Commanders' Message

Greetings, this month of our Nation's 249^th Birthday! I hope you were able to celebrate our Country in a way that paid tribute to your military service with your family and friends. We truly live in the best Country in the World, and I am thankful and proud to call myself an American every day.

I recently accepted the resignation of First Vice Commander Craig Korcz. Craig's wife, Veronica, is battling ovarian cancer, and Craig's purpose must be with her in the fight 100%. I thank Craig for his volunteer spirit as one of your newest members and assure him that Post 52 will need his leadership in the future once Veronica is better. Therefore, the First Vice Commander's position must be filled at once. The June Membership Meeting saw a motion unanimously approved to nominate current Finance Officer George Miller as First Vice Commander, in a "dual" role. A Vote will be taken at the July Membership Meeting to fill this position.

Legionnaire Gene Schempp has volunteered to be a member of the Finance Committee and work under the Finance Officer as an assistant. Gene will learn the duties of the finance officer position and, hopefully, be prepared to assume those duties in full when the PEC believes it is time to make a permanent transition. Gene has experience with the finances of charitable civic organizations, having worked with the Lions Club International in the past. Thank you, Gene, for sharing your talents to better Post 52.

July marks the start of the 2026 Membership Campaign. The way I see it, there are two things every Post must have for mission success: (1) Members and (2) Monetary Revenue. With these two required elements, a Post can succeed. Your $45/yr. Membership dues support various forms of outreach and operations at the National and State levels. But the Post only generates $7.50 from each membership. So, while revenue is appreciated, that is not really why Members are most important. Members are most important because they make sure our Post functions. You make sure our work in the community is executed. You make sure we help fellow Veterans. You make sure honorable traditions of military sacrifice are remembered and shared with younger generations. You provide for children, youth, and the community.

How do we do this? We serve. Our Post functions because of the unselfish service of Legionnaires who want to be more than just a number on the membership roster. All of you have talents, love for other Veterans, and the ability to give your time to make us better. Even a Legionnaire who says, "My health is just not good anymore, so I can't help with anything," is not thinking correctly. It doesn't take the best of health to make a buddy check to a fellow Veteran. It doesn't require public speaking talent to volunteer for the Fundraising Committee, which ensures that we plan and execute 5-6 fundraisers per year to generate revenue that supports our mission. It doesn't take personal wealth to make a difference at your Post.

We have the following Standing Committees and need your participation: Membership, Americanism, Fundraising, Food Service¹, Finance, and Building & Grounds.

¹Food Service might be a thing of the past now that Legionnaire families and the Auxiliary are taking on meeting meal preparation.

Other ad-hoc Committees set up by the Commander are: Nomination², Audit², Memorial Brick, and Shaping the Future.

²Nomination and Audit committees are appointed each year.

Each committee must have a chairperson and consist of 3 to 5 members. These committees serve at the pleasure of the Post Executive Committee (PEC), which contains the 14 officers you elect. The PEC assigns each committee a task and provides guidance, and the committee executes the task and reports back to the PEC. The time commitment for serving on a committee is not nearly as significant as being an officer, but it is just as crucial to our mission. Committees meet on their own terms (in-person, conference call, Zoom, etc.) to plan, organize, and execute their business.

The PEC is ready to form these committees for the 2025-2026 service year. Please let me or any other officer know if you can serve more by being a member of one or two committees. Some of you have already done so. Thank you for your continued commitment to making Post 52 the best in District 5.

This year, my goal is to enhance the Post's efficiency by utilizing standing committees to manage our business. This environment will bring new ideas and different perspectives, while also lowering the stress on me and the PEC. Just like you heard the voice of Uncle Sam years ago, hear my voice now – "Your Post Needs You".

Our 105-year-old Post is special. I am thankful for all our members, and most of all, I am thankful for those of you who give more than your membership dues. We are likely to end the 2025 membership year with 186 members. Wouldn't it be outstanding to have continued participation and mission support from at least 100 of them? Together, let's change the reality of the same 30-40 folks attending meetings and participating in events. Believe me, these folks need some relief from carrying the Post. They need to see some new faces, hear some new "war" stories, and develop some new buddies to maintain their inspiration to serve. Please, BE THE ONE who brings forward a new spirit of service in us all.

Veterans are stronger as a Legion.

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

Chaplain's Corner

Greetings to everyone in the name of King Jesus. May the grace and peace of Jehovah be with you.

As I am writing to you, I'm also writing to myself. Life is becoming increasingly difficult. Jesus is still worthy of all glory, honor, and praise. Jesus told us that things will become increasingly difficult. Jesus also said, " I will never leave or forsake you." Grab hold of that promise. Jesus also said we would be persecuted for Him. I encourage you to seek God while He can be found. Don't be fooled by what you hear. Ask God for discernment. The great news is that Jesus wins. 

Let the peace that passes all understanding rule your heart.

Todd McPhetridge – Chaplain Post 52

Auxiliary Unit 52 Report

Happy 4^th of July!

Here are some Unit 52 events for July: Unit 52 will hold its next sew day on Sunday, July 6, 2025, from 1:30 to 4:30 pm at Post 52 Franklinton.

Unit 52 will host its Bake Sale with a Post 52 Chicken/Pork BBQ fundraiser on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.

The next membership meeting will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 6:30 pm at Post 52. We will be installing the 2025-2026 Unit Officers at this meeting. Please come and support your unit officers.

Legion College will be held on July 11-12, 2025, at the Hilton North Raleigh.

Carolyn Donnelly will be the ALA Department of NC National Security Chairman for 2025-2026.

Stay safe during the 4^th of July celebrations!

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

Renewal Information

Renewing for 2026, you don't have to wait for your renewal notice to arrive in the mail. All you need to do is put your check for $45 in the mail to us at: P.O. Box 61, Franklinton, NC 27525. Please provide your name, address, and your Legion Number (if possible). We can apply it to the right person without any issues.

BBQ Chicken & Pork Plates Fundraiser

Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 11 to 6
Come hungry, All plates $12.00 (Cash) or $12.60 (Credit/Debit).

2025 Boys State

Shown above is Post 52's candidate Ben Blanchard. Ben campaigned for and won the seat of Speaker of the House. Congratulations.

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