Central Texas is now home to AMVETS Post 115 in Kyle.

On Sept. 18, Hays County Commissioners Court officially established the post, with a proclamation that described the organization.

According to the proclamation, "AMVETS is one of America's foremost veteran services organizations, with a proud history of assisting veterans and sponsoring programs that serve our country and our citizens. The helping hand that AMVETS extends to veterans and their families takes many forms."

Post Commander David Lyle, an Army veteran who served during Desert Shield/Desert Storm, said that while some veteran organizations can be selective, AMVETS, or American Veterans, accepts everyone who has served.

Begun in August 1943 as a support group for veterans returning from World War II, membership is open to any current service member or honorably discharged veteran from any branch of the military, including the National Guard and Reserves, who served from Sept. 15, 1940, or later.

"We are the only post in our area, so Central Texas is our backyard," Lyle said. "We aren't restricted to our area; we can reach out to San Marcos and Austin. It gives us a bigger playing area and a larger group of veterans, which is why we chose this location."

Lyle said the post has received a positive response from the community.

"If we want to be in the community and we want to do things, we need a lot of people," he said. "We want to get a lot of people involved, and we have gotten a pretty good response so far."

The post's honor guard will lead a Veterans Day parade Nov. 11 in Austin, and a holiday veteran visitation will be held in conjunction with the Cub Scouts during December.

Post 115 will begin meeting at 401 N. Rebel Drive in Kyle after the Hays County Precinct 2 offices move to their new building later this year.

Veterans may become members and donations can be made in person or online at www.centexamvets115.org. The post can also be contacted at 753-9364.