Changing of Leadership
Congratulations to Mike Donelly on his selection as the new Commander of The American Legion Department of North Carolina.
On Saturday, June 11, 2022 at the State Convention in Raleigh Commander Dave “Slammer” Sammons was appointed and installed as the new District 2 Commander. Our congratulations to Dave. He has told the members he intends to resign as the Post 38 Commander at the October meeting and a new slate of volunteers will be submitted for approval by acclimation. If approved the new leadership will be: Commander Kevin Hanretta, First Vice Jimmy Silver, Second Vice Ted Hux, Adjutant Jim Shook, Sgt.-at -Arms Rich Odom, Sgt.-at-Arms Walt Fightmaster, Finance Officer Ernie Payne, Chaplain Al Cooper Jr., Historian Ron Brooks.
Roanoke Rapids American Legion Post 38 contributed $1,000 to the newly created Northampton County Naval Sea Cadet Corps program in Jackson, NC. The maritime oriented training program serves youth ages 10 to 18 and focuses on leadership development, positive character skills building, accountability and teamwork. The Sea Cadet program is in need of financial assistance for cadets to attend summer training camps, purchase of uniforms and new equipment, and to participate in educational field trips. Donations by corporate or individual sponsors can be made to the Capt Richard Etheridge Division, 110 Ridgecrest Lane, Jackson NC 27845. More information can be provided by contacting the Commanding Officer Robert Lee Kruger via email rlkruger@seacadets.org or cell phone (252) 538-2106.
Pictured (L-R) – Instructor Stanley Edwards (SUPPO), Sea Cadet Jiminez, Post 38 Commander, Sammons, League Cadet Kruger, and Chief Warrant Officer Robert Kruger
Building and Grounds Update
Another project in the continuous improvement of our facility is now complete. All damage to the walls have been repaired and the entire inside of the facility has been repainted, with the exception of the kitchen, which will be repainted after the current project of renovating the kitchen is completed. Last year the Post reinvested the proceeds of a very successful facility rental program. Wi-Fi was added, the floors stripped and resealed, a floor scrubber purchased, all lighting was changed to LED lights, the office was remodeled with new furniture, additional chair and table racks purchased, a new outdoor cooking grill was purchased. The current project of renovating the kitchen is in mid stream and include a Vulcan 4 burner gas oven and grill with a regular oven and a convection oven. Two stainless steel prep tables have been added and next on the list are a new stainless steel refrigerator/freezer and an icemaker. When this last project is completed we will have invested over $25,000 in improvements to the facility and operations. All this while the membership drive spearheaded by 1st Vice Commander Jimmie Silver resulted in membership grow to the highest level in the history of the Post. All of these accomplishments have been carried out under the inspiring leadership of Commander Dave Sammons. All members of the Post can only wonder what exciting things await us in the next year under Dave’s impressive leadership.
Heavy Hitter Award
District Two “traveling” membership incentive award to be presented/re-presented at each District meeting to the Post with the highest percentage membership based on the most current Department membership report at the time. The Post with the highest percentage on the Department’s Final 2023 membership report will take permanent possession of the “Heavy Hitter” award. Credit for this award goes to our Division Commander Jeremy Hetrick.
Memorial Day Flags at Crestview Memorial Cemetery
Thanks to everyone who volunteered to help with the retrieval of more than 500 flags at Crestview Memorial Cemetery. More than 20 volunteers made the task easy and was completed in less than 30 minutes time. Afterwards Trudy Jones was gracious in the presentation of a check to Post 38 Sgt at Arms Ted Hux. The donation will be re-invested in the purchase of more flags to begin the replacement of those that are now three years old. Pictured left to right is Adjutant Kevin Hanretta, Trudy Jones, Ted Hux, and Commander Sammons. Thank you Trudy and Crestview Memorial Cemetery in helping honor our Nation’s Veterans.
In Flanders Fields, by John McCrae
In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago we lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, loved and were loved, and now we lie, in Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw the torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die we shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.
American Legion College 2022
Graduates of The American Legion NC College 2022 – (L-R) Post 38 2nd Vice Commander Ted Hux, Post 38 Legionnaire Jim Shook, and Post 38 Adjutant Kevin Hanretta are better equipped and more knowledgeable on how best to lead Post 38 moving forward into 2023. Congrats
Halifax Resolves
Shaw-May Post 38 in Roanoke Rapids helped celebrate the anniversary of the Halifax Resolves, a name later given to the resolution adopted by North Carolina on April 12, 1776. The adoption of the resolution was the first official action in the American Colonies calling for independence from Great Britain during the American Revolution. The Halifax Resolves helped pave the way for the presentation to Congress of the United States Declaration of Independence less than three months later.