Greenville’s American Legion Post 186
unveiled its new name, Franklin D. Roosevelt-Cecil Perkerson American Legion
Post 186, on Monday, March 10, 2014, as well as recognizing World War II veterans
for their service and honoring Post Commander Alfred “Buster” McCoy for his
years of leadership.
New Post Commander Dan Morgan called
McCoy to the podium to do the honors that began Veterans Day 2013. Bill Rook
and Grady Dukes were added to the World War II veterans honored and receiving
letters of commendation for their service.
Bill Rook from Gay was present as McCoy
read the story of his military career. Born in and calling Missouri his boyhood
home, Rook, underage, drove a truck for the local grocery store until he was a
high school senior and could enlist at 17.
Because two brothers served, he had to include permission from his
parents to join the Navy. Rook
eventually became a radioman because of his talents with Morse Code learned in
Scouting. He was on a ship on the radio the night Truman’s secret tactics were
planned.
McCoy also honored Vernon Phillips for
his sixty years of outstanding loyalty and service to the American Legion.
The special event of the evening was the
Change of Command Ceremony. Buster McCoy
has served as Post Commander from 2004 to 2014 and his leadership is
evident. McCoy said he took pride in the
accomplishments of the post because the talent was there, he said, and he felt
like he just channeled it in the right directions. The grounds and building improvements are
being enjoyed by the current large membership of legionnaires. McCoy added that
the state meetings he attended were a resource of inspiration and ideas that he
brought back and implemented. He
encouraged members to give their support to new Post Commander Daniel Morgan as
he had been supported and encouraged.
McCoy carried the Legion flag and handed
it over to Morgan and the Change of Command ceremony was complete. Several legionnaires,-Dan Branch, Harold
Daniel, Daniel Morgan-each had plaques, messages of commendation, or letters of
appreciation to award to McCoy.
Members of McCoy’s family were present
to see him honored: his wife Theresa, daughters Melanie London and Amy Dees and
his grandchildren Caleb and Josh London, and Abby, Austin, and Ansley
Dees. Not present due to school
commitments but sending their best wishes were grandchildren Allison Dees and
Hannah London.
Before dismissing for supper which
included a large congratulatory cake for McCoy, Commander Morgan thanked members for procuring a display case for the several wool uniforms worn by
different branches of the military; Morgan announced that Greenville’s Boy
Scout Troop will help the veterans with the Flag Retirement Ceremonies to be
held May 12th; and Morgan concluded by thanking Toots and Ed Hobson
for the decorations for the evenings
event which included a colorful flyover
scene commending Buster McCoy for his leadership of the post.
