Commanders' Message

Fellow Legionnaires – I am still looking for volunteer(s) for the Americanism Committee. One of the duties of the committee is to organize the Post Oratorical contest held yearly. Speaking of which, our contestant this year, Gabriella Dangler, was the District 5 winner and will be heading to Hertford, NC for the Division I contest, to be held on February 11, at 11:00 AM. Post 126 will be hosting the contest in the theater, across the street from the Post, which is located at 111 West Academy Street.

For those of you who are interested in purchasing additional Brunswick Stew, we still have about 50 quarts that we froze the day of the sale. So please call one of the following numbers to arrange pickup: 919-818-9705 – Me; 919-494-2851 – Steve. If no one answers, please leave a message with your name, phone number. We will get back to you as soon as possible.

At our January meeting, I appointed the following volunteers to the Financial Audit Committee: Brodie Green, Floyd Adsit and Wade Daniel. I would like to thank them for stepping up to this very important task that is required by our Bylaws. You may review our Bylaws on the web-site at: http://americanlegionpost52.org/ByLaws20140325/ByLaws.html. If you are not connected to the internet and would like a copy, you can pick one up the next time you are at the Post.

I would also like to thank Wyatt McGee and Michael Donnelly for volunteering to serve on the 2017 Nominating Committee. Remember that nominations for the 2017-2018 year will be held at our March meeting with the election to be held at our April meeting. If you are interested in holding an office please step forward and let the committee know. A list of all offices and duties is available as part of our bylaws. Please review and serve where you can.

Just a quick reminder to those few who have not renewed their membership; as per our Bylaws: “A member whose dues for the current year have not been paid by January 1 shall be classed as delinquent and all privileges shall be suspended”. So please get your dues paid up-to-date as soon as you can.

One final item; all delegates are reminded that the Mid-Winter conference will be held at the Raleigh Hilton on Feb 17 & 18. On that note, I would like to thank all those who have turned in your pull tabs for the Ronald McDonald House. We will be handing them in at the conference. Every little bit helps.

For God, County and the American Legion, George G. Tracy

Vice-Commander's Report

I hope this News Letter finds all members doing well. As we begin 2017 let me emphasize to you that ALL Members are important and that we need you. We are just short of our membership target so if you have not renewed your membership in the American Legion please consider doing so ASAP. Also I would like to remind all members that if you have Not Called to Activate your Free Life Insurance Policy please do so by calling 1-800-235-6943. We cannot call for you, you must call and you will need your American Legion Membership ID number. While speaking with the Customer Service Representative at Legionnaire Insurance Trust (LIT), be sure to confirm your contact information is correct also. This is important in the event your family ever needs to process a claim.

You are cordially invited to our annual award banquet where we will celebrate the 98th Birthday of the American Legion as well as recognize those in Law, Fire, EMS, and others for their outstanding service making our community a better place. There will be good food, fellowship, and fun for all.

Please remember to purchase your American Flags from Post 52 or online at emblem sales. You will not buy a better quality flag for the price, and it is made in America. Imagine that! When purchasing on line at Emblem Sales remember to register it to North Carolina, Post 52. You can also share this information with family, friends, and even businesses. Our Post receives 10% cash on every dollar spent on American Flags when purchased thru Emblem Sales and registered to North Carolina Post 52.

For God and Country, Harvey Satterwhite

Chaplain's Corner

The Battlefield

Psalms 119:105 "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path."

The war was terrible and the battle had been heavy for the past two days. Then when night come again, John found himself in the middle of the jungle. There were noises coming from all through the underbrush, and he was all alone. He didn't have any idea where his comrades were, or even which direction he needed to go. The night was so black, and John was truly afraid. He compared it to the time he went with a tour group of people down into a cave. They went further and further into the cave until the guide said, "this is the end." Then someone turned off the light switch. It was so dark and black that you couldn't see your hand in front of your face, and you heard those with you scream. It was that way on this night! Have you ever been there?

All of a sudden there was a burst of bright light. Someone had shot a flare into the air. John looked to his left and followed the light. He made his way through the jungle. He came upon an opening, and then, there in the light, on top of a flagpole, flew the American flag. So in John's heart and mind he knew he was safe. He thanked God.

The Bible says, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double edged sword, it penetrates even to the dividing soul and spirit. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”

Now may God with love and peace be with you and your family. In Jesus name, Amen. Bill Kimbrough