Commanders' Message

All Hands-On Deck! You're welcome, Navy and USMC Veterans! Remember that our Fish & Oyster Fry Fundraiser is Saturday, September 16, from 11:00 – 7:00. Prep day is Friday, September 15, at 1:00 p.m. We need 20+ Legionnaires to volunteer throughout the day, starting at 9:00 a.m. and ending at 8:00 p.m. Please consider giving your Post a few hours of your time as we raise money for our programs. You will be rewarded in fellowship with good people.

The American Legion National Convention in Charlotte, NC, has wrapped up, and we have a new National Commander, Daniel J. Seehafer. Commander Seehafer is a US Navy and Naval Reserve Veteran of Post 157 in Horicon, Wisconsin. Commander Seehafer is the Pastor of St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Horicon. His #1 objective is to continue strengthening The American Legion's Be The One initiative for Veteran suicide awareness. National Commander is a monumental volunteer job. All Legionnaires are thankful that Veterans are willing to step up and lead us as the Nation's oldest and premier Veterans organization.

Please remember our membership meeting date and time change starts this month. I am excited to try something different as we evaluate how the most members of Post 52 can participate and serve. I know this "experiment" is not popular with all. That is okay. I ask you to withhold judgment until it is tried and evaluated. But one must try it to give their opinion, right? I fear some members who are not a fan of change will not attend because they feel their attendance is a "vote" for it. I need you at the membership meeting, no matter the date or time. Your Post needs you so your voice is heard. My challenge to all of you is to put The American Legion Post 52 first, not yourself.  After all, that is what we did for our Country when we all raised our right hand and took the Oath of enlistment.

We are now several months into the 2024 membership campaign. Our Post membership goal is 218. We sit at 125 renewals. The renewals are slowing. Please bring your $40 dues to a meeting or fundraiser, renew online, or mail it to The American Legion Post 52, PO Box 61 Franklinton, NC. For those of you who have stepped up as PUFL or renewed early, I thank you!

I leave you all with this thought pertaining to membership. If our military services are comprised of female members, why don't we have any female Veterans as members and in attendance at our meetings and events? Yes, I am being a bit facetious because we are thankful that Post 52 has a small number of female Veterans on our roll. However, I can't remember the last time I saw a female member at our membership meeting or a fundraising event. Why is this so? Change is needed to fix this. I will explore this anomaly with the 1^st Vice Commander to see how Post 52 can energize its current female members and grow in female membership. If any of you have suggestions, don't hesitate to contact me. Just as race and skin color do not segregate Veterans, gender should not matter. The word Veteran is not gender specific; it is all-encompassing, meaning a person all Americans owe a debt to for their freedom.

Chris Smith, Post Commander

Vice-Commander's Report

Fellow members of Post 52, I have just returned from the 104^th National Convention held in Charlotte, NC. There is much to report on, but most importantly, we have a new National Commander, Daniel J. Seehafer, from the Department of Wisconsin. He is a dynamic individual who has many plans for this next year. His top priority is increasing membership. He is extremely plugged into the suicide prevention of all veterans. Each of us has a part to play in growing our Post membership and renewing our membership dues promptly. If we have members who cannot afford their membership renewals, Post 52 stands ready to assist you because we will not leave any veteran behind. Please let one of the post officers know if you need help. Remember that our goal is to have all memberships completed by Veterans Day. Thank you in advance for your support of our membership drive.

Mike Donnelly, 1^st Vice Commander

Chaplains' Corner

In today's world, I see a constant erosion of love and respect in our society. Let us renew our commitment to God's word and one part of our preamble: "To promote peace and goodwill on earth," and share it with all those around us.

In 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love. Let us rededicate ourselves to this vital endeavor."

We have several members who are sick or recovering from illness. We also have those who have lost loved ones. I would ask that you remember them in your prayers. Also, pray for the men and women serving in the Arme Forces and their families. If anyone has needs, please feel free to call me. May God continue to Bless you and our Nation.

For God and Country, Harvey Satterwhite, Chaplain

Auxiliary Unit 52 Report

It has been a long, hot Summer. I hope this newsletter finds you well. Please remember that the Members' Meetings resume in September. I hope to see everyone on Thursday, 9/21.

The Auxiliary will be helping with serving at the Post Fish Fry on Saturday, 9/16, from 11:00 – 7:00. We will also be having a bake sale.

As a reminder, the Durham VA will accept NEW Winter Coats for our Operation Cold Front (OCF) Program Drive Sept 1- Dec 31. OCF provides coats to all Veterans who need assistance during the upcoming winter season. OCF serves all Durham VA HCS Veterans, including Greenville HCC, Raleigh, and Morehead CBOC clinics. Coats may be of all colors, and we recommend neutral colors such as black, blue, beige, or brown that would be appropriate for both men and women (sizes can range from M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, and 4XL). Unit 52 will be collecting the coats to be delivered to the VA. Contact any Unit 52 member to arrange drop-off. You can also email the unit at alaunit52franklintonnc@gmail.com

Velinda Moore, Unit 52 President