This article was published in The Edgefield Advertiser on Wednesday September 30, 2024

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If you happened to drive by Edgefield’s American Legion Post 30 on Thursday night, September 19, you may have noticed the full parking lot and wondered what all the activity was about.

It marked a special event involving several Edgefield County friends and neighbors who enjoyed dinner with local veterans and the Unit 30 Auxiliary as the prelude to what resulted in another memorable monthly meeting. Among the highlights were welcoming our newest member, recognizing our 2024 Teacher of the Year, and honoring the 2024 Boys State and Girls State delegates.

Post 30 is honored to have been chosen by Justin Bailey, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, as his veterans’ community home base. During his enlistment, Justin deployed to Anbar Province, Iraq, with the II Marine Expeditionary Force in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Drawing on the leadership skills he gained in the Marines and his passion for sports, Justin now serves as the Assistant Varsity Football Coach at Wardlaw Academy, where he sets a positive example for the young men under his wing. His dedication to mentoring youth aligns perfectly with Post 30’s core mission of developing future leaders and serving the community.

The 2024 Boys and Girls State delegates, selected from our local schools, were presented with Certificates of Appreciation for their successful participation in the program. Representing Boys State from Strom Thurmond High School were Brelan Baskett and Jimmy Bates, Jr.; Wardlaw Academy was the home school of delegates Colt Bailey and Aiden Rearden.

Girls State delegates from Fox Creek included Mattison McAbee, Elizabeth McKee, and Paola Ramirez; from Strom Thurmond High School, Ryan Raines, and from Wardlaw Academy, Elizabeth Parks. Parks and Rearden were unable to attend our Thursday meeting.

One by one, the delegates took the stage to entertain those present with their personal experiences. We were treated to insightful stories about how the programs helped them form friendships, develop leadership skills, overcome challenges, collaborate with peers, practice public speaking, and gain valuable insights into local and state government operations.

The evening was a celebration of leadership, service, and education, reflecting the core values of Post 30. Congratulations to all who were honored!

If you're a veteran looking to make a difference in your community, Post 30 is hoping you will join us. First and foremost, we are your advocate. Our service involves providing the next generation of citizens with opportunities to take part in leadership programs such as Boys and Girls State, the Nathan M. Wolfe Law Cadet Academy, and the American Legion Oratorical Contest. Through direct engagement with local schools, students learn about the significance of our nation’s flag. Join us at our monthly meetings on the third Thursday at 6 p.m. at 314 Penn Street, Edgefield, or reach out via email at alpost30sc@gmail.com. We’d love to welcome you to our Post 30 family.