Dozens of members of Selma’s American Legion Post 20 were on hand Thursday to watch as their new post commander was installed.

After being a member of the post for 15 years and previously serving as an officer, Bob McMasters was tapped as post commander by Alabama American Legion Department Commander Ron Haygood.

“It’s an honor to be commander of a post in the American Legion,” McMasters said. “Everybody knows the American Legion, and they do a lot of good work. I’m just extremely honored to serve as post commander.”

McMasters, who served in the Air Force from 1971-1975, said Post 20 was moving in a positive direction, a direction he hopes to continue to follow.

“To be able to lead these guys for the next year is going to be a lot of fun,” McMasters said. “And most importantly, we hope to do a lot of good over the course of the next year.”

McMasters replaced outgoing commander Jesse Sanchez, who said he felt confident the post would continue to be able to accomplish great things in the community under the leadership of McMasters and the seven other officers who were sworn in at Thursday’s meeting.

He said all outgoing commanders often feel two things at the time their successor is sworn in.

“As outgoing commander, I am proud of our accomplishments from the past year and I regret the things I didn’t get to do,” Sanchez said. “But with a new incoming commander, I feel American Legion Post 20 in Selma, Alabama is in great hands.

“With [McMasters] and his staff, as well as the cooperation of the people in the community, this post will be able to do things we were not able to do last year or the year before. I wish them all the luck in the world.”

The eight officers installed were: Commander Bob McMasters, First Vice Paul Duke, Second Vice Lester Curtis, Adjutant John Coon, Fiance Officer John Lackeos, Service Officer James Edwards, Chaplain Pete Edwards and Sergeant at Arms Bill Lennox.