Anthony Wynn, right, Mount Olive American Legion Post 103 first vice commander, was honored as Legionnaire of the Year for 2023-24 during the post’s June 6 meeting. Presenting the award is post Commander William Manuel. (Steve Herring|mountolivetribune.com)
Barbara Seale, right, Mount Olive American Legion Post 103 adjutant, was recognized for exceptional service for 2023-24 during the post’s June 6 meeting. Presenting the award is post Commander William Manuel. (Steve Herring|mountolivetribune.com)
Gerri and Steve Grady, center, owners and operators of Grady’s Barbecue, were recognized by Mount Olive American Legion Post 103 for recently being inducted into the National BBQ Hall of Fame. William Manuel, left, post commander, and Anthony Wynn, right, post first vice commander, presented the honor during the post’s June 6 meeting. (Steve Herring|mountolivetribune.com)
Mount Olive American Legion Post 103 financial officer Al Southerland, center, was presented a certificate of appreciation during the post’s June 6 meeting. From left are post Commander William Manuel, Southerland, and First Vice Commander Anthony Wynn. (Steve Herring|mountolivetribune.com)
Mount Olive American Legion Post 103 auxiliary members were honored during the post’s June 6 meeting. From left are auxiliary member Deborah Southerland; post Commander William Manuel; auxiliary President Mary L. Ward and member Clarlene Pearsall; and post First Vice Commander Anthony Wynn. (Steve Herring|mountolivetribune.com)
Mount Olive American Legion Post 103 member Darius Carlton, center, was presented a certificate of appreciation during the post’s June 6 meeting. From left are post Commander William Manuel, Carlton, and First Vice Commander Anthony Wynn. (Steve Herring|mountolivetribune.com)
Mount Olive American Legion Post 103 member Connie Wells, center, was presented a certificate of appreciation during the post’s June 6 meeting. From left are post Commander William Manuel, Wells, and First Vice Commander Anthony Wynn. (Steve Herring|mountolivetribune.com)
Mount Olive American Legion Post 103 new officers were installed during the post’s June 6 meeting. Front row, from left, are, installing officer Demetrice Rasberry, American Legion District 7 commander; William Manuel, commander; Anthony Wynn, first vice commander; Tommy Brown, second vice commander; and Barbara Seale, adjutant. Back row, from left, are, Larry James, sergeant at arms; Roosevelt Jones, historian; and Al Southerland, financial officer. Not Pictured is John Herrington, chaplain. (Steve Herring|mountolivetribune.com)
Mount Olive American Legion Post 103 members remembered those who spearheaded the D-Day assault on the Normandy coast 80 years to the date while honoring several of their own as well during an event Thursday night, June 6.
Anthony Wynn, post first vice commander, was recognized as the post’s Legionnaire of the Year for 2023-24, and Barbara Seale, post adjutant, was recognized for exceptional service for 2023-24.
And certificates of appreciation were presented to post members Al Southerland, Darius Carlton, Connie Wells and the post auxiliary. Also honored were Tony Hardy and John Herrington, who were unable to attend the meeting.
Members paid tribute as well to Steve and Gerri Grady, owners and operators of the iconic Grady’s Barbecue in Dudley, for their induction into the National BBQ Hall of Fame and for their community involvement.
Demetrice Rasberry, American Legion District 7 commander, praised Post 103 for its 100 percent membership, meaning that all of its 66 enrolled members had paid their dues. It also has a retention rate of 106 percent, meaning the post gained members while not losing any from the previous year, he added.
“Outstanding,” he said. “Today is a very important day in American history. Can anyone tell me what is so special about today?”
He was rewarded with a chorus of “D-Day.”
“D-Day, D-Day — a very important day in American history,” Rasberry said. “At this moment we are going to ask everybody to stand for a moment of silence for the veterans who gave their lives during the invasion of Normandy.
“We lost a lot of soldiers over there on D-Day. So that is why we make sure that we remember and appreciate all WWII veterans because they are getting low in number.”
Those veterans are in their 90s and older, he added.
It is important to remember Vietnam veterans, too, he said.
“Vietnam veterans, we want to welcome you home,” Rasberry said. “I know it was kind of tough when you went over there and came back to the U.S. and you didn’t get recognized like you should have been.
“You risked your life, and we welcome you home. We want to thank all of the veterans for all that you have done. Thank all of the members of this post for all that you are doing to make sure that we are supporting our veterans and our community. You have been doing some good work. All I can say is continue doing the good work.”
Rasberry recognized Seale as the new District 7 vice commander.
The district is composed of 18 posts throughout Wayne, Duplin, Jones and Lenoir counties.
In his closing remarks, Manuel said the Carver High School Alumni and Friends Association has asked the post to participate in the June 19 Juneteenth celebration.
“We have agreed to do hot dogs, popcorn and pickles,” he said. “We will need some people out there to help us out.”
In announcing the Legionnaire of the Year Award, financial officer Al Southerland said that Wynn had not looked for, asked for or expected recognition.
“Throughout the year his tireless efforts have been nothing short of exemplary in his commitment to the principles of the American Legion,” Southerland said. “His passion for serving our community and his willingness to go above and beyond have not gone unnoticed.
“From assisting with events to providing invaluable support to fellow veterans, his dedication has left an indelible mark on our organization and those we serve. His service embodies the spirit of the American Legion and serves as a shining example of what it means to be a true patriot and community leader.”
Southerland congratulated Wynn, adding that the post is incredibly proud to have him as a valued member.
The plaque presented to Wynn reads, “In recognition and appreciation of your exceptional hard work, unwavering dedication and outstanding contributions to our organization and the community.”
Exceptional Service
Seale has demonstrated outstanding dedication and service in her role as post adjutant, Southerland said in announcing the exceptional service honor.
“Her contributions to our community are numerous,” he said. “Comrade Seale procured and delivered gift bags to veterans in nursing homes to ensure they feel remembered and appreciated.”
She prepared and served delicious meals for the post’s monthly meetings fostering fellowship and camaraderie among members, he continued. Seale also purchases and delivers snacks to the Boys and Girls Club, Southerland added.
Seale represents the post with distinction by attending quarterly district meetings and state conventions, Southerland said. She also trains and mentors adjutants at other posts, sharing her knowledge and expertise and in doing strengthening their organizations, he said.
Seale has helped in fundraising efforts by organizing plate sales and is one of the top ticket sellers for raffles contributing to the financial health of Post 103, Southerland said.
She represents the post by participating in civic and community activities — showcasing her unwavering commitment to service, he added.
The plaque presented to Seale reads, “Your unwavering commitment and countless hours of hard work have made a significant impact on our organization.”
Appreciation
Certificates of appreciation were presented to post members Al Southerland, Darius Carlton, Connie Wells and post auxiliary members. Also honored were members Tony Hardy and John Herrington, who were unable to attend the meeting.
Southerland was recognized for his countless hours of dedication and service as rental officer for the building. Building rental is the post’s primary source of income, Seale said.
“You also devote hours to various civic organizations tirelessly working to better our community,” she said. “Your contributions are invaluable, and we appreciate your unwavering effort and the positive impact you have made.
“Thank you for your exemplary service and steadfast dedication.”
Carlton was honored for his tireless dedication and dedication to the post.
“Your countless hours spent cleaning and painting our building, maintaining our lawn and supporting our fundraising activities have not gone unnoticed,” Seale said. “Your efforts have made a significant difference, and we are truly grateful for your commitment and support.”
Seale said that she might get in trouble since Wells does not like to be recognized.
“However, her commitment and dedication are well worth the risk,” she added. “As a first-year member her work ethic at our fundraising events is unmatched. In addition, her generous donations of plates purchased during our plate sales for those in need and veterans at the nursing home, as well as her substantial monetary donations to our post exemplify her generosity and compassion.”
Wells also works tirelessly with the Tutor to the Top program assisting students in kindergarten through 12th grade, Seale continued.
“Her contributions are invaluable, and we deeply appreciate your unwavering efforts and the positive impact she has made,” she said. “Thank you for your exemplary service and steadfast dedication.”
The auxiliary was recognized for its unwavering support and helping the post with its fundraising plate sale, raffle sales and community activities.
“Your dedication and generosity played a crucial role in our success, and we deeply appreciate your commitment to making a positive impact in our community,” Seale said.
Hardy was praised for his work to maintain the cleanliness of the post building floor to ensure a clean and pleasant environment, setting a standard of excellence and commitment.
“Moreover, your dedication to fundraising through grilling as well as your generous monetary donations and gifts have not gone unnoticed,” Seale said. “Your contributions have made a significant impact supporting various initiatives and fostering a spirit of unity and generosity among us.
“Thank you for your unwavering support and always going above and beyond. Your efforts truly make a difference.”
Seale thanked Herrington, post chaplain, for his unwavering support and dedication.
“Your motivational messages have been a source of great inspiration and encouraging us to strive for excellence in all our endeavors,” she said. “We are immensely grateful for your support in our fundraising efforts not only through your generous monetary donations, but also by continuously challenging and motivating post members to contribute more actively.
“Your efforts have significantly bolstered our ability to support veterans and engage in community activities. Thank your for being a beacon support and for your commitment to our cause.”
Gradys recognized
The Gradys were presented a plaque congratulating them for being inducted into the National BBQ Hall of Fame.
“Congratulations to Steve and Gerri Grady, owners and operators of Grady’s Barbecue, for your remarkable achievement for recently being inducted into the National BBQ Hall of Fame,” Seale said. “Grady’s Barbecue was previously inducted into N.C. Barbecue Hall of Fame and is soon to be inducted into the American Barbecue Hall of Fame.
“It is a testament to your exceptional skills, dedication to delicious barbecue and unwavering service to the community. Your commitment to quality and passion for barbecue have earned you this well-deserved recognition. Here’s to many more years of success and mouth-watering barbecue.”
According to a press release from the Kansas City, Mo.-based American Royal Barbecue Hall of Fame, the National BBQ Hall of Fame recognition is barbecue’s top honor that aims to recognize, document and preserve barbecue heritage.
“Steve Grady founded one of North Carolina’s most respected barbecue restaurants, Grady’s Barbecue,” the release reads. “The restaurant, known for its Eastern style, is listed on The North Carolina Barbecue Society Historic Barbecue Trail and has been featured in numerous national media outlets, books and blogs.
“Steve and his wife, Gerri, have been honored with the first NC Barbecue Revival Lifetime Achievement Award, and were recently inducted in the North Carolina BBQ Hall of Fame.”
The restaurant, located at 3096 Arrington Bridge Road, Dudley, has been featured in USA Toady and Our State magazine and was named to Southern Living magazine’s eight must visit BBQ joints and in 2023 the South’s Top 50 Barbecue Joints as No. 12.
In May, Grady’s Barbecue was among the first seven honorees inducted into the N.C. Barbecue Hall of Fame.
