American Legion Smith-Bryant Post 572

Receiving our original temporary charter in November 1952, American Legion Smith-Bryant Post 572 is named in memory of Herbert E. Smith Jr. and Marcellus Douglas “Doug” Bryant Jr. Both men were US Army Air Force aviators who died in major aircraft accidents in September and June 1942, respectively. First Lieutenant Smith was killed on September 22, 1942, in a ferry-flight crash of his P-38 (2-engine pursuit fighter) near Middleton, Pennsylvania. He is buried in Calvary Catholic Cemetery here in San Angelo. Aviation Cadet Bryant was killed on June 22, 1942, in the crash of his BT-14, tail number 40-1122, near Seguin, Texas, while on a training flight from Randolph Field in San Antonio. He is buried in Fairmount Cemetery also here in San Angelo. 

American Legion Smith-Bryant Post 572, with just over 160 members, is a very active member of the San Angelo community with many programs for youth, veterans and their families. Below are just a few of the activities and programs we currently support.

1. We sponsor high-school juniors to attend Texas Boys State. American Legion Boys State is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for high school students. It is a participatory program where each student becomes a part of the operation of his local, county, and state government. Participants are exposed to the rights and privileges, the duties and the responsibilities, of a franchised citizen. 

2. We participate in the American Legion Oratorical Scholarship Program, hosting both the Post and District competitions for the last two years. This constitutional speech contest has educated youth on our nation’s founding document, with an emphasis on citizenship. It is open to all high school students, 9th-12th grade, who are citizens of or lawful permanent residents of the United States must be younger than 20 years old on the date of the national contest. We award a $500 scholarship annually at the Post level.

3. We provide school awards to both Lakeview and Central High Schools, both JROTC programs, and to ASU's ROTC Detachment. 

4. We recently established a Sons of the American Legion (SAL) Squadron. The SAL is made up of boys and men of all ages whose parents or grandparents served in the United States military and became eligible for membership in The American Legion. Together, members of The American Legion, The American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of The American Legion make up what is known as the Legion Family. All three organizations place high importance on preserving our American traditions and values, improving the quality of life for our nation's children, caring for veterans and their families, and perhaps most importantly, teaching the fundamentals of good citizenship.

5. We provide direct financial assistance to veterans in need and their families. Veterans are vetted through our Veterans Service Officers to ascertain veteran status and validate the need for assistance. Veterans are limited to 1 request for assistance per 12-month period. Funds are not given directly to veterans but instead are paid directly to the biller. Our members also donate their time to support a variety of veteran-oriented services/programs throughout the year, including VA Veteran Stand-downs for homeless veterans and the veterans holiday meals.

6. We place flags at both Belvedere and Delta cemeteries on the Saturday before Memorial Day. The Saturday prior to flag placement, we spend several hours cleaning and preparing the cemeteries. Additionally, you will find Legionnaires at every Memorial Day ceremony around San Angelo. 

7. We are proud participants in both the San Angelo and Christoval Veterans Day parades. Our flag display has led both parades for many years!

8. For the last 4 years, we have coordinated the annual Pearl Harbor Remembrance ceremony held on 7 December honoring the men and women of the greatest generation who put service before self.

9. We participate in the Adopt-a-Highway program with a 2-mile stretch of FM 2288 between Turkey Creek and Grey Wolf Lane. We hold semi-annual clean up events with assistance from all members of the Legion Family and volunteer support from Goodfellow AFB and ASU.

10. We host an annual 9/11 Car Show, presenting awards to the best vehicles voted on by our judges.

11. We host an annual Golf Tournament. Last year we started a new challenge to other Posts throughout Texas with a traveling trophy awarded to the highest scoring Legion Family team. We're looking forward to seeing the friendly competition grow!

We are extremely excited to have a new Post home after 43 years relying on the generosity of others to host our meetings. We held our first meeting in our Post building in February 2026. We have many plans to host future events and improve the building.

Our monthly meetings are on the 3rd Saturday of every month, except December, at 11am in our newly opened Post home at 616 N. Washington. These meetings are open to the public. Hope to see you there!