American Legion Post 263 honored James Beaman for being an active member of the organization for 50 years.
Post Commander Clarence Johnson had high praises for Beaman.
“You couldn’t ask for a better guy,” Johnson said.
Beaman, a veteran of the Korean War, said he joined the country’s oldest veteran’s organization shortly after leaving the Army.
At the time, the organization was looking for more members in order to maintain its charter, Beaman said. He was also influenced by the group’s reputation for service and veteran advocacy.
“They offer quite a bit. They serve the community in so many things,” Beaman said.
The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veteran affairs, Americanism and youth programs, according to a media release from the organization.
“Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation,” the release said.
Beaman is a deacon at Mt. Zion Freewill Baptist Church, where fellow Legionnaire Sterling Tripp is pastor.
“He is definitely one of the most humble guys you’d ever meet,” Tripp said.
The American Legion meets monthly at the American Legion Post, 1226 Cherry Run Road. For more information, contact Post Commander Clarence Johnson at 252-940-4445.