This article was published in the Edgefield Advertiser on July 1, 2026.

American Legion Department Commander Jack Lonergan selected Edgefield as the site for a June 19, 2026, joint leadership meeting for District 15 (Aiken County) and District 17 (Edgefield, Lexington, Newberry, and Saluda Counties). The event was hosted by Post 30 and held at its Penn Street hall. 

Lonergan is a passionate champion of the Legion’s campaign for the prevention of veteran suicide. Be The One engages members in one-to-one intervention when veterans appear to be struggling. To this end, Lonergan outlined his personal Be The One Commander’s Project, which will serve as his signature issue for raising awareness and fundraising throughout his state leadership tenure. 

Also high on Lonergan’s agenda for the state were modernization of Legion communications, reporting procedures, and social media presence, together with membership growth. He underscored his continued support for the Legion’s continued strong involvement in Boys State, Law Cadet Academy, and a host of other youth development programs and scholarships. 

Among the state leadership in attendance were Department Adjutant Bruce Donegan (who is a Past Department Commander), 1st Vice Commander Patricia Dandy, 2nd Vice Commander Jerome Childs, District 15 Commander Richard Dorman, District 17 Commander Winton Boddie, and post commanders from across the region. 

Attending the Edgefield meeting from among state-level American Legion officers were (l to r) Richard Dorman, Jack Lonergan, Patricia Dandy, Bruce Donegan, Winston Boddie, and Jerome Childs. 

Leaders and members from ten American Legion Posts participated: 24 (Newberry), 26 (Aiken), 30 (Edgefield), 61 (Batesburg-Leesville), 65 (Saluda), 71 (North Augusta), 153 (Bath), 212 (Aiken), 222 (Johnston), and 232 (North Augusta). 

Lonergan and Donegan stayed overnight in Edgefield and once again led veterans, this time preceding the float carrying local veterans, the Grand Marshals, in the annual Ridge Peach Festival Parade in Trenton the following day.