Commanders' Message

I want to thank all those who came out to help us place flags on the graves for Memorial Day and those who helped us retrieve them. While we are all veterans, Memorial Day is about remembering those who gave their life while serving in the Armed Forces. We are truly thankful for their sacrifice. May God continue to watch over the families who have lost a loved one, and if the American Legion can assist in any way, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

The American Legion's new membership year starts in July. For those who have not renewed for 2022, we ask that you consider getting your dues in ASAP. I want to take a moment and explain how membership in the American Legion works. The renewal process begins in July for the upcoming membership year. Renewal notices are sent out in July, October, January, March, and May. Members are removed from future renewal notices for that year if their membership is processed before the cutoff date. If dues are paid to the local Post, it takes a little longer to process and notify National about the renewal. Therefore, the member may receive another renewal notice. Please check with your local Post to ensure they have received your dues if this occurs. Also, you may want to consider going online to MyLegion.org and renewing your membership. MyLegion is easy and processes much faster. I would ask that All consider renewing when you get your First Notice; this helps reduce the cost to our organization for future mailing.

We still have openings on several of our committees, Food Service, Americanism, and Firing Squad. I know there are legionnaires out there that can fill these positions. Let us know of any area you would like to assist in.

Notice: If you are a Paid Member and have not called to activate your FREE $5,000.00 Accidental Death Insurance, you can do so by calling 1-800-235-6943. You will need to have your Membership number. Even the call is free, so please call to activate or check to ensure you have your coverage—just one more benefit of being a member of the American Legion.

Summer Safety Tips

Sunblock is a great tool to protect yourself from getting harmful burns that can be painful and really stop you from doing more great summer activities.

Play it Safe; make sure children's equipment is safe, adequately secured, and nothing that could cut or hurt someone.

Bugs and Plants, when out and about with your family in any wooded areas, make sure you know what certain dangerous plants look like. Become familiar with poison ivy, any types of thorn bushes, or the seven-minute itch that can be extremely hard to pick out in grassy areas. Spray yourself down with bug spray to help protect you from mosquitos and ticks and try to stay away from areas that mosquitoes tend to gather, like stagnant puddles or swamps, and don't forget the critters like snakes and spiders.

Let people know where you are going; going on outdoor adventures can be a great experience for families. There are many lessons kids can learn from a hiking or overnight camping trip. It is always good to let someone know where you are headed so that if you lose communication at any point, they can let the proper authorities know where you were headed. You should also be prepared with food, water, first aid kits, and flashlights with extra batteries.

R&R, be sure to plan some vacation time away from it all. Just some time of rest and relaxation. You are not on a schedule, so don't make the vacation a work schedule. Take it easy and relax.

For God & Country, Harvey Satterwhite, Commander

Chaplains' Corner

"Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

Our nation remembers on Memorial Day those in the military who have given their lives for the freedoms that we enjoy. They exemplified the passage from Joshua.

On Sunday, May 29^th, Post 52 celebrated Memorial Day at Fairview Cemetery in Franklinton. The Post Commander spoke well, and the entire ceremony was very well done. We had camaraderie at the conclusion. The Roll Call was significantly meaningful and sobering. The Post Everlasting Roll Call reminded us how dear the cost of freedom is.

We would celebrate our God-given freedoms together if they were with us, but they are not. During the Memorial Day Holidays, please do something to celebrate in their honor. Finish the celebration with words such as: "Well done, rest in peace."

We pray that, Lord, You would have us all look to You for strength, comfort, and guidance. Be with all who serve in our Armed Forces. Bless them and their families—Grant Your loving protection; so that they may ALL join in person with us on future Memorial Days.

Keep the Faith, Harry Barrick, Chaplain

Division 2 News

WOW! I can't believe we are in June, and summer is almost here!

A reminder, the Department of NC Convention for the American Legion/American Legion Auxiliary will be held June 9-11, 2022, at the North Raleigh Hilton.

As for membership, the American Legion Auxiliary Department of NC has made their GOAL with 100.33%, according to the May 25, 2022 membership report.

Division II is very close to making GOAL at 99.26%, needing 16 more memberships to make the goal. The Division has 3 Districts out of 5 that have made GOAL. Thank you to everyone who has renewed and turned in memberships.

I will remain your Division II President for 2022-2023, and Linda Kerensky will remain District 6 President, of which Franklinton 52 is one of the units in her District.

My columns will be hit and miss over the next few months as I will be traveling with my husband, Mike, who will become the Department Commander of North Carolina during the Convention. We already know we will be doing the Installation of Officers in Albermarle, NC, and Hickory, NC, the following week after the Convention.

Have a great summer, and please stay safe!

For God and Country and In the Spirit of Service, not Self,
Carolyn Donnelly, Division II President

Auxiliary Notes

I hope everyone is well. We have elected new officers, and I hope you welcome them as you did me. Watch your email for new dates to have meetings. Velinda will be emailing you.

Thank you for helping me out while I was your President. 

Karen Nowell, President Auxiliary Unit 52

Auxiliary Follow-Up

Just is a quick follow-up to let you know the new schedule of meetings for the coming year. All meetings will be held at the Post. The Executive meetings will be on the first Thursday of the month at 6:30 pm, and the membership meeting will be on the third Thursday at 6:30 pm. While the Executive meetings will continue through the summer, the membership will not meet in July and August. I hope to see you on June 16^th.

Velinda Moore, New Unit 52 President