Commanders' Message

As I was preparing to write this message and looking at the road ahead, I sometimes must remind myself of Who we are and What we stand for. In a world where many are afraid to speak their conviction for fear of being politically correct or standing on the principles that have sustained us as a nation, I realized that in many cases, the answers to these questions have already been pondered by our forefathers. Then it dawned on me where I had seen these answers. We recite Our Preamble at every meeting, and I want to share just one of its clauses with you.

"To foster and perpetuate a 100 percent Americanism"… Americanism is the gist of the American ideals of freedom, justice, individual rights, and unfenced-in opportunities. It embraces all the freedoms we cherish and all the rights guaranteed to us. It is the very opposite of hatred, bigotry, and intolerance. Americanism is the creed that has blazed the world-wide trail for justice, fair play, decency, belief in God, private enterprise, universal education, and progress in all human endeavors. Putting a premium on the virtues of loyalty, patriotism, hard work, and thrift. It's one of eleven clauses that define the American Legion and one more reason why we should be proud to be Legionnaires!

I constantly hear the question, "What does The American Legion do for me." Our predecessors worked to help our veterans and their families with things like the GI Bill, overhauling our VA system, and many more. Most recently, we worked on the PACT Act, which provides medical needs to those exposed to toxic chemicals while serving in the armed forces. The act is comprehensive legislation to address 1) the effects of toxic exposure from Agent Orange, 2) the effects of toxic exposure from burn pits, and 3) the effects of toxic exposure from contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

I was honored and privileged to travel with Department Commander Donnelly to our 2022 National Membership workshop in Indianapolis. I had the opportunity to talk to American Legion officers from Alaska to Puerto Rico and many states in between. One thing posed the same challenge to all Departments, Membership! Why you should ask. Well, it boils down to what each Post is doing or not doing. While our Post is active, there are things we can do to be a more open and friendly Post when it comes to reaching out to our veterans. Stay in touch with them, and assist them when needed. We have all served to protect the freedoms we all enjoy and must look out for each other's well-being going forward as well as those who will step up and continue to preserve the freedoms we all enjoy going forward. REACH OUT TO A VETERAN AND SEE HOW THEY ARE DOING.

If you have not activated your Free LIT $1,000/$5,000, Accidental Death Benefit, Call the toll-free number, 1-800-235-6943. Once activated, be sure your loved ones know and keep this information with your important papers.

Veterans / Family Day will be here before you know it. Make plans now to attend Saturday, November 12th, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm. Veterans Day Ceremony followed by Food, Games, and Fellowship for the whole family and friends. Invite a Veteran and their family to attend.

A BIG THANK YOU to All who came out and helped with our BBQ Fundraiser and the community for helping us sell out.

100% Membership by Veterans Day 2022 !!!!!!

For God & Country, Harvey Satterwhite, Commander

Chaplains' Corner

One passage: "For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me." (Matthew 26:11). Then the Great Commission:" And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20) Leaving the apparent contradiction, of not always and always with you, for another day; what's our obligation to the poor. Fact base: the poor – in spirit, money, education, status - are with us! What's to be done?

From an insightful sermon from Vicar Lauren, I learned that during the Great Depression, the churches went to FDR and said we are overwhelmed: help us. And the government did. Paying taxes has not eliminated our obligation to the poor. The word tithe comes to mind, and not all Good is done in the Church. We veterans can support organizations such as the Red Cross, USO, and the homeless.

A homeless guy stopped by the store regularly. An employee gave him some money (not me). This giving was outside of my scheduled and carefully considered tithing. What to do? He would go to a convenience store and get something that probably was not very healthy. He needed to do better. Charity was needed; A plan was created, and the mission was executed. A BK gift card that could NOT be spent on frivolous stuff was the thing to do. We were going to help the guy do right. Fortunately, BK was out of cards. Thinking better, the convenience store was probably his social outlet. Money was good, but in this case, it was counter to his poorness in spirit. Keeping cash ready to give was a solution. I haven't seen him in a year; we changed paths. I think and pray for him—none of this altered world hunger.

Let us be ready for the next meeting with the poor, who are always with us.

Keep the Faith, Harry Barrick, Chaplain

Auxiliary Unit 52 Report

First, thank you to all who volunteered during our Unit's very successful bake sale and the Post's successful BBQ fundraiser. Both sold out!

Legion College was very informational. I have notes that I will share with you at our next meeting, which is in September. The Executive Board is meeting over the Summer to prepare for our Unit projects this year. All are welcome to attend the Executive Board meetings on the first Thursday of each month.

Our 2022-2023 Department President, Mary Bartlett, has chosen her President's Project. Her project this year is aptly directed at our organization. We, as a department, have had some lean times during the pandemic and depleted some of our reserves. So, the funds raised for Mary's project will go to our General Fund. "We must remain financially strong to continue our service mission to veterans, active military, and their families."

Velinda Moore, Unit 52 President

Division 2 News

Congratulations, Division II, for making the Goal for 2021-2022 with 100.5%.

The new Membership year 2022-2023 began on July 1, 2022. So now is the time to renew for 2023.

Save the date; the Division II meeting will be on October 1, 2022, at Post 116 Fuquay-Varina. Registration begins at noon, and the meeting starts at 12:30 pm with a light lunch.

Congratulations to the American Legion, Department of North Carolina, new Commander, Mike Donnelly (Franklinton Post 52), and the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of North Carolina, new President, Mary Bartlett (Maiden Unit 240) for the year 2022-2023. Let us wish them both a successful year!

In August, we have The American Legion World Series in Shelby. The dates are August 10-17, 2022. Come to Shelby and watch a game or two if you have a chance. Also in August is the American Legion National Convention held in Milwaukee, WI., August 26 - September 1, 2022. Enjoy your Summer!

In the Spirit of Service, not Self, Carolyn Donnelly, Division II President