Commanders' Message

Fellow Legionnaires – I know most, if not all, of you have seen the images of destruction and devastation that were caused by hurricane Harvey in Texas. Just like here in 2016, when hurricane Matthew hit North Carolina, the biggest part of the destruction was caused by rain and flooding. We are currently at the height of hurricane season and should be prepared. Even now, as I am writing this column, we have another storm brewing in the Atlantic, Irma. While I lived in south Florida for 19 years, I have seen my share of hurricanes and hurricane preparation. But, it wasn’t until I moved to North Carolina that I was actually in the direct path of one, Fran.

The American Legion has risen to the call, in every natural disaster, and is currently doing that very thing in Texas. Part of what the Legion does is provide funds and resources to help with recovery. Funds come in the form of the NEF (National Emergence Fund) and others funds that help in time of need. We as a Post contribute to this fund every year. It is just one of the line items in our budget and is currently set in the amount of $250. Nationally the Legion will be providing grants of up to $3000 to those in need, including all veterans with minor children and all military Guards, Reserve, and active duty military who might face financial hardship.

I would like to take is opportunity to thank the Auxiliary for their help with our BBQ fundraiser. They not only served on the serving line but also provided dessert by having a bake sale. If you haven’t done so, you can see more of what the ladies are doing and/or planning to do by visiting their Facebook page. While on Facebook.com, search for NCALA52. While they are waiting on the charter to arrive they are not standing still. They have had an election of office and those officers have been installed by Past Department President, Susan Gooch. Keep up the momentum.

We are into the middle of one of our heaviest fundraising seasons that starts with Stand Up For America and ends with the Reverse Raffle in December. So next up is the Fish and Oyster Fry, which will be here on Friday, September 22^nd. Please plan to support this effort with your time, as well as, eating with us that day. Looking forward to seeing you here. That event will be followed by the trailer raffle on October 14^th, the same day as the Brunswick stew sale. And lastly is the Reverse Raffle on Saturday, December 9^th. More on all of these events will appear in future newsletters.

After looking at the last paragraph, I know that sometimes it appears to be all work and no play. Well, since this year Veterans Day is on Saturday, we are planning a Family Day. (Please see the Vice Commanders Report for more details.)

Since the last newsletter when I asked you to partition your Representatives for support of the 100^th anniversary coin, the Senate has approved the bill, but it has not been approved by Congress. There are currently 298 cosponsors for the bill. Six of these are from North Carolina Districts: 1, 2, 3, 9, 10, and 11. If your district representative is not on the list, please contact them as directed in our last newsletter.

I have one last request; since we do not have a Post Chaplain, I would ask that you be in prayer for the Post and its membership,that a member of strong conviction step up to fill this vital position.

Duty, Honor, and Country - George G. Tracy

Auxiliary Notes

At the August 29^th meeting we formally inducted our officers and are off to a great start. Our Bake Sale during the BBQ was such a great success that we will be having another in conjunction with the Fish/Oyster Fry on Friday, September 22^nd. A BIG thanks to all that participated and we will need your help again on the 22^nd.

Thanks to Velinda Moore for our new Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NCALA52/.

Our next meeting will be at the Franklinton Senior Center on  Tuesday, September 26^th at 5:30 pm.

See you then! Adrienne O’Neil

Vice-Commander's Report

Why is membership in the American Legion so important? Let me start by saying our forefathers knew that without some helpful persuasion our government did not know or understand the full impact that service to preserve our freedoms had on the American Soldier.

Since they, our Service members, had been there and done that they knew and understood firsthand the needs of our soldiers. If you look back at history you will see how the American Legion has been a leader in helping our veterans and has helped to ensure our veterans are not pushed to the side. If I have said it once I have said it hundreds of times, The line in Washington wanting something from our government is long and our veterans issues deserve to be in the front of this line. Today more than ever we as veterans have got to stick together to ensure that future generations of veterans and their families are not pushed to the curb by our government. You ask how could this happen, well unfortunately congress is lobbied everyday by some faction that wants their agenda to be on top of the list for expenditures and our congress needs reminding of the service and sacrifice of our veterans accepted the call to Defend America with an understanding that America would be there for them when they needed them. Make contact with a Veteran, give them a "Why I Belong" and let that show them what the American Legion has done and is doing for veterans, their families, and our community.

Veterans Day as well as our Post Family Day will be here before you know it. Make plans now to attend Saturday, November 11th, 11:00am – 3:00pm. Veterans Day Ceremony followed by Food, Games, and Fellowship for the whole family and friends. Lets pack the house. Hotdogs, Hamburgers and the trimmings will be served.

Our membership drive started 1 July and will NOT END until we are 100%. We are asking all members to renew your membership before Nov 8th. We will be drawing (3) names of members who have paid their dues before Nov. 7th, for $30.00 in cash.

Let's all do our part in 2017-2018 to lead the District and Division in all programs we choose to participate in. Let's show them what Post 52 is made of.

For God and Country, Harvey Satterwhite

Current American Legion Auxiliary Unit 52 Officers

President
Carolyn Donnelly

Secretary
Adrienne O'Neil

Chaplain
Anne Perkinson

Sgt-At-Arms
Karen Nowell

Vice President
Donna Greenwood

Treasurer
Linda Kerensky

Historian
Velinda Moore