so AL members present at the Post, who, with the grace of God escaped injury. However, immediately following the tornado, they went to work. As first responders began to arrive, they determined that the Post was structurally sound and they began setting up a triage center inside the Post and their Mobile Command Center in the Post parking lot. Unfortunately, there were a number of fatalities and an out building at the post left standing was designated as a temporary morgue until the Medical Examiner could perform his duties on the deceased and they could be moved to the local mortuary.
Other post officers arrived on scene as quickly as possible prior to the area being closed to the public and together with those already on sight, worked through the night providing aid and support where ever needed to both those injured in the storm as well as those in the area who’s homes had been destroyed.
Since that night Post 491 has been working closely with the Granbury County, City and other local government organizations to insure the needs of those requiring assistance are being met. Specifically, the Post has been working with Veterans Services, state and other veteran organizations to insure that information is provided to assist them in what will be a very long road to recovery.
The American Legion is the world’s oldest and largest wartime veteran’s service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans. Together with the American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of American Legion, our focus at this time is to provide support for all Veterans in our area but especially to those who have been so tragically affected by last week’s tornado. Tax free contributions can be made to:
American Legion Disaster Relief Fund
P.O. Box 6963
Granbury, TX 76049
These men and women, these Veterans have given so much in support of our country …. Now, it’s our opportunity to give something back. Please, help us provide them with the things they need right now. Please.
For God and Country
1. Veterans Affairs Office Support
From the Veterans Services Office: If Veterans have any outstanding claims for disability or pension benefits, the Veterans Services Office will do its best to work with the VA to get those claims expdedited on a hardship status. Contact the Hood and Somervell County Veterans Service Office, 1402 W. Pearl Stl, 817-579-3292, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
