New Selma American Legion Post 20 officers take post
Published 11:48 pm Friday, July 12, 2013
Five members of the Selma American Legion Post 20 say a pledge as they are installed as officers for the upcoming year at the post. Some of the officers are being installed for a second year, which post members say will help them create and accomplish long-term goals like expanding membership and increasing involvement with schools. –Ashley Johnson
Members of Selma’s American Legion Post 20 came out to watch as their new officers were installed at their monthly meeting Thursday and officers say they have some big goals in mind for the coming year at the legion post.
George Krigbaum, recently named state commander, came to Selma to officiate the swearing in service.
“The guys take their roles seriously as far as what their responsibilities are and they try to do the best they can,” Bob McMasters, post commander said about those officers at Selma American Legion Post 20. “We just had an election last month so those elected will be installed to their official positions by the state commander. We have a good group of fellas and hopefully we will have another successful year like we had last year.”
Many of the officers installed are entering into a second term and legion member John Coon who holds the adjutant position for the post, said that will be beneficial to their membership and other goals they have set for the year.
“We have set some goals and objectives for this year,” Coon said, “and when we start serving in these positions — some of us for the second time — we have an opportunity to set some long range goals and work on them.”
He said some of those goals include increasing membership and knowledge about the legion as well as spreading patriotism through working more with area schools.
“We want to be more involved with the schools next year in doing the American legion oratorical contest and we want to promote more patriotism,” Coon said. “We also want to support some scholarships for the students to go to Girl’s and Boy’s State.”
The Selma American Legion Post 20 actively participates in events for Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day each year, holding ceremonies with other veteran organizations at Memorial Stadium.
Another long-term goal for the legion is to increase membership. McMasters said their post is currently at 100 percent membership, meaning those who were members last year have returned and paid their dues for another year and several more have joined. The post currently has 106 members, 40 percent of whom are active and attend meetings and events, McMasters said.
The newly installed officers for 2013 include: Bob McMasters as commander, Paul Duke as vice commander, James Edwards as veterans Service officer, Tommy Carlee as sergeant of Arms, John Coon as adjutant and Tommy Remmer was named as chaplain.
