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Our History
History of Post 388
History of Chris Kyle Post 388 (Formerly Clyde Voorhies Post 388)
Documents found in the safe deposit box at Wells Fargo in February 2013 contained the following information.
Newspaper clippings were sourced from the Midlothian Argus newspapers at Meadows Library, Midlothian, Texas.
Request for Assistance:
As you read this history, please contact us if you have any additional history about our Post that you would like to share (see contact information below).
Early History and Formation
The History of Clyde Voorhies Post #388
American Legion, Department of Texas
October 1944 – March 2013
Acknowledgements
Ms. Annetta Hughes provided documents that helped establish portions of Post #388 history from 1990 to 2000. These were located in the Genealogy Area at Meadows Library, Midlothian High School.
Formulation of Clyde Voorhies Post #388
American Legion Post #388 received its charter in October 1944. It was named after Clyde Voorhies, a Midlothian resident and young Marine Private during World War I who was stationed in France and reportedly killed. His death was listed in The New York Times in June 1919.
No documents have been found for the period from October 1944 through February 1946.
Post Activities and Developments (1946–1948)
- March 1, 1946: C.H. Cowart and Rosa Cowart sold a building at 109 N. 8th Street, Midlothian, Texas, to Forrest Dunlap, Commander of Clyde Voorhies Post #388, for $10.00. The deed was recorded on April 12, 1946.
- January–March 1946: Multiple Midlothian Mirror articles reported on Post meetings, Auxiliary activities, membership drives, and progress toward establishing a permanent Post headquarters.
- June 21, 1946: The new Legion Hall officially opened, and officers were installed.
- 1947–1948: Continued meetings, membership drives, Veterans Day observances, Christmas events, and Auxiliary initiatives were documented through newspaper reports.
Incorporation and Property Records
- April 19, 1948: Clyde Voorhies Post #388 was formally incorporated, with assets totaling $6,104.71.
- September 30, 1963: First known filing confirming incorporation as a Texas Non-Profit Corporation.
- December 14, 1981: Resolution adopted to sell Post property for $24,500.
- January 1982: Sale and financing of the Legion Hall were completed, with documentation filed through Trinity Abstract and Title Company.
- 1986: Release of lien documentation completed.
Leadership and Membership (1990–2004)
- 1990 Elected Officers
A full slate of officers was certified, and the Post received an Annual Americanism Citation. - 2000–2001 Elected Officers
Leadership changes were reported by the Midlothian Mirror, recognizing long-serving members. - 2003–2004 Certification
An updated list of officers was documented, along with Veterans Day community events and scholarship recognition.
Renaming to Chris Kyle Post 388
2013 Transition and Growth
- January 18, 2013: Post #388 was directed to meet membership and certification requirements or risk losing its charter.
- February 3–11, 2013: Discussions began regarding renaming the Post in honor of Chris Kyle.
- February 27, 2013: Approval was received from the Kyle family.
- March 23, 2013: The Post was officially renamed Chris Kyle Post #388.
- April 1, 2013: The new charter was received.
Post-Renaming Activities
- Membership grew rapidly, surpassing 400% of goals by April 2013.
- The Post submitted new governing documents to the State of Texas.
- Executive meetings, financial record corrections, and leadership restructuring were completed.
- Plans were finalized for the official renaming celebration on Memorial Day, May 27, 2013.
Financial and Administrative Records
Detailed documentation regarding certificates of deposit, banking changes, authorized signers, and asset records was obtained and secured for continuity and future leadership review.
Note
Information for the periods 1949–2012 and 2005–2013 remains incomplete and may be updated as additional records are discovered.