On May 18, 2024, Kershaw County, South Carolina's three American Legion posts pulled a trifecta as all three were recognized today at the American Legion Department of South Carolina's Annual Convention held at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Columbia, S.C.

James Leroy Belk from Post 17 and Sanders Stoney from Post 203, both in Camden, and Larry Jeffers from Post 195 of Lugoff, received awards for 100% membership goals for the 2023-2024 year. Post 195 topped the list with a 110% effort. All three posts topped the statewide average.

These awards highlight the efforts of the three posts, two of which were very close to losing their charter or their property just a few years ago, and all of which were exacerbated by the Covid-19 emergency. Post 203 reversed floundering membership and Post 195 was able to save its property. They are both on their way back to thriving. Post 17, well-known as the county's flagship post, has also made huge strides.

Photo caption (left to right): American Legion South Carolina District 11 Commander Pete St. Onge accepted the 100% Annual Membership Award for Camden's Sanders Stoney Post 203. Adjutants of Camden Post 17 Michael Cook and Post 195 Ruppert Baird stand beside Post 195 Commander Claude Turner and Post 17 Commander Jim King, both holding their post's awards. Post 17 member and South Carolina Department First Vice Commander, Jim Rabon, and Department 11's chaplain, Clarence Shuford, from Post 17.