This article by Bill Barton appeared in the Marietta Daily Journal on July 25, 1960.
Monroe man named commander in closing session here.
Delegates to the Georgia American Legion Convention packed their bags and went home Sunday, but not before they elected a new slate of officers for the 1960-61 year.
R. B. "Sam" Whitehead of Monroe, past state junior vice-commander, was elected without opposition as the new commander at the closing sessioin. He succeeds Ernest Nash of Clarksville.
Also elected without opposition were Ben Chatfield of Macon as senior vice-commander and J. W. Toney of Doerun, treasurer.
In the only contested race, Ty Casin of Covington, W. D. Harrell of Bainbridge, Perry Purcell of Marietta and Calvin Sticher of Athens were named junior vice-commanders. Eliminated in the tight five-man race was Claude Ricaerdson of Decatur.
The American Legion Auxiliary elected Mrs. Joihn M. Crawford of Toccoa as the state president, succeeding Mrs. Vernon P. Mitcham of McDonough.
New district commanders, also installed Sunday are: I. D. DeLoach, Hinesvoille, First District; Lonnie Barrett, Albany, Second; George M. Ssaliba, Americus, Third; A. M. Bowen, Newnan, Fourth; Max Hilley, Calhoun, Seventh; Chester Velote, Douglas, Eighth; Frank Pulman...
