American Legion Post and Unit 515, Inc.
New Officer Installation Ceremony 2024-2025
American Legion Post 515 has installed its officers for Legion Year 2024-2025. The ceremony took place at Post 515, located at 1510 McLean Street. Outgoing Commander Jerome Loving passed the gavel to Debra Woods. American Legion District 1 Commander Casey Nash served as the installation official. In addition to District Commander Nash, Post and Unit 515’s members and families, the ceremony was attended by District 12 Commander Bob Carpenter, District 2 Commander Steve Renyolds, District 12 Adjutant Cliff Hall, Past President District 12 Joyce Jenkins, President District 12 Gloria Wilcox, and other American Legion district and post leaders. American Legion Post 515 program awardees and their families were also in attendance.
Past Commander Loving’s closing remarks were short but clear. He stated that incoming Commander Debra Woods was going to do a great job. He added that he was not going anywhere and would support Commander Woods in every way possible. He said that he realizes we are all volunteers, but as long as he was able, no Post 515 commander would fail. Finally, he stated that he put all of his time, energy and resources into helping Post 515 get to where it is and encouraged other members to support Commander Woods and to honor their word. Just do what you say you will do, he stated.
During her remarks, Commander Woods stated that American Legion Post 515 will continue to focus on the American Legion Purpose: Service to Veterans, Service to Veterans Families and Service to the Community. She also said the Post will continue focus of the Four Pillars of the American Legion: Americanism, Children and Youth, Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, and National Security.
Additionally, she said there are numerous programs and activities the Legion hopes to conduct this year, such as an oratorical contest, 5th grade essay, Boys and Girls State, academic scholarship, Wreaths Across America (WAA), assist veterans and families where possible, take comfort items to veterans at the Dublin VA hospital, get involved in civic and other organizations programs and more. Post 515 will mentor young students to become oratorical contestants, which is open to students in grades 9 through 12. The Post needs the help of parents, grandparents and educators to help us find hidden talents. Members will do the rest.
Wreaths Across America is at the top Commander Woods’ list of priorities. There are 88 cemeteries with over 3, 000 known deceased veterans selected for the 2024 WAA Program. Wreath sponsorship is $17; to donate, mail a check payable to American Legion Post 515, Inc, P.O. BOX 2094, Douglas, GA 31534, use the Post 515 Venmo account @AmericanLegionPost515 or call Jerome Loving at 912-592-6413. He is the Wreaths Across America coordinator for Coffee County and he will make arrangements to meet you. Donations should arrive at Post 515 by November 1, each year and all donations are tax deductible. It’s never too early or too late to donate and every little bit helps. With the help of this patriotic community and dedicated community volunteers, Post 515 was recognized by Wreaths Across America National as the number four WAA program in the state. “We remember, honor, and teach,” stated Commander Woods.
For information about programs and activities at Post 515, contact Jerome Loving at 912-592-6413 or message him.
About Commander Woods
Debra Woods is a United States Marine Corps Retired, CWO-3. She graduated as the Salutatorian of the Nicholls High School Class of 1983. After graduating high school, she joined the United States Marine Corps. She attended boot camp at MCRD Parris Island, SC. She graduated as the Platoon Honor Graduate in April 1984, earning her a meritorious promotion to Private First Class. Debra earned two additional meritorious promotions while serving as a postal clerk in the USMC and was selected for Warrant Officer in 1996.
During her time in the military, Debra was stationed at the following locations: Marine Barracks 8th and I, Washington, DC; two tours of duty at Camp Pendleton, CA; two tours of duty in Okinawa Japan; Camp Lejeune, NC; MCRD San Diego, CA; HQMC Arlington, VA; MCAS Miramar, CA; Drill Instructor duty at MCRD Parris Island, SC; and combat duty in Kuwait and Iraq during the Iraq War.
After 20 years and nine months of active duty service, she retired from the Marine Corps in June 2004 and returned to Coffee County. Upon returning to Coffee County, she started working as the Senior Naval Science Instructor for the Coffee High School Navy Junior Reserve Officer Reserve Training Corps (CHS NJROTC) Program.
The CHS NJROTC Program has excelled under her leadership. They earned The Navy League Most Improved Unit in 2007; also in 2007, the CHS NJROTC Drill Team brought the first National Championship to Coffee High School when the team won the National High School Unarmed Division Challenge Level Championship. In 2010, the drill team placed 4th in the Nation in Master’s Level Unarmed Regulation Drill; in 2015, the drill team placed 9th in the Nation in Challenge Level Armed Exhibition Drill; and in 2021, the drill team placed 3rd in the Nation in Challenge Level Unarmed Regulation Drill. The CHS NJROTC has earned the prestigious Distinguished Unit Award 17 of the last 20 years under Debra’s leadership and guidance.
In 1998, Debra earned her bachelor’s degree in Management, Human Resources from Park College and in July 2004, she earned her certification as a Senior Naval Science Instructor from the Naval Service Training Command.
Her individual awards include: the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal with 1 star, the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal with 2 stars, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Navy Unit Commendation Medal, the Meritorious Unit Citation with 3 stars, the Good Conduct Medal with 3 stars, the National Defense Service Medal with 1 star, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Medal, the Drill Instructor Medal, Coffee High School Teacher of the Year 2010-2011, and Student’s Choice Award 2013-2014 and 2014-2015.
She joined Lester Smith American Legion Post 515, Inc., in 2008. Since joining Post 515, she has served as Post Adjutant, Jr. Vice Commander, and Sr. Vice Commander. She also serves on the Post 515, Veterans’ Honor Guard. On July 13, 2024, she was installed as Commander, American Post 515 for Legion year 2024-2025.
Debra has one daughter, Doctor, Jazmine Woods, PT, DPT.