Commanders' Message

Happy New Year, Legion Family! Post 52 has started 2026 strong. By the time you receive the printed edition, the American Legion National Commander Dan Wiley and Department of NC Commander Devell "Bo" Durham, Jr. will have visited Franklinton (January 4). It was an honor to host our organization's leaders. Big thanks go to the Legionnaires and to restaurant owners Joe and Stephanie Farrell for hosting the event at Bleachers Sports Bar.

I would also like to thank Legionnaires Joe and Stephanie Farrell for their donation of the newly installed "Battlefield Cross" bronze statue, a granite stone, and a paver at Franklinton Veterans Memorial Park. My thanks also go out to Memorial Brick Committee Chairman, PDC & Parliamentarian Mike Donnelly, and the Legionnaires who serve on the committee for steering this vision and executing Phase II of the park. Since the park's dedication in July 2024, it has grown to over 300 bricks, welcomed new monument additions, and solidified its status as a focal point of ENGAGEment for Veterans, their families, and the citizens of Franklinton through our Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Wreaths Across America ceremonies.

Have you been INSPIREd by the success of Post 52 and the countless Legionnaires before us that started this success over 106 years ago? If not, I suggest you check yourself for a pulse immediately! Resuscitate yourself by volunteering to serve! I challenge all 190 of us to dig deeper within and serve your fellow members as an officer and/or committee volunteer in 2026. Officers with varying years of experience (or none) and diverse talents and desires make Post 52 "BetterTogether". Twelve officer positions will become vacant in May as the yearly terms end. The Nomination Committee will be seeking you out in January–February. The Post Election will be in April, and the installation will be in May. Please pray that our membership be motivated to fill every officer position in the 2026-2027 membership year.

Finally, I congratulate you all on doing your part to be 100% membership strength for 2026. This achievement is the first time in many years that Post 52 has met the 100% goal and has won the Department's coveted Dogwood streamer for our Post flag. Thank you, First Vice Commander and Post Membership Committee Chairman George Miller, for your efforts to ENGAGE members and INSPIRE us all to renew. Congratulations! NC WINS when Post 52 completes its mission.

"BetterTogether" – 2025-2026 National Commander Dan Wiley's Theme.

"Inspire, Engage, and NC Wins" – 2025-2026 NC Department Commander Devell "Bo" Durham, Jr., SgtMaj, USMC Ret. Theme.

Veterans are stronger as a Legion

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

Chaplain's Corner

Greetings to everyone in the mighty name of Jesus.

I hope your Christmas was great. Remembering the great gift from God.

Now it's a new year, a time to reflect on all your blessings from last year. I encourage you to write them, no matter how small you think they are. Small beginnings are where big things begin. By listing your blessings, you can see God's fingerprints in your life, which will change your perspective and show you that blessings outweigh the negative. It will give you an idea of where God is leading you.

Looking forward to next year, I encourage you to seek God to see what He wants you to do. Ask Him, what can I do for the kingdom of God? Personally, I ask for a word, it's like a seed that grows over the year. When you ask God for direction, ask Him to verify it. "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." - Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)

Another thought. You may be asking, why am I going through this situation? Maybe you are in training for your next mission. While you're alive, God has a purpose for you.

May Jehovah turn His face to you and give you peace and rest.

Todd McPhetridge – Chaplain Post 52

Vice-Commander's Report

As of December 21, our 2026 Membership stands at 180. Post 52 is at 94% overall. Our Post goal is 100% membership (190) by December 31, 2025. We appreciate all members who renewed early, updated their information, and brought fellow veterans to our events.

On Monday, December 15, we delivered 26 Veteran gift bags to local Senior Care Facilities. The Post Family led this effort, first putting together 26 bags and delivering them. The veterans shared their proud military history with us and were very excited to open and go through their bags.

Our "Famous Brunswick Stew" fundraiser is Saturday, January 10 – please don't hesitate to join us that day to help with pot-filling & stirring, or to sit and socialize. We have opportunities for everyone – Please come out and join us in the fun!!

Please consider a new goal for 2026: to step up and assist at our Post when and where you can. Nominations and elections for new Post Officers will be upon us soon – please consider volunteering for any position of interest, including committee positions. The best way to bring about change or see something done differently is to take on a position and bring your ideas.

We wish everyone a healthy and prosperous 2026!! Thank you all for being part of the Post 52 family!!

"Be selfless and serve."

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

Auxiliary Unit 52 Report

As I write this, I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and that the New Year brings you and your family many blessings.

As we begin the New Year, the American Legion National Commander, Dan Wiley, will be visiting Franklinton on Sunday, January 4, 2026. Therefore, the Unit will not be having its Sew Day on Sunday, January 4, 2026.

The next Members' Meeting will be on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 6 pm, at American Legion Post 52. Also, this month, Auxiliary Unit 52 will host the Post breakfast on Saturday, January 31, 2026, starting at 9 am.

As we enter February, on Sunday, February 1, 2026, the Unit will hold its Sew Day from 1:30- 4:30 pm at Post 52.

The mid-winter conference will be on February 13 – February 14, 2026, at the Hilton North Raleigh in Raleigh, NC.

The Members' Meeting will be on February 19, 2026, at 6 pm. at Post 52.

Happy New Year!

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

BRUNSWICK STEW SALE

January 10, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.
All quarts $12.00 (Cash) or $12.60
(Credit/Debit Card).
Reserve your quarts.

Call/text Steve at 919 727-0087.

COMMUNITY NEED/OUT-REACH

Please donate new, adult male clothing items (i.e., T-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, underwear, socks) to the Post. We will donate the collected items to the Addiction Recovery Center in Henderson, a residential substance abuse treatment program. Leave donated items in the Post facility's foyer.

Phase 2 of the Franklinton Veterans Memorial Park is nearing completion.

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