Commanders' Message

Fall is around the corner, and 2022 will be history before you know it—my, how time flies.

If you know of someone attending or has been accepted into a one-year Licensed Practical Nurse program or enrolled in a 2, 3, or 4-year program that leads to certification as a Register Nurse, get them the information on the Colon FurrScholarship. For information and application, go to: https://www.nclegion.org/resources-2/ Colon Furr Nursing Scholarship. Completed applications must be at Department on or before September 25th.

The American Legion is a firm supporter of our children and youth, and our Post tries to send someone to the following programs each year. This is one way we can help ensure they have a firm foundation in the future.

ORATORICAL CONTEST: The contest, open to U.S. citizens or lawful residents under the age of 20 and currently enrolled in grades 9-12, is designed to provide the student with the opportunity to increase their knowledge of the U.S. Constitution and with public speaking skills that can help them with advancement in their chosen profession.

TAR HEEL BOYS' STATE: The American Legion believes there is no better way to assure the survival of our great republic than to train our young people in the ideals and objectives of the American government. By teaching the youth of our state and nation to understand and appreciate the basic principles involved in successfully managing a democratic society, we can keep America strong and ensure freedom for future generations. Tar Heel Boys' State teaches the preservation of our form of government that depends on intelligent, informed, and loyal citizens in combination with government activities. 

STUDENT TROOPER PROGRAM: The North Carolina American Legion Student Trooper Program aims to create an association between our young people and the men and women responsible for enforcing our state's laws. The American Legion believes our young people have a strong sense of patriotism and high regard for Law and Order.

We are seeking candidates for Law Enforcement, EMS, Fireman, Currently Serving Soldier, and community service awards. So if you know someone who meets the criteria, please get their names and phone numbers to me, Harvey Satterwhite, at 919-339-8044 or email me at htsm203@gmail.com.

Veterans Day / 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.

Our membership drive started on 1 July and will NOT END until we are 100%. We are asking all members to renew their membership before Nov 8th. Do not forget that Membership Dues will increase to $40.00 effective 1 Jan 2023. We will draw (10) names of members who have paid their dues on or before Nov. 12th for gifts and prizes. Let's all do our part in 2022-2023 to lead the District and Division in all programs we participate in. Let's show them what Post 52 is made of.

Don't forget that we have several Veterans in our Post who own businesses, from Home Building and Construction, Plant Nursery, Building Cleaning, etc. Please consider using their services when looking for assistance. Support our Veterans.

For God & Country, Harvey Satterwhite, Commander

Vice Commander's Message

As liaison to Auxiliary Unit 52, I wanted to let all Post 52 members know that we wish to help support the Auxiliary in several upcoming Veteran and community-focused projects. The Auxiliary works hard to support our Post and take their services out into the community every year. Let's help them do more this year!

Several projects will happen this last quarter of the year, but we will start with the support of a food drive. The Auxiliary is leading a food drive to support a food pantry run by Franklinton United Methodist Church. When you go to the grocery store, please consider buying a few extra canned or dry goods. A collection box will be set up inside the Post to collect the items when you attend Post meetings. Such items can also be dropped off at the Post inside the foyer, as the storm door will not be locked.

Here is a list of items that would be appreciated: Can food (vegetables, fruit); soups, cereal, crackers, sauces, dry goods (boxed or bagged), for example, noodles, spaghetti, jelly, peanut butter, bottled water. No perishable foods, please. Most items need a 6+ month expiration date and do not require refrigeration.

Please do what you can to support our Auxiliary Unit and help those in need with food items. More information will be advertised for other Auxiliary projects. Thank you for being so helpful.

Chris Smith, 1st Vice-commander

Chaplains' Corner

"Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division!" (Luke 12:51)

"Division" could easily be the word of this century. We cannot even agree on caring for people our government continued to poison long after knowing that the water was toxic. As an American Legion member, this is unsatisfactory.

"First, they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out —because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew." (Martin Niemoller) We know what decency requires.

The problem is that the Constitution's wisdom is no longer helpful because it restricts the enlightened experts who safeguard us. After all, we are too stupid or ignorant to do for ourselves. For example, the unelected masters of the EPA have divided us on Americanism versus electric vehicles, solar power, wind power, and death to fossil fuels. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled recently and confirmed that the EPA greatly exceeded its constitutional authority in ordering the switch to renewables. Again, Division is being used for our destruction. We need to speak out for our belief in Americanism.

I picked his topic to find an answer, and no answer came. Let's speak out and see what the Lord will do for us.

Keep the Faith, Harry Barrick, Chaplain

Auxiliary Unit 52 Report

All who know me know how important the concept of Legion Family is to me. Simply put, we are better together. In that spirit, the Unit will cook and serve the meal for the September Post Business meeting on 9/27. We will serve Chicken Parmesan, Sausage & Peppers, Spaghetti, and Salad with a cupcake for dessert. Come to the meeting; bring a fellow veteran and your appetite!

Also, in the same spirit of family, I have extended an invitation to the Post Executive Board to attend our Executive Board meetings. The Auxiliary President has long participated in the Post Executive Board meetings and provided feedback and discussion. Our Vice Commander and another member of the Post Executive Board attended our August Exec Board meeting and provided valuable feedback and suggestions for our budgeting discussions and more. We should work this way as a family, supporting each other.

Finally, a reminder that any veteran's spouse is eligible for membership in the Auxiliary. So, whether you are a husband or a wife to a veteran, you qualify for membership. If both spouses are veterans, you are both eligible for dual membership. Check with a member for more information. Let's all work together to grow the Legion family by recruiting new members for both.

Velinda Moore - Unit 52 President

Division 2 News

Division II meeting on October 1, 2022, at Fuquay Varina Post 116, Registration noon, Meeting 12:30 pm. Light lunch provided.

Thank you. Carolyn Donnelly, Division II President

FISH/OYSTER PLATES

Saturday, September 24^th, 11:00 am to 7:00 pm

COST: $10 for fish plates; $16 for Oyster plates; $13 for combo plates

Legionnaires will prepare for the fundraiser on Friday, September 23rd at 1:00 pm; on the 24th, help is needed with the cooking/serving, 8 am to 8 pm.

Fellow legionnaire Larry Goswick is the winner of the utility trailer raffle. Congratulations to Larry, and thanks to all who donated to the fundraiser.