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Local News - June 2002 |
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American Legion commander to install officers From staff reports June 7, 2002 - American Legion National Commander Ray G. Smith will be in Lincolnton Tuesday night to swear in officers of local Post 30. The ceremony will be at 7 p.m. at the American Legion hall on North Aspen Street. Smith was elected national commander of the 2.8 million-member American Legion on Sept. 7, 2000 in Milwaukee during the 82nd National Convention of the nation’s largest veterans organization. He became a member of The American Legion on Sept. 7, 1955, the day after he was first discharged from the U.S. Air Force. His military service did not end there; he enlisted again for four years in the active reserves and was honorably discharged in 1959. During his 45 years of American Legion membership, Smith has served in numerous leadership positions including department commander; national, department and district vice-commander; post commander; and chairman of a number of department commissions. He served as post adjutant for 20 years and served on the board of directors for 24 years. A staunch advocate for veterans and their families, Smith also championed countless programs for the betterment of children and youth. He was named Woodmen of the World Outstanding Citizen of the Year in 1983, Benson Citizen of the Year in 1988 and U.S. Postal Service Volunteer of the Year. Smith owned and operated Benson Electric Company for 26 years. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 1995. Born in Johnston County, North Carolina, Smith is the seventh of eight children and is married to the former Helen Wallace. They have three children and five grandchildren. Smith is a life member of Banner American Legion Post #109 in Benson. He will swear in Commander Dale Punch, Vice Commander Ric Goodhue, Second Vice Commander Sid Rhyne, Adjutant Jim Mayhew, Chaplain Jake Nance and Sgt. of Arms George Baxter. He will also swear in Ladies Auxiliary President Libby Reel, Vice President Edith Martin and Secretary-Treasure Diane Jones.
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© 2001 Lincoln Times-News |
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