Chris Kyle Post 388 of the American Legion

The American Legion Family Chris Kyle #388 and the proposed Ellis County Veterans & Military Resources Center are dedicated to honoring the legacy of Chris Kyle, Chad Littlefield, veterans, those still on active duty, U.S. Reserves, and National Guard members by establishing a permanent community hub that empowers all who have served and are still serving from Ellis and surrounding counties through comprehensive services, community events, and educational partnerships—fostering patriotism, camaraderie, and inspiration for generations to come.

As of September 30, 2025, according to the National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics (NCVAS) of the Veterans Administration, the projected population (rounded to the nearest 100) of veterans in Ellis and surrounding counties is as follows:

There is no central location in our area to provide comprehensive services, community events, and social activities for our service members and veterans in north central Texas. Volunteers currently work out of homes, libraries, vehicles, and small offices scattered throughout the county. Many veterans are unaware of these services, where to find them, or how to contact them. As a result, many become discouraged or frustrated and lose access to benefits and services they have earned.

The American Legion Family Chris Kyle #388 of Midlothian, Texas, does not have a permanent home. The Post meets on the second Monday of each month at the Midlothian Civic Center for business meetings, but has no dedicated facility to provide services, activities, or events for local veterans and the community. As such, the Post does not have the community presence it deserves.

This business proposal serves as a plan to obtain the facilities needed to provide critical services for veterans in Ellis County and surrounding counties south of the Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan area, while establishing a permanent home for our signature American Legion Post. This proposal also outlines our plan for long-term sustainability.

The American Legion Family Chris Kyle #388 Family includes the Post itself (veterans), American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Chris Kyle Unit 388, Post 388 Riders (ALR), and Sons of the American Legion (SAL) Squadron 388. The family also serves as the Chartered Organization for some Scouting America units (formerly Boy Scouts of America), including Scout Troop 512 (Boys), Scout Troop 215 (Girls), and Cub Scouts Pack 962.

With a permanent home, Chris Kyle, Post 388 will hold an elevated position in the Midlothian community and serve as an inspiration to the citizens of Ellis County. This facility will enable the Post to host high-profile community events and provide a central location for meetings, services, and activities. An extensive list of potential events is included in this proposal.

We are excited about the prospect of a new home honoring Chris Kyle and Chad Littlefield, as well as all area veterans. As our Scout Troops are also experiencing growth, this facility will likely serve as their new home as they continue serving the community and veterans.

Offices

Many services provided to veterans and their families require privacy and compliance with HIPAA regulations. Ideally, the permanent location would include physical office spaces (some shared) for:

• Executive Director
• Facilities Manager
• Veterans Legal & General Services
• Veterans Health Services
• American Legion Post 388 Commander
• Scouting Units
• Veterans Advocate (Liaison/Ombudsman)
• Ellis County Veterans Council Chair
• Others

• Main room for major events
• Meeting breakout rooms (Scouts, etc.)
• Warehouse for Scout equipment, Legion equipment, trailers, etc.
• Mechanic shop for Riders and other members
• Staging area for crews, materials, and tools for veteran home repairs
• Recreation room
• Museum featuring the Chris Kyle story and veteran memorabilia, including tributes to Chad Littlefield, WWII veteran Bob Osborne, and others
• Wall of Honor
• Store for books, apparel, challenge coins, foundation merchandise, and Scouting America gear
• Shuttle services for veterans and family members
• Electronic billboard to display meetings and events

The core membership of the council will consist of single delegates from each Ellis County American Legion and VFW Post. As the Resources Center expands, council membership would also expand to surrounding counties.

Council Responsibilities

1. Selection of board members
2. Preparation of board members for directors’ meetings
3. Coordination of county events, including District meetings
4. Briefings on upcoming events and needs
5. Coordination with school districts for:
• Boys State & Girls State
• Oratorical Contest
• Other scholarship opportunities
6. Referral of veterans to appropriate Posts
7. Recruitment of qualified volunteers
8. Promotion of the Ellis County Resources Center
9. Growth of membership in Legion and VFW Posts
10. Addressing other veteran-related issues

Private offices will be designated for volunteers assisting service members and veterans while preserving confidentiality. Volunteers will help individuals navigate services including, but not limited to:

• Veterans Administration
• Veterans Health Administration
• Veterans Housing Assistance
• Veterans Readiness & Employment Program
• Veterans Insurance
• Food & Nutrition Service (USDA)
• Veterans Service Officer
• Veterans Treatment Court

The Executive Director will recruit a Veterans Advocate (Liaison/Ombudsman) and ensure proper volunteer training.

Once firmly established in Ellis County, services may expand to Johnson, Navarro, Kaufman, Hill, and possibly Henderson counties, including potential satellite offices.

Current Sponsorships

• Oratorical Contest (Fall) – Typically a $500 post-high school scholarship
• Boys State and Girls State
• Scouting America Units:
• Troop 512 (Boys)
• Troop 215 (Girls)
• Cub Scouts Pack 962
• Potential additional units

Chris Kyle Post 388 provides Chartered Organization Representatives (CORs) and supports these units with meeting space.