Commanders' Message

Make Plans Now to celebrate with us the 103^rd Birthday of the American Legion and our annual awards banquet, Saturday, March 12^th, from 6 – 9 pm. Our gathering and Meal protocol may change due to COVID protocols. Safety First!

March 15^th, 1919, is the designated birthday of The American Legion, when the first American Legion caucus, held by members of the American Expeditionary Force, convened in Paris, France. Like the birthday of the United States is celebrated on July 4 – for the day in 1776 when revolting patriots declared the independence of the British colonies and the spirit of America was born. March 15^th is when the Legion was born in Paris to support our WWI veterans thus began our journey as an organization. Here are just a few of the Achievements of YOUR American Legion Post for 2021.

1. The following Monetary Contribution in support of our Veterans
   • (VSF) Veterans Service Fund, Supporting our Veteran Service Officers
   • (NEF) National Emergency Fund, for reconstruction after Weather disasters
   • (CWF) Child Welfare Foundation, supporting children of veterans in need
2. Pull Tabs for the Ronald McDonald House
3. Conduct Memorial Day and Veterans Day Services
4. Post flags in the Town of Franklinton during Memorial, Flag, July 4^th, and Veterans Days
5. Provide Military Honors to the families of Veterans who have lost a loved one
6. Prepared and delivered meals to our Home Bound Veterans
7. Prepare and deliver Christmas gifts to our Home Bound and Veterans in Rest Homes

Just as important as the American Legion's birthday is our recognition of the Law Enforcement, Fireman, EMS, Community Service, Soldier, and Legionnaire of the year. Now more than ever, all these organizations and people need to know we support them, and We Will Cover their Back and are here to help. These people unselfishly give each day to our Community, State, and Nation and go beyond the call of duty in many cases. We are thankful TO ALL who serve and protect our citizens and nation.

We celebrated the life of (2) WWII veterans who went to be with the Great Commander, Thomas Harris, and Calvin Spann. As always, we ask that you reach out to the Post Officers and let us know if you have needs.

As a reminder, our Nominating Committee is at work seeking out individuals to serve in all Leadership positions of our Post. I know many of you out there are more than capable of serving in some capacity. If the nominating committee asks you to serve, I hope you will consider and step up and if you are not invited but want to be, Step Up Anyway.

We are not at 100% on 2022 membership. Check your membership card. If it is a 2021 card, you have not paid your 2022 dues. Still unsure, call adjutant Bruce Lobach at 828 551-1466 to determine your status.

We welcome new members Corey Hoffmann, Bailey Ayscue, and Josh Huerta to our Post. All are Global War on Terror veterans.

Purchase your Flags from your Post at Legion Emblem sales, and be sure to designate NC Post 52.

For God & Country, Harvey Satterwhite, Commander Post 52

Chaplain's Corner

"Do you now believe?" Jesus replied. "A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." – John 16:31-33 (NIV)

In the Gospel of John, Jesus encourages His disciples just after He tells them that He is going away, to the Father, that their grief will soon turn to joy! Imagine with me what the disciples would have thought as Jesus told them He was going away: "Does He want to leave us?" "Are we going to die?" "Is this our last meal with Jesus?" We all experience doubts, questions, and fear, but this passage speaks of the assurance needed for the disciples, "in me you may have peace." The Lord's peace is our peace. His peace is present in the middle of our storm, in the middle of our questions, and in the middle of our fears. If you do not have a relationship with Jesus: repent, and trust in the Lord to save you today! This relationship with Jesus, who is our True Peace, is personal. Whatever we are going through today, we have His presence of peace, and we are never alone, ever!

May The Lord bless you and keep you all, Thomas Reid

Auxiliary Notes

Hello everyone.  I hope everyone is doing well. I want to thank everyone for your participation in our meetings. We need more of our members to come. If you need help getting to a meeting, please let me know, and I will pick you up or get someone close to you to pick you up. I know it is hard during the COVID and weather, but we are still meeting unless I notify you differently.  Please be safe, and I look forward to seeing you soon.

Our next meeting will be on February 7, 2022, at the Legion for the executive meeting at 10 am; everyone is welcome to attend. Our unit meeting will be on February 22, 2022, at the Franklinton Senior center at 5:30; everyone needs to be there

Karen Nowell, President Auxiliary Unit 52

Division 2 News

The month of February will be a busy month for Division II.

The Mid-Winter Conference will be on February 18 – 19, 2022, at the North Raleigh Hilton for the Auxiliary. The National President of the American Legion Auxiliary will be attending the Conference. Also, I am hoping to have a new unit, Henderson Unit 60, in District 6 to receive their Charter at the Conference.

On February 26, 2022, is the Division II meeting at Post 116 Fuquay-Varina. A meal will be served at noon, and the meeting will begin at 1 pm. My plan at this meeting is to give the nomination committee my endorsement letter to be nominated to remain the Division II President for 2022 – 2023. Also, there will be a guest speaker.

I want to congratulate District 6, Linda Kerensky, for the fantastic job in getting her units to turn in their Membership. With all her work, her District is at 94.28%, and the District needs 21 memberships to make 100%.

Speaking of Membership, if you have not paid your membership dues for this year, please do so as soon as possible as of now; you are in delinquent status.

I hope to see you at the meetings.

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