Commanders' Message

This month holds special significance as our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary. Post 52 was honored to play a role in the town’s Time Capsule burial event on June 26. This initiative, led by our Past Commander and current First Vice Commander, Chris Smith, reflects our commitment to preserving history for future generations. A Commander’s Medal and our 2026 membership roster were placed inside. When the capsule is opened during our nation’s 300th anniversary, perhaps a few of us—or our grandchildren—will be there to witness it.

The Mark Twain Dinner Theatre on July 25 at Carolina Manor will be a wonderful way to continue celebrating this milestone. Post member Don McNeill will headline the event, presenting Mark Twain’s perspectives on George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and General Grant, along with reflections on lessons learned from his mother, Jane Clemens. The evening will feature a “Huck Finn”–inspired buffet based on The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. All performers—including the Highway 56 Bluegrass Band—are generously donating their time to support this unique fundraiser for our Post. Tickets are available on the Post 52 Facebook page, and any Post officer can assist with purchasing information. Your support will help make this event a success.

Our Chicken and BBQ Fundraiser will take place on July 11 from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with prep day scheduled for July 10. Volunteers are always welcome, and we encourage you to join us for both the work and the camaraderie. If your time is limited, please consider stopping by to enjoy a dine-in or takeout meal. Proceeds from this event support our veterans and strengthen our community outreach efforts.

This is also an excellent opportunity to renew your Post 52 membership. The 2026 membership year runs from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026. Renewing now ensures a seamless start to the 2027 membership year.

I want to extend my thanks to the Americanism Committee for their efforts in interviewing and selecting three outstanding students for the Boys State program. The Post Executive Committee approved funding for their attendance at Chowan University from June 21–26. Thank you to everyone involved for making this opportunity possible on short notice.

NC Legion College is scheduled for July 17–18 at the North Raleigh Hilton. If you are interested in learning more about the American Legion and expanding your leadership skills, the Post will cover your registration fee. This is a valuable opportunity to explore programs, connect with fellow members, and discover new ways to serve.

We are all part of the Post 52 family. Your willingness to contribute your time and talents strengthens our mission and our community. Thank you for your continued support and dedication.

"Be selfless and serve."

George Miller, Commander, Post 52, gmiller20189@gmail.com

Vice-Commander's Report

The 2027 Membership Campaign has started. The Membership Committee is ready to renew your membership. Our MyLegion.com committeeman, Second Vice Commander Bruce Lobach, will be processing our PUFLs, Honorary Life Members (HLMs), and 3-year memberships this month. You will see Bruce at our meetings and events, so bring $45 (cash, check, or Visa) to renew your membership. You can go online with your membership # and renew at www.legion.org/renew

Our first Membership Goal deadline that we will meet is September 10th, at 50% renewed to get the Cardinal Award from the Department. It is safe to assume that the Dept of NC will raise our 2027 membership goal by 4 members, to 202. Factoring in the 5 Post Everlastings from the 2026 campaign, we will need 100% of our current members (194) to renew, and we will need to recruit a minimum of 8 new members to reach 100% for 2027. That is attainable, but it will not come without effort. Will you make the effort and renew your membership early, starting NOW? Of course, you have until December 31, 2026, to renew before your membership becomes delinquent, but waiting till that date only makes life more difficult for Commander Miller and me. It was such a nice feeling to be 100% by January 1 and not have the Dept leaders micromanaging our house.

I want to thank Commander Miller, PDC Mike Donnelly, and Sergeant at Arms John Laney for working at the First Friday in Franklinton Festival. It was super hot on Mason Street, but we met 10+ Veterans and shared Legion information with the community. Remember, while we are 107 years old, there are many people out there who do not know we exist as Post 52 in Franklinton. All of us must get the word out every chance we have.

The next recruiting event is the National Night Out on Thursday, August 6, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Faith Baptist Church in Youngsville. There will be many participants from the community. Come out and give us a hand working our booth and meeting Veterans.

Veterans are Stronger as a Legion

Chris Smith, Vice Commander

Chaplain's Corner

Greetings in the mighty name of Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. 

By the time you read this, the 250th birthday of our nation will be over. I've been thinking about this for a while. What was our country founded on? It was founded on Jehovah and his laws. I look at how far we've walked away from this. We need to start putting Jehovah in the middle. We need to start asking how we can bring Jehovah’s kingdom to earth. Are we looking to help people, and not just helping ourselves? Are we listening to people? A lot of people won't say they need help out loud. We must be looking for signs that they're crying out. So, my question is, what are you doing for the kingdom? How can you show Jehovah’s love? Many veterans have seen terrible things. They need to know the hope of Jesus. Make it a point to do a kind act for someone you don't know. That may change their future. They might have been praying for something good to happen that would change their mind away from suicide. I hope this letter plants a seed in your mind. 

May Jehovah make your path straight to Him today. 

Todd McPhetridge, Chaplain Post 52

Auxiliary Unit 52 Report

As I write this column, we just concluded the 105th American Legion Department of North Carolina Convention in Raleigh, North Carolina. The new American Legion Department Commander is Joe Reale, who is our best friend, and the new American Legion Auxiliary Department President is Katie Pfiel. Congratulations to both.

Some of the events that will be taking place for July are: Unit 52 Sew Day, Sunday, July 5, 2026, from 1:30 to 4:30 pm held at Post 52, Saturday, July 11, 2026, Bake Sale coinciding with Post 52 Chicken/Pork BBQ fundraiser from 11 am to 6 pm, Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 6 pm, Unit 52 members meeting and drawing of the winning ticket for Eagle Quilt Raffle, during this meeting. This meeting will be held at Franklinton Post 52.

July 1, 2026, marks the beginning of the 2027 membership renewal and recruitment year. So, members, if you know of anyone who may be interested, bring them to one of our meetings. Remember, a female veteran’s spouse can become a member of the Auxiliary.

Have a safe and wonderful 4^th of July!

Happy 250^th Birthday, America!

For God and Country, Carolyn Donnelly, Unit 52 President

BBQ Chicken & Pork Plates Fundraiser

Saturday, July 10, 2026, from 11 to 6

Come hungry.
All plates $12.00 (Cash)
or $12.60 (Credit/Debit Card).

Mark Twain Dinner Theater

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