NOTES FROM THE POST ADJUTANTS DESK
Greeting Y’all
With just a month and a half remaining in the Fraternal year we have moved up the recruiting list and are now solidly in 1st place in District 35 and out of 144 Post in the state we are in 4th place in the state. Not bad for just a post that is just 9 months old. Although we have met Alabama’s 103% status, please don’t stop there let’s shoot for #1 in the state.
Please remember you must be a member in good standing (Dues for 2026 paid) to be covered by Legion Insurance. Legion Insurance covers you while you are traveling to and from a Legion Activity.
Looking at the schedule, with just a month and a half remaining in this Legion year. 2026 is going to going to be a very busy.
Since my last note, the newly formed Post Riders group held our first offocial group ride since receiving our charter. Our destination was riding up to the annual Smokin’ on Blackshear BBQ & Balloon Festival in Cordele.
We had a total of eight Riders make the trip, consisting of four bikes and one cage. The ride to the event was pleasant and uneventful, with the weather cooperating, no traffic and no rain along the route. After arriving at the event and looking around, everyone decided use the down time go check in yo our hotel, before returning to event site. After sitting out our chairs and laying out our blankets, we were ready or so we thought. After about 20 minutes our eyes were drawn to the sky, we decided to check the weather on our phones. As they sat better to be safe than Sorry, we decided to head back to our bikes. It seem the closer we got to the bike, the hareder it rained. Before we reached the bikes, the clouds opened up and the rain came down well before the hot air balloons could launch. Needless to say, we never got to see the balloons.
As veterans, we taught to adapted, improvised, and overcome any situation. What may have been a disater to some, turned it into an evening of fellowship, fun and camaraderie over a few adult beverages, some pizza in breakroom at the hotel.
The following morning, after breakfast, we packed up and began the ride home. Along the way, we decided stop and take a tour the National Prisoner of War Museum in Andersonville, Georgia. Despite the rain, it was a memorable and successful first ride for our Riders, and a great opportunity to strengthen the bonds of fellowship that make this organization so special.
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The next event was very special for our members as several Riders from our American Legion Riders recently took time to visit a Navy veteran, Mr. Butch (Grimes), who is currently battling cancer and has been feeling a little down in spirits.
As lifelong motorcycle enthusiasts ourselves, we know there is just something special about having your knees in the breeze and the wind in your hair and we want to share some time with Mr Butch. The moment Mr. Butch heard the bikes coming around the corner, his entire demeanor changed and his spirits immediately lifted. Seeing the smile on his face reminded us all how meaningful simple acts of fellowship and support can be.
The visit gave us all an opportunity to spend time with a fellow veteran, share stories, laughter, and encouragement, and remind Mr. Butch that he is not in this fight this battle alone. Moments like these reflect what the American Legion and its Riders program are all about — veterans supporting veterans and standing beside one another through both the good times and the difficult ones. It reminds us all of that old military adage: "Stand Easy, We've Got you Six"
Plans for the Annual Patriot Day ride already in process. The Committee is looking help with the program. Please help out where you can.
Also, in the works is the Car Show, the Committee, is working hard and are also planning a Craft Show at the Car Show.
Take Care and Have a Great Legion Day
John
ego sum Veteranus: Titulum porto cum superbia et honore
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Greeting Y’all
Just eight months after becoming a post and we have moved up the recruiting list and are now solidly in 2nd place in District 35. We are on the move, next up, 1st Place. We have met Alabama’s 103% status. But, please don’t stop there let’s see how many new members we can recruit.
Please remember you must be a member in good standing (Dues for 2026 paid) to be covered by Legion Insurance. Legion Insurance covers you while you are traveling to and from a Legion Activity.
Looking at the schedule, with just 2 months remaining in this Legion year 2026 is going to be a very busy.
So far this year we have participated in a benefit ride for one of own and the Jonathon N Barfield Scholarship Ride. Both were successful. The scholarship ride raised enough funds to allow us to give out 2 - $1000 Scholarships for seniors preparing for college. We were able to cosponsor the ride with VFW Post 3073, what a great experience.
Plans for the Annual Patriot Day ride already in process. The Committee is looking help with the program. Please help out where you can.
Also, in the works is the Car Show, the Committee, is working hard and are also planning a Craft Show at the Car Show.
The last thing on the radar to be aware of is our quarterly “Family Day” a chance to get the family together. A Committee was established, with our 2nd Vice (Chairman – Jare Robinson) who volunteered to serve as our Chairman.
The Activity for the 1st Quarter was a Valentine Day Dinner held at “Outback” Steak House. It was a chance for the guys to step up and let our wives know, that we may not always show it, but we know how lucky we are and how special they are and we are so very lucky to have them.
The Activities so far are:
2nd Quarter (Apr - Jun) TBD
3rd Quarter (Jun - Sep) TBD
4th Quarter (Oct – Dec (TBD)
Other suggestions:
- Adopt a Cemetery – Visit the adopted cemetery for beautification projects. Add a small flag and coin on each veteran’s grave,
- Wreaths Across America – In the planning phase for fall of 2026.
Take Care and Have a Great Legion Day
John
ego sum Veteranus: Titulum porto cum superbia et honore
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Greeting Y’all
Congratulations to all, just six months after becoming a post. We have met Alabama’s 100% status. We are leading the district in recruiting. We have six months remaining in the year to recruit one more member, that put us at the 103% mark. But, please don’t stop there let’s see how many new members we can recruit.
Please remember you must be a member in good standing (Dues for 2026 paid) to be covered by Legion Insurance. Legion Insurance covers you while you are traveling to and from a Legion Activity.
A Big Thank You goes out to Kelly and Ray Barfield for opening their home and hearts and hosting our Post’s first Friends-giving and then our Christmas party. Great friends + great food = a great time.
Looking at the schedule, 2026 is going to be a very busy year. We already have Committees, Set up for the; Car Show, Beauty Pageant Show and the Jonathon N Barfield Ride. We have the chairman’s and committee member assigned, however there is always room for more. Also, the Annual Patriot Day ride has also began there program and are also looking for help. Please help out where you can.
Virigina and the ladies are working hard on a Valentine Day Dinner. Guys, this is a time for us to step up and let our wives know, that we may not always show it, but we know how lucky we are and how special they are and we are so very lucky to have them.
The last thing on the radar to be aware of is our quarterly “Family Day” a chance to get the family together. A Committee was established, with our 2nd Vice (Chairman – Jare Robinson) who volunteered to serva as our Chairman. If you have any ideals, let him know.
The Activities so far are:
1st Quarter (Jan – Mar) – Valentine Day Dinner – 13 Feb 25. More to follow
2nd Quarter (Apr - Jun) TBD 3rd Quarter (Jun - Sep) TBD 4th Quarter (Oct – Dec (TBD)
Other suggestions:
- Adopt a Cemetery – Visit the adopted cemetery for beautification projects. Add a small flag and coin on each veteran’s grave,
- Wreaths Across America – In the planning phase for fall of 2026.
Take Care and Have a Great Legion Day
John
ego sum Veteranus: Iusiurandum numquam exspirat
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Greeting Y’all
On November 11th, (Veterans Day) members of our Post erected a flagpole at the grave of our Post namesake and a friend to all: LCPL Jason N. Barfield to replace the one that was maliciously tore down, the pole was beyond repair. When we left, both the National Colors and the USMC Flage were flying high. What a beautiful sight.
I love the saying: “Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it” flies from the last breath” - of those who died to defend it. It reminds us of the sacrifice it takes to live free; to see the red, white and blue come alive in the breeze - “. I not only love that saying but more importantly….. I believe.
When I was a young boy I remember visiting my dad’s grave, it was a calm day, but yet the flag above his grave was gently waving back and forth. When I asked my grandmother how could the flag move with no wind? She said that it reminds us of the sacrifices made. We must always remember that the sacrifice that are made, not only by the soldier, but also by the loved one who wait and pray at home, waiting for theirsafe return. They face even a heavy burden of waiting and not knowing
Please be sure to fly your American Flag as often as you can and remember!
This past September we celebrated the 80th Anniversary of the end of WW II. A war that devastated millions of families, we also celebrated 250th birthdays of our military services. Next year on the 4th of July, Independence Day will celebrate Americas 250th Birthday. I can’t wait. Its going to be epic.
As we end the 2025 Legion Year, we currently have 23 members in our Post. We have 13 who have renewed, leaving just 4 to renew by the end of December to become 100%
If you have paid your 2026 Dues, but have not received your new membership card. Please contact our Post Adjutant
Please remember you must be a member in good standing to be covered by Legion Insurance. Legion Insurance covers you while you are traveling to a Legion Activity.
Have a Great Day
John
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Greeting Y’all
There are 2 questions that I have been asked on many occasions
1. How are my Dues Spent in the American Legion? The annual dues for Post 1776 is $55.00. But where does the money go? Does the Post keep all of the money?
Ok, of your $55.00, below you will see a breakdown on how the dues are spent:
$23.50 goes to National Headquarters. $22.50 stays at Department Headquarters $9.00 stays at Post $55.00
2. If my dues are paid up through December, why should I pay now.
A: The Membership year is January 1 to December 31 of each year. If your dues for the new year have not been received by January 1st, you are delinquent. If your dues have not been received by February 1st, your membership is suspended, and you must be voted back into the Post by the membership. To avoid being delinquent, the Legion starts collecting dues for the new year in July. That gives members July through January (7 months) to get their dues paid without being suspended.
Please do not confuse when membership dues come due with the membership goals and target dates.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------What a start it has been for Post 1776, we received our temporary charter on on 13 August have been busy ever since. On 13 September, we celebrate our 1st Annual Patriot Day Ride. All of the money raised was donated to the CSM Bennie G Adkins Veterans Home in Enterprise. The money will be used by the veterans to spruce up their current living area while they wait for the home to be repaired. We were able to raise $637 and will present the check on Monday, September 22. Also, at the Patriots Day Ride we collected stuffed animals, that will be donated to the Dothan Police Department for their first responders to give to the little ones who are suffering from tragedies.
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Have you ever wondered what a Post Adjutant does. Well I thought that I would share hat the Adjutants Handbook says.
THE ADJUTANT’S JOB
The post adjutant is not just a recorder of minutes at a meeting; the role requires a lot more. The adjutant is similar to a first sergeant of a military unit, around whom all post activities revolve. Many posts retain a good adjutant in office over a period of years as opposed to a one-year position.
The adjutant should provide continuity for the post. While the commander’s duties are largely inspirational and executive, an adjutant’s duties are administrative. The commander navigates the ship, but the adjutant is the engineer who runs the ship’s machinery and keeps the vessel on an even keel. The adjutant is the personnel officer and personal point of contact for individual members of the post. The adjutant keeps membership records and minutes of meetings, assists the work of other officers and committees, and publishes official orders, announcements and instructions.
The adjutant’s office is the conduit for communication with all levels of the organization and a hub for all post activities. The adjutant assists new officers and committees in getting started with their work and completing their endeavors.
SUGGESTIONS FOR THE ADJUTANT
The only indispensable qualifications are honesty and willingness. The new adjutant should go through all post records at the earliest opportunity. The constitution and by-laws, minutes of meetings, and reports of officers and committees will give insight into the post’s policies and traditions.
Communication from department headquarters and National Headquarters will provide additional information and instructions. Department headquarters and staff can be extremely useful tools to an adjutant.
Meeting minutes should be typed, printed and kept as a permanent record of activities. All reports of officers and committees should be included in the minutes of the meeting to which they are submitted to assure they are made part of the permanent record.
BULLETINS AND PERIODICALS
Members will inquire about everything concerning their connection with The American Legion. The post should provide members with the information needed to fully engage with the organization. The adjutant conveys information and instructions through regular communication.
Copies of The American Legion Magazine as well as department and post periodicals, if any are published, should be kept and made available to members.
Bulletins are periodically mailed to post commanders and adjutants. The adjutant should forward applicable information to each committee chair. The department headquarters’ official contact with the post is the commander and adjutant. The adjutant should forward communications received from department headquarters and National Headquarters to all members.
See you soon
John