American Legion Post 79 installs new officers, honors Boys State delegates

Special to Wesson News

For the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 79, Department President Sara Black Lassiter installed the new Unit officers. Pictured (l to r) are Sharon Langley, chaplain; Vivian Hoeflich, historian; Laurie Chassion, treasurer; Judy Chester, secretary; Janet Currie, vice president; and Kim Whittington, president. Not pictured is Camille Johnston, sergeant-at-arms.

American Legion Post 79 recently held a special meeting recently to install its 2026-27 officers, drawing leadership from across the state to take part in the ceremony.

American Legion Department of Mississippi Commander Bernita Barnett was on hand to install the new Post officers. Also present were Sons of the American Legion Detachment of Mississippi Commander Van Alford and Detachment Vice Commander Harry Williams. Alford installed the Sons of the American Legion officers.

Unit 79 is proud of its newly elected department officials, which include Vice President Dixie Thornton, President Sara Lassiter and Junior President Mary Murphy Brady.

“We are proud of you and know you will do great things for our veterans and military,” said Kim Whittington, Auxiliary president.

The evening also included a tribute to the Post’s Mississippi Boys State delegates. Three of the five young men sponsored by Post 79 this year were on hand to share their experiences at Boys State and to thank the Legion for the opportunity.

Cathy Stroud and Socks for Heroes provided the catfish, sides and desserts for the meeting. The cooking crew — John Wesley, Joey Chassion, Charles Clark, Olivia, Dixie Hutson Thornton and Laurie Chassion — prepared the meal, with several Auxiliary members helping to serve.

“Thank you to all that came and made the evening special,” said Post Commander Bobby Thornton. “For God and Country.”