American Legion Post 71 names Jerry Hill its Legionnaire of the Year

Submitted by American Legion Post 71

CLAYTON — When a legion member thinks of Legionnaire of the Year, several images come to mind, but the most important is that of a legionnaire who is involved with nearly every facet of their post, compassionate and passionate about the community and legion they serve, enthusiastic about helping others, helping support the pillars of the American Legion and having a genuine love for America and its veterans.

This is the picture of the consummate legionnaire. This is the person a post member turns to for help, and this is the legionnaire others aspire to be.

This year, that person is Jerry Hill.

Hill’s passion for all is evident in his involvement in the annual Clayton Harvest Festival. This is one of the largest events in Johnston County and draws thousands people each year.

He is the reason Post 71 is involved at all. He brought the idea to the membership and sold folks on the idea of using the festival as a recruiting tool and fundraiser at the same time.

Since he got Post 71’s initial display and setup nearly six years ago, the Harvest Festival has ‘harvested’ over 20 members and more than $6,000 in donations and support. His compassion is felt in his support of members and their families in times of need.

Legionnaire Jerry Hill has been the spark plug for many efforts at Post 71. He regularly volunteers as a wait staff member in our post cantina, helps with many building improvement projects and he was instrumental in the initial formation of our regular Friday night dinners.

These dinners have become not only a source of revenue for the post, but a great, new-found tradition for camaraderie between legionnaires as well as their spouses and families. Additionally, Hill’s presence as a member of the Post 71 Honor Guard makes him nearly indispensable for the annual Clayton Christmas Parade and honoring veterans as they go on to their final assignment to the Supreme Commander.

These are just some of the reasons Jerry Hill was selected as Legionnaire of the Year for 2019-20.