New commander installed, scholarships provided, service dogs sponsored, and more

Polk is one of North Carolina’s least populated counties, but with American Legion Post 250, has one of the state’s most active American Legion units. The organization continues to grow with the recruiting of four new members during the Fab 4th celebration in Columbus on July 4, 2016.

At the monthly legion meeting on July 5, Bevin Corbin was installed as the new post commander replacing retiring Michael Collins who had led the unit for the past 12 years. According to Darrel Moore, Polk County veteran’s affairs officer, some 10 percent of our 20,000 residents are listed as veterans. Projected growth in this attractive retirement area of western North Carolina is expected to bring even more veterans to Polk County.

This position makes for a good recruiting base for Post 250 and gives reason for state recognition for several community projects carried out by the local unit. During the past 12 months the impressive Honor Guard has been visible leading parades, dedications, and flag raising events throughout the area.

The unit has also stepped up its local scholarship program and this year has provided four college scholarships for high school graduates. In addition the post has sponsored three boys and two girls for the American Legion Boys State and Girls State programs. These programs assist aspiring high school seniors who desire to attend a state program to learn how our government writes, formulates, and institutes our laws.

Area high school students are also able to participate in the American Legion Baseball League with funds provided by Post 250. The National American Legion baseball World Series is held annually in nearby Shelby, N.C.

This past year, the post participated in a project to locate special dogs for the National Service Animals Program, which provides disabled veterans with canine assistance to aid them in daily activities. To date the post has sponsored 87 dogs.

Once again, the award-winning Post Honor Guard will be leading the Veterans Day parade in Columbus. Our small county gained national recognition the past two years by being selected one of the top 60 small town parades in the country and is expected to be up for honors again this November.

Sadly, the Post Honor Guard saw duty in some 30 area military funerals in the past 12 months, most of which involved the graveside service of 28 WWII veterans. Their presence at these services comes at no expense to the family of the deceased. The solemn military service includes a rifle salute, sounding of taps, and the presentation of the United Sates flag provided by the Veterans Administration and presented by the Legion in appreciation for the veteran’s service.

The past months have been very busy for the post and the future looks to bring another banner year with even greater accomplishments to be attained in 2017.

– article submitted

by John Johnson