Commanders' Message

Fellow legionnaires, I need your support. If asked to join a committee, say "Yes". The Post's business is conducted by these officers who make up the Post Executive Committee (PEC), along with the help of the Membership. The PEC is not the de facto committee for 1) Membership, 2) Americanism, 3) Fundraising, and 4) Building & Grounds. While an officer may chair these committees, they should consist of rank-and-file members who want to give their time to specific areas of Post 52's mission. While we have 14 officers, the weight of the Post's mission should not fall solely on them for execution. The PEC must be supported by YOU. With our Membership of 200+, we should have 100+ members being "active" in supporting the mission each year. The reality is we have about 30 members who attend monthly meetings and maybe 30-40 total members, including these officers who are "active" in supporting our activities. Yet, we did not have a Membership or Americanism Committee comprised of non-PEC members in 2024. I am proud that the PEC flexed and helped the 1^st Vice and I execute the duties of these two committees, but we fell short in both Membership and some of our Americanism goals (getting a presence in the schools). The PEC cannot just do it all. I challenge each of you to look inside yourself and say, "Where can I help my Post?"

Regarding committees, Membership, and Americanism are what I believe are the two most critical to address. Without members, we cannot fulfill the Legion's mission and two of the four pillars – Americanism and Children & Youth. The 1^st Vice and I will be strong on Membership because the reality of Post 52 and most other Legion Posts around the Country is that they are aged and slowing down. Post 52 leadership is solidified by Vietnam and Cold War-era Veterans. We must groom the next generation of post-leadership from our Cold War Era, Desert Shield / Storm, and Global War on Terrorism veterans. While retaining existing members is very important, we need more new members to sustain our vigor.

Look at our Country this very minute. These foundational pillars of Americanism and Children & Youth are being tested. The youth and young adults are crying out for guidance. Our Country, communities, and parents need The American Legion more now than ever. The Legion brings its solid foundation and its traditions, and it sets the example for all Americans to love their Country and understand that freedoms only exist because men and women were willing to pay with their blood. The American Legion and military service instill patriotism, good citizenship, and a willingness to help others. You are a part of one "tool" that can repair our Country – YOU are a member of The American Legion!

Chris Smith, Commander Post 52 csmithforest@gmail.com

Chaplains' Corner

June is the month that we celebrate Father's Day, and we thank God for our Fathers, Daddy, Dad, Pop, Pa, Grandfathers, Grandpa, and Granddaddy, however, you addressed them.

I still recall my childhood of working on the farm and in the chicken houses with my Grandpa and Daddy, and I still am glad they were there with me and were willing to keep me on a good path. As we remember and celebrate Father's Day, let us not forget what God's word has given us as guidance as Fathers. I share with you the following scriptures.

Proverbs 22:6, "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it." (NIV)

Proverbs 23:24, "The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him." (NIV)

Please continue to pray for those who have served and those still serving our nation in the Armed forces, First responders, Law Enforcement, and Firefighters and their families, and Thank God daily for the blessing He gives us all.

Harvey Satterwhite, Chaplain

Vice-Commander's Report

Brothers and Sisters in Service, I am a Legionnaire of few words, but let me begin by saying it is an honor to be considered and nominated to represent Post 52 in this capacity.  I look forward to serving and growing our Post in Membership, attendance, civic responsibility, and comradeship.  You can count on me anytime, anywhere, and I hope I can count on you!

"To the Colors"
Joe "Scott" Vickers, 1^st Vice-Commander

Auxiliary Unit 52 Report

The Unit Officers for 2024-2025 are: President: Carolyn Donnelly, Vice-President: Velinda Moore, Secretary: Sue Gooch, Treasurer: Linda Kerensky, Chaplain: Toni Miller, Sergeant at Arms: Sheila Field, and the 3 Executive Committee Members at Large: are Janet Tracy, Anita DiConstanzo, and Amy Riley. Congratulations to all of the elected officers!

The Unit is still looking for a Historian. If you are interested, don't hesitate to contact one of the officers.

The Unit did very well with the Poppy distribution over the Memorial weekend. Thank you to all who helped make the Post meal a great success.  

Our next meeting is the UEC (Unit Executive Committee) on Thursday, June 6. 2024 at the Post, we would like the members to attend this meeting as we are having the Installation of Officers after a brief UEC meeting. You will not be able to vote, but you can speak. If you plan to attend, please don't eat before coming, as we will have some of the leftovers from the Post-dinner. We made too much food!

There will be NO Members meeting on June 20, 2024, as many Officers will attend the Raleigh Department Convention.

I would like for members who attend the meetings to please bring at least one nonperishable item to the meeting as this will go for the Unit's Project Food Pantry, which is taken to the Franklinton United Methodist Church Food Pantry where the nonperishable items are given out every second Saturday of each month.

Carolyn Donnelly, Unit 52 President

The annual raffle of this 5'x10' utility trailer will be on August 13, 2024. Tickets will be in the mail soon.

Post 52 Officers for 2024-25

L to R seated: Exec Comm – Pat McCrary, 2^nd Sgt at Arms – Todd McPhetridge, Exec Comm – George Miller, 3^rd Sgt at Arms – Joe Dillehay, L to R Standing: Chaplain – Harvey Satterwhite, Commander – Chris Smith, 1^st Vice – Scott Vickers, Parliamentarian – Mike Donnelly, Historian – George Tracy

Missing: Adjutant – Bruce Lobach, 2^nd Vice – Eric Pearce, Finance Officer – Steve Ijames, 1^st Sgt at Arms – James Bracknell, Exec Comm – Tony Kerensky

Need assistance dealing with the Veterans' Administration? Contact our Franklin County Veterans' Service Officer, Brenda Wilkins, at 919 496-1939.