Commanders' Message

We are busy as ever at Post 52. As mentioned in my September newsletter, we are still seeking a Chairperson for the Americanism Committee. It is time to get the Legion's youth programs out into the schools. The Oratorical Contest is scheduled to begin in January, and we are seeking participants. This contest is a scholarship program that provides between $200 and $2,500 for winners who advance from Post to District to Department. The Department winner will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Hillsdale College in Michigan for a chance to win $25,000 at the National competition. If we are not getting candidates, we are letting the youth of Franklin County down. Start with your family, thinking of grandchildren, nephews/nieces, and distant cousins' kids. Look around your neighborhood, your church, your grandchild's school. The requirement is for the candidate to be a freshman through a senior in High School.

The next fundraiser is our "famous" Brunswick Stew on Saturday, October 18. We will need food preppers (the Friday before) and stirrers to commiserate and bring a solution to the Nation's problems for several hours while preparing the stew. It is always a good time to get to know fellow Legionnaires. I issue a challenge to some of our newest members, especially those who have transferred to Post 52 from the Department HQ's Post 1981. If it is your first time visiting Post 52, you will receive a free quart. We want to see you. We need you to participate in Post activities.

Finally, I will close with a reminder to look forward to November, because it is your month. Our Veterans Day Ceremony is always held on the Saturday (November 8) before the actual Veterans Day at Franklinton Veterans Memorial Park at 11:00 am. We will invite all Veterans, their families, and the community back to the Post after the ceremony for Family Day, where a free meal of hamburgers, hot dogs, and trimmings will be provided, along with activities, games, and fellowship for all. As with all of our events, they don't happen with an "order" from the Commander. They come about through the hard work of many dedicated Legionnaires and Auxiliary members. Please participate in and attend this event to showcase who we are to the community. We are Veterans still serving for the betterment of all.

Veterans are stronger as a Legion.

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

Vice-Commander's Report

As of September 20, our 2025-2026 Membership stands at 127. Post 52 is at 67% overall. Our next goal is 75% membership (140) by Pearl Harbor Day. We have welcomed six new members this year. We need to continue to strive to reach 100%. Please renew, bring a prospective member to the Post, and participate in our Legion recruiting events. The next event is "Frankenfest" on Saturday, October 25, from 12:00 to 5:00 pm in downtown Franklinton. Please come out, stop by the Post 52 tent, and enjoy the early Halloween fun!! Kids of all ages are welcome – you might even find one or two Post senagers dressed up and enjoying the Fun!!

If possible, could you please assist during our Brunswick Stew event on October 18? – come out to "stir" the pot and enjoy fellowship. Prep day is on the 17^th – please don't hesitate to come out and enjoy the Fun!! If your time is limited, consider purchasing one or a few quarts; it's a nice, easy meal to share with friends. This event not only supports Veterans, but also the work we are doing in the community.

Please renew your membership. If you are not a member, please consider joining our Veteran family. Post 52 appreciates everyone's generosity and support!!

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

Chaplain's Corner

Grace and peace to you from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Generosity

Throughout the Bible, we are encouraged to be generous. In Proverbs, it says to be generous on all occasions. What does generous mean to you?  As I was thinking. Money may be part of it. How many different ways can you think of to be generous?  Maybe it's a kind greeting when you don't feel like it or a neighbor when you're busy.  I was reading about someone whose life was changed by a kind gesture. How can you be generous today? It may change someone's life. Being generous is an act of love. If we are to love the way God loves, we need to practice generosity. As the Post moves forward, we need to cultivate a culture of generosity. This culture will require us to have more faith in God. God promises us that if we're about His business, He will provide what is needed. Finally, we must love people even if they have nothing to give.

May God's face shine upon you. May God give you a bigger perspective.

Todd McPhetridge – Chaplain Post 52

PS: the Chaplains' team is praying for the Post members and their families.

Auxiliary Unit 52 Report

Happy Fall!

First, thank you to all the members of Unit 52 who contributed baked goods to the Bake Sale on September 13, 2025, and to all who assisted Post 52 with preparations and serving at the Fish Fry as part of their fundraiser. It was an outstanding success for both Post 52 and Unit 52.

Also, thank you to all who came to the Unit 52 Social held on September 21, 2025. All had a great time. The next social is being planned sometime in the new year.

A Unit 52 Sew Day is scheduled for Sunday, October 5, 2025, from 1:30 to 4:30 pm, at the American Legion Post 52 in Franklinton.

Unit 52 will host the Post-meeting meal on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 6:00 pm. Please try to attend this meeting to help with serving.

Our next Unit Membership meeting will take place on October 16, 2025, at 6:30 pm.

At the Unit Membership meeting held on September 18, 2025, a motion was made and seconded to change the date and time of our winter meetings.

With a quorum of members present, a vote was taken, and the motion passed unanimously. The new meeting schedule will run from November to March.

Meetings will be held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, beginning at 1:30 pm. I hope more members will be able to attend the meetings with the new time change. We will go back to our current schedule in April.

The 2026 membership drive started July 1, 2025. Unit 52, your 2026 membership dues are now due. Senior dues are $31.00 for members aged 18 and older, and junior dues for those under 18 are $10.00.

If you can, please pay your 2026 membership dues ASAP.

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

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

Newest/Youngest Member of Post 52

On September 25, 2025, our newest/youngest member, Phoenix Lee Core, the grandson of George Miller, our 1^st Vice Commander and Finance Officer, graduated from the US Navy's Great Lakes training facility. He will now report to Gulfport for class A school in building. This training is preparation for him to become a Seabee. Congratulations on a job well done.

BRUNSWICK STEW SALE

October 18, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.
All quarts $12.00 Cash or $12.60 Credit/Debit.
To reserve your quarts, call/text
Steve at 919 727-0087.

To ensure the receipt of your stew, please reserve as directed above, leaving your name, phone number, and the number of quarts you would like to reserve.

VETERAN'S DAY PROGRAM

Saturday, November 8, 2025, 11:00 am.
Franklinton Veterans' Memorial Park.
South Main Street, Franklinton.

Stay tuned for more information on Family Day to follow the program.

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