Dear Legionnaires, Spouses, and Friends,
This past weekend, the Department of North Carolina held its annual convention, in Raleigh. While there are new challenges facing veterans daily, one thing remained evident – The American Legion stands ready to support Veterans in every clime and place. We have a new District, Division, and Department Commander – all of whom I believe will lead our department strongly in the future.
At the Convention our Post was recognized as having the best newsletter. This is no small feat, and I would like to thank our Historian, Greg Ciesielski, for the work he does to make our newsletter shine.
During the Convention, two Posts in our District were closed. There are veterans in need of assistance and a home, and we now have two less Posts to serve them. This is a tremendous opportunity for Post #539 to fill the gap. I cannot encourage everyone enough to reach out to their neighbors, friends, and acquaintances. Invite them to a meeting. Welcome them home.
Our May poppy drive yielded $1,000 in donations – a number we should all be very proud of! This money will go towards our veteran service fund, to help veterans in need in the local area. Thank you to each Legionnaire that volunteered, your dedication to this Post is why we succeed.
At our June meeting, we welcome District Commander John Sotirkys, who will swear in our newly elected Executive Committee. This is an exciting time, as we not only continue the incredible programs that have been established, but work towards creating new programming to attract more members to our Post. I would like to congratulate each individual who was elected during the May meeting. I am eager to get to work and look forward to seeing what this team accomplishes!
Our upcoming meeting is open not only to Legionnaires, but their family and friends as well. Please come ready to eat, as Moore’s BBQ, desserts, and refreshments will be provided during our meeting. The bar will be open as well (reminder – cash bar). I encourage you to bring a friend, and I look forward to joining with each of you in fellowship Wednesday evening.
Semper Fidelis!
Liz Hartman Commander
Official Publication of the American Legion, Whitehurst-Ware Post 539, New Bern NC