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American Legion Cone Post 386 really comes alive each Saturday morning, when people from all over Greensboro line up for their delicious hot dogs.

After making my usual trip to the farmers' market one recent Saturday morning, I decided to stop by Post 386, which is just off Yanceyville Street. I was told they had the best hot dogs in Greensboro, and wanted to see if this was true.

Although it was early, the parking lot was already filling up, and the large dining area was brimming with people having spirited conversations with others while enjoying their hot dogs.

Behind the counter, hot dogs were being made and served as fast as possible by men in white aprons.

I ordered one "with the works," and sure enough, it was as delicious as any hot dog I'd ever eaten -- fixed just right with slaw, onions and a "secret recipe" tasty meat sauce inside a steamed bun.

Later, I met with some of the current officers, Commander Bobby Hill, Vice Commander Edwin Berckman and Chaplain James Frye, as I wanted to learn more about the history of Cone Post 386 and its community outreach.

Cone Post 386 believes in helping youth and has awarded many scholarships to young people. It is believed these young people will be future leaders in our community and world.

Many pictures of past scholarship winners are posted in the main room, sorted by year.

Through hot dog sales, Cone Post 386 annually gives two scholarships to Page High School and two to Northeast High School. The scholarship recipients are selected by senior counselors of each school, Frye said.

Children or grandchildren of Cone Post 386 members may also be nominated for a one-time scholarship if they are graduating seniors planning to go to college.

Cone Post 386 even holds a hot dog day for all the students and faculty at McIver School. Monetary contributions are also given to the school.

There are donations each year to the Shriners Hospital.

Hot dog sales also provide Cone Post 386 with money for donations to individuals or families who need help.

A post member submits a request to the benevolence committee, stating that he personally knows of the need, and requests assistance for the person in need.

"We try to make direct payment for utilities or other small needs," Frye said. "Larger needs are referred to the membership at a monthly meeting after the committee has investigated the situation."

Cone Post 386 was organized in 1947 by a group of Cone employees who took seriously the Legion's challenge to serve the community. The land was donated by Cone Mills, once one of the world's largest manufacturers of denim and corduroy. The current facility was built in 1965, and the mortgage was burned at a ceremony in 1967. The facility sits in the middle of what was once called Mill Village.

Membership has grown to approximately 300 men and one woman who once served our country. There are specific time periods one must have served to be eligible for membership in the American Legion.

Bobby Hill, who is serving his eleventh time as Cone Post 386 commander, said he had two tours of service in Korea. One tour was aboard the USS Smalley DD565. He was decorated by the president of the Republic of Korea.

He worked as a building inspector for 32 years with the city of Greensboro and is now retired.

Edwin Berckman, vice commander, said he left high school in 1954 to join the Navy. His brother was also in the Navy. They served together during the Korean War aboard the same ship, the USS Roanoke. Berckman, now retired, worked for the Guilford County Sheriff's Office.

James Frye, chaplain, joined the U.S. Air Force in 1950, a year after he graduated from Rankin High School. At that time, each 18-year-old was required to register with the Selective Service. Frye became a radio operator and instructor at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi.

"I joined the American Legion to try to give something back," Frye said. "I used the G.I. Bill to buy a home and to go to Guilford College."

Frye has been a member of Cone Post 386 for 19 years. He retired in 1986 as the agency safety and health manager for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in Washington.

Cone Post 386 will furnish pallbearers and assist at the funeral of a serviceman.

"The main thing we want others to know about the American Legion is that our membership consists of individual, qualified veterans -- some conscripted, some volunteer -- who associate together to try to continue the things that made this country great," Frye said.

"Some of these things are upholding and defending the Constitution of the USA, helping to maintain law and order, combating autocracy, trying to do the right thing and helping one another," Frye said.

Contact Peggy Longmire at 288-9040 or e-mail her at rlongmire@triad.rr.com