How Post 279 got its name



American Legion Post 279 in Woodbury, home of the Legionnaire of the Year 2012, Commander Bobby E. Ferrell said, “Post 279 is the first newly organized post in Tennessee in over 20 years. We are proud of our new Post, chartered under the name of Hilton Stone American Legion Post 279.”


MSgt. Hilton Stone, United States Air Force, retired with 26 years of service. He was an Air Force Recruiter for Cannon County for over 6 years. He placed many young men and women into the US Air Force.

Following is a reprint of an article from the Cannon Courier in 1956.


Master Sergeant Hilton Stone, recruiting officer for the U.S. Air Force in this county and seven others, this week was awarded a “Million Dollar Club” certificate for his excellent recruiting service rendering during the past year.


Sgt. Stone is a native of Woodbury and now resides with his family on Colonial Street. He has been connected with the Armed services for 24 years, serving since 1952 as a recruiting officer here and in the adjoining counties.


He was the only officer in the Air Force service to receive this award in the State of Tennessee.
A letter from his commanding officer, Arno H. Luehman, Frigadier General, USAF, Robbins Air Force Base, Georgia, is as follows:


“I should like to extend my congratulations to you upon your appointment of membership in the “Million Dollar Club.” It was not easy to qualify for this distinction. It demanded from you hard work and thorough planning, and I know that you are genuinely proud that membership in this honorary association has been conferred upon you.

You have been instrumental in saving the Air Force a million dollars, which is a fitting testimonial to the super caliber of your performance of duty in behalf of recruiting. It is also an indication of the increased emphasis and additional effort you have given the prior service phase of our million.


Your success is worthy of our highest praise and regard, and we consider ourselves indeed fortunate to have you as a member of the Air Force Recruiting Service.”