"Family First"

First female national commander of the American legion visits Oregon

By Tyler Francke, Oregon Veterans News Magazine

When U.S. Army veteran Denise Rohan first tried to join The American Legion with her husband, also a veteran, the response was something she has never forgotten: “Women join the Auxiliary.”

Now the national commander of the country’s largest wartime veterans service organization (and the first woman to ever hold that position), her photo hangs on a wall of the Post that declined her membership 37 years ago. Underneath the photo of the national commander is a sign that reads: “She could have been a member of our Post. Remember, women are veterans too!”

In January, Rohan brought her message of inclusiveness and mutual love and support — which she sums up in a two-word motto: “Family First” — to Oregon, visiting the Edward C. Allworth Veterans’ Home in Lebanon, along with several Legion posts, and meeting with Gov. Kate Brown and other state and veteran community leaders in Salem.

Denise Rohan embraces WWII veteran and resident Bill Wingett at the Oregon Veterans' Home in Lebanon

In a gathering at the State Capitol Building with Gov. Brown and her staff, dignitaries from The American Legion and representatives from the Oregon National Guard and Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Rohan described her theme as being based on the idea that strong communities have the power to bring hope and healing to those in need.

“I truly believe that if we get our veterans connected with the Legion, with new battle buddies, we can eliminate a lot of the suicides and homelessness,” she said.

She also spoke admiringly of Oregon’s long history of supporting its veterans, including the passage of Measure 96 in 2016, which was approved by a historic 84 percent of voters.

“You can tell the state of Oregon cares about its veterans,” she said.