ELLERBE — Herman Stutts has spent a half century as a member of the largest U.S. veterans organization.
Stutts, who served during the Korean War, was honored at his Ellerbe home Tuesday, March 18 with a certificate denoting 50 continuous years as a member of the American Legion.
The certificate was presented by Carlton Hawkins, commander of American Legion Post 147 in Rockingham.
According to Hawkins, Stutts originally joined the American Legion as a member of the former post in Ellerbe. However, when that post dissolved, his membership was transferred to Post 147.
Ellerbe’s current Post 73 was chartered in late 2021.
In addition to the posts in Ellerbe and Rockingham, Post 49 is located in Hamlet.
Awards for longevity are sent from the organization’s central office. There are several 50-year members in Richmond County, including Hawkins.
Established in 1919 following World War I, the American Legion boasts a roster of more than 1.6 million members.
