414
Devell ''Bo'' Durham Jr. – North Carolina Department Commander
Elected June 21 as the Department Commander to represent the 32K Legionnaires in the State of North Carolina for membership year 2025~2026
This content isn’t available right now
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted. Today brought part of our team into Fayetteville Veteran’s hospital facility aka “THE VA”. Today’s visit to the Fayetteville Veterans Hospital was more than a tour, it was a homecoming. Back to Fort Bragg—formally Fort Liberty, Fort Bragg but always the proud home of the 82nd Airborne. The Army’s enduring presence here continues to hold Fayetteville VA accountable, ensuring that those who served active reserve guard “”” are never forgotten.![]()
![]()
As Department Commander, I choose to share this journey not just as a personal milestone, but as a collective memory for our entire Legion Family. Fayetteville VA was birth out of necessity a response to the countless veterans who passed through Fort Bragg’s gates over generations. Our visit reminds us (me) that the 2025–2026 membership year is not just about numbers, it’s about voices. Especially the voices of those who can no longer speak for themselves, or who’ve lost their joy.![]()
![]()
We were welcomed and guided by Brittney Paris, Congressional Liaison, whose coordination made this meaningful encounter possible. Together with Division III Commander Charles Johnson, Department Oratorical Chair Joann Blyther, and Veteran Service Officer Justin Nicholson, we stepped into the rooms and lives of veterans from the Vietnam and the Gulf War eras. For some, these rooms are long-term homes. For all, they are sacred spaces of service and sacrifice.![]()
![]()
Our intent was simple: to remind each veteran that they are seen, remembered, and celebrated. That the promise of “no veteran left behind” is not just a slogan—it’s a living commitment.![]()
![]()
I was over joyed speaking to these warriors in their room. I could have went all day and stayed in the that present moment. As Harvard researchers remind us, “Unhappy people focus on what is not happening; happy people focus on what is happening.” Today, what happened was joy, connection, and remembrance.![]()
![]()
Let this be part of what we choose to remember about this membership year. Let this be our collective Legacy… #IENCWin #BeTheOne #BetterTogether
Today at the Hospice House, we gathered around the bedside of 86-year-old Air Force Warrior Albert Yingst, who served our nation from 1952 to 1975—in Korea, Africa, Vietnam, and Minot, North Dakota. (I shared with him that my son is stationed there, and he perked up even more.) He was surrounded by his wife, sons, and daughter. Before entering the room, we were told he was non-responsive.![]()
![]()
But God!![]()
![]()
As Pam Meek read the proclamation, another presented the handcrafted blanket, and I—not quietly called the room to attention for a hand salute… Mr. Yingst opened his eyes and raised his arm in a crisp salute. A final act of honor. A moment none of us will forget.![]()
![]()
The veterans showed up. One wore a VFW hat. Another, Coast Guard. Another, Disabled American Veterans. All proudly own an American Legion cap. Came together, different VSOs, same heart.![]()
![]()
Afterwards, we also celebrated Melinda Scott, who faithfully served as Hospice House Volunteer Coordinator for many years, even through the COVID shutdown. We sent her off with a love gift and deep gratitude as she begins a new journey traveling the world.![]()
![]()
Inspire-Engage, Legacy. Service. Honor.![]()
These moments remind us what it means to show up for country, for community, for each other. Today was the ultimate display of Buddy Check and leaving no veteran behind. 🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡 Albert Yingst we have the watch sir. #BetterTogether #BeTheONE #IENCWin
Why District 11 meant so much this year!![]()
I enjoyed attending the District 11 meeting for two powerful reasons. First, I’ve never attended a Legion meeting at this age and that alone made it special. Second, it was held in Four Oaks, where I was greeted with birthday wishes, cake, smiles, handshakes, and a meal that fueled the next leg of the day’s journey.![]()
![]()
But beyond the celebration, the vision laid before District 11 filled me with excitement and hope. It wasn’t just well attended it was informative, energizing, and forward-focused. D11 is on the path to winning, and I’m grateful to be part of the journey.![]()
![]()
#IENCWin #Bettertogether #BeTheOne #2025Faithful #2024Foundation #2024BoDPsalms118-8 #GetSome #2023Stretch #2023Noexcuses #2022AddValue #ServantLeaderBo #BoBullDurham #SgtMajDurhamD #ColemanDurhamFamily
October 9, A Pause at Home Plate. Last night was a down day. A pause day. A returning-to-home-plate kind of day.![]()
![]()
I joined our monthly Leonard Moore Post meeting. Legionnaires, Auxiliary, and Sons of The American Legion. Brothers and sisters gathered not just to reflect, but to look ahead. We spoke of impact, of legacy, of what it means to serve our community with purpose and unity.![]()
![]()
71 is my homecoming. 62 is leaving. 63 is hopeful. Numbers that carry weight. Movement that reminds us, every departure is felt, every return is celebrated.![]()
![]()
While we met I received a text message, Wild Bill from Post 185 in China Grove took his final breath. Nearly 100 years (96) old, he served the American Legion until the end. A reminder, we are all finite. We are all scheduled for an appointed time for death and judgment. Hebrews 9.27. ![]()
![]()
So as I look ahead, I know there’s no rest for the weary. I will continue to INSPIRE.![]()
Continue to ENGAGE. Continue to look forward to North Carolina WINNING.![]()
![]()
For me, It wasn’t just a meeting. It was a moment to reset, to remember why we show up, and to recommit to the road ahead.
I delayed on purpose and stayed behind… while most commanders packed up after the Commanders and Adjutants Conference, I stayed behind for something I’ve never witness face to face although, I’ve watched on YouTube and Facebook live: my first National Executive Committee meeting.![]()
![]()
On paper, the NEC is the governing arm of The American Legion. In reality, it’s the heartbeat of our mission. The National Commander, five Vice Commanders, and elected representatives from each (#IENCWin) department gather to shape the future, approving budgets, reviewing contracts, and making decisions that impact every post and veteran we serve.![]()
![]()
Past National Commanders sit as life members, lending wisdom to the debate. Though they no longer vote, (When Jake Spoked) their voices still echo with purpose.![]()
![]()
I sat in the far righthand corner and I didn’t speak 👀. I didn’t vote. I simply listened. And in that listening, I felt the weight of legacy and the responsibility of stewardship. This wasn’t just a meeting it was a reminder that leadership means staying behind when others leave, leaning in when others move on, and honoring the process that sustains our shared mission. For a Marine that’s simple SNCO creed One01.![]()
![]()
Grateful for the chance to witness it. Inspired to keep serving Engaged throughout the week to bring back knowledge so North Carolina Win.![]()
![]()
#IENCWin #2025Faithful #AmericanLegionNEC #2024Foundation #BeTheOne #BetterTogether #2024BoDPsalms118-8 #GetSome #2023Stretch #2023Noexcuses #2022AddValue #ServantLeaderBo #BoBullDurham #SgtMajDurhamD #ColemanDurhamFamily