Commanders' Message

Fellow Legionnaires, I hope this newsletter finds you all doing well and working on all those new years resolutions that you made. I know that I will have no problems with mine, I stopped making them 30-40 years ago. For years it was always to stop smoking; easy to make hard to keep. After marriage to a young lady who didn't smoke, I still didn't quit until 2 years later when my wife told me we were going to have our first child. It was then that I knew that I had to set the example for the sake of our future children. Well it wasn't easy, but I did it and none of my children ever became smokers.

I said all of that just to let you know that we, as legionnaires, are always setting examples, either by the things we do or don't do. One of the main ideas that our founders had in mind as they met in 1919 was that of being the best Americans that they could be when they returned to civilian life after the war. That meant getting involved in all aspects of service to others in their community. We call this 100% Americanism in our Preamble and it became one of the pillars of our organization. Therefore, I hope that you are setting a good example for those that will follow in your foot steps.

Now that the holidays are b.ehind us we will be hitting the ground running. Our Brunswick Stew is scheduled for January 13^th. Same great price at $8.00 a quart. So I would advise you to get your orders in quickly as we ran out of stew by noon the last time. To reserve your stew, call/text Steve at 919 727-0087. You can also email him at stephen.ijames@gmail.com to reserve your quart(s).

The Mid-Winter Conference will be held at the North Raleigh Hilton on February 16 & 17. So all of the you delegates be sure to place it on your calendar.

In March we will be celebrating the birthday of The American Legion with our annual awards banquet. We will be honoring members of our Police, Fire, EMS, Military and Community Service. Additionally we will be honoring one of our own with Legionnaire of the Year. To that end, I would ask you to submit a name and a reason why you believe this individual deserves the honor of Legionnaire of the Year. Send your choice to me at ggtracy41@aol.com. Additional information on the Awards Banquet will be in the February Newsletter.

Duty, Honor, and Country - George G. Tracy

Auxiliary Notes

We had a terrific time at our social (belated) on December 30^th at the post. Thanks to those that were able to attend. We would like to welcome new member and Veteran Debra Roberts to our group!

Now that the holidays are behind us it is time to look at the calendar ahead. Upcoming events to help serve with Post 52 are the Brunswick Stew prep and sale on January 12 and 13^th. The Poppies have arrived for our first Poppy fundraiser in May. Additionally, those of you that have expressed an interest in sewing for Veterans will be contacted about future meetings and projects. Let’s make 2018 a year that we can make a difference with Veterans in our community!

See you at our next meeting. - Adrienne O’Neill

Vice-Commander's Report

I hope Christmas brought you a time of Reflection of your blessings, Fellowship with family and friends, Thankfulness for all God’s blessings which he has given us as individuals and as country. Let us not forget that there were many tables with empty chairs during Christmas due to a family member who had paid the ultimate sacrifice for freedom or one who is away in service to our Great Nation.

In a time in our Nations history when it seems congress has a difficult time understanding what our Veterans have done for this nation. American Legionnaires have a clear understanding of what our Veterans and their families have done. Let me make it clear that while we are focused on our Veterans there are just as many out there that DO NOT understand NOR will they make any effort to see that our Veterans and Military are a high priority when it comes to our Nations budget and spending.

I sometimes have to remind myself that while our congress has good intentions they constantly have to be reminded of the sacrifices made by our veterans that have preserved the greatest nation in the world " The United States of America". I truly wish they also had a full understanding of "General Accounting" as well as "Who Pays their salary". Just one reason I am glad to support the American Legion.

Having said this did you know that 100% of your donation to American Legion Special Funds go directly to that fund, such as National Emergency Fund (NEF), which has paid out 10’s of thousands of dollars to veterans recovering from hurricanes in Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico. On the same note did you know that 100% of your donation to Programs that the American Legion chooses to support goes directly to that program? There is no charge to administer these funds. WOW can you believe that. Well it is true. Here are several of the programs that the American Legion support. You can contribute to any of these by designating the fund on your check.

National Emergency Fund (NEF) – Cash grants to American Legion members, posts and Sons of The American Legion members.

Operation Comfort Warriors (OCW) - meeting the needs of wounded, injured or ill military personnel by providing them with comfort items not usually supplied by the government.

Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) - Cash grants to minor children of current active duty or American Legion members. These grants help families in need meet the cost of shelter, food, utilities and health expenses, thereby keeping the child or children in a more stable environment. 

Please remember to purchase your American Flag from Post 52 or On-Line at emblem sales. You will not buy a better quality flag for the price, period. When purchasing on line at Emblem Sales remember to register it to Post 52, North Carolina.

You can Renew Online at www.AmericanLegionPost52.Org, mail them in or call me @ 919-358-5591 and I will gladly come by and see you.

For God and Country - Harvey Satterwhite

Cold weather has finally made its way into North Carolina and cold weather is the perfect time for a bowl of hot Brunswick Stew. Post 52 will sell its famous Brunswick stew ($8.00/qt) on Saturday, January 13^th, 11:00 am.

Call/text Steve at 919 727-0087 or email him at stephen.ijames@gmail.com or Tony at 919-264-1671 or George at 919 818-9705 to reserve your quarts. Of course, you can come by the post on the 13^th to buy your Brunswick Stew. We will be there until it is all sold.