Well, it is that time again and the Summer Olympic games have started in Paris, France. I am a huge fan of the Olympics. I know that in the past, there have been quite a few Military Athletes, who were very successful in the Olympics. So, a little research was done and here are a few of the many that I found:

David Robinson “The Admiral” – Basketball – United States Navy
● 1988 Seoul, South Korea – Bronze Medal
● 1992 Barcelona, Spain – Gold Medal
● 1996 Atlanta, USA – Gold Medal

Charley Paddock – Track and Field – United States Army (World War I)
Re-enlisted United States Marine Corp. (World War II)
● 1920 Antwerp, Belgium – 100 meters – Gold Medal; 4 x 100
meter relay – Gold medal; 200 meters – Silver Medal
● 1924 Paris, France – 200 meters – Silver Medal

Micki King – Swimming/Diving – United States Air Force
● 1972 Munich, Germany – 3 meter Springboard – Gold
Medal
● She was a career officer and retired at the rank of Colonel.
She coached diving at the Air Force Academy.

Andre Shelby – Paralympic Archery – United States Navy
● 2016 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Compound Men’s Open –
Gold Medal

On this year’s 2024 Summer Olympic team, there are 12 Military Athletes: 10 from the United States Army, 1 from the United States Navy and 1 from the United States Marine Corp. In the past, Active Duty and Veterans who have or are currently serving their Country have participated in the Summer, Winter and Paralympics and have earned medals. This will continue in the future.

Good luck to you all.  I for one will be cheering you on. Go TEAM USA. As a reminder, If you are a Veteran and in need of assistance, please reach out to the local VA clinic here in Brownwood, Texas Veterans Commission – Sean Lewis at 1600 Burnett, Brownwood and Brown County Veterans Service Office also located at 1600 Burnett, Brownwood.

LET NO VETERAN FEEL ALONE!

American Legion Post #196 is located at 1600 Burnett, across from Hendrick Hospital, in Memorial Park. Post meetings are the second Tuesday of each month. A meal is provided at 1800 hours followed by a Post meeting at 1900 hours.