Post raises Funds for Mason County Courthouse

Officers from VFW 8554 Post in Mason, Texas. L-R: Earl Koch, Trustee; Eli Castillo, Quartermaster; Bill Hight, Commander; Chris Terry; Al Herrington, Trustee; Chris Dyer, Service Officer; and Stephen Kruso, Jr. Vice Commander.

By Bill Hight, VFW Post 8554 Commander

Post 8554 raises Funds for Mason County Tragedy

IN FEBRUARY OF 2021, Mason County lost their heirloom courthouse built in 1909 as a result of an arsonist, who allegedly was upset with the determination of the court to refuse him custody of his children. The irony of the whole story is that this was the second courthouse of Mason County to be burned by an arsonist. Fortunately, due to a pending renovation the building was empty except for historic furnishings.

Mason is in the process of rebuilding the historic courthouse that was destroyed by fire on the night of February 4, 2021. The County cannot afford to rebuild the courthouse on its own and needs much public support in the way of funding. When the 1909 courthouse was constructed, the cost to build the facility was close to $40,000. The projected cost to rebuild the courthouse today is $20,000,000.

Mason County was established as a Texas County in 1851 containing two factions of residents. Those to the east and south were German immigrants who came there in about 1848, and the north and west portions were settled by Anglos. The burning of the original courthouse was due to the warfare nature of events between the two factions over cattle theft and intrusion of grazing on ranges west of Mason. This was known as the Hoo Doo War. The second courthouse was torn down because it had no indoor plumbing and lacked other requirements needed for a county courthouse.

The Mason VFW Post 8554 operated a booth during Round-Up Days, July 10, 2021, for the purpose of funding a new “Old Courthouse,” — hopefully, identical to the last one destroyed by fire. Our Post is accepting outside donations which are tax deductible. The Post is a 501(c)(19) so please tag donations to “Courthouse funding” and mail to VFW Post 8554, P.O. Box 164, Mason, TX, 76856.

Photo by Jeff Surst

RANDALL JOHNSTON

Candidate for Department of Texas Surgeon 2022-2023

Gold Legacy Member of Post 4376 Seven Points District 30

Prior Department V.A.V.S. Representative North Texas Health Care System (Dallas) for three years. Deputy Representative four years with over 1200 volunteer hours.2013 to 2020.

District Commander three times for District 30 and once for District 3. All American District Commander twice. All State District and Post Commander twice.

Post Commander nine times. Post 5076 Garland twice Post 4376 Seven Points seven times

I earned my VFW eligibility serving in the Marine Corps 1966 to 1969 and in Vietnam 1966 to 1968. Medals received include National Defense, Vietnam Service with three bronze stars, Vietnam Campaign with device, Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and Good Conduct ribbon.

First office held in VFW was Quartermaster in Garland Post 5076 and have gone thru the chairs at both Post and District levels in two separate districts.

I am seeking the position of Department Surgeon. This position was redefined by Doc Howard as a platform for supporting veterans within the V. A. healthcare system and V. A. Volunteer Services. V.A within Texas has 40 community-based outpatient clinics, 18 outpatient clinics, five medical centers that are covered by six healthcare systems. I believe support from the surgeon position should continue to advocate for veterans within this system and the obtaining of volunteers.

I have the experience, ability, and knowledge to continue working toward that goal.I am currently retired and have the time and ambition necessary to serve in this position.

I am happily married to Peggy for 21 years now and we have 5 grown children between us with 15 grandchildren.

I would pledge not to seek any higher Department office.Randall Johnston, 192 Oak Hills, Dr. Mabank, TX 75156903-910-9561 | randalljohnston@earthlink.net