Gulledge chosen as N.C. American Legion chaplain

Friday, July 03, 2009 7:53 AM  |  Printer friendly version | E-mail to a friend |

By Steve Huffman

shuffman@salisburypost.com

The Rev. Gary Gulledge of Granite Quarry has been elected state chaplain for the North Carolina American Legion.

Gulledge, 64, served four years in the Navy and eight years in the Army. He and his wife, Joyce, have six children.

Gulledge was elected the American Legion's state chaplain during a convention held last month in Raleigh. He said the selection is an honor, as he'll be representing the American Legion in events across North Carolina as well as much of the rest of the nation.

The former state chaplain, Gulledge said, held the position 10 years, meaning it doesn't become vacant often.

"I'll travel to any number of events like this," Gulledge said Thursday as he participated in an event honoring veterans at Salisbury's Abundant Living Adult Day Services. "Wherever they need me, I'll be there."

Gulledge is a member of Faith Baptist Church and Faith American Legion Post 327. He's also a member of the Rowan Military Honor Guard, a group whose members fire rifle salutes at a number of burials and other events throughout the year.

Gulledge has never pastored a church, but said he felt it was God's calling for him to serve the American Legion.

"God said, 'I'm going to give you a church, and that church is the American Legion,' " he said. "It's a privilege."