By Robert Seibert
Guest Writer
As the American Legion celebrates 106 years of existence, local Legionnaire Bob Epperson, celebrates 75 years of continuous membership. Former national vice commander, Patrica Harris, stopped by Epperson’s house to personally present his certificate of membership.
Epperson joined the American Legion in 1968 as part of Post 4 in Lakeland, Fla. He wanted to be part of a group that was actively serving veterans and the community and American Legion Post 4 was just that. Epperson became involved in the leadership of the Legion as well. He served two years as the post commander. He later served as the district commander for a year. However, his real passion was to serve as the American Legion baseball coach and Boy’s State counselor which he did for 13 years in Lakeland.
In 1995, Bob and his wife, Shirley, moved to Hayesville part time. Upon moving he became active with the Chamber of Commerce and served on the board of directors. In 2001 he was selected as Member of the Year. In 2008, Epperson became a charter member of Post 532. In 2009 Epperson was elected third vice commander and was judge advocate in 2016. Once again, he wanted to be active serving veterans and the community. As a member of Post 532 he served as a member of the honor guard assisting with flag folding demonstrations, the presentation of Colors and military rights at funerals.
Epperson’s patriotism started in 1944 at the age of 15 when his parents separated. His mother wanted to move from Miami to Tampa and he did not, so he joined the Navy. The problem became when he needed both parents’ signatures on a permission slip to join at that age. Times were different back then; Epperson took the road with his thumb hitchhiking to two different places to get their signature. Upon enlistment he was assigned to Bunnell Naval Air Station just north of Daytona and was selected for the elite position of cook. Epperson went on to get his high school diploma.
At 97, Epperson isn’t quite as active as he once was, but he is still the patriot he has always been. He enjoys talking about his service, visiting with other veterans and still donates to the work of the American Legion. “We need more people as dedicated as Bob.”