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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
November 26: @ 1000 your DEC aka Department Executive Committee had a Call Meeting – 2025, we gather via phone via screen and in person not just for a meeting, but to execute the enduring purposes of our Department. Our bylaws are more than words on paper, they are the collective compass guiding the success of all 32,000 Legionnaires and Posts across the Tar Heel State.![]()
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Our Department is not about individual agendas. Our Department is about shared responsibility, shared legacy, and shared service. I only vote if there is a tie! ![]()
All those in favor, signify by saying “I.”![]()
All those opposed, same sign. The “I’s” have it.
Community.
American Legion Post 317 reopens in Madison County after 14-month restoration effort
wlos.com
American Legion Post 317 has served veterans and the community of Madison County since the 1950s; however, service had been on pause since Helene. November 22: Rededication at Davis-Sexton Post 317, a Testament to Resilience. Today marked more than a date it became a declaration of hope. The rededication ceremony at the newly restored Davis-Sexton Post 317 was breathtaking. What once seemed lost after Hurricane Helene has now become a beacon of unity and renewal.![]()
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Veterans, families, and friends from across America joined the Marshall community to bear witness: Helene did not wipe out a community, she awakened one. The building stands not just rebuilt, but reborn, because many hands made the work light and the restoration swift.![]()
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Every guest in attendance, every story shared, every embrace exchanged spoke volumes. Together, we proved what’s possible when service, sacrifice, and community converge. Post 317 is more than a structure, it’s a living symbol of what we can overcome, and who we become in the process.
The importance of membership at all levels today November 22 The longest drive—just me, the Holy Spirit, the road, and my thoughts—headed toward Davis-Sexton Post 317 in Marshall.![]()
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Yesterday, a call came in from District 22 Commander Chris Duschel: “Can you sign two special awards for the youth of our state?” My answer was simple: Tell me where to pull over. Let’s make it happen.![]()
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We met at the Sheetz in Hickory. The Commander drove an hour from Cherryville. I rerouted without hesitation.![]()
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Because when it comes to honoring our youth, there’s no such thing as inconvenience. When the District shows up, the community wins. When we recognize young leaders, North Carolina wins. Inspire~Engage create membership. That’s how we keep the mission alive.
October 21 – November 20th. Here’s my 5th month Journey from Jenna Cauble’s promotion to Troop 124’s Eagle Scouts, from NJROTC precision to Wake Christian’s chapel, ending at Camp Lejeune—this month is a living answer to the question: Who will carry the torch? I’ve witness the next generation is ready!![]()
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October 21: Attended District 14 Vice Commander Larry Ross funeral with Post 53 Commander & Department Membership Chairman Jim Zajc. Final Salute in Greensboro. Standing watch was Major Bobby Myers. Larry service began 1966 active ended as a 1st LT in 1969. He was serve his committed even more in the greater Greensboro area ending as the District 1 Vice Commander.![]()
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October 23rd-25th: Department Fall conference. I assisted the department in moving all gear to the Hilton hotel. Attended my first Pass Department Commanders Dinner in North Hills. Open up the Fall Conference. Spoke at our Memorial service concerning wearing the Full Armor. Visited all Committees, Stopped in on Commission meeting. I was told I was the first Commander to visit and speak to the Women 20&4. Open the Department Executive Committee for voting etc. ![]()
Overwhelmed—with JOY! The Department Executive Committee has spoken: “All in favor say ‘I’… all opposed, ‘nay’?” The I’s have it. ✅ 2025 Fall Conference: Inspire Engage North Carolina—approved and affirmed ~Winning~.![]()
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October 26: Two warriors from the Carry On Detachment—Adjutant Paymaster Bob Long and Chaplain Matt Phelps—rallied around Vietnam era Cpl. Phillip Wayne Stephenson home. We were joined by Associate Member Jeff Mixon from the RDU Detachment. Rendering a final salute and I presented our American Flag to his bride. Phil, you are not forgotten. You are not alone. You are not left behind.![]()
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October 30: A Time for Early voting 6 names 3 selections for Town Councel. ![]()
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October 31: Hanging with our Department Staff and updating our appointments. ![]()
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November 1: Promotion of Gunnery Sergeant Jenna Cauble. I witnessed the reading, elevation, and promotion of Jenna Cauble to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. It was my honor to support our Department Adjutant as he, along with family members, celebrated the Cauble family’s continued service to our nation.![]()
Congratulations, Gunnery Sergeant Jenna Cauble.![]()
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November 1: Keynote at “A Symphony of Dreams” Chesapeake, Virginia Symphony means agreement. I was honored to serve as keynote speaker for Retired Navy Chaplain CDR Dr. Carla Barry—a dear friend from our Iwakuni days (2003–2005). Her retirement was a crescendo of faith, friendship, and purpose.![]()
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November 2: Eagle Scout Ceremony – Troop 124. We honored PJ Papineau and Chris Aldighieri as they ascended to the rank of Eagle Scout. I rendered the Scout Journey, tracing the path that transforms young people into leaders and moments into legacy. Surrounded by veterans and patriots, I saw clearly: our nation’s future is bright.![]()
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November 3: Post 71 – Pledge of Allegiance and Community Gratitude![]()
I led the Pledge of Allegiance alongside PDC Dick Neville, Past District 11 Commander Pam Meek, and Honor Guard Commander Nancy McConnell. I took a point of privilege to thank the Johnston County Commissioners for their proclamation endorsing me as the next Commander of the American Legion Department of North Carolina.![]()
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November 3: Clayton Honors Her Veterans, Later that evening, our community gathered to honor those who’ve served. Clayton High School NJROTC performed with precision and pride—a living testament that the next generation is ready to carry the torch.![]()
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November 4: Veteran Appreciation Chapel – Wake Christian Academy![]()
Grateful to WCA for the invitation to speak. Every middle and high school student leaned in, listened, and reminded me why we go “ALL IN.” Colossians 3:17.![]()
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November 6: Wake Tech South Campus – POW/MIA Remembrance Table I was invited to take part in their salute to veterans and perform the POW/MIA remembrance table. A solemn moment, a sacred duty.![]()
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November 7: Post 177 Holiday Gala – Pinehurst, NC Theme: “Honoring Our Legacy — Forging Our Future.” The National Colors were presented by Pinecrest High School AFJROTC Honor Guard. I was grateful to witness and share a few words. The spirit of tradition was alive and well.![]()
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November 8: A Moment in Time: Honoring Isaac Bobby William Sammy. Today, I attended the Celebration of Life for Isaac Bobby William Sammy—a man we knew for a moment in time, and a moment that mattered. For the laughter, the stillness, the memory. As the Psalms declare: God walks with us. Even in grief, even in goodbye, we are never alone.![]()
James 14:14![]()
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November 8: A Night of Legacy and Love I was honored to be the guest of (speaker) honor at a celebration that transcended birthdays—it was a living tribute to faith, family, and the enduring spirit of our beloved Corps.![]()
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Every year grows richer, and this one overflowed with grace. My #1 wife, whose name echoes Christina, meaning “follower of Christ,” stood beside me in spirit and strength. My #1 daughter, whose name means “compassionate friend,” brought warmth and joy. My last-born son, whose name means “given by God,” reminded me of divine timing as this was his first MC birthday ball celebration. And my #1 son-in-love, also his first, whose name means “God is my judge,” stood tall in honor being part of the family.![]()
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Together, with the Carry-On Detachment 1236 we gathered at the Hayes Four Golf Club in Fayetteville with the Shawn Knisley Detachment #983 to celebrate the 250th birthday of our beloved Marine Corps—a milestone of service, sacrifice, and brotherhood. Happy Birthday, Marines. Semper Fidelis.![]()
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November 9: Tina and I Celebrated Our Marriage covenant that has carried us— Two Becoming One![]()
In our 30s, the Word was our compass.![]()
In our 40s, the Word was our covering.![]()
In our 50s, the Word was our counsel.![]()
In our 60s, the Word is our covenant.![]()
“Be angry, and do not sin… nor give place to the devil.” Ephesians 4:26–27![]()
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November 10: Attended Marine Corps League, Johnston County Carry-On Detachment 1236 stood tall in celebration, honoring 250 years of unwavering service, sacrifice, and Semper Fidelis spirit. 250 years of valor. Happy Birthday, Marines. Semper Fidelis.![]()
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November 11: Attended three separate events. 1st up Veterans Day Breakfast at the Post: A Legion Family Healing Morning. This morning, our post came alive with warmth, gratitude, and the aroma of a heartfelt breakfast, thanks to Leonard Moore Veterans and Unit 71 and our SAL members Auxiliary. It wasn’t just a meal—it was belly-felt, joy-felt, and soul-felt.![]()
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2nd Event! Johnston County school system veterans program held at Smithfield-Selma High School. A County United in Honor. November 11. The 11th month. The 11th day. The 11th hour. Johnston County brought together every high school’s JROTC, joint bands, and joint chorus for a stirring tribute to our veterans. ![]()
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Third event the highlight of Veterans Day. 3rd and final event: Post 71 Veterans Day dinner where shared meals became shared memories. Camaraderie wrapped the day in warmth, closing a journey of remembrance with gratitude and grace.![]()
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From the early rise to the final meal, this Veterans Day was a living tribute. A day of presence, honor, and healing. A day that began with purpose and ended with the Veteran in kind. I say again … Veterans Day means our nation remembers. It means we choose to remember. I was overjoyed with a Full Day of Reflection and celebrating Service! ![]()
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November 12: A Day of Brotherhood, Honor, and Duty. Started in the Word with nine Koinonia brothers—like the Bereans, we searched the Scriptures to see if it was so (Acts 17:11). From spiritual grounding to civic gratitude, Johnston County’s rally point echoed with salutes to veterans. Auxiliary Unit 132, the DAR, and Turning Point USA showered us with love and legacy. Closed the day at Department HQ, tying up Legionnaire business with the Executive Secretary and our Membership extraordinaire. Faith, fellowship, and follow-through—all in one day.![]()
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November 13: Visited Post 392 in Hudson, I arrived in the quiet charm of a town nestled between Lenoir and Morganton. On Legion Road stands, a beacon of service since 1947. Commander Kelly has led Post 392 since 2018. Their Auxiliary, under the vibrant leadership of Madam President Sherry Henderson, is flourishing—proof of a post deeply rooted in its community.![]()
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One moment stood out: meeting Daniel Wright, a 21-year-old Army Reservist and newly minted member of Post 392. Daniel grew up in this post, surrounded by its values and veterans. Tonight, he returned—not as a visitor, but as a brother in service. A 12R internal electrician by trade, he carries forward into a new generation.![]()
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November 14: The Final Banquet of celebrating 250 Years, Together with AltNECman Jerry MCClough, Division 4 Commander Darrell Bonapart, District 20 Commander Alesia Bell, Post 321 Commander Kevin Horn and many other leaders Rallied at the Northstone Country Club. Friday night, we didn’t just close a chapter—we lit a new torch.![]()
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Central Mecklenburg’s American Legion Post 321, did a phenomenal job planning preparation and execution to honor 250 years of service for Army, Navy, Marine Corps, united in legacy, forged in sacrifice. I was honored to stand as Guest of Honor, but the true honor was standing with patriots, families, and friends who carry this legacy forward.![]()
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November 15: I attended and joined with countless Marines rendering the Final Salute! Zebulon Baptist Church we gathered throughout the church, my heart returned to a sacred moment when Ken Parker, Jeff Jones, and I stood at the hospice bedside of the 50th Chief Devil Dog George. We rendered a Final Salute, a gesture of honor and farewell. On this day those memories rose within me as we honor the 61st Chief Devil Dog, Jeffrey D. Jones.![]()
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Later November 15: Tina and I attended the first annual Honoring Women Warriors ceremony at Raleigh Post 1 and Post 540. Service doesn’t end it multiplies. Post 1, honored three phenomenal veteran women who had been proven. From battlefield to hometown, their mission continues. Three warriors. Three leaders. Endless impact. They served our country. Now they serve our communities.![]()
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November 16: Family day breaking of bread and fellowship. Our Jebez territory is expanding in 2026. In the span of thirty days, I’ve witnessed the power of legacy, love, lost and community converge—each celebration a sacred echo of the lives that shaped mine, each tribute a call to inspire engage others.![]()
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November 17: I visited the place they call the original Nashville—and tonight, it felt like the original heartbeat of The America Legion. I walked into Post 110 and was met with the largest gathering I’ve seen in a small town. Post 110 Chartered in 1947, this post has been nestled in the community for decades and tonight, they packed the house.![]()
Commander Robert Flowers and Adjutant Eric Laroche are leading with purpose. They are deeply embedded into their community. For me one of the huge highlight of the night? Meeting 94-year-old Korean Era veteran Lavern Sykes. His father served in WWI. His brothers in WWII. Three generations of service. One living legacy.![]()
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November 18: Greenville, NC Pitt County Post 39—the place that reignited my love for baseball. Thank you to the leadership of Post 39 “Get This” Commander Harris & Madam President Harris, Husband and wife team. They also have a brother & sister team. Savannah Peele Barrett and John Peele. I was showered with warm conversation, a fantastic meal, and the post’s iconic gear—the jersey and hat of Pitt County’s proud 39. ![]()
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November 19: On the Road to Winston-Salem. From Raleigh to Winston-Salem and back again, our Department Adjutant and I didn’t just travel—we strategized mile by mile. We inspired each other. We engaged each other, exchanging ideas, affirming purpose, and sharpening vision mile by mile. This wasn’t just a drive. North Carolina wins when we show up, connect, and lead.![]()
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November 20: the month of thanks. I rose early—a great while before day. To help the USO and David Ward hand out all the trimmings for a family Thanksgiving meal. Also, To Inspire and Engage. Camp Lejeune Marines, Sailors and Spouses. I’m thankful to serve those who serve. Active duty. Reserve. Hearts that give back.![]()
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Month Five: Legacy isn’t a memory. It’s a movement. I’ve seen it in every handshake, every story, every step across this great state. It’s alive. And it marches on.
November 20: Using my cadence of Thanks!![]()
“In my cadence voice…” Uuuuu-Sssss-Ooooo. Here we go. Rising up and Drive.![]()
Before the rising of the sun, I’m gonna drive, drive, drive—until the driving is done. Oh yeah—coffee first. Then Camp Lejeune.![]()
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Mission: Food for Marines. Sailors. Families.![]()
November: the month of thanks. And I’m thankful to serve those who serve. Active duty. Reserve. Hearts that give back. Dave Ward—retired . Big Heart, to give back.![]()
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I rose early—a great while before day. Here we go. Oh yeah, here we go. Get some. Live some. Give some. 20-TwentyFive. 20-TwentySix. Inspire. Engage. North Carolina & Lejeune wins.![]()
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Final day. Fifth month complete. Given thanks. Oh yeah. Ha ha. Oh yeah.![]()
Hummy good. Reaaaal good.
November 19: On the Road to Winston-Salem. Today marked my first ever reconnaissance to Winston-Salem, our other office space nestled in the federal building downtown. A quiet milestone, maybe even a prelude to Jonathan’s future.![]()
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From Raleigh to Winston-Salem and back again, our Department Adjutant and I didn’t just travel—we strategized mile by mile. We inspired each other. We engaged each other, exchanging ideas, affirming purpose, and sharpening vision mile by mile. This wasn’t just a drive. It was a movement. A reminder: North Carolina wins when we show up, connect with our membership chairman Jim Zajc @and our VSO (veteran service officers), Justin Nickelson .