RECENT HAPPENINGS AT LEGION POST 68
It’s been a busy time recently for the John E. Jacobs American Legion Post 68 in Leland. In addition to its recent Memorial Tribute honoring John E. Jacobs, the Post’s namesake and the only son of Leland killed in Vietnam on October 1, 1968, the Post has been engaged in several other visible and impactful community activities.
Veterans Exposition
To honor veterans and connect them and their families with valuable resources, WWAY TV-3 hosted its 2nd Annual Veterans Expo at Independence Mall on Thursday, September 24. Over 80 veteran-owned and veteran-supporting businesses and service organizations participated in the daylong event, including representatives from the Veterans Administration with their Vet Center Mobile Services Van. Representatives from Leland’s John E. Jacobs American Legion Post 68 and VFW Post 12196, along with DAV Post 11 members and the New Hanover Sheriff’s Department, opened the event with a presentation of the American flag and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Throughout the day, Post 68 members, including Commander Tom Powers and 2nd Vice Commander John Hacker, interacted with veterans and other Wilmington community members, sharing details about Post 68’s extensive activities supporting veterans, families, and youth in the Leland area. John Hacker, State Chair of the American Legion’s Be The One program, shared details about the Legion’s national suicide awareness and prevention program.
Leland Recognizes Boys and Girls State Participants
The American Legion Boys State and Girls State are weeklong summer leadership and citizenship programs for high school juniors that help students learn how American government and politics work. The American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary sponsor Boys State and Girls State, respectively. In 2026, the programs were held from June 20 to June 27 at the University of North Carolina at Asheville.
On Thursday, September 24, Leland Town Councilman Leland Hyer led the Town of Leland Council in recognizing several North Brunswick High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) cadets who participated in the American Legion’s 2026 Boys and Girls State
program and in presenting them with Certificates of Achievement.
Successful Blood Drive
For only the second time in its history, the American Red Cross (ARC) declared a national Blood Emergency Shortage this past summer. The declaration followed a 25- percent drop in the national blood supply in 2026. The September 25th drive, hosted by WWAY TV 3 at its Leland facilities, was Post 68’s most successful drive to date. Organized by Jim McAvoy, 1st Vice Commander, Post 68, and supported by Post members Tom Willis, Ed Grinnel, Lane Adrian, Bob Page, and John Hacker, the event drew on a responsive community and yielded nearly 50 units of blood. To date this year, Post 68 blood drives have yielded 120 units of blood to help fill the critical shortage, reflecting the Post’s commitment to supporting the ARC in meeting its needs and the caring, responsive Leland area community.
Leland Under the Lights Car Show
Hosted by the North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce on Saturday, September 24, the annual event was held at the Brunswick Forest Shopping Center, following the success of previous car shows at the same venue. Over 215 classic, custom, and muscle cars, along with other entries, were on display. The event offers attendees a great opportunity to connect and share information, and Post 68 has participated for several years. The car show gives the Post a chance to showcase its work in the community and its Be The One suicide awareness and prevention program. With good weather, a strong community turnout, and support from Post 68 Commander Tom Powers; John Hacker, Be The One program lead; and members Lane Adrian, Jo Anne Britt, Frank Pain, and Evan Jones, this year’s event also yielded several new Legion members and transfers from other Legion posts.
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