A Night to Remember: Post 30 Christmas Party Unites Veterans and the Community

This article was published in The Edgefield Advertiser on January 8, 2025

We can’t keep it a secret any longer and you may have already heard: Edgefield Post 30 is the place for veterans to gather if you want to enjoy good company and make lifelong friendships. The most recent proof was the sound of laughter and camaraderie coming from the Post 30 annual Christmas party amid record turnout on December 19, 2024. Nearly 50 members, spouses, and honored guests crowded the brightly festive dining room, enjoyed top-notch entertainment, and dived into savory southern cooking. As we approach the end of another great year, it was the capstone event for connecting with new and old friends and reminiscing over our shared experiences supporting fellow veterans in our communities.

Another highlight of the evening was the opportunity to honor the legionnaires who have dedicated years of service to The American Legion and our community. Former Commander Tommy Tripp was thanked for his three years of leadership at Post 30 during his tenure. It was our privilege to bestow recognition on John Kemp for his 30 years of dedication. Also inspiring were honorees for 15 years of Post 30 service: Luther Beason, Jimmy McCary, and Wayland Winn. Representing the resilience of our growing ranks of “new” members were certificates for 5 years of service to William Asforis, Freddie Miles, Michael Bowers, and Winston Boddie. Long-distance and new member John (Pete) Peterson traveled across the country just for the gathering and was recognized for his well-researched and highly-entertaining article contributions as the Post 30 Hezzie Gazette newsletter “correspondent-at-large.”

As the evening drew to a close the warmth of shared stories and laughter reminded all of us of the importance of service, community, and togetherness. We left with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to our mission and to looking forward to another year of service and fellowship within Post 30.