Post 160 Smyrna, Georgia

Post 160

Smyrna, Georgia

Post 160 Smyrna, Georgia

About This Post

Notable Members

CHARLES W. BARRETT - Department of Georgia Commander 2003-2004, National Vice Commander 2004-2005, and Post Commander 2009-2010. He had been Department of Georgia Junior Vice Commander in 1982-1983, 2002-2003, and 1999-2001. He was Fifth District Commander 1996-1997. He passed in ... READ MORE

Photos

HISTORY

1940

First Meeting of Record

Nov 14, 1941
The first meeting, of which there is a record, was held on November 14, 1941 at the Methodist Church. There were eight veterans in attendance. Ernest Jones was acting as Commander, J.C. Johnson as Adjutant, and Jack Hufstutler as Chaplain. According to the minutes, the only business transacted was a decision to buy the Adjutant a record and minute book. The hat was passed and $1.45 was collected. It was decided to meet every Friday..
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First Executive Board Meeting

Nov 30, 1941
The first meeting of the Executive Board was held on November 30, 1941 for the purpose of drawing up the Constitution and Bylaws. These were adopted by the Post and were used to obtain the temporary charter.
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First Record of Community Service

Dec 1, 1941
The first record of community service was the appointment of Gordon Fowler to work with committees of other local organizations on the "Empty Stocking Fund", and the Post subsequently donated $5.00 to this fund. This donation is noteworthy considering the fact that donations at the meeting ranged from $0.70 to $1.45. Much more significant however is that this donation set a precedence which has not been broken to this day. Members of the American Legion..
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Temporary Officers Installed

Temporary Officers Installed

Dec 15, 1941
The temporary Commander Ernest Jones, temporary Adjutant J.C. Johnson, and temporary Chaplain Jack Hufstutler were installed on December 15, 1941 and held office until the first staff of officers were elected under the charter and were installed on January 21, 1942. Much tribute can be paid to the officers and workers of any particular year, but it must always be remembered that if it had not been for the enthusiasm and efforts of this small..
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Post Charter Membership

Jun 20, 1942
LEGION CHARTER MEMBERS Ernest Jones - Commander; Gordon Fowler - Vice Commander; Roberdeau George - Jr. Vice Commander; J.C. Johnson - Adjutant; M.L. Collins - Finance Officer; R.D. Johnson - Sergeant-at-Arms; Emory W. Chastain - Historian; T.W. Hufstutler - Chaplain; James L. Pierce - Service Officer; C.L. Deal; F.B. Wilkie; D.C. Landers; W.A. Hammond; Albert E. Brawner; E.E. Skelton; T.P. Dowda; J.T. Garner; E.J. Moon; A.H.Carson; J.T. Jackson
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Post Charter Membership
Post Rally for War Bonds Raises $21,000

Post Rally for War Bonds Raises $21,000

Apr 1, 1943
By April 1943 the Post had donated $150.00 to the Boy Scouts, $150.00 to the Smyrna School and had $150.00 in the Treasury. One of the Outstanding Activities of 1943, was a rally to sponsor the sale of "War Bonds". Over $21,000 worth of war bonds were either purchased or pledged at this rally.
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Staff Officers Elected May 1943

May 27, 1943
At the election of officers on May 24, 1943 in Clayton's Service Station the post re-elected Ernest Jones as Commander for the coming year and was given authority to re-adjust the other officers as he saw fit. No record is available as to exactly who held each office in 1943-1944, but for the most part the staff was approximately the same as for the previous year. THE STAFF OF OFFICERS FOR THE YEAR 1942-1943 Commander..
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National Commander of American Legion Drafts GI Bill

National Commander of American Legion Drafts GI Bill

Dec 15, 1943
Past American Legion National Commander Harry W. Colmery starts to write in longhand, on Mayflower Hotel stationary in Washington, the first draft of what will later become the "GI Bill of Rights" - considered the Legion's single greatest achievement. On June 22, 1944, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs into law the original GI Bill, or Servicemen's Readjustment Act, ushering in monumental changes in U.S. Society. Higher education becomes democratized after 8 million veterans go to..
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First Building Committee Appointed by Commander Fowler

Nov 21, 1944
At the meeting of November 21, 1944, the first building committee was appointed by Commander Fowler. The committee was instructed to "draw up plans and get cost of building". It is doubtful that Gordon Fowler or members of that committee ever envisioned anything as magnificent as the Post home at that time. At the same meeting, a Fish Fry was planned for December 8, 1944, to start the fund raising campaign for the building program...
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Congress Allows World War II Veterans to Join American Legion

Jan 1, 1946
During the 1945-1946 Legion Year it soon became obvious to the membership that in the very near future literally hundreds of WWII veterans would be returning to the Smyrna area. These veterans had, by an Act of Congress become eligible for membership in the American Legion. The existing membership of Post 160 was made up almost exclusively of WWI veterans, and they felt a responsibility toward the younger WWII veterans, and invited them to join..
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Post Raffles Car to Raise Building Funds

Dec 23, 1946
The move to build a Post Home accelerated, and in October 1946, a committee was formed to arrange for the raffle of an Automobile. The car was raffled off on December 23, 1946, and the Post realized a profit of $3,987.00. Fish Frys and BBQs were also held in the early part of 1947 to raise money for the building fund.Contributions by local citizens and businesses enabled the Legion to plan a big day for..
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Lease on Original Post Home

Lease on Original Post Home

Jan 15, 1947
On January 7, 1947, arrangements were made to acquire the property on which the Post Home now stands. This property, (about 210 feet by 450 feet) belonged to Miss Mary Derinda Martin, who deeded it to the City of Smyrna, with the understanding that the City would lease a portion of the property, (about 200 feet by 210 feet) to the American Legion for a period of 99 years, under warranty deed no. 183, commencing..
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First Meeting Held In New Post Home

Nov 4, 1947
The minutes of the October 21, 1947 meeting reported on the progress of the building and were believed to be the last meeting held in the Office of the Justice of the Peace, on West Spring Street, and showed the roof was on, and materials for the windows, flooring, and chimneys were being installed. The late Harry Mitchell presided over the historic meeting of November 4th, 1947, which is believed to be the first meeting..
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Building Fund Plans 4th of July Celebration

Mar 2, 1948
At the March 2, 1948 meeting, a Committee was appointed to begin making plans for the 4th of July Celebration. At each succeeding meeting, plans were discussed for the big day, and it was decided to raffle off a Freezer, Gas Range, and Washing Machine, with all the proceeds being donated to the Building Fund. By this time, regular dances were being held in the building, even though it was not fully completed. There was..
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Trustees Loan Agreement

Mar 5, 1948
By January 1948, the basement floor had been poured and the doors and windows installed in the downstairs area. However, the building fund was depleted, and all work had been suspended. It was estimated that $11,000.00 would be required to complete all remaining work, which then turned out to be $1,500.00 below our needs. Again, Ham Dabney came to the resuce and granted an interest free loan to the Legion. In February 1948, the Post..
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Trustees Loan Agreement

Building Was Essentially Completed

Jun 1, 1948
By June 1948, the building was essentially complete, although there were many finishing touches still to be done, and all of the equipment and furnishings had to be acquired. The only equipment the post had prior to June 1948 was a used drink box, several surplus government tables, a Juke Box donated by B.F. Reed and a piano, loaned by Mrs. Lorena Pruitt, who incidentally, was the first woman mayor of Smyrna. At the June..
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Post Supports All Worthwhile Projects in the Community

Jul 1, 1948
During the 1948-1949 Legion year, the Post contributed $150.00 to the Grace Sloan Community Lecture Fund, $490.00 for the completion of the Tennis Courts at Brinkley Park, and $300.00 for the American Legion Junior Baseball Team. Later another $200.00 was donated to erect a fence around the Tennis Courts. In addition, Grand Stand Seats were constructed. Bases and equipment for maintaining the Tennis Courts and Ball fields were purchased. All of this was paid for..
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Mortgage Note Paid in Full

Mortgage Note Paid in Full

Dec 20, 1949
In the December 20, 1949 meeting, Finance Officer Butch Holahan reported that the Mortgage had been paid in full. Plans were discussed for a "dinner party" to celebrate the "burning of the mortgage" and to dedicate the new monument erected in front of the flagpole. The building addition was also discussed.
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1950

Awarded Edgar Dunlap Trophy - Most Outstanding Post in the State

Jun 25, 1950
Due to Post's involvement with various activities, it is not surprising that the Post was honored at the State Convention in 1950, with the highest award presented by the state, the Edgar Dunlap Trophy, awarded each year to the most outstanding Post in the State.
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Commander Appoints Committee to Study Possibility of Building Addition

Jul 18, 1950
AT the first meeting in 1950, Commander Holahan appointed a Committee to continue studying the possibility of a building addition to accommodate our increasing membership. It was also decided to restrict all but essential expenditures, and put all monies in the building fund. In September 1950, bids were taken for the addition, however the bids were excessively high, and it was decided to postpone the building addition. Also the Korean Conflict made steel and other..
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Community Service Programs Continue in Legion Year 1951-1952

Jul 1, 1951
The Community Service programs continued during the Legion Year 1951-1952, and included Junior Baseball, the Boy Scouts Program, the Teen-age Canteen, and participation in the Smyrna Citizens Council. In addition, some of the highlights were sending four boys to participate in the Boys State Program, sending the Harpe child to the Mayo Clinic, paving the parking lot, adding two rooms to the Scout Hut, starting a Christmas Program and winning our second State Trophy. Commander..
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Executive Committee Focused on Long Awaited Building Addition

Feb 1, 1953
Early in 1953, Commander Max Parnell and the Executive Committee turned their attention to the long awaited building addition, and in February an Architect was hired to draw up the plans. On May 1, 1953 bids were taken and a Contract was let for the addition, which would double the size of the Post Home. The cost of the new addition was $24,000.00 and the Trustees were authorized to negotiate a loan of $18,000.00 to..
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1960

Apples for Vietnam

Nov 11, 1966
Our "Apples for Vietnam" has turned out to be one of the best projects that this Post has done in some years. In November 1966, we sent two crates of apples to the boys over there via an aircraft of the Georgia National Guard, under the command of Brigadier General Seymore Thompson. We instructed the crew to pick out any unit and see that the apples were distributed to the troops. Our mail from Vietnam..
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Apples for Vietnam

1990

American Legion Diamond Anniversary - 75 Years

American Legion Diamond Anniversary - 75 Years

Mar 12, 1994
This month we celebrate the 75th year of our organization. An outgrowth of World War I, the AMerican Legion has grown to be the largest veteran's organization in the world. Founded for the purpose of providing support for the American Veteran, to influence veteran legislation, education, rehabilitation, child welfare, and a host of other patriotic activites, the Legion, since that humble beginning, has continued to serve the veteran's and communities of this nation. Voluntary service..
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2000

Dedication of Twentieth Century Veterans Memorial

Oct 12, 2002
The Twentieth Century Veterans Memorial is the designated site of the annual Smyrna Memorial Day and Veterans Day Ceremonies. The Memorial is located in downtown Smyrna at the corner of Bank and King Streets, adjacent to Smyrna City Hall. The Twentieth Century Veterans Memorial Park dedication ceremony took place at 11:00 a.m. on October 12, 2002 on the Village Green in Smyrna, Georgia. The Memorial was made possible by the efforts of the Veterans Memorial..
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Dedication of Twentieth Century Veterans Memorial
Groundbreaking for New Post Home

Groundbreaking for New Post Home

Jul 4, 2007

The Groundbreaking for the New Post Home began with an Invocation given by Harold Mines, Chaplin, Post 160. Charles Barrett, Sr. Vice Commander, Post 160 and June Burgess, President, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 160 followed with a Welcome from The Legion Family. Mr. Barrett was standing in for Keith Hardman, Commander, Post 160, who has been sidelined recently due to illness.

Bill Lienhop, Past Commander, Post 160, followed with recognition of special guests in attendance from..

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Dedication of New Post Home

Apr 4, 2009
Formal Program to Dedicate new post home began at 2:00 PM on April 4th, 2009. The public was invited.
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Dedication of New Post Home
Legion Challenge Coins

Legion Challenge Coins

Apr 5, 2009
To commemorate the move to the new Post, a set of challenge coins was commissioned. Remember the Past, as we Build for the Future and purchase a Legion Challenge Coin. Proceeds benefit the Smyrna American Legion Post 160 Building Fund. There are two types of Legion Challenge Coins available to choose from: Type I which depicts the Old Post Home that has served Veterans and the Local Community for over 65 Years, and Type II..
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2010

First Flag to Fly Over New Post Home

Nov 11, 2010
The flag of the United States of America which hangs in the foyer of American Legion Smyrna Post 160 was the first flag to fly over the new Post Home. The flag was requested through U.S. Senator Johnny Isakason's office by Peter and Jill O'Brien Thiel. It was flown over our Nation's Capitol on July 4, 2008. In honor of both their father's service, it was presented to the American Legion Smyyrna Post 160 Family..
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First Flag to Fly Over New Post Home
Bill Lienhop elected as Department of Georgia Commander 2012-2013

Bill Lienhop elected as Department of Georgia Commander 2012-2013

Jun 23, 2012

WILLIAM "BILL" LIENHOP - Post Commander 2001-2003 and Department of Georgia Commander 2012-2013. He was Fifth District Commander 2007-2008; Department of Georgia Junior Vice Commander 2009-2011; Department of Georgia Treasurer 2011-2012. William H. Lienhop, Jr. received "The American Legion Department Commander of the Year" for Outstanding Membership Performance in 2012 - 2013, exceeding 100% of the Department Membership Goal by the May Target Date. Signed by James E. "Jim Koutz, National Commander and Daniel S...

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Paul Heffner Appointed at Department Assistant- Sergeant-at Arms 2012-2013

Jun 24, 2012

Paul Heffner Appointed at Department Assistant- Sergeant-at Arms 2012-2013 to serve along his friend Bill Lienhop, the new Department of Georgia Commander.  Go Navy!


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Paul Heffner Appointed at Department Assistant- Sergeant-at Arms 2012-2013
Department Commander Visits VA Hospital in Augusta

Department Commander Visits VA Hospital in Augusta

Nov 2012

Department Commander Bill Lienhop (Post 160) visits the VA Hospital in Augusta, GA in November 2012


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Boy Scout Troop 250 Chartered Friday, Oct. 31, 2014

Oct 31, 2014

Boy Scout Troop 250 was chartered on Friday, October 31st for boys age 11-17. They meet weekly at the Post on Sundays from 2-4 PM.

Charter Youth Members are: Colin Burton (Senior Patrol Leader), Ethan Burton, Zane Gaston, Kieran Hein, Ryan Ledford, Kevin McCabe, Kevin Rodgers, Ryan Rodgers, Kyle Sanders, and Marshall Waybright

Charter Adult Members are: Tony Waybright (Scoutmaster), Cathie McCabe (Advancement Chair), Meg Stocks (Secretary/Treasurer), Jim Mullin (Eagle)(Committee Chair), Bennett Gaston (Eagle)(Assistant Scoutmaster), Brian McCabe..

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Boy Scout Troop 250 Chartered Friday, Oct. 31, 2014
Colonel Longgrear

Colonel Longgrear "Saw a Perfect Example of What America Can Be"

Nov 11, 2014

Chris Shaw, FOX 5 Reporter, said that "as he looked out at a crowd of couple hundred people, many dressing in uniform, or wearing red, white, and blue, Colonel Paul R. Longgrear couldn't help but think he was looking at a perfect example of what America can be".

Colonel Longgrear was the Guest Speaker at the Smyrna Veterans Day Ceremony. He greeted many of the attendees before and after the ceremony. He remarked how..

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Rally for VA Clinic at Old Smyrna Adventist Hospital

Dec 6, 2014
About 100 folks braved the light rain on Saturday, December 6th at 12 Noon on the front lawn of the former Emory-Advent Hospital. The Purpose of the Rally was to convince local governments of the importance of using the site as a VA Hospital clinic. When the hospital closed on 31 October, the opportunity presented itself for the VA to place its new medical facility in the closed hospital building. Estimates vary, but somewhere between..
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Rally for VA Clinic at Old Smyrna Adventist Hospital
Vietnam Veterans Certificate of Honor Ceremony

Vietnam Veterans Certificate of Honor Ceremony

Sep 15, 2015

First Row (left to right): Victor Alvarado, Susan Brooks, Linda Hedrick, Barbara Mammen, Frank McLeod, Jeff Wilson, Mel Pender, Jim Farley, Ron Smith.   Second Row: Larry Adams (son) & Lucille Adams (wife), receiving on behalf of Robert L. Adams who passed on 07/24/15.  Wade Lnenicka, Tom Brewer, Senator Hunter Hill, Vern Colton, Andrew Burdette, Ken Turner, Frank Powaski, Paul Heffner, Vern Burgess.   Third Row: August Franchini, Jr., Jimmy Kalb, Sherman Bruce, Fred Daniels (GA Dept..

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Frank Millen Guest Speaker at Veterans Day

Nov 11, 2015

Chief Master Sergeant, Frank Millen, US Air Force (Ret), a Post 160 member, was guest speaker at Veterans Day Ceremony in Smyrna in 2015. Somehow, a C-130 just happened to fly over as he was making his presentation - what an introduction! After Basic and Tech school at Sheppard AFB, Texas he was assigned to Forbes AFB, Kansas to work on RB-47Ks. When he reenlisted, he asked for an assignment to Pease AFB, New Hampshire...

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Frank Millen Guest Speaker at Veterans Day
Debbie Leverette Wins Cadillac CTS

Debbie Leverette Wins Cadillac CTS

Nov 13, 2015

On Veterans Day at 6:00 PM, Debbie Leverette of Kennesaw was selected as the winner of the Cadillac CTS.She picked out a red one that was delivered to her that Friday.

Awarding the car is Post Commander Nathan Blair, Past Commander Harold Watkins, Debbie Leverette, and FInance Officer Seamus "Jim" Stanley


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New Flag Drop Boxes Painted by SAL Member

Nov 17, 2015
We now have two hand-painted Flag Drop Boxes outside our entrance for the public to use for flags that need to be honorably retired. The idea was brought to the post by Ron Davis in 2006 after seeing a similar idea at a Post in South Carolina. Harold Watkins and Keith Hardman procured two old mail boxes. Senior Vice Commander, Doc Barber, got Chuck and Ray of Diamond Auto Paint-South Cobb to paint them. John..
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New Flag Drop Boxes Painted by SAL Member
Post Newsletter

Post Newsletter "Symrna Legionnaire" Wins GALPA First Place Award

Jun 25, 2016
Post 160 wins the GALPA (Georgia American Legion Press Association) for 2015-2016 for Posts Over 400 Members at Department of Georgia Convention in Duluth, GA. This is the sixth time we have won this award from the Department of Georgia.
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Flag Flown During Combat Mission in Iraq Presented to Post

Aug 28, 2016
Chris Canady, a Post 160 member, sent us a flag flown during a combat mission on a Lockheed MC-130H "Talon II" in support of Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq. Strikes are conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the ISIL terrorist group and the threat they they pose to Iraq, Syria, and the wider international community. The destruction of ISIL targets in Syria and Iraq further limits the group's ability to..
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Flag Flown During Combat Mission in Iraq Presented to Post
WWII Vet Finally Gets His Medals

WWII Vet Finally Gets His Medals

Nov 11, 2016
At the annual Veterans Ball, held at American Legion Post 160 in Smyrna, on November 11, 2016, Al Rowe, a Legionnaire and World War II Veteran, was awarded five medals for his military service. Al served in the Pacific from 1941-1945. After he left the service, he was unaware of the medals he was entitled to. At that time, the men and women just wanted to get back home. After a review of his records,..
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Harold Watkins Installed as Fifth District Commander

Jul 8, 2017

Harold Watkins had originally been elected as Senior Vice-Commander of Fifth District.  His dear friend, Ron Asby, was elected as Commander of Fifth District.

Before we were able to have an installation ceremony, Ron Asby had a heart attack, was in the hospital for several weeks, and his wife contacted District and said he would not be able to serve as commander. 

Our Fifth Districtt Constsitution & Bylaws dictated that the Senior Vice Commander would move..

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Harold Watkins Installed as Fifth District Commander
Commander Lnenicka Awards JROTC for Military Excellence

Commander Lnenicka Awards JROTC for Military Excellence

May 15, 2018

On May 15th, at Campbell High School, in Recognition of the Outstanding Attributes Demonstrated Leading to the Awarding of the American Legion JROTC Medal for Military Excellence to Cadet Second Lieutenant Natalie Cuevas by Commander Wade Lnenicka


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Sam Belcher Awards JROTC Medal for Academic Excellence

May 15, 2018
On May 15th, at Campbell High School, Sam Belcher presents in Recognition of the Outstanding Attributes Demonstrated Leading to the Awarding of the American Legion JROTC Medal for Academic Excellence to Cadet Denise Gatica

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Sam Belcher Awards JROTC Medal for Academic Excellence
War Widow to Cherish Commendation Documents

War Widow to Cherish Commendation Documents

Jun 12, 2018

PFC Gary William Painter of Smyrna was killed February 28, 1968, eight days after his 21st birthday.  The Campbell High School alumnus was the first U.S. Marine killed in action from the school.  Painter had a pending promotion to Lance Corporal at the time of his death, but it was never given to him.  His wife never remarried.

DEAR EDITOR [Marietta Daily Journal]:

Today I had the wonderfull pleasure to meet with the sergeant of my husband's..

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Troop 250 Hold Flag Reirement Ceremony 06-14-18

Jun 14, 2018

Boy Scout Troop 250 held its first Flag Retirement Ceremony on Flag Day 2018 at 2000 hrs.  It was a joint ceremony with the scouts and the legionnaires.

Flags were presented by the scouts to the Legion Commander as unserviceable flags for inspection and disposal.  The flags were determined  to be faded and worn and unservicable by the Legionnaires and it was recommended that they be honorably retired from further service and fittingly be destroyed.

The Post..

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Troop 250 Hold Flag Reirement Ceremony 06-14-18