Commanders' Message

After the disruption caused by ice and snow in late January and early February, we held a great membership meeting on February 28, with over 40 Legionnaires in attendance! We thank Beverly Kegley for her heartfelt presentation commemorating her Dad's Congressional Gold Medal as a US Army Ranger in WWII. We also thank the Scouts from Troop 347 in Knightdale for preparing a fantastic breakfast, serving the meal, and cleaning up. I thank the Legionnaires of Post 52, Auxiliary members, and guests for blessing Scout Tobias Hancock with a $287 donation to exceed his fundraising goal for the building materials needed for the Blessing Box he is building for his Eagle Project. He will use the excess donation to buy non-perishable food to stock the box when completed. This project supports Americanism at its best!

We were also able to nominate and elect Legionnaire Kate Tomlinson as the Post Resource Officer. Kate cannot help you with VA claims, but she can direct you to the County Veterans Service Officer, Brenda Wilkins, who can assist. As Post Resource Officer, Kate will be presenting opportunities, benefits, and programs for you and your families that may be of interest. There are many opportunities out there for Veterans and their families. She will capture as much as she can and make resources available for you. Kate is currently a Sergeant First Class (E-7) in the NC Army National Guard. Hooah Kate!

The Post Nominating Committee has informed me that the officer line-up for 2026-2027 is almost complete. However, there is a very noticeable and unacceptable void: NO First Vice Commander nominee. At Post 52, our 200+/- members and "the way we do the American Legion," require an officer complement of 15 to form the Post Executive Committee, as per our Constitution and By-laws (C&BL). It is also required to have a minimum of six "key" officers designated by the Department (C&BL), and the First Vice Commander is one of them. It is an important position in many ways, including for membership initiatives and serving as the Commander's right-hand. The current First Vice Commander, George Miller, has exemplified what it means to lead beside me. I know there is a First Vice Commander out there. I pray that one of you feels it in your heart to serve in this capacity. It is critical for our functioning and sustainment of all the membership gains and membership involvement created this past year.

A Dinner with Mark Twain; A Dinner Theater in honor of America's 250^th Birthday (1776-2026) has been set for Saturday, July 25, at 4:00 pm at the Carolina Manor House in Franklinton. Legionnaire Don McNeill, a professional Mark Twain performer and historian, has volunteered his services to headline the event. We have already received word of a professional bluegrass band willing to donate their talents to round out the necessary element of a Southern event. There is much, much more planning, marketing, and finalization to do, but it has already started because this is something big for our future. We will be finalizing the dinner menu and ticket donation prices soon. The venue has a 200-guest capacity.

March 28 will be our last Saturday Breakfast Membership Meeting. We resume Tuesday evening dinner meetings in April and continue until the end of daylight saving time in the winter. Until we meet again, remember that it is your commitment to serving Veterans that makes the Post 52 Legion Family blessed!

"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, who is worthy of all glory, honor, and power.

As I continue to learn the ways of God. I came upon scripture that I don't believe I've ever heard preached. I pray that God would speak through the Holy Spirit to interpret my words, in Jesus name, amen.

Hebrews 12: 4-11. The world sees hardship as a punishment from God. We may think He's mad at us or He doesn't love us. Hardship should be looked at as discipline. As earthly parents, we discipline the best way we know how. God's discipline is to produce righteousness. If He doesn't discipline you, then you are illegitimate. That's a statement to think on.

I encourage you to read the scripture and not take any word. If my words don't line up with scripture, throw them out. I'm continuing to learn new things, and I'm walking through this now.

May the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob make your path straight to Him. May the peace of Jesus engulf you.

Todd McPhetridge – Chaplain Post 52

Vice-Commander's Report

During the Mid-Winter Conference, Commander Smith and I were honored to accept the Dogwood Award Flag streamer on behalf of Post 52 from Department Commander Durham and Division #1 Commander Sammons. This award is bestowed on Posts that achieve 100% membership by December 31. This prestigious award is parallel to being an active post and engaging in our community. We appreciate all members who renewed early, updated their information, brought fellow veterans to our events, and joined our Post team.

Post 52 has 197 members and an overall participation rate of 104%. We aim to reach 200 members by March 31 to ensure the Post has an extra delegate for the Department Convention. We achieved 100% retention on February 18, 2026, and are now eligible for the North State Award.

Nominations for Post Officers for 2026-2027 will be at the March 28 Membership meeting. Post members and officers wanting to serve in any officer role should contact our Nominating Committee. Please volunteer as our Post Family needs active involvement to have successful Fundraisers and support our Veterans and Community. Seek out a Command team member and share your interests and "Ask" about serving on any of our post committees. Share that special talent you have been blessed with - We need You!!

Legion Junior College for our Division will be starting at 9 am at Greenville Post 39 on March 14, 2026. This training covers New Members, Committees, Post Officers, and programs covering our American Legion Pillars. This training is free, and lunch is provided – please consider attending as two of your Post 52 members are instructors and enjoy sharing the Pride we have in our Post!!

Thank you all for being part of the Post 52 family and for helping Post 52 grow!

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 we enter March, we will set our clocks an hour ahead (spring forward), welcoming the first day of Spring and St. Patrick's Day.

As for Unit 52, we will help celebrate Post 52's 107^th Birthday on Sunday, March 22, 2026, and honor our community's first responders. Also, we will honor the Post Legionnaire of the Year and the Unit 52 Member of the Year! I hope you can attend this event to celebrate with the outstanding honorees.

For upcoming events in March: Sunday, March 1, 2026, Unit 52 Sew Day, 1:30-4:30 pm; Thursday, March 19, 2026, Unit 52 Members meeting, 6 pm; Saturday, March 28, 2026, 9 am. Unit 52 will be hosting the Post 52 breakfast meeting.

For God and Country, Carolyn Donnelly, Unit 52 President & Department of NC National Security Chair 2025-2026

Annual Awards Banquet and 107^th Legion Birthday Celebration

Sunday, March 22nd, 6pm

We will award and recognize the following honorees:

• Emergency Medical Technician
• Fire Service Officer
• Law Enforcement Officer
• Community Service Organization
• Community Service Volunteer
• Legionnaire of the Year
• ALA Unit Member of the Year

We need you to be there on March 22 to show our appreciation for these men and women who serve our community.

Good Friday Fish Fry
April 3^rd, 11am to 6pm

All plates are $12 Cash
Or $12.60 Card

Legionnaires will prepare for the fundraiser on Thursday, April 2, from 1 to 3 pm.

All help is welcome on the 3rd.

Help is needed from 8 am to 7 pm.

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