Larry Jeffers American Legion Post 195 hosted a dinner for The American Legion's national commander Monday, March 3, at the post's Heil Hall. This was the third visit by a national commander since 2012, a rare distinction for any post.
The visit was part of a four-day trip to South Carolina that included visits to Fort Jackson, the Florence Veterans Village state veterans' nursing home, Shaw Air Force Base and a visit with the Air Force's 20th Fighter Wing, as well as a tour of the 3rd U.S. Army Headquarters, the Patriots Village state veterans' nursing home, and Dalzell-Shaw American Legion Post 175 in Dalzell. The tour culminated at the South Carolina State House with the national commander's speech to a joint session of the South Carolina House and Senate, before leaving for his visit to Utah.
During the Post 195 dinner, the post presented a check for $1,250 to Department Commander Bruce Donegan for the Nathan M. Wolfe Law Enforcement Cadet Academy. The post has supported the academy for a number of years. Organized by the Department of South Carolina, the academy is a program for high school students interested in law enforcement. Established in 1973, the program provides the students with an understanding of the law enforcement field and aims to showcase the everyday demands faced by law enforcement officers.
Dinner preparation was led by Auxiliary President Glenda Baxley. Also assisting were Auxiliary members Brenda Cook, Jan Emrich, Marianne Larson, Pam Martin and Donna Matthews, and post members Ruppert Baird, Kate Brock and Steve Matthews. Also assisting was Brandy Baxley, who completed installation of a new set of stairs for the stage.
National Commander James A. LaCoursiere Jr., from Moosup, Conn., and the assembled group were treated to a wonderful South Carolina meal of pulled pork, cole slaw, collards and banana pudding. Local dignitaries and VIPs joining in included State Sen. Jeffrey Graham and Kershaw County Sheriff Lee Boan, himself a post member. Camden's James Leroy Belk Post 17 Commander Tommy Cockrell also attended, as did South Carolina American Legion Department Chaplain Clarence Shuford and his wife Jean. Also in attendance were Donegan and department vice commanders Russ Cantrell, Patricia Dandy, Jack Lonergan and Jim Rabon. Additionally, National Executive Committeeman and acting department adjutant Jim Hawk and national commander aide Butch Hanson were also guests.
The Lugoff-Elgin High School Army Junior ROTC provided six cadet volunteers who assisted in seating the guests and attendees inside Heil Hall as well as directing parking outside. They were led by Senior Adviser and Post 195 member U.S. Army Lt. Col. (ret.) Ray McDowell.
After welcoming everyone, Post Commander Baird led the ceremonies. The cadets, having completed their duties, also took their seats. Shuford and Post Chaplain/Past Commander Nick Baskin bookended the gathering with prayers and blessings. Baird welcomed the VIPs in kind and then invited the national commander to the stage. He presented LaCoursiere with a gift box containing local items that included patches from the Kershaw County Sheriff's Department and Lugoff Fire-Rescue, all donated by those organizations, and the book “A Sand Hills Revelation - The History, Legacy, Legend of Blaney/Elgin, South Carolina,” donated by the Town of Elgin. Additionally, the box contained locally made jars of apple butter and candied jalapenos known as “cowboy candy.” Finally, a special-edition rum distilled by Gorget Distilling of Lugoff commemorating the 'Camden Fourteen' Revolutionary War soldiers was also presented to LaCoursiere.
“A Sand Hills Revelation” is significant in that it speaks of Post 195's namesake Larry Jeffers. Jeffers was from Elgin and, after entering service in the Army, was killed in action in Vietnam. It also makes note that Post 195 was named in honor of him and his ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States.
After the meal LaCoursiere spoke to the group, emphasizing his continued support of Be the One.
Additional information can be found at the post's website at alpost195.com.