Since I took over as Commander
of the Post, we have gone through many changes. We have had growing pains in the process. It feels really good to have a group
of people that is working toward the same goals. As long as we stick together we can accomplish great things for our veterans.Sorry
about the delay in producing a newsletter, but as most of you already know our paper editor moved to Ohio. We all wish Franci
and Donna well. Bill and Dee have been doing an excellent job of keeping the Facebook page up to date of Post events that
is another source you can find our activities on. I will try to catch everyone up on the events of the Post since November;
I hope I don’t leave anything or anyone out.November was a busy month. We had judging for the Voice of Democracy;
Chris Hixson from Albemarle School was our representative of the Post. He won District, but unfortunely did not take one of
the top places at the Department level. We held Veterans Day Ceremony at New Hollywood Cemetery, our guest speaker was Jim
Turdici, and everyone did an outstanding job. Dan Serik represented the Post and all veterans at the West Lawn Ceremony; I
heard a lot of comments from the other Veteran Organizations Leaders how impressed they were of our Honor Guard performance.
Next on tap was the Oyster Roast, Billy and his crew, (Post and Auxiliary members) did an outstanding and it was a very product
fundraiser. Allen Alger (Past Commander) had the Honor and Privilege of dedicating the Cook Shack in Honor of Lewis Nash.
November ended with many Post members having Thanksgiving with one another.December started out with the Pearl
Harbor Ceremony at Waterfront Park. We had USCG Captain Culkin of Cost Guard Support Base Elizabeth City as the guest speaker.
Most Veteran groups in the area participated in the event as along the Elizabeth City Fire Department. George Williamson and
Ladies Auxiliary President Stephanie McFadden laid the reef for the Post. Next up was the Navy & Army Game Chili cook-off.
Ken Sand ridge won the first place. The Post had door prize and a raffle with the Proceeds going to JROTC Scholarship and
Honor Guard van funds. We had a Secret Santa party on the 16th, which was a lot of fun for all. Monica and her
kitchen did a Christmas Dinner for our Wednesday meal customers free of charge. Then we ended the month with a New Year’s
Eve Bash at the Post with free door prizes.At the beginning of January we were privilege to share in a very
special occasion, Lou and Kenny Squires 55th Wedding Anniversary. A new member just recently donated a 55 inch
TV to the Post and plans are in the works for a Super Bowl Party!!Our top priorities for the upcoming year
are to raise enough for our youth fund. The two items in this fund includes the JROTC Scholarship and our youth baseball fund.
Next on the agenda is raise funds for a new or newer Honor Guard Van. As most know we are the only Veterans Honor Guard in
Eastern North Carolina. They have covered events from Williamston to Hatteras. Due to the wars and budget the military does
not provide an Honor Guard very often anymore. It is not uncommon for our Honor Guard to conduct 2 to 3 funeral ceremonies
per week, among other duties. Our current van is a 1986 Dodge Van with over 300,000 miles on it. As proven in the past, if
we pull together as a team and Post family, we can achieve these goals. Let’s keep up the great work!!!!Some
upcoming events to look forward to:
February 5th
Super Bowl February 11th
Valentine Day Social March
17th St. Patrick’s Day March
31st Oyster Roast April 20th Golf Tournament
I would like to thank everyone for their continued support. Without
the numerous volunteer hours of our brothers and sisters it would be impossible for us to move forward.
You
have a voice, now let it be heard. I hope to see more faces at the regular monthly meetings. Even though we all may not agree
on certain issues, it does not mean our opinions don't count. Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose, but if we don't speak we
will never be heard
