From left, District Legion Commander Ray Humphrey, State Detachment Commander Jamie Holloway, Sons of the American Legion Post 324 Commander Pierce Horton, National Executive Committeeman Bob Brown, Sons Commander Bob Carpenter and Sons District 12 Vice Commander Jody Humphey during the presentation of the national charter for the Moultrie’s Sons of the American Legion Post 324.

MOULTRIE, Ga. — The Sons of the American Legion (SAL) Squadron 324 Commander Pierce Horton, Sons & Post Senior Vice Commander Geoffrey Martin and Sons Chaplain Mike Horton attended the American Legion and Sons of the American Legion state conference recently. The national charter was awarded in a ceremony to SAL 324 during the celebration banquet.

The first day also included classes regarding legislation that the Legion is trying to get passed in Congress and several volunteer causes that are high on the Legion’s agenda, including hearing assistance and blood banks.

The second day of the conference was the “college.” This college taught how officers are to perform their duties in leadership of others in the SAL and the AL. Other topics covered were how to properly fill out official documents to be submitted to the state and national levels.

State leaders also emphasized the importance of recruiting for 2019 Boys State (which will be held at Riverside Military Academy beginning May 26). Horton, who is graduating this year from Colquitt County High School after serving in the Junior ROTC program there, successfully completed 2018 Boys State and is attending this year as an assistant counselor. With the assistance of Sons 324 and Col. Paul Nagy of USMC JROTC, the Moultrie post is sending two students to Boys State and two to Girls State this year, which is double the attendance of last year. National Beef has pledged to cover those students’ tuition this year and Sons are raising funds (with the help of Belk’s Charity Sales) in case even more students wish to attend.

Boys and Girls State are summer leadership programs sponsored by the American Legion that involve participants taking the roles of leaders of cities, counties and the state, making laws and enforcing them.

The conference was a very informative, educational, and enjoyable experience for all of the representatives, participants said.