Commanders' Message

A new year of service is upon us. As Commander, I intend to keep this nearly 104-year-old Post alive and well, while providing a new energy and perspective on our mission and activities. I am a traditionalist, so there are no significant changes out of the gate. I am a realist and know that our Post cannot operate in the same manner year after year. We have to grow to remain viable. Last year as 1^st Vice Commander, I heard from many of you with ideas for change. I have a list. Please keep them coming. I need your ideas and comments, but I also need YOUR action plan and what YOU will do for the Post to implement YOUR change or improvement. When you have a complaint, please bring it to the surface and include yourself in the plan for improvement and change. When you have a compliment, please bring it to the surface and give your assurance that you are willing to help keep the ship on course (I have to reference my Navy comrades!). The sustainment and betterment of Post 52 is YOUR responsibility and requires YOUR participation and action as much as it requires the Post Officers and the Executive Committee. I challenge you to pay your dues early and increase your involvement over the last year.

See your new Post 52 Officers for 2023-24 at the bottom of the page.

I thank the 2022-2023 Officers for doing an outstanding job, and your service continues to be needed to grow the Post. All Post 52 members are needed to serve on committees and in other capacities. My staff and I will ask all of you to step up and help. Not one Officer alone can do what is required for success.

May was a busy month for Post 52. I saw the best of our membership on display. I am proud of everyone's efforts. I thank Steve Ijames and the Firing Squad members for providing honors at Howell Lee Jones' funeral and our Memorial Day Remembrance Service the same weekend.

I thank all who participated in the FRAGO (change of plans) to install flags at area cemeteries on Friday rather than the traditional Saturday date and change of venue of our Remembrance Service due to inclement weather. Thank you to CSM(Ret) Scott Vickers for providing a message during the Remembrance Service we can all take to heart and be grateful for those Veterans that have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Post 52 continues to hold to and perform admirably these traditions of The American Legion – for that, I am grateful.

June continues to be a busy month for YOUR Legion. The Department of NC Convention is June 8-11 at the North Raleigh Hilton. I welcome and encourage all members to attend all or a portion of the Convention. I highly encourage new Legionnaires and Officers to attend and learn how YOUR Legion does business. Share in the camaraderie that is service to this Country and service to the Legion. I understand four days is a big commitment and not for everyone. However, attending one or even a half-day can teach you a lot. Please let me know if you would like to build and better yourself, and I will see that you have the resources for success!

Legion College is July 21-22 in Clemmons, NC. If you have not registered, now is the time to do so. Again, this is an excellent opportunity for new and old Legionnaires to learn about The American Legion and find areas of passion and expertise they can bring to Post 52 and serve. Please get in touch with me immediately if you would like to learn more or attend this event. The Post will reimburse you for the approved hotel room rate for up to two nights.

I am pleased to announce that Post 52 has two Tarheel Boy's State Delegates. Boy's State is June 18-24. Our Delegates are Nick Valentino of Heritage High School and Marwan Arafa of Cary High School. I both young men who will represent Post 52 well. We will invite them to a Post meeting later in the summer to share their experiences with us. Our mission of Americanism and Children & Youth programs is back from the disruption of the COVID Pandemic.

Finally, I humbly ask that you pray for the Country and Post 52 as we embark on a new year of leadership and service to Veterans and the Franklinton community. Thank you for your partnership in service.

Hooha!! Chris Smith, Post Commander

Chaplains' Corner

Is there anything special to be done with all the daylight that is June's? Sophocles, a Greek playwright, said, "To be doing good deeds is man's most glorious task." Jesus believed this, too, and taught that we should love one another. We learn in the New Testament that showing our love through service and good works is also important. Doesn't it sound simple? Could it be any easier? The rub is in the doing.

In June, turning the light on to fetch Emily's coffee is unnecessary. It is a kind deed but basic. Repairing a coffee measuring cup AGAIN is another simple action. On the way to Walmart, a turtle was crossing the road. (Finally, the possum has a reason to smile.) It was still crossing on the way back. After saying for the second time, "Lots of luck, dude." I stop and walk back to aid the crossing. The turtle had crossed the road without me! I thanked the Lord for giving me enough caring to do something. Faith is not solely something we believe; faith is something we do. I found satisfaction and some happiness and joy in turtle rescue. This particular June will be for me: Caring-Enough-to-do-Something Month, even if it is simple and basic. Perhaps this will work for you.

As always, bring food for the food bank.

Harry Barrick, Chaplain

Auxiliary Unit 52 Report

Thank you to everyone who showed up to distribute Poppies on Friday and Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend. Despite the soggy weather, we received donations to match our budgeted $500. Just three days later, we hosted another Post 52 dinner. Despite a few hiccups, the meal was a great success. We even received some tips!! That helps us better serve our veterans in the community.

Installation of Officers will be at our June Members meeting on 6/15. Your 2023-2024 Officers are:

• President - Velinda Moore
• Vice President - Janet Tracy
• Secretary - Carolyn Donnelly
• Treasurer - Linda Kerensky
• Chaplain - Toni Miller
• Sergeant-at-Arms - Sheila Field
• No Historian was elected.

Velinda Moore, Unit 52 President

Division 2 News

This will be my last column for the ALA Division 2 News for the Post 52 Newsletter, as I will not be running for that position next year. I want to say thank you for your support for the last two years. Have a wonderful summer!

In the Spirit of Service, not Self, Carolyn Donnelly
Division 2 President/Unit 52 Membership Chairperson