Commanders' Message

I've made it through the first month as your Commander! Talk about trial by fire! It is by far the best and most active way to learn. I want to thank our past post commanders and officers that continue to mentor me and help me improve. I thank the members for the support and excitement you have shown. There is much to be done. I need the help of every member in some compacity. Volunteer for a committee, say "yes" if asked to chair a committee by the Executive Committee, work a few hours at the next fundraiser, buy some plates for your family, take plate orders for your neighbors, buy some trailer raffle tickets, and attend Legion College, etc. Everyone getting this newsletter pays their $40/year membership dues. Thank you. However, to be the best Post in District 5 and serve Veterans and our community the way we in Franklinton wish to, the Post needs more than just your paid membership. The Post needs your "active" membership above the cost of the dues.

Where we have been - Our five Delegates attended the Department of NC Convention in early June. Seeing our very own Mike Donnelly end his term as Department Commander was an honor. Mike worked and traveled very hard as Department Commander to serve all NC Veterans while remaining an active member of Post 52. Thank you, Mike, for representing Post 52 in everything you do.

In June, the Executive Committee / Officers had training at the Post. I hope the new officers and those in new positions (like me) learned more about their responsibility to the Post and the "way" Post 52 operates. Thank you to all the officers that attended. Thank you to all those that helped recover grave flags after the officer's training course.

We also held the annual flag retirement ceremony before the June Executive Committee meeting. The ceremony was new for many of us to execute. Still, leaders like Historian George Tracy and Finance Officer Steve Ijames ensured that we newbies learned the protocol and disposed of unserviceable flags in a dignified and honorable manner.

At Tarheel Boy's State graduation ceremony, Post 52 Delegates Nick Valentino and Marwan Arafa graduated. Both young men appreciated the opportunity provided by Post 52. We have invited them with their families to attend the July meeting.

Where are we going – What's Next? I like to think of Independence Day as the "Day" to recognize all American citizens for what they do to keep America strong and free, as we honor our Nation's first Patriots and Founding Fathers. Memorial Day is for our war dead. Veterans Day is for us. But Independence Day is for every American because it takes all citizens of every profession, gender, and race to make this Country what it is – The best in the World! We are blessed to be Americans!

Legion College is on July 21-22 in Clemons, NC. I would encourage all officers and any member that wants to learn more about The American Legion to attend. The registration fee is minor, and the Post reimburses the hotel stay. While the different officer positions and Legion programs are highlighted, the benefit I took away from Legion College last year was meeting other Legion members, officers of other posts, and the leaders in the Department of NC. See me or any officer to learn how to attend.

Finally, I mention again that your Post needs your support on Membership, Americanism, Finance, Fundraising, Facilities & Grounds, and Food Service committees. The 15-member Executive Committee is only a squad+ element. We don't win battles and achieve with just a squad. It takes a platoon of multiple squads to win, equating to a minimum of 30-35+ members. You will be rewarded with pride in The American Legion, Post 52, in fellowship and friendships. Your Post needs your active participation to succeed.

Chris Smith, Post Commander

Vice-Commander's Report

The new legion year kicked off on July 1, 2023, which means it is time to renew your dues again. You can pay them at the Post, mail them to the Post, or pay them online at legion.org. As chairman of the membership committee, I encourage all our members to renew their dues as soon as possible to avoid multiple reminder mailings from our National Organization. Our Post has a new slate of officers in place, and we are looking for volunteers to serve on all post committees. We will evaluate all post procedures, activities, and events moving forward. If you have suggestions for improving your post experience, please make your voices heard by letting us know your thoughts. As your First Vice-Commander, my job is to ensure that we retain and recruit all our members and that your Post provides all the services and activities you need. So please step up and renew your membership and help us recruit new members. As our Post membership ages, we know some folks can no longer drive/travel at night, so let us know if a Saturday morning membership meeting might solve our dwindling Tuesday night meeting crowd. Remember that this is your Post, and we need more volunteers for our fundraising events.

Mike Donnelly, 1^st Vice Commander

Chaplains' Corner

I want to start by saying it is my honor and privilege to serve as your Chaplain. I want to thank those who have served as Chaplains before me. As we begin a new year, I ask that you keep me informed on any needs You or Your Family may have and any Veteran in our community or their family. God has been good to us all, and we should return His Help and Kindness to our family, friends, and neighbors. I can assure you that we cannot outdo God. May you look to God for the peace He can only give when things are not going well. He Can and Will help if only you ask Him and open your ears to His response. May God continue to bless our Nation, You, and Your Families.

For God and Country, Harvey Satterwhite, Chaplain

Auxiliary Unit 52 Report

Thank you to the Auxiliary members who attended the June Post 52 meeting. We honored eight more Veterans with a handmade quilt. (See Below). As a result, this was the last of the quilts that we have completed. I feel another craft/sew day is coming up soon. Stay tuned for details!

Remember that, according to our Standing Rules, we do not have a Members' Meeting in July or August. Your Executive Committee will continue to meet over the Summer for planning sessions. All members are invited to attend. Due to low attendance at the June Members' Meeting, the installation of Officers will be held at our July Executive Committee meeting on 7/6. Your 2023-2024 Officers are President Velinda Moore, Vice President Janet Tracy, Secretary Carolyn Donnelly, Treasurer Linda Kerensky, Chaplain Toni Miller, and Sergeant-at-Arms Sheila Field. No Historian was elected.

We have also committed to assisting with serving at the 7/15 BBQ fundraiser for Post 52 and holding a bake sale at the event. We need members to bake and deliver the packaged treats starting that Saturday morning. You can also deliver your goodies when you arrive for a shift of helping with the serving line.

Velinda Moore, Unit 52 President

L to R are Harry Barrick, Harvey Satterwhite, Tom Fereza, James Bracknell, Ansel Greenwood, Chris Smith, George Miller, and George Tracy.