Commanders' Message

We finally had a dose of winter with snow, frozen precipitation, and bitterly cold temperatures. I hope you have been well and staying warm. I want to thank those who came out to work the Brunswick Stew fundraiser and those who sold and/or bought quarts of stew, making it a huge success. We made two hundred eighty-two quarts, and all were sold except a small reserve set aside for the Chaplain and Commander's use. Quarts were given to The Franklin Times, Randy Bright (Bright Funeral Home and Bright Memorials, and Ron Gantt (Ron does the calligraphy in our Post Everlasting "Memory Book") as "Thank You's" for what they do for Post 52.

I congratulate Miss Victoria Sema for winning the Post 52 Oratorical Contest. Victoria has been our winner for two years straight. She will go on to compete at the District 5 Contest on Saturday, February 8, at 10:00 am. There has been a CHANGE OF VENUE. Post 52 will now host the District 5 Contest. We are hoping you could come out and support Victoria in this effort. You will be inspired by hearing her talk about the U.S. Constitution and its Amendments.

February is the time of year we need nominations of Legionnaires to serve as Post Officers. All positions are up for election in April (Tuesday, April 29 at 7:00 pm). If you want to serve your Post in a leadership position, please let the Nomination Chairman, Mike Donnelly, or committee members George Tracy or Gene Schempp know. If asked by the Nomination Committee to be nominated, please prayerfully consider the request. Just as Uncle Sam said, "I Want You" when you joined the military, Commander Chris is saying the same thing now. The health and growth of Post 52 rests on the leadership of those who have it in their heart to give more of themselves for the good of others.

Will I see you at the Department's Mid-Winter Conference on February 13-15 at the North Raleigh Hilton? I hope so. There is no advance registration. Registration is during the conference, and it is only $10/each. I encourage each of you to attend the entire event or pick a few hours on Friday and/or Saturday to attend and observe the Department committees and commissions in action. Most importantly, meet and fellowship with Legionnaires from across the State. I never fail to learn something new that makes me a better Legionnaire and will help Post 52.

Our Annual Awards Banquet is scheduled for Saturday, March 15, at 6:00 pm. Our community First Responders will be recognized for their selfless service. Please provide me or the First Vice Commander with your nomination for Legionnaire of the Year and Community Volunteer of the Year. We want to recognize the best of the best, so make sure you nominate who you think has given their all to the mission of being a Legionnaire and/or a community volunteer in 2024.

Finally, It is not too early to talk about Tarheel Boy's State, which will be held the week of June 15-21 at Catawba College (Salisbury). This year, the application process has begun online at tarheelboysstate.org/apply. Applicants must be current high school juniors. Post 52 is looking to pay tuition for two delegates. Learn more about this time-tested, steeped-in-tradition program at tarheelboysstate.org. If you know of a candidate, please get me or the First Vice Commander his parents' contact information.

Continue Mission!

Chris Smith, Commander Post 52 csmithforest@gmail.com

Chaplains' Corner

A message from the past (February 2021}

"As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD's word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure." (Psalm 18:30-32 NIV)

We can only imagine David's loneliness as he found himself always on the move and challenged. King Saul was always in pursuit of David and Saul wanted David to know that his life was on the line at every turn of his life. King Saul prowled in the shadows ready to attack David at any moment. These attacks by king Saul placed a heavy burden on David, so much that he went into depression and despair. This resource in the Psalter represented what David knew that he had in God; namely, the strength of the LORD. Humbly, David relied on the LORD and David knew that God was his ultimate resource. David turned to God, whose ways are perfect, and his words are true, and his protection is sure. David knew that God was the rock on which he could confidently stand, and David knew God would save him from King Saul. If you are depressed and even to the point of despair, God's ways are perfect, his words are true, and his protection is sure. God never fails, and never will. Trust in Him to deliver you from the enemy.

Praying for each of you, those who are serving, who have served, and for the families represented in this season.

The Lord bless you and keep you all, Thomas Reid

Vice-Commander's Report

Likely, you recently received an email notifying you that you are eligible for a no-cost accident insurance benefit. This benefit is known as Legion Care and is offered through the North Carolina Department of the American Legion. It provides coverage when traveling to and from Legion events, participating in them, and accidents at home, work, and while traveling. Your family will collect full benefits, regardless of what they collect from your life, health, or any other insurance plan. Your family will receive a check for the full benefit amount. Under current law, payments are not subject to federal income tax. This money can be used any way your loved ones see fit; that could be to help with household expenses, funeral costs, or other financial obligations. Your North Carolina Department of the American Legion offers this benefit to thank you for being a valued member. It is yours without cost, risk, or obligation. Even though this is a no-cost benefit, the Legionnaire must activate the benefit by completing the 5-minute application online at https://cloud.thelit.com/lt-48252-a1. Contact Securian Life Insurance Company at 1-800-328-6124 (select option 1) if you have questions. Your American Legion membership number is required when completing the application. If you have questions after enrollment, contact Legionnaire Insurance Trust Member Benefits at 1-800-235-6943.

In closing, I would like to thank our volunteers, members, and incredible Unit 52 Auxiliary for supporting POST 52 as we continue to grow our outreach efforts within the community.

"Strength in Numbers"

Joe "Scott" Vickers - 1^st Vice Commander - joseph.vickers.gm@gmail.com

Auxiliary Unit 52 Report

First, I want to say thank you to all the unit members who came to help with the January Post 52 breakfast, which was a great success.

The Unit will provide a light lunch on February 8, 2025, for the District 5 Oratorical Contest at American Legion Post 52, Franklinton. The contest will begin at 10 am, so if you can, come and support the Post candidate.

The Unit is doing other events in February: Sunday, February 2, 2025, Sew Day from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm; Thursday, February 6, 2025, UEC meeting at 6:30 pm; Thursday, February 20, 2025, Unit Members meeting at 6:30 pm. All events will be at Post 52 Franklinton, and everyone is invited.

Please support the ongoing collection of non-perishable food items for the Franklinton United Methodist Church Food Pantry. There's a drop-off box in the post foyer where you can put your items.

Happy Valentine's Day!

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

Awards Banquet
and
106^th Legion Birthday Celebration

Saturday, March 15th, 6pm

We will award and recognize the following honorees:

• Emergency Medical Technician
• Fire Service Officer
• Law Enforcement Officer
• Community Service
• Legionnaire of the Year

We need you to be there on March 15 to show our appreciation for these men and women who serve our community.

Post 52 Oratorical Winner

Shown above is Victoria Sema, Post 52, 2025 Oratorical contest winner. She is flanked on the left by Post Commander Chris Smith and on the right by George Tracy, Post Historian and Oratorical Contest Chairman.

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