Commanders' Message

Fellow Legionnaires – Another State Convention has come and gone. We now have a new Department Commander, Carol Barker. Carol hails from the Greensboro Post 53 where she has been a member since 2001. During this time she has held most of the Post 53, District 14, and Division 3 officer positions, even with her deployments to Iraq in 2004 and to Afghanistan 2011-12.

Well, as many of you already know, Mike Donnelly was not elected Division I Command at this convention, but he is not a quitter and has vowed to run again next year. Speaking of running for office, Bill Oxford, is a leading candidate for National Commander in two years. Many of you know Bill from Legion College, both as an organizer and instructor. (I guess I should also mention he is a Past Department Commander.)

Thanks to all of you who helped with the Stand-Up-For-America event on July 2nd. With the change in venue, it appeared the event didn't draw as big of a crowd as it has in the past, but they do have room to grow in the future.

It is official, our ladies got together at our last meeting and have formed Unit 52 of The American Legion Auxiliary. There were 16 charter members who signed up. I am looking for great things to happen as we work together for the betterment of our organization and its goals.

At our last Executive Board meeting we discussed possible expansion of the Post so that we can handle our future growth. We will be forming an exploratory committee to look into all aspects of our current and future needs. If you are interested in joining this committee please let one of your officers know or call me @ 919-818-9705.

Next up will be our BBQ Chicken and Pork fund raiser on Saturday, August 18^th, 11-7. Please come out and support this great event.

Duty, Honor, and Country - George G. Tracy

Auxiliary Notes

We will be meeting at Post 52 at 5:30 pm on Tuesday, July 25th. We will be carpooling from there to Linda Kerensky’s house for our meeting. (4122 Old Franklinton Road). Linda has graciously offered to serve us all dinner, drinks and dessert! If you need directions, she can be reached at (607) 624-2995.

See you there! - Adrienne O’Neil

Vice-Commander's Report

Our Post needs our attention. We are planning a Post Cleanup and Maintenance day on Saturday, September 23 beginning with breakfast at 8:00 am. Lunch will also be provided. So mark your calendars and sign up at our next meeting to help.

Wow we ended up with 229 paid members for 2017 with a goal of 235 for 2018. District 5 was 2^nd place in the State and Post 52 was 2^nd place in the District for 2017. District Commander Mike Donnelly has set the goal for District 5 to be 1^st place in the state for 2018. Lets do our part to make this happen. 100% before Veterans Day would be a Great Start.

I want to remind all members that if you have business concerning the American Legion you are invited and encouraged to present your business to the executive committee during any of our regular scheduled meetings. I was reminded during my recent convention by our State Judge Advocate that All business presented to the Post must go before the executive committee before being presented as a motion to the membership. So I encourage all of you to work with your executive committee so we can carry on the business of the American Legion in an expeditious manner.

The summer means, graduations, travel, vacations, cookouts, and more, so take the time with your friends and family and remember safety during your travels and events.

For God and Country, Harvey Satterwhite

Chaplain's Corner

View From A New Angle

Isaiah 55:66: Seek the Lord while He may be found. Call on Him while He is near.

I've loved airplanes since I was a boy. I have a clear recollection from the age of 12 on my first flight. A family friend, who was a Navy pilot of World War II, had a two seated Cessna at his farm. As I sat in the copilot seat, I braced myself for the take off. He had built a homemade runway. The engine became louder. We moved down the runway. It was really bumpy. But as we got faster, we lifted off the ground, and things became unbelievably smooth. There I was, getting a view of my whole world from a new angle. Things were getting smaller on the ground, but I recognized the farm buildings and the ponds where we swam and fished. Then there was the old rock quarry. And the outline of the old train tracks. I saw the town and the old cotton mill, and all the houses where my friends lived. They looked like blocks on my monopoly board. The pilot asked if I wanted to fly. "Now keep the horizon bar on the horizon," he said. Wow, I was flying! Following his instructions, I turned to the left and to the right, keeping the horizon bar level. He made me feel good when he said, "you'd make a good pilot, your reaction time is quicker than mine." We descended over the power line and came in for a rough landing. The whole flight took about 10 to 15 minutes.

It's amazing to consider an experience that gives you an entirely new perspective. The birth of your first child that kind of event, suddenly creating a whole new priority. But there is no change more dramatic than the spiritual awakening when Jesus Christ comes into your heart. Your life changes suddenly and completely. You see other people with new eyes. You experience the perfection of God's love as revealed by His son.

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