Changing of the Guard

By COL. JIM STONE

American Legion Post 279 held their election for the 2016-2017 Commander and Officers, on Thursday, March 17, 2016. The outgoing Commander, Charlie F. Harrell, has commanded Post 279 for the past two years, and the incoming Commander, David J. Faulkner, were honored with an old fashion down home Pot Luck Dinner. The old fashion Pot Luck Dinner was a super success. Great food and lots of fun were had by all.

Commander Harrell has done an outstanding job of bringing the Post to new heights, he has improved the service to Our Cannon County Veterans, Our Youth, and Our Community.

During his command Post 279 has received several grants, is sending five boys to Boys State 2016, expanded our Oratorical Contest, increased our Scholarship Fund, increased our support for the Annual Fishing Rodeo, plans and conducts the 4th of July Fireworks Celebration, put new flags in all 10 Volunteer Fire Stations in the County, furnishing new flags to all County Schools, new and exciting changes to our Annual Veterans Day Program at CCHS and our Annual Veterans Day Parade to honor our Veterans, and a new initiative to provide new flags and a program for all schools on Flag Etiquette and Flag History. Through his innovative and dynamic leadership Post 279 has become an example for other Posts to emulate. Commander Harrell received a standing ovation from the Post membership. Thank you Commander Harrell for a truly outstanding job as Commander.

Our incoming Commander, David (Dave) J. Faulkner, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army, (Retired), is married to Rene' Gentry Faulkner. Their children are Emily, Rebekah, and Hannah; and Grandson Braxton. Commander Faulkner will take the reins and be installed as Commander at our April 21st meeting. Commander Faulkner comes well qualified to Command Post 279. His new ideas and proven leadership skills will catapult the Post to even greater success in our efforts to provide the very best services to Our Cannon County Veterans, Our Youth, and Our Community. Welcome aboard Commander Faulkner.

The Slate of New Officers for 2016-2017 also includes: Peter Parker, as Vice 2 Commander, John Basinger as Vice 3 Commander, Brent Bush as Adjutant, Jim Stone as Finance Officer; Executive Board Members Charley F. Harrell, Bob Spencer, and Christine Barrett; Chaplain Britt Knox; and Veterans Service Officer Penny Daniels.

THE HILTON STONE AMERICAN LEGION POST 279 SERVING OUR VETERANS ,
OUR YOUTH, AND OUR COMMUNITY.