Commanders' Message

I want to congratulate and thank the newly elected First Vice Commander/Finance Officer, George Miller, and Sergeant at Arms, John Laney, for being voted in by the membership to serve on the Post Executive Committee. We now have a complete leadership team for the 2025-2026 year. We are ready to work, and there is much to do! I want to remind you that Post 52 does not succeed with just the PEC doing all the work. We are blessed to see different Legionnaires stepping up to be elected as officers and those volunteering to serve on committees behind the scenes. Servitude has increased, and we are becoming a much better Post because of it!

Speaking of stepping up and being challenged, I have challenged each of you through my newsletter messages, meetings, and during one-on-one conversations to give more of your time and talent to the success of Post 52. I know that many of you took this challenge to heart. I see it paying off. At the July 29^th membership meeting, we had 35 Legionnaires, six members of Auxiliary Unit 52, and four guests/spouses present. Yes, 45 in attendance! It was a great meeting, and the meal provided by Tony & Linda Kerensky and David & Shelia Field was delicious.

I have seen this same dedication and participation in the past year's fundraisers, which included Brunswick stew, fish, and BBQ chicken & pork plates. Prep day help has increased from 3-5 folks to 10-12+. On the fundraiser day, I see many more Legionnaires coming in to help do the heavy lifting of cooking and clean-up. I also notice that Legionnaires, such as Ed Ortiz and Larry Goodwin, solicit plate sales from others and deliver meals to them. The June BBQ chicken and pork plate fundraiser sold almost 300 plates, generating a profit of nearly $2,390 (exact analysis included in the financial report on the bulletin board at the Post). Both numbers appear to be records based on the last 5 years of fundraisers.

I want to thank each of you for accepting my challenge and then taking action. It warms my heart to know that you love your Post and want to see it succeed. That is a winning attitude that is highly contagious and beneficial to all Veterans and our community, which are the beneficiaries of your service, dedication, and giving. We must not rest on our laurels. Continue the energy. Continue the example. Continue to motivate your comrades. Thank you!

Veterans are stronger as a Legion.

Chris Smith – Commander Post 52 - csmithforest@gmail.com

Chaplain's Corner

Greetings to you in the mighty name of Jesus, who saves us from all our sins.

My heart is heavy, the more I look, the more I see. I see more and more people who need food and shelter, and my heart breaks for them. What does the word of God say: Deuteronomy 15:11 (ESV) "For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, 'You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.'" Proverbs 31:8-10 (NIV), "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the right of all who are destitute, Speak up and judge fairly, defend the rights of the poor." and Proverbs 19:17 (NIV), "Whoever is kind to the poor poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done." Throughout the Old Testament, it emphasizes the importance of helping those in need. By caring for those in need, we demonstrate God's love. How will people know God's love if we don't share it or demonstrate it to them? I challenge you today: Do something radical for God.

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord makes His face shine on you and keeps you safe. In Jesus' name, amen.

Todd McPhetridge – Chaplain Post 52

Vice-Commander's Report

I want to Thank All Post Members at the July membership meeting who voted for me to become the First Vice Commander/Finance Officer. I am truly honored and will strive to do my best for Post 52. As First Vice, I am tasked to be the chairman of the Membership Committee – in this role, I will ask every member to assist me in reaching out to all Post 52 members and fellow veterans in our community.

First and foremost, we need to be 'present and aware' to support our Post 52 members and fellow Veterans. If you know a veteran who is in need or struggling for any reason, please contact our Chaplain Todd McPhetridge or one of his committee members, whether it be a health or assistance issue. You can also contact Commander Smith, Vice Commander May, or me. We are here to assist, whether it's a ride to the VA, delivering a meal to a homebound Veteran, or sharing a cup of coffee or a meal to check in and see how they are. We want to know if a member has joined Post Everlasting, as we want to ensure they are honored and be there to pray with the veteran's family.

The generosity of the Post, passing the hat to raise $286 at our July Membership meeting to assist homeless Veterans, is a true example of being 'present and aware' in helping veterans in need. Post 52 and Aux Unit 52 step up when help is needed, and everyone should be Proud of being a part of such a caring Post.

As of July 31, our 2025-2026 membership stands at 114. Post 52 is currently in First Place in District 5, and we are at 60% overall, exceeding our calendar goals of 50% by September 10 and 55% by October 15. Our next goal is 65% membership (125) by Veterans Day. While this is a great start, we need to continue working towards our objective of reaching 100%. Please renew early, bring in a new member to the Post, and participate in our Legion recruiting events. The next event is "National Night Out" from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Faith Baptist Church, 249 Holden Road, Youngsville. Food is free, and we will have the honor of meeting local Police, Fire, and EMS Heroes. Please come out, visit our tent, and show Post 52's appreciation to these Heroes.

Post 52 has one new PUFL - Gene Schempp, and three new members: Bobby Burger (Marine) sponsored by Joe Lindsey; Celina Jones (Army) sponsored by L J Parks, and Andrea Schempp (Air Force) sponsored by our newest PUFL.

We want to thank each of you for coming to meetings, renewing your membership, assisting with meal preparations - both meetings and fundraising, buying fundraising meals and for your generous donations and support. We aim to have a Great Post Family, support our organization's four pillars, and have Fun doing it!!

George Miller - 1^st Vice Commander/Finance Officer Post 52 - gmiller20189@gmail.com

Auxiliary Unit 52 Report

First, thank you to all the members of Unit 52 who contributed baked goods to the Bake Sale on July 19, 2025, and to all who assisted Post 52 with preparations and serving the Chicken/Pork BBQ for their fundraiser. It was a great success for Post 52 and Unit 52.

The next Unit 52 Sew Day is scheduled for Sunday, August 3, 2025, from 1:30 to 4:30 pm, at the American Legion Post 52 in Franklinton.

There will be NO Unit 52 membership meeting on August 21, 2025, due to many members being on vacation or fulfilling other American Legion/Auxiliary commitments. The next Unit 52 membership meeting will be September 18, 2025. The meetings are held at the American Legion Post 52 in Franklinton on the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm.

The Unit 52 members' 2026 membership dues are now due, which began on July 1, 2025. Senior dues are $31.00 for members aged 18 and older, and $10.00 for Junior members under the age of 18. If you can, please pay your 2026 membership dues by October 1, 2025.

Please welcome our newest member, Barbara Cooke. Ms. Barbara joined our unit during the Chicken/Pork BBQ event on July 19, 2025. Her husband is named Percy. Welcome to Franklinton Unit 52, Barbara Cooke!

Save the Date: ALA Division II meeting, Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Post 116 Fuquay-Varina, and the Department of NC Fall Conference, Friday, October 24- Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the North Raleigh Hilton.

Enjoy the rest of the summer and stay cool!

In the Spirit of Service Not Self - Carolyn Donnelly - Unit 52 President

Auxiliary Unit 52

2025-26 Officers

Shown above, left to right, are: Patty McCrary, Toni Miller - Chaplain, Judy Blackley - Historian, Linda Kerensky – Treasurer, Anita DiCostanzo – Vice President, Janet Tracy – Executive Committee, Velinda Moore – Executive Committee, Carolyn Donnelly - President, and PDP Sue Gooch – Secretary. Not shown: Sheila Field – Sergeant at Arms

Fish Plates Fundraiser

Post 52 will sell fish plates on Saturday, September 13th, from 11:00 am until 6:00 pm. All plates $12 (Cash) or $12.60 (Credit/Debit).

We will prepare for the fundraiser on Friday, September 12th, starting at 1 p.m.; help will be needed for cooking/serving on the 13th. All who can help are needed between 9 am to 7 pm.

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