Commanders' Message

November is filled with several very important days. The first is 2022 Election Day, be sure to get out and Vote and be sure you Understand what you are voting for and Know the Candidates and what they stand for that you are voting for. As for me, I do not Vote for a Party but for a person who I feel will serve the citizens well. It is our civic duty.

Veteran's Day, in which we remember ALL veterans and thank and honor those who served honorably in the military – either in wartime or peacetime. For many veterans, our nation was important enough to: endure long separations from their families; miss the births of their children; freeze in sub-zero temperatures; bake in hot temperatures; lose limbs and, far too often, lose their lives. Military spouses have endured career interruptions, frequent address changes, and a disproportionate share of parental responsibilities. The children often had to endure changes in schools, separation from friends, and the uncertainty of whether or not Mom or Dad would return home. I thank each of you for your Service to our nation and the American Legion. Now I ask ALL Members to reach out and Thank a Veteran for their service to our Great Nation.

If you get this letter before Veterans Day, I hope you and your family will join us for our Veterans Day Service and Family Day, with food, fellowship, fun, and door prizes. Service Starts at 11:00 am, Saturday, Nov12th. Good Food, Games, and Door Prizes. Invite a Veteran to join us. Hope to see you there.

What a Great statement to all Veterans for our Post to be 100% Membership by Veterans Day 2022 !!!!. Remember there will be a dues increase of $5.00 on 1 Jan 2023.

We will prepare gift bags for homebound veterans and those in rest homes and assisted living. We also will accept donations of socks for these bags since this seems to be an item they all like and can use. We will send the date out to members who want to assist us when we deliver these gift bags.

Please review the Post calendar of events in this newsletter and make plans to help and support your Post events.

For God & Country, Harvey Satterwhite, Commander

Vice Commander's Message

While "Membership" is the Vice Commander's job, I must deviate from the usual preaching of "renew your membership now" to a membership topic that is equally important – Member Participation.

We held our Brunswick Stew sale at the Post on October 22^nd. On the prep day, only three members helped prep for the stew. Likewise, only five members helped cook the stew, package it, and sell it. Preparing approximately 210 quarts of stew for a potential gross revenue of $2,100*.

*numbers are approximate and still being reconciled against costs

Why is it that only 2% of the membership participated in the preparation and sale of stew? In reality, some very experienced and dedicated members who participate in almost every event the Post does, pulled it off as they always do. We had a fire team tackling a platoon-sized project. It would have been much easier on the "regulars" to have 4-5 more helpers, so they didn't have to work long hours. Two of our "regulars" were not present, but they are at most other events. We did not have a bullpen to call in relief. The reserve force did not show up. This is not how we were trained to execute a mission with success. Don't get me wrong; we appreciate all who purchased and sold the stew but did not partake in the dirty work. We need the sales, but we also need the help too. Unfortunately, this same scenario plays out at every fundraiser we do. I ask that you each make a renewed commitment to your Post in 2023. Give 5% more of your time. Give 10-20%+ of your time. If you didn't help the Post with a fundraiser in 2022, commit to helping at one in 2023. If you helped with 1-2+ fundraisers, commit to assisting at an additional 1-2 more. Grow in your service.

The Post will only survive if we dig deeper to devote ourselves to what we all believe is true – Post 52 of the American Legion in Franklinton is an organization that must exist into perpetuity so that Americanism remains a part of our families and community and the benefits we have gained as Veterans continue for generations to come.

Chris Smith, 1^st Vice-commander

Chaplains' Corner

It's essential more now than ever to cast your ballot. While the importance of voting has probably been hammered into your head since you turned 18 (some of us 21). You may wonder, what's the point? Election results can often come down to the few who decided voting is worth the effort or the group who turns out their supporters. Like other off-year elections, our decisions on 8 November will impact us for the next two years. With a War in Ukraine, fuel costs, loaming heating oil shortage, and weakness in our economy, many of us seem to be wondering, searching, feeling frustrated, and perhaps even a little afraid. Recent years have been characterized by uncertainty and division. Our country's course is as perilous as it has been in recent memory. What can be done?

We must consider what is best to leave for our children and grandchildren and how to implement our thoughts. Robust and straightforward leadership is needed. Americans have always known that excess is the enemy of excellence and compassion. We want a change in public life that makes government work for people or not be involved if that serves us. We must seek a better vision for America. We should pursue a vision that frees our people's energies and ingenuity while extending compassion.

GET OUT AND VOTE! Take others with you. Not sure you're registered to vote? Head to vote.org to check your voter registration status; if you are NOT registered to vote, VOTE during the One-stop voting period. One-stop Voting continues from 1 to 5 November. If registered, you can ALSO vote on Election Day, 8 November.

Keep the Faith, Harry Barrick, Chaplain

Auxiliary Unit 52 Report

With the Holiday Season upon us, we have the opportunity to participate in several Veteran Service Projects. We will discuss these at our November meeting on November 17^th. We can use our Poppy funds for all these projects. First, The Post has asked us to put together Gift Bags for the Veterans in local nursing homes and the homebound Veterans. We are expecting 30 – 35 and should have a final number soon.

The Durham VA has requested our help with two projects:

Thanksgiving Food Bag Program: For our Thanksgiving Food Bag Program, CDCE is asking for your support by donating nonperishable food bags that contain canned ham, vegetables, yams, instant mashed potatoes, boxed stuffing, and ready-made gravy. Bags need to be delivered by 11/17, so the Executive Committee will decide on this on 11/3. Please attend or email your feedback to alaunit52franklintonnc@gmail.com

Veteran Holiday Tree Program: Our VA Social Workers, Case Managers, and Recreation therapists will submit a Veteran wish list on behalf of the Veteran to include (specific) gift suggestions and gifts requested by the Veteran Patient. CDCE staff will hang the wish list on our holiday tree in our CDCE office and provide the number of requested Veterans to the VSO/Community Partner. We ask that the minimum gift value be $25 per person. The deadline to commit to the number of veterans is 12/1, and gifts must be delivered by 12/15.

Velinda Moore – Unit 52 President