09/03/2026
🇺🇸 veteran of the month:
John Richard Briscoe
🇺🇸
This month, we are honored to recognize John Briscoe, a proud United States Navy, veteran and longtime member of the American Legion, as our veteran of the month.
John was born on January 17, 1949, at the VA hospital in Orange, Texas. He arrived a couple of weeks early while his parents were traveling between family in Louisiana and Humble, Texas. When it became clear that John wasn’t going to wait, a Texas state trooper escorted his parents-with lights and sirens-all the way to the hospital!
John was raised in East Tulsa in a large, close-knit family. His father worked for American Airlines, and John remembers a wonderful childhood filled with Boy Scouts, bicycles, baseball, swimming, and weekly family dinners with aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins who are more like brothers and sisters.
As a teenager, John was no stranger to hard work. He worked at Safeway, mowed Lawns, worked at his grandfather‘s concrete pipe company, and even work as a cement mixer. During the summer of 1968, he ran a Texaco station near the refinery in West Tulsa.
John married the love of his life, Margaret, on November 16-Oklahoma statehood day. Margaret was the librarian‘s daughter, and for John, it was love at first sight. Shortly after mailing their wedding announcement, John received his draft notice.
With a strong tradition of military service in his family, John chose to enlist in the United States Navy through the delayed-entry program. Every male and his family had volunteered to serve, and John proudly followed that tradition.
He attended Naval Training Station San Diego and trained as a storekeeper. During his service, John served award the USS Cabildo LSD-16, where he was part of the decommissioning crew; the USS Juneau LPD-10; and the USS Kitty Hawk CVA-63.
While aboard the Cabildo, John took on tremendous responsibility during the ships decommissioning. In the final weeks, he was responsible for accounting for equipment and supplies being removed before the ship entered the mothball fleet. His work was completed ahead of schedule, earning him a letter of commendation from the ship’s captain.
Unfortunately, John broke his back aboard ship during the summer of 1969. The injury resulted in constant pain and restricted duty, eventually bringing his Navy career to an early end. He was honorably discharged after nearly two years of service.
 John returned home and immediately went back to work. By Friday morning after arriving home on Thursday, he had already been hired at Fred P. Snyder hardware store. In 1971, he earned his life and health insurance license and joined United founders. His talent quickly showed-at the company’s annual meeting that December, John was named salesman of the quarter, out selling people who had been in the business for decades. He still proudly has the trophy today.
John and Margaret were blessed with two daughters, Robin and Lisa. Wanting more time with his family, John eventually returned to Edmond and started his own painting and remodeling company. The business grew to as many as 21 employees and served the community for nearly 45 years.
John’s dedication to service continued long after leaving the Navy. He is a 35-year PUFL member of the American Legion and has served as post Commander for two terms, Vice Commander for several years, and Chaplain for two years.
He also put his professional talents to work improving the post building, helping remodel and update the floors, ceiling, air-conditioning system, bathrooms, kitchen, interior and exterior. John also began the Historical Society effort to replace the stolen plaque identifying the building as a historic property.
John is also a Life Member of the Disabled American Veterans.
To this day, John proudly wears his veteran cap whenever he goes out. His belief in service, discipline, responsibility, and love of country remains as strong as ever. He believes young people can learn valuable lessons through service, and by understanding the sacrifices made by our military members and their families.
John’s story is one of service, hard work, family Founded by an Act of Congress after World War I, The American Legion fiercely advocates for the unique needs of every generation of veterans, service members, and their families who pledge to protect our nation. Today, we are committed to destigmatizing mental health support, offering peer-to-peer resources, and empowering everyone to Be The One in the fight to prevent veteran su***de., perseverance, and patriotism. From his time in the United States Navy to decades of service to his family, community, fellow veterans, and the American Legion, he has continued to live the values he earned so many years ago.
John Briscoe, thank you for your service to our country and for your many years of dedication to our veterans and community. We are proud to honor you as an our Veteran of the Month.🇺🇸
