The American Legion Family - 2023 National Convention Guide

THE AMERICAN LEGION FAMILY

WELCOME TO CHARLOTTE

While you are in town, we invite you to discover the history, heritage and excitement found inside the NASCAR Hall of Fame. It’s an experience that is uniquely Charlotte, and one you don’t want to miss.

YOUR MEETING BADGE IS YOUR TICKET TO SPECIAL PRICING:

SHOW YOUR BADGE AT THE NASCAR HALL OF FAME BOX OFFICE AND RECEIVE A DISCOUNTED $20 TICKET.

Photos of Charlottte courtesy Visit Charlotte

WELCOME TO

On behalf of the City of Charlotte, it is my honor to extend a warm welcome to each and every one of you. Our vibrant city will serve as the backdrop for this prestigious event, and we are thrilled to have you here.

As you immerse yourselves in the convention proceedings, I encourage you to take some time to explore the wonders of our city. Charlotte is home to a rich cultural scene, and I invite you to discover the Levine Center for the Arts, which houses renowned institutions such as the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Art and Culture and the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art.

I also encourage you to check out Discovery Place and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. These attractions showcase the diversity and creativity that define our community.

May your time in Charlotte be filled with productive meetings, meaningful connections and memorable experiences. I extend my best wishes for a successful and enjoyable convention.

Thank you for choosing Charlotte as the host city for this event. We are honored to have you here, and we look forward to showcasing the best of our city to you.

On behalf of the North Carolina American Legion Family, it is with great pleasure we welcome you to Charlotte and the 104th National Convention.

The “Old North State” is home to Southern hospitality. While in our Queen City, take advantage of the rich culture, historical attractions and good food establishments sure to satisfy your taste. There are plenty of places to visit nearby: Shelby, home of the American Legion Baseball World Series; Carowinds amusement park; Charlotte Motor Speedway; Concord Mills Shopping Mall; the Billy Graham Library; and Carolina Panthers football, just to name a few.

The American Legion National Convention Corporation of North Carolina and our department have worked hard planning and preparing for this convention. Our goal is that this will be a most enjoyable and memorable convention for you. Our North Carolina Legion Family is here to assist you, so please don’t hesitate to ask for assistance.

Again, welcome to Charlotte and North Carolina. “Charlotte’s Got a Lot,” as the slogan says. Enjoy your stay here!

Vi Alexander Lyles Mayor, City of Charlotte

Mike Donnelly 2022-2023 Commander, Department of North Carolina

CHARLOTTE

On behalf of the nine members of the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners, and the more than 1.1 million citizens of Mecklenburg County, I would like to take the opportunity to welcome the delegates, alternates and guests of The American Legion to Mecklenburg County. We are honored that you have chosen Charlotte as the host city for your 104th Annual National Convention.

I applaud your organization’s commitment and dedication to service throughout the years. Thank you for the ways you serve our veterans and our country. Thank you for your unwavering efforts in bringing awareness to the many issues that affect the quality of life of veterans, their families and the community. The support you have provided through your various programs – youth, sports, scholarships, training, homelessness, financial assistance and so much more – speaks immensely to the many ways you have invested in your communities. Your consistent work for over a century is to be admired and celebrated.

I hope you will find Mecklenburg County to be very welcoming and gracious hosts. During your visit, I invite each of you to venture out and meet the people who make Mecklenburg County great. We are especially proud to be the home of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the Levine Center for the Arts which includes the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Discovery Place, and the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts and Culture. We also hope you will choose to visit and experience the uniqueness and culture of our towns of Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill and Pineville, all within a 30-minute drive of uptown Charlotte. Again, welcome to Mecklenburg County, and I extend warmest wishes for a successful event.

As governor of North Carolina, I am proud to welcome all of you to the 104th American Legion National Convention in Charlotte.

I am grateful for the work you do on behalf of our military veterans. They have served with honor and dignity since the founding of our country. Veterans and their families have made untold sacrifices to ensure that we can continue to enjoy the freedoms we treasure.

My warm personal regards, and best wishes for continued success in all your future endeavors. I hope you enjoy your time in the Queen City.

George R. Dunlap Chairman, Mecklenburg County Commissioners, District 3

Roy Cooper Governor, State of North Carolina

WELCOME from the AUXILIARY PRESIDENT

It is wonderful to be back with the American Legion Family for the national convention! This annual gathering of our members is always a favorite time of year. I look forward to celebrating the American Legion Auxiliary’s 2022-2023 administrative year with all of you.

Throughout my travels, I loved seeing our Legion Family working together. From preparing meals to coordinating visits to VA facilities to organizing fundraising events, it was a focus on Family.

Working the Auxiliary’s mission alongside American Legion National Commander Vincent J. “Jim” Troiola and Sons of The American Legion National Commander Chris Carlton was amazing. From unit and department visits as a Legion Family to laying wreaths at monuments and cemeteries, we enjoyed our camaraderie.

I am very proud of how our ALA members helped National Veterans Creative Arts Festival companions this year. This project was near and dear to my heart since I first thought of pursuing it for my administrative-year focus. It was

extremely satisfying to see it come to fruition and witness companions able to eat meals with their veterans while at the festival. Stay tuned to find out the grand total of money raised for the project.

It was no easy feat to raise awareness of our prisoners of war and those missing in action, but I’m happy to say I believe even more Legion Family members and communities nationwide are aware of those still missing and what it takes to bring them home. Continue to remember these men and women and their families, and support this cause in any way you can so our heroes receive the final resting place they deserve.

I hope all of our American Legion Family members have a productive and fun national convention to celebrate our accomplishments and continue to focus on the mission.

Vickie Koutz American Legion Auxiliary Unit 200, Boonville, Ind.

WELCOME from the

NATIONAL COMMANDER

Priority No. 1 for The American Legion is to save veterans’ lives. Our Be the One message to prevent veteran suicide is making a difference. VA is now required by law to conduct an annual Buddy Check Week to encourage peer support and outreach to vulnerable veterans. Without the hard work and advocacy of American Legion Family members in departments around the globe, this law would not be on the books today. As your national commander, I thank you for reminding Congress that the suicide rate among veterans is a national tragedy. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, I implore you to call 988, the national crisis line.

Discussions this past spring about budget deficits and the debt ceiling have commanded much attention from the 118th Congress and the White House. The American Legion likes to remind the public of another debt: the debt owed to America’s veterans. Providing for our common defense is a constitutional mandate. Not only have veterans protected this nation since its founding, but it is their continued service that enables our government to operate and debate in a free society. Veterans did not cause the current budget dilemma, and the Legion will oppose any efforts to balance the budget by forgetting our obligations to America’s heroes.

During my year in office, I was able to visit hallowed places such as the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor and Omaha Beach in Normandy. I visited military installations from all branches of the armed forces, and am heartened to know that today’s servicemembers are as dedicated and talented as any generation before them. It only reinforces my belief that The American Legion should always fight for high quality of life, advanced training and superior firepower worthy of those who voluntarily defend us.

Finally, I’d like to thank all of the departments for the amazing hospitality given to me during my visits as a commander and a candidate. Your generosity toward American Legion Charities is impacting the lives of so many Americans. I also thank you for your continued support of the Veterans & Children Foundation.

I am humbled and honored to have served as your national commander.

Vincent J. “Jim” Troiola

For God and Country

we associate ourselves together for the following purposes:

To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America;

to maintain law and order;

to foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism;

to preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in all wars;

to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation;

to combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses;

to make right the master of might;

to promote peace and good will on earth;

to safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy;

to consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.

William E. DeBevoise Jr. American Legion Post 1682, Rockland County, N.Y.

National Commander Troiola: A YEAR IN PHOTOS

LEFT PAGE

TOP: Vincent J. “Jim” Troiola of New York is elected national commander at the 103rd National Convention in Milwaukee.

MIDDLE LEFT: Troiola participates in the pre-race ceremony for the Indianapolis 500. Photo

MIDDLE: Troiola, middle, visits NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, with other Legion leadership.

MIDDLE RIGHT: Troiola participates in ceremonies dedicating the Theodore Roosevelt Jr. “Statue of Liberation” in Sainte-Mère-Église, Normandy, France.

BOTTOM LEFT: Troiola speaks to Indiana representatives and directing members of the military at the Indiana War Memorial during the 500 Festival Memorial Day service.

Photo by Jennifer Blohm

BOTTOM RIGHT: Troiola joins American Legion national commission chairmen and staff as he presents testimony in a joint congressional session during the Washington Conference. Photo by Hilary Ott

RIGHT PAGE

Troiola and his wife, Saveria, attend a White House state dinner honoring the president of France. White House photo

Photo by Hilary Ott

by Gary Schacher

Photo by Gary Schacher

Photo by Jeff Stoffer

AMERICAN LEGION NATIONAL CONVENTION CORPORATION OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.

Jim Mayhew President

Gaither M. Keener Jr. Vice President/General Counsel/ Secretary

Jeff W. Joyner

Vice President

NVC Patricia Harris Vice President

NECman David Shore Vice President

Greg Gidding Treasurer

Larry D. Cline

Badges & Packets

Richard Neville Chairman

Shuford Edmisten Chairman

PNC Bill Oxford Chairman

Cary A. McMasters Chairman

Joseph Reale Sr. Chairman

2022-2023 Department

Commander Michael Donnelly

Vice Chairman

Bill Richard Chairman

Ted Martin Chairman

Martha Corriher

Vice Chairman

Rick Land

Riders Ex Officio

Christopher Byrd

Sons Ex Officio

Deborah Rose

Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Ex Officio

Roy Pressley

President Emeritus

Michael E. Walton Chairman Illinois

Charles E. Gannon Vice Chairman Maryland

Mark A. Gullion National Commander’s Rep. Indiana

Larry J. Marcouillier Consultant Delaware

Dianne M. Boland Consultant Florida

Kenneth J. Goth Consultant Missouri

Robert F. Neville Consultant New York

Charles P. Smith Consultant Colorado

Mary Lepley Georgia Tim Sentz Pennsylvania

James Huls South Dakota

Sondra Dickerson Virginia

Nikki S. Randolph Maryland Wayne D. Satrom North Dakota

William E. Anderson Ohio

James E. Prendergast Texas

David L. Buist Michigan

Roger P. Mathison Wisconsin

James T. Higuera California

Ted G. DeMicchi Ex-Officio Member Wisconsin

John A. Derner Advisory Board Iowa

Michael J. Maxa Advisory Board Minnesota

Zeste C. Debro Advisory Board Georgia

D. Joseph Jackson NEC Liaison, Chairman Connecticut

Jeffrey K. Crouser NEC Liaison Delaware

Phil Youngblood NEC Liaison Georgia

George E. Scarborough NEC Liaison Missouri

David S. Shore NEC Liaison North Carolina

Jim Mayhew President

Jeff W. Joyner Vice President

NVC Patricia Harris Vice President

Greg Gidding Treasurer

Larry D. Cline Badges & Packets

Richard Neville Chairman

Shuford Edmisten Chairman

PNC Bill Oxford Chairman Cary M. McMasters Chairman

Joseph Reale Sr. Chairman Dept. Cmdr. Michael Donnelly Chairman

Bill Richard Chairman Ted Martin Chairman

Martha Corriher Vice Chairman

Rick Land Riders Ex Officio

Christopher Byrd Sons Ex Officio

Deborah Rose Asst. Secretary/ Treasurer Ex Officio

Roy Pressley President Emeritus

Gaither M. Keener Jr. VP/General Counsel/Secretary

Robert L. Shappell NEC Liaison Wisconsin

SONS of THE AMERICAN LEGION

Greetings, Sons of The American Legion and the entire American Legion Family.

During this 51st Sons of The American Legion National Convention, as we continue on the journey to the Sons’ centennial, I’m proud of the efforts my fellow Sons have made in growing and improving our storied program. We’re close to an all-time high in membership. We continue to lead the way in donations to the Child Welfare Foundation. Our support of our veterans remains strong and unwavering.

The Sons of The American Legion have approached all their efforts this year “with passion and purpose.” From volunteering in VA medical centers nationwide, to supporting the Legion’s vital youth programs, to finding ways to Be the One to help reduce the rate of veteran suicide, the Sons have exemplified that they are indeed “proud possessors of a priceless heritage.”

I congratulate you on a great year, for both the Sons of The American Legion and the Legion Family. Enjoy yourselves here in Charlotte, and remember that you can Be the One to save a veteran.

Christopher Carlton National Commander Leo F. Welch Jr. Squadron 495, Indianapolis

SONS of THE AMERICAN LEGION AGENDA

CONVENTION COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Friday, Aug. 25, 8:30 a.m.

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Friday, Aug. 25, 10 a.m.

Sunday, Aug. 27, 2 p.m.

FRIDAY, AUG. 25

8 a.m.

Detachment Commanders Training

10 a.m.

Pre-Convention NEC Meeting

1 p.m.

Call to Order

Salute to the Colors

Invocation

Pledge of Allegiance

Preamble to the Constitution of the Sons of The American Legion

Reading of Convention Call

Roll Call

Opening Remarks

Welcome from Host Detachment

Salute to the Colors

Recess

SATURDAY, AUG. 26

9 a.m.

Call to Order

Salute to the Colors

Invocation

Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call

Legislative and Rules Committee

Final Report of the National Commander

First Report of Credentials Committee

Membership Committee Report and Awards

Child Welfare Foundation Committee Awards

Presentation of National History Book Contest Awards

Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Committee Report and Awards

Internal Affairs Committee Report

Americanism Committee Report and Awards

Presentation of Community Service

Scrapbook Awards

Children & Youth Committee Report and Awards

Veterans Education & Employment Report

National Vice Commanders Reports

Legislative and Rules Committee Report

Finance Committee Report

Constitution and By-Laws Committee Report

Final Report of Credentials Committee Recess

2 p.m.

Area Caucuses (or immediately following recess)

SUNDAY, AUG. 27

8 a.m.

Call to Order

Salute to the Colors

Invocation

Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call

National Convention Memorial Service

Introduction of 2023 National Sons of The American Legion Color Guard Champions

Special Order of Business

Nominations of Sons of The American Legion National Officers

Election of Officers:

National Commander

National Vice Commanders (5)

10:30 a.m.

Recess for Joint Memorial Service

11 a.m.

Joint Patriotic Memorial Service

12:30 p.m. (reconvene)

Call to Order

Salute to the Colors

Installation of Newly Elected Officers

Benediction

Retirement of Colors

Final Adjournment

2 p.m.

Post-Convention NEC Meeting

2022–2023 NATIONAL OFFICERS

National Commander

Christopher A. Carlton, Indiana

National Vice Commanders

Ernest E. Laberge, Massachusetts

Ronald E. Roberts, Mississippi

David J. Mennel, Michigan

Michael L. Kirschner, Colorado

Jack A. Youngs, Idaho

National Adjutant

Anthony W. Wright, Pennsylvania

National Assistant Adjutant Emeritus

Harold E. Thompson Jr., Nebraska

National Assistant Adjutants

James “Ed” Sheubrooks, Florida

Robert J. Avery, New York

Scott A. Williams, Virginia

Jeffrey E. Hicks, New Jersey

Scott J. Thornton, Ohio

Clifford E. Hall, Georgia

PAST NATIONAL COMMANDERS

1972 John Smolinsky, Massachusetts

1973 Robert Faust, California

1974 James R. Hartman, Maryland

1975 Gregory D. Reis, Illinois

1976 Grant M. Jamieson, Michigan

1977 Charles E. Gannon, Maryland

1978 John M. Sherrard, California

1979 Richard J. Kepler† , Florida

1980 Ernest Wilson† , New Jersey

1981 Donald L. Willson† , Pennsylvania

1982 David P. Stephens, Indiana

1983 Christopher R. Cerullo, New York

1984 Fred L. Hartline Sr., Ohio

1985 Woodrow L. Mudge † , Colorado

1986 Royce Doucet† , Louisiana

1987 Douglas P. Bible, Minnesota

1988 Richard L. League, Maryland

1989 David R. Faust, Wisconsin

1990 Charles R. Belles† , Virginia

1991 Robert A. Worrel, Indiana

1992 Eugene L. Sacco, California

1993 Charles B. Rigsby† , Michigan

1994 Roland D. Matteson† , Arizona

1995 Joseph M. Mayne, Minnesota

1996 John T. Dietz, Kentucky

National Chaplain

Jeffrey L. Gibson Sr., Alabama

National Historian

Stephen J. DeFeo, Indiana

National Parliamentarian

Gary B. Leach, California

National Sergeant-at-Arms

Greg Wagner, Indiana

National Assistant Sergeants-at-Arms

Brian K. Waters, Pennsylvania

Lyle G. Larson, Kansas

Mark T. Fayer Sr., Maryland

Gregory A. Falco, New York

Matthew W. Griffis, Arizona

National Commander’s Aide

David A. Miller, Indiana

1968 Michael K. Seaton, California

1969 Robert McBride, Ohio

1970-1971 J.R. Stillwell, Illinois

1997 Jack E. Jordan, Texas

1998 William E. Matoska, Maryland

1999 Byron J. Robichaux, Louisiana

2000 Richard L. Cook, Oklahoma

2001 Kevin N. Winkelmann, Texas

2002 Clifford A. Smith, Massachusetts

2003 Steve C. Laws† , North Carolina

2004 Neal C. Warnken, Kansas

2005 Michael J. Deacon, Iowa

2006 William L. Sparwasser, Maryland

2007 Earl R. Ruttkofsky, Michigan

2008 Raymond P. Giehll Jr., Indiana

2009 Thomas E. Cisna, Illinois

2010 Mark E. Arneson, Georgia

2011 David L. Dew, Texas

2012 James K. Roberts III, Florida

2013 Christopher J. Huntzinger† , Pennsylvania

2014 Joseph W. Gladden, Maryland

2015 Michael W. Moss, Colorado

2016 Kevin L. Collier, Alaska

2017 Jeff C. Frain, Arizona

2018 Danny J. Smith, Colorado

2019 Greg “Doc” K. Gibbs, New York

2020-2021 Clint D. Bolt, Virginia

2022 Michael C. Fox, California

2009 Patrick J. Shea† , Ohio

2017 Brian J. O’Hearne, Massachusetts

2022 Joseph Paviglianti, New York

YOUR GIFT GIVES HOPE WHEN HOPE IS ALL THEY HAVE

The American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation funds a vast network of service officers who:

•Provideexpertassistance,freeofcharge,toanyveteranorfamilymember lookingforhelp.

• HelpveteransapplyforVAdisabilitybenefitsandassistwithcritical information,referralsandresourcesoneducation,training,employment, business,deathbenefitsandmore.

• Secureanestimated $16.3 billioninVAdisabilitybenefitseachyear.

Your Gift Can Make A Difference: legion.org/giveVCF

SCAN TO GIVE!

THE AMERICAN LEGION

2022-2023 FOCUS: COMPANIONS AT VETERANS ART FESTIVAL, SERVICEMEMBERS STILL MISSING

Honoring our veterans every day was the national focus of the American Legion Auxiliary during the 2022-2023 administrative year. The ALA accomplished this through helping fund companions of veterans to attend the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, and emphasizing the search for our nation’s prisoners of war and missing in action so all who served are brought home.

HELPING VETERANS HEAL THROUGH THE ARTS

For some veterans, their emotions dealing with PTSD, military sexual trauma and other service-related issues are best expressed through writing, art and performing. The National Veterans Creative Arts Festival (NVCAF) brings together creative veterans throughout the country who made it to the national level after competing at their local VA medical center (VAMC).

Veterans enrolled in these participating VAMCs compete in local creative-arts competitions, which include categories in the visual arts division ranging from

oil painting to leatherwork to paint-by-number kits. There are categories in writing, as well as the performing arts of dance, drama and music.

Most VA facilities hold their local competitions from May to August. The winning entries advance to a national judging process, and first-, second- and thirdplace entries are determined at the national level.

First-place-winning veterans are invited to attend the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, hosted by a different VAMC each year. At the national event, art workshops and writing seminars are offered throughout the week and rehearsals for the stage show are held. The festival culminates with a stage show performance, writing exhibition and gallery-style showcase of artwork. The creative arts are incorporated into the therapy programs at VA to further the rehabilitation goals for inpatients and outpatients alike.

The American Legion Auxiliary has been involved with the NVCAF since 2000, when then-National President Kristine West of New Hampshire placed an

administrative-year emphasis on veterans, leading to the ALA becoming a sponsor of the national festival. West asked the national presidents who followed her term to also support the program — not as their administrative focus, but to at least promote the program so the ALA’s sponsorship could continue.

The commitment to the festival more than 20 years ago was $75,000, and the ALA has since surpassed that. When attending the 2019 festival, West said she never dreamed the connection to the event would grow to what it is today — with monetary and volunteer support to the level of the ALA as a co-presenter of the festival along with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

While on site, ALA members act as an extra hand, a warm smile, a listening ear and more. They see firsthand the overwhelming positive impact the arts have on our nation’s veterans, giving them the chance to heal from visible and invisible wounds, days and even decades after their service.

As co-presenters, and with members involved at both the local and national levels, the event encapsulates the ALA — a community of volunteers serving veterans, military and their families.

Experiencing this positive impact herself, 2022-2023

ALA National President Vickie Koutz was moved the first

time she attended the event. But one thing bothered her that first year and stayed with her: many companions of veterans didn’t eat with their veterans at mealtimes. It broke her heart. Koutz learned many could not afford the meal plan to eat with the veteran they were there to support physically, emotionally and mentally.

“It bothered me that they come all that way and they can’t be there eating with them,” she said.

Thanks to the national president’s 2022-2023 focus, mealtime was full of veterans and companions sitting together at the 2023 NVCAF. During this administrative year, the ALA and American Legion Family raised funds for companions to have their meal plans, travel and/or separate hotel rooms (if needed for non-family member companions) all paid. There was so much gratitude on site for the project; several veterans’ companions told Koutz and other ALA members how much they appreciated the opportunity to attend the event. Many would not have had the funds to do so without the ALA’s support. Monies left over will continue to help fund companions for future years.

People who attend the NVCAF say it’s an incredible event at the national level, as well as the local festivals nationwide. It has made a difference for many veterans who found healing benefits through the arts.

PAGE 14: A POW/MIA vigil in Fair Haven, Vt. Photo by vibeportraitart.com

TOP: Three Marines hiked through 12 states and 3,365 miles to bring awareness to our POWs/MIAs and continued recovery efforts. Team Long Road is made up of Marine Corps veterans Justin “JD” LeHew, Coleman “Rocky” Kinzer and Ray Shinohara. Kinzer and Mario Marquez of American Legion National Headquarters walk together.

Photos by Jennifer Donovan, ALA National Headquarters

TOP: Members of Fair Haven, Vt., attend a POW/MIA vigil held weekly to remind the community that servicemembers are still missing. Post and Unit 49 American Legion Family members host the somber ceremony. Photos by vibeportraitart.com

BOTTOM: Companions of veterans attending the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival take a trolley to see St. Louis; veterans practice for their stage show performance. Photos by Sara Fowler, ALA National Headquarters

At the ALA’s 102nd National Convention, Koutz will announce the grand total of money raised for NVCAF companions during the 2022-2023 administrative year. Follow @ALAforVeterans on social media to learn the final amount.

NEVER FORGET THOSE WHO HAVEN’T COME HOME

The Prisoner of War/Missing in Action flag is often displayed at American Legion post homes, a stark reminder that some of our servicemembers still have not returned home from war. The flag — a black-and-white image of a gaunt silhouette, a strand of barbed wire and an ominous water tower — resulted from the efforts of family members to display a suitable symbol that made the public aware of their loved ones who were held prisoner or declared missing during the Vietnam War.

After this, the emphasis on our nation’s POWs/MIAs increased.

In 1979, National POW/MIA Recognition Day was established through a proclamation signed by thenPresident Jimmy Carter. Since then, each president has issued a proclamation commemorating the third Friday in September as National POW/MIA Recognition Day.

In 1997, a law was enacted that further strengthened the importance of the day, officially designating it as one of six days per year when the POW/MIA flag is required

to be flown at designated federal government locations.

The National POW/MIA Flag Act was signed into law in 2019, which requires the flag to be displayed whenever the U.S. flag is displayed on prominent federal properties.

American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters and other organizations, civilians and businesses choose to fly this flag every single day. The gesture is done to respect and honor those who were held in captivity and returned, as well as those who have yet to come home.

POW/MIA remembrance services are held in post homes, and vigils are conducted in communities nationwide, reminding Americans there is more work to be done.

This is the case every Thursday for American Legion Post 49 and ALA Unit 49 in Fair Haven, Vt. A POW/MIA vigil is held no matter the weather — winter winds, pelting rain, scorching sun or any other conditions

Mother Nature unleashes.

Vermont’s regular weekly vigil started in August 1993 and currently lasts 48 minutes, one minute for each year since the Vietnam War ended.

The vigil is a place for veterans to gather and be with each other — a safe haven — as they support one another in finding those who are still missing.

A Legion Family event with a mixture of members from

Bid to Win ALA States Dinner Silent Auction

The States Dinner Silent Auction will take place on Aug. 30 at the ALA National Convention. All proceeds will benefit the American Legion Auxiliary Foundation. Bidding will be online, so even if you can’t attend in person, you can still be a winner.

Place your bids here:

www.charityauctionstoday.com/ auctions/ALAF-37091 or scan the QR code.

Post and Unit 49 and surrounding Legion posts, the vigil also pulls in people from nearby Whitehall, N.Y. The farthest regular attendee comes from Massachusetts.

Koutz heard firsthand from her husband, American Legion Past National Commander Jim Koutz, about those missing. He served in Vietnam with Company C, 169th Engineer Battalion, and was there over a year, returning in March 1971. Jim vowed to never forget those who died in the Vietnam War or who, to this day, remain unaccounted for. Vickie Koutz worked to raise awareness of POWs/MIAs during the ALA’s 2022-2023 administrative year. During various visits throughout the country, she discussed the awareness campaign and why the Legion Family needs to continue being part of the discussion and resolution.

Koutz had the opportunity to visit two facilities of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), one in Hawaii and another in Nebraska. The DPAA is responsible for determining the fates of those missing and, when possible, recovering and identifying those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

DPAA’s mission is to provide the fullest accounting for our nation’s missing personnel to their families and the nation. More than 81,000 Americans currently remain missing from World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Cold War, the Gulf War and other conflicts. According to

the DPAA, 75% of those losses are in the Indo-Pacific, with more than 41,000 presumed lost at sea.

On Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii, the DPAA has the largest and most diverse skeletal identification laboratory in the world, with more than 30 anthropologists, archaeologists and forensic odontologists on staff.

The hardest part of accounting for missing servicemembers is not having the necessary DNA family reference samples to make an identification. For descendants of missing servicemembers, contact your service casualty officer about a DNA sample by visiting www.dpaa.mil/families/contact-information

U.S. MARINES FOCUSED ON POW/MIA RECOVERY TO RECEIVE ALA’S 2023 PUBLIC SPIRIT AWARD

Inspiring actions often inspire others to action. The American Legion Auxiliary’s prestigious Public Spirit Award recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations for contributions that positively impact communities through service to our veterans, military and their families. Every year, the Auxiliary celebrates those who make a difference through a creative body of work or even a single generous act. Previous recipients have included U.S. presidents and government officials, as well as regular citizens who saw a need and acted.

To tie into the POW/MIA awareness focus, Koutz chose Team Long Road — Marine Corps veterans Justin “JD” LeHew, Coleman “Rocky” Kinzer and Ray Shinohara.

The three hiked through 12 states and 3,365 miles to bring awareness to our POWs/MIAs and that search efforts need to continue. They walked U.S. Highway 20, which is significant for several reasons: the highway is known as America’s longest road, which relates to the long road to bring our POWs/MIAs home; the war in Afghanistan and Iraq is America’s longest war and began more than 20 years ago; portions of the road are known as the POW/MIA Highway; and it’s designated as the Medal of Honor Highway.

Koutz walked with Team Long Road while they were in Oregon, thanks to help from American Legion National Security Director Mario Marquez, who served in the Marines with LeHew and Kinzer. Koutz learned more about Team Long Road’s mission and how their work ties in with the ALA’s emphasis on raising awareness.

“Words can’t express how much it meant to me,” she said.

Hearing their stories, Koutz learned how the American Legion Family could help by continuing to raise awareness in communities across the country.

Team Long Road will be presented with the Public Spirit Award during the general session at the American Legion Auxiliary’s 102nd convention.

AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY DIRECTORY

All information is subject to change.

National Headquarters Office

Richardson Ballroom, Charlotte Convention Center

General Convention Sessions

Exhibit Hall C1, Charlotte Convention Center

National Convention Chairman’s Office

E 213, Charlotte Convention Center

Flowers and Corsages

E 213, Charlotte Convention Center

Mailroom

E 213, Charlotte Convention Center

National Headquarters Hotel

Hilton Charlotte Uptown

AGENDA OVERVIEW: AUGUST 26 – AUGUST 31

All meetings will be held in the Charlotte Convention Center or Hilton Charlotte Uptown. Schedule is subject to change. See a more detailed agenda when you arrive in Charlotte. (All times Eastern.)

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26

8 - 10 a.m.

National Executive Committee Meeting

10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Pre-Convention Committee Meetings: Credentials; Rules; Resolutions

1 - 3 p.m.

Constitution & Bylaws Committee

Pre-Convention Meeting

3:15 - 4:15 p.m.

Division Caucuses

SUNDAY, AUGUST 27

11 a.m.

Patriotic Memorial Service

12:30 p.m. (tentative)

Department Pages Meeting

MONDAY, AUGUST 28

8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Opening Convention Session

TUESDAY, AUGUST 29

8 a.m. - Noon

Convention Session

12:30 p.m.

American Legion Auxiliary Luncheon

6:30 p.m.

The American Legion National Commander’s Banquet

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30

8 a.m. - Noon

Convention Session

2 - 3:30 p.m.

Installation of 2023-2024 National Officers

7 p.m. States Dinner

THURSDAY, AUGUST 31

7:30 a.m. (tentative)

2023-2024 National Executive Committee

Orientation

8:30 a.m. (tentative)

National Executive Committee Meeting

102nd AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY NATIONAL CONVENTION PROPOSED CONVENTION STANDING RULES 2023

1. The Chair may deviate from the printed program when necessary or expedient.

2 The Credentials Committee shall report at such times as directed by the Chair.

3. The audience shall remain seated during the business of the Convention. Doors will remain open unless noise or distractions interfere with the conducting of business. Persons leaving the Convention Hall during balloting, elections, or speaker presentations will not be allowed to re-enter the Convention Hall until the balloting or election is completed, or the guest speaker has concluded his/her presentation. Delegates may leave or enter the National Convention Hall without an escort.

4. Smoking is not permitted. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted. All electronic communication devices shall be turned off or silenced.

5. Admission to the business sessions at the National Convention shall be restricted to those persons displaying the official Convention badge or other acceptable official credentials, or who are under the age of twelve (12) years.

6. Only authorized photographers shall be permitted on stage during the Convention sessions.

7. The National President shall appoint a Minutes Approval Committee to approve the National Convention Minutes.

8. There shall be no public presentation of gifts during National Convention except by prearrangement with the National President.

9. The Chairman of each Department delegation shall be charged with the responsibility of ensuring that only accredited delegates wearing official Convention badges are seated with their delegation. Chairmen of special or standing committees required to report at the National Convention are permitted to be seated with the delegate body. If a delegate is absent from a meeting, an alternate delegate shall take the delegate’s place.

10. Only National Committee Chairmen and voting delegates of the Convention may make motions and address the National Convention in debate. To address the Convention, the voting delegate shall rise and (1) proceed to a microphone, (2) address the Chair, (3) wait to be recognized by the Chair, and (4) upon being recognized by the Chair shall state their name and Department.

11. All main motions, resolutions, and amendments from the floor shall be presented in writing immediately to the Chair on the motion forms provided, signed by the person making the motion. The completed motion form is then to be handed to the nearest Presidential Page for immediate delivery to the Chair.

12. Debate on any question shall be limited to two minutes. No delegate may address the Convention a second time on the same question until all delegates who desire to speak on the topic have spoken. During debate, delegates, alternates, and guests are to remain seated within their own delegation or assigned seating area

unless they are approaching the microphone, completing a motion form, or entering or exiting the general session.

13. Pages may deliver messages to the stage and to other delegations at any time.

14. Each delegate shall be entitled to one vote. The vote of any delegate absent and not represented by an alternate may be cast with the majority of the delegates present from the delegate’s Department, in accordance with the current National Constitution, Bylaws, and Standing Rules.

15. Voting shall be by voice vote or by an electronic voting device, except when the Chair deems it necessary to use some other method. Voting by electronic voting device shall be deemed to be a division of the assembly.

16. Packets containing electronic voting devices shall be provided for each Department. Electronic voting devices shall not be removed from the National Convention Hall. Each Department’s Delegation Chairman or Delegation Secretary shall sign for the electronic voting packets as instructed. Departments will be charged $150 for each device not returned each day. Inside each voting packet shall be:

a. One certification sheet, which shall specify the number of votes to be cast as certified by the Credentials Chairman;

b. An equal number of electronic voting devices as stated on the certification sheet.

17. When the Chair deems paper ballots are to be used, a ballot envelope shall be provided for each Department. Placed inside each envelope shall be:

a. One certification sheet, which shall specify the number of votes to be cast as certified by the Credentials Chairman;

b. An equal number of ballots as stated on the certification sheet.

18. If and when a paper ballot is used, each Department’s Delegation Chairman shall:

a. Appoint two delegates to assist in counting the number of votes cast;

b. Distribute a ballot to each voting delegate;

c. Enter onto the certification sheet the total number of votes cast, plus the absentee votes, witnessed by the assistants;

d. Place the certification sheet and all the ballots in the ballot envelope;

e. Remove the name of the Department from the ballot envelope;

f. Return the ballot envelope as instructed.

19. The National President shall appoint an Election and Tally Committee.

20. Nomination of candidates for National Division Vice President shall be held prior to the convening of the National Convention at the Division caucuses held on Saturday, August 26, 2023. Nominations from the convention floor for National Division Vice President shall not be permitted.

21. Nomination of candidates for the office of National President, National Vice President, National Chaplain, and National Historian shall be made from the convention floor on Wednesday.

22. Nominating speeches shall be limited to two minutes for each candidate except for the candidate(s) for National President who will be allowed four minutes. There shall be no seconding speeches.

23. Following nominating speeches for national officers on Wednesday, each of the nominees for National President, National Vice President, National Chaplain, and National Historian shall be introduced to the National Convention by the Auxiliary member making the nomination, said introduction to be only by name and Department affiliation. In response to the introduction, the nominee shall be allowed a maximum of two minutes for remarks.

24. Election of national officers shall be held on Wednesday. When there is but one candidate for any office, the nominee may be elected by voice. When there is more than one candidate for a national office, the election shall be by paper or electronic ballot, as determined by the presiding officer. A majority of votes cast shall elect each officer. When no candidate receives a majority of votes on the first ballot, a second ballot shall be taken between the candidates receiving the two highest numbers of votes, with the candidate receiving the most votes on the second ballot being elected.

25. The National Convention Parliamentarian and designated NHQ staff are authorized to correct article

and section designations, punctuation, and crossreferences, and to make such technical, grammatical, formatting, and conforming changes as may be necessary to reflect the intent of the voting delegates. 26 These rules may be amended during the Convention by a two-thirds vote.

Note: The following are provisions of the American Legion Auxiliary National Constitution, Bylaws, and Standing Rules that relate to amendments and resolutions. As such, they are not part of the National Convention Standing Rules but are included for convenient reference and edification of the National Convention body.

The ALA Constitution and Bylaws may be amended at any National Convention by a two-thirds vote of the National Convention delegates, provided that the proposed amendments shall have been submitted through the National Secretary to the Departments and members of the National Executive Committee by distributing same to them at least twenty (20) days prior to the convening of the next National Convention. Departments shall be responsible for distributing the proposed amendments to their delegates to the National Convention.

Amendments proposed after the 20-day distribution date may be adopted by a two-thirds vote of the National Convention delegates, provided they have been read at one session of the National Convention prior to taking the vote.

An amendment not having been previously read or distributed as stated above may be adopted by the unanimous vote of the National Convention delegates.

NATIONAL CONVENTION COMMITTEE & SPECIAL APPOINTMENTS

CONVENTION COMMITTEE

Convention Chairman

Jill Puett

Convention Vice Chairman

Janice MacLeod

Local Pages Chairman

Tammy Snider

Local Pages Vice Chairman

Debbie Harris

Mailroom/Flowers Chairman

Mary Wright

Mailroom/Flowers Vice Chairman

Lolita Jenkins

Driver, National President

Toni Reale

SPECIAL APPOINTMENTS

Credentials Chairman

Brenda Collins

Rules Chairman

John Tester

Resolutions Committee

Beth McGinn, Chairman

Dr. Lisa Chaplin, Vice Chairman

Dorothy Hazen, Member

Personal Pages

Personal Page Chairman

Lisa Liford

Personal Pages

Jane Thurston

Jane Ann Hamby

Susi Greathouse

Distinguished Guests Committee

Carlene Ashworth, Chairman

Desireé Stoy, Vice Chairman

Mary E. Davis, Member

THE AMERICAN LEGION STANDING

Rules

As contained in the “Uniform Code of Procedure for the Organization of National Conventions of The American Legion,” the following rules of convention are authorized under Article V, Section 6, of the National Constitution of The American Legion:

1. Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall be the authority on parliamentary procedure, with the following modifications set forth herein.

2. Delegates desiring to make a motion or address the National Convention shall rise, address the chair as appropriate and state their name and the name of their department before proceeding.

3. Debate shall be limited to five minutes for each speaker.

4. Debate on any one subject presented to the National Convention shall be limited to two hours except under such special rule as the National Convention shall adopt prior to debate.

5. Only two delegates from any one delegation shall be permitted the floor on any one question. Where disagreement exists within a delegation, one delegate shall be permitted to speak on each side of the question. Upon a division of the question, however, this rule shall be applied separately for each division.

6. The floor shall be permitted only once to any individual delegate on any one question, except by a two-thirds vote of the National Convention. Chairmen of convention committees may speak as frequently as may be necessary in connection with the reports of their committees. The presiding officer shall not entertain any motion which will curtail further debate without affording the committee chairman an opportunity to make the final statement of the debate.

7. Decisions on rules of debate or parliamentary order by the presiding officer may be subject to appeal by any two delegates under a point of order. Such appeal shall take precedence over any pending questions and shall be decided forthwith. An appeal from the decision of the chair shall be put to the National Convention on the question: “Shall the chair be sustained?”

8. When the poll of any department delegation is demanded by a delegate of such department, the National Convention secretary shall poll the vote without discussion of the question being voted upon.

9. On the roll calls, each delegation chairman shall poll their delegation on the floor and announce its vote.

10. A delegation secretary, if not an accredited delegate or alternate, shall be seated with the secretary’s delegation.

11. Past national commanders’ votes shall be cast with their delegations.

12. Only accredited delegates or their alternates shall participate, directly or indirectly, in a viva voce vote on any subject before the National Convention.

13. Department delegations may arrive at a vote in such manner as they choose, but shall announce it in terms of full units and not in terms of a fractional part of a vote. The vote of any delegate absent and not represented by an alternate shall be cast by the majority of the delegates present from the department.

14. There shall be no unit rule of voting.

15. Voting shall be by acclamation, except when a roll call is demanded by the chairmen of at least three departments. Election of national officers shall be by roll call.

16. In the event a department has not provided the method by which alternates shall be designated to serve in the place of absent delegates, the chairman of the delegation shall make such designation.

17. Prior to the election of national officers, the national commander shall appoint, subject to approval of the National Convention, a judge of election and such number of tellers as deemed necessary, provided that the total tellers so appointed shall be an odd number. In a contested election, candidates going to the ballot shall each be entitled to one teller of their choice.

18. Nominations for national officers shall be from the floor on roll call of the departments alphabetically arranged. Each department may present as many candidates as it chooses.

19. Nominating speeches for national officers shall be limited to five minutes each. Not more than two seconding speeches shall be made for any candidate, and said speeches shall be limited to three minutes.

20. When more than two candidates are nominated for any office, balloting shall continue until one candidate receives a majority of the votes of the National Convention, except in the election of national vice commanders.

21. In a contested election for national vice commanders, balloting shall continue until (a) majorities and (b) pluralities are established for one or more candidates under the following provisions: If, on any ballot taken, less than five candidates receive the necessary

majority to elect, the candidate or candidates receiving a majority vote shall be declared elected and a new ballot shall be taken for the remaining number of places to be filled. The candidate receiving the lowest number of votes on the preceding ballot shall be disqualified. Except, should two candidates remain to fill one place, a new ballot shall be taken.

22. The National Convention will nominate and elect a national commander, and five national vice commanders, in this sequence.

23. At the conclusion of balloting on national vice commanders, each department delegation chairman shall deliver a written ballot to the tellers. Such ballots shall be in the hands of the tellers before communication is made to the national commander for announcement of the results.

24. Those recognized by the national commander shall be entitled to a respectful hearing, and the chair shall have the authority to clear the gallery or the floor or have the sergeants-atarms escort from the National Convention anyone creating a disturbance or interfering with orderly procedure.

25. None of the above rules shall be construed as preventing an alternate delegate from serving on a National Convention committee.

26. The consent of two-thirds of the voting strength of the National Convention is necessary for suspension of the rules of the National Convention.

27. Any amendment to any resolution or report originating on the floor shall be presented in writing and transmitted to the presiding officer at the time of the introduction of such amendment.

28. Special rules applying to specific issues or order of business shall be written and presented to the National Convention by the convention committee on Credentials & Rules for adoption by majority vote at least one hour before such issue, or order, is to be considered unless such rule is agreed to by unanimous consent of the final session. Special rules shall prevail only in the National Convention adopting them. Any delegate may apply for a special rule to the convention committee on Credentials & Rules or may appeal to the National Convention for such special rule provided the rule be presented in writing, be read once from the platform, and shall lay upon the table at least one hour before the vote thereon is taken.

HONOREES

Keni Thomas

Master of Ceremonies

Thomas was a member of Bravo Company of the 3rd Ranger Battalion during the 1993 Task Force Ranger operation in Mogadishu, Somalia. After the Army, he pursued a successful country music career. He has been recognized by Congress and the White House for his dedicated work on behalf of veterans and military families.

First Liberty Institute

Distinguished Service Medal

The organization has proven that it can fight and win for religious freedom through multiple landmark Supreme Court cases – some with American Legion amicus briefs – and has set historic legal precedents that protect people of all faiths.

Chip Ganassi Racing

Patriot Award

The storied race

team is being honored for its dedication in promoting the values of The American Legion – and, especially, the Be the One initiative – through a strategic partnership that has resulted in new members and wide exposure of the national organization to mass audiences.

Hon. Timothy K. Moore

Patriot Award

Moore consistently promoted the values of The American Legion through his leadership and advocacy as speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives, and was instrumental in efforts to enhance the hosting and visibility of the American Legion World Series in Shelby, N.C.

Johnie E. Webb Jr.

Patriot Award

Webb served as part of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) for 28 years, during which time thousands of U.S. servicemembers missing or killed in action since the Civil War were located and identified. He hosted numerous American Legion delegations and often shared his expertise with the National Security Commission.

Bobby Richardson Jr.

James V. Day “Good Guy” Award

A second baseman for the New York Yankees from 1955 to 1966, Richardson was an eight-time All-Star and three-time World Series champion. Raised in Sumter, S.C., he was a leader on the Post 15 American Legion Baseball team. He still attends Legion Baseball games and is a staunch supporter of the program.

John DeBisschop III

Firefighter of the Year Award

DeBisschop joined the Naugatuck, Conn., Volunteer Ambulance Corps and became a certified EMT before joining the Navy in 1993. When he came home in 1997, he recertified as an EMT and became a firefighter. DeBisschop has served with Naugatuck’s fire department since 2005 in a wide variety of roles. The former Eagle Scout is also active in Scouting in his community, as well as in The American Legion.

Audrey Arbuckle

Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award

Arbuckle has been an officer with the Crete, Neb., Police Department since 2015, serving as a patrol officer, field trainer, mentor, investigator with extra FBI training and the department’s

first canine handler. In 2022, her quick medical thinking likely saved the life of a teenager bleeding profusely after an accident.

YOUTH CHAMPIONS

Haley Bock Indianapolis

2023 American Legion National Oratorical Contest winner

Jackson Adams Walla Walla, Wash.

2023 American Legion Eagle Scout of the Year

Give Hope

You can help a child in need of a life-saving transplant by working with the Children’s Organ Transplant Association. COTA works with thousands of transplant families throughout the country, including those in your area.

The Children’s Organ Transplant Association has been commended by The American Legion for its humanitarian efforts on behalf of children in need of organ and bone marrow transplants.

Carl Price Bloomsburg, Pa.

2022 American Legion Baseball AllAcademic Team Captain

The Trusted Leader Supporting Families … For a Lifetime

Go to COTA.org to learn how you can help. Or call 800.366.2682

The 2023 American Legion Boys Nation president, and Junior Shooting Sports Precision and Sporter champions, will be announced at the convention.

Spirit of SERVICE

The Spirit of Service Award is presented to outstanding military professionals in six service branches and the National Guard who are actively committed to volunteer community service during their off-duty hours. Each servicemember is selected by their command office. The winners will receive trophies from National Commander Vincent J. Troiola, as well as one-year memberships in The American Legion.

!WANT TO KNOW MORE? DOWNLOAD THE NATIONAL CONVENTION APP

Staff Sgt. Joseph M. Allen Air Force

Sgt. Nhatalyne Bordes Marine Corps

Sgt. Christopher Irvine Army

Staff Sgt. Dhruva S. Poluru Air National Guard

Petty Officer 3rd Class Ryan Knick Coast Guard

Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Justin D. Santoyo Navy

Spc. 3 Tyler J. Baker Space Force

GUESTS DISTINGUISHED

Red text indicates a distinguished guest who will take the stage at the national convention.

Hon. Alma S.

Adams, Ph.D.

U.S. House of Representatives

Washington, D.C.

Jackson Adams

2023 American

Legion Eagle Scout of the Year

Walla Walla, Wash.

Staff Sgt.

Joseph M. Allen

Air Force

Daniel Mark

Antal Sr.

National Chaplain

The American Legion

Apple Valley, Minn.

Patrol Officer

Audrey Arbuckle

Crete Police Department

Crete, Neb.

Mark A. Avis

Chairman, Americanism Commission

The American Legion

Palmer, Mass.

Spc. 3 Tyler J. Baker

Space Force

Harold D. Barnett

Past National Commander

The American Legion

Douglasville, Ga.

Tammy Bartlet, MPH

Vice President of Government Affairs Student Veterans of America

Washington, D.C.

Glenn R. Bergmann Managing Partner

Bergmann & Moore

LLC, Rockville, Md.

Hon. Joseph Biden (invited)

President of the United States

Washington, D.C.

Haley Bock 2023 Oratorical Champion

Indianapolis

Thomas Bock

Past National Commander

The American Legion

Aurora, Colo.

Darrell Bonapart

Sgt. Nhatalyne

Bordes

Marine Corps

John Bowen Sr.

Chairman, Veterans Employment & Education Commission

The American Legion Colorado Springs, Colo.

David N. Brechbuhl

Director of Client Development

First Merchants

Private Wealth Advisors, Indianapolis

Hon. John Brieden

Past National Commander

The American Legion Brenham, Texas

Jeffrey J. Brodeur National President Korean War Veterans Association, Inc. Naples, Fla.

Hon. Ted Budd (invited)

U.S. Senate

Washington, D.C.

Beth Butler Director, Destination Services Visit Charlotte

Mike Butts, CDME Executive Director Visit Charlotte

Christopher Byrd

Michael T. Byrnes National Sergeantat-Arms, The American Legion Suffern, N.Y.

Roger Byron

Senior Counsel

First Liberty Institute Plano, Texas

Christopher A. Carlton National Commander Sons of The American Legion Greenfield, Ind.

Capt. Louis Cavaliere, Navy (retired)

Vice Chairman Chapel of Four Chaplains

Philadelphia

Chen Chih-Yan

Secretary General

Veterans Affairs

Council, Republic of China

Taipei

Steven Clark

Executive Director

Royal Canadian Legion

Ottawa

Larry Cline

John P. “Jake”

Comer

Past National Commander

The American Legion

Somerville, Mass.

Martin Conatser

Past National Commander

The American Legion

Champaign, Ill.

Ronald Conley

Past National Commander

The American Legion Pittsburgh

Hon. Roy Cooper (invited)

Governor, State of North Carolina

Raleigh, N.C.

Martha Corriher

Jason Coward National Chairman

British Royal Legion

London

Raymond David

Deborah A. Davis

National Historian

The American Legion

Denver

Maj. Gen. Johnny K. Davis

Commanding

General, Army Recruiting Command and Fort Knox

Fort Knox, Ky.

Firefighter John DeBisschop III

Naugatuck Fire Department

Naugatuck, Conn.

Daniel M. Dellinger

Past National Commander

The American Legion

Vienna, Va.

Suzy DePrizio

Chief Marketing Officer

Centene Corporation

St. Louis

Paul Dillard

Past National Commander

The American Legion Lake Kiowa, Texas

Michael C. Donnelly

2022-2023

Commander, American Legion Department of North Carolina

Raleigh, N.C.

Barbara Dragan

Senior Sales Executive, Westin

Shuford Edmisten

Miles Epling

Past National Commander

The American Legion Point Pleasant, W.Va.

Paul Evenson

Chairman, Marketing Commission

The American Legion

Sioux Falls, S.D.

Maja Ferrari, CMP Senior Event Manager, Westin

Jimmie Foster

Past National Commander

The American Legion

Topeka, Kan.

Joseph Frank

Past National Commander

The American Legion St. Louis

Harold A. Fritz, Army (retired)

Medal of Honor recipient

Chip Ganassi

Chip Ganassi Racing

Greg Gidding

Hon. Arthur Griffin

Mecklenburg County Commissioner-atLarge

Joyce A. Hannum

Race to the Top winner

Chagrin Falls, Ohio

Patricia A. Harris

National Vice Commander

The American Legion Raleigh, N.C.

Michael D. Helm

Past National Commander

The American Legion

Norcatur, Kan.

Elizabeth Higdon

National Sales Manager, Visit Charlotte

Billy J. Hill

Race to the Top winner

Brandywine, Md.

Clarence Hill

Past National Commander

The American Legion

Jacksonville, Fla.

Eddie and Millie Holbrook

American Legion World Series Chairman

Shelby, N.C.

David Holmes

Executive Vice

President, Chief Operating/Financial Officer

First Liberty Institute Plano, Texas

Paul Hooper

Dominion President

Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans in Canada

Ottawa

Waco Hoover

Be the One Chief Strategist

Kenneth C. Hylton

National Vice Commander

The American Legion St. Leon, Ind.

Sgt. Christopher Irvine

Army

Matthew D. Jabaut

Chairman, American Legion Membership & Post Activities Committee

Lewiston, Maine

Autrey James

Chairman, Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Commission

The American Legion

Antioch, Calif.

Anthony Jordan

Past National Commander

The American Legion

Augusta, Maine

Michael Joyce President

First Merchants

Private Wealth Advisors

Indianapolis

Jeff Joyner

Bruce Julian

Dominion President

Royal Canadian Legion Kanata, Ontario, Canada

Gaither M. Keener Jr. Chairman, Finance Commission

The American Legion Waxhaw, N.C.

Paul Kennedy

National Vice Commander

The American Legion Pittsburgh

Petty Officer 3rd Class Ryan Knick

Coast Guard

James E. Koutz

Past National Commander

The American Legion Boonville, Ind.

Vickie Koutz

National President

American Legion

Auxiliary

Boonville, Ind.

William Kramer

Executive Director

Chapel of Four Chaplains

Philadelphia

James A.

LaCoursiere Jr.

Chairman, Legislative Commission

The American Legion Oakdale, Conn.

Hon. Alan Lance

Past National Commander

The American Legion

Caldwell, Idaho

Rick Land

Derek LeValley Project Manager, Surge Support

Akima

Fort Cavazos, Texas

Patricia E. Liddell

National Recruiter of the Year

Midland, Ga.

Daniel A. Ludwig

Past National Commander

The American Legion Red Wing, Minn.

Hon. Vi Alexander Lyles (invited)

Mayor Charlotte, N.C.

Ted and Jo-Anne Martin

James C. Mayhew

Hon. Denis McDonough

Secretary

Department of Veterans’ Affairs

Washington, D.C.

Keith McKim

Military Assistance

Command Vietnam Special Operations Group

Florissant, Colo.

Cary McMasters

Bill McMillan

Senior Director of Sales

Visit Charlotte

Butch Miller

Past National Commander

The American Legion Greenfield, Ind.

Army Gen. Mark A. Milley (invited)

Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff

Carl S. Mills

Relationship Manager

Fifth Third Bank

Indianapolis

Hon. Timothy K. Moore

North Carolina Speaker of the House

Raleigh, N.C.

Hon. Jerry Moran (invited)

Ranking Member, Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee

Washington, D.C.

Paul Morin

Past National Commander

The American Legion

Chicopee, Mass.

Robert L. Morrill President

American Legion Child Welfare Foundation

Rochester, N.Y.

Chief Master Sgt. Gerald R. Murray, Air Force (retired)

Board of Directors

USAA

San Antonio

Casey R. Nash

Race to the Top winner

Midway, Ga.

Richard Neville

Robert E. Newman

Chairman, Internal Affairs Commission

The American Legion Garrett, Ind.

Kelly Norris

Disabled Veterans Outreach Program

Representative

Texas Veterans Commission

Garland, Texas

Boatswain’s Mate

Senior Chief Petty Officer Jon

Ostrowski (retired)

President, Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association

James W. Oxford

Past National Commander

The American Legion

Lenoir, N.C.

Alex Palou

Chip Ganassi Racing

Roger Penske (invited)

Chairman Penske Group

Mooresville, N.C.

Staff Sgt. Dhruva S. Poluru

Air National Guard

Roy Pressley

Carl Price

2022 American Legion Baseball All-Academic Team

Captain Bloomsburg, Pa.

Dale Punch

Lincolnton, N.C.

Joseph Reale Sr.

David Rehbein

Past National Commander

The American Legion

Ames, Iowa Chief Warrant Officer 2 (ret.)

Randy Reid

Executive Director, Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association

Brett P. Reistad

Past National Commander

The American Legion Manassas, Va.

Marybeth Revoir National Treasurer

American Legion

Auxiliary

Hickory Hills, Ill.

Bill Richard

Bobby Richardson

2023 Past Department Commanders’ Club

Good Guy Award recipient

Sara Riegel

Executive Director

American Legion

Auxiliary

Indianapolis

Hector L. Rodriguez Rivera

Race to the Top winner

Guaynabo, Puerto Rico

Denise H. Rohan

Past National Commander

The American Legion Verona, Wis.

Deborah Rose

M. David Rudd, MA, Ph.D.

Distinguished Professor of Psychology/Former President, University of Memphis Memphis, Tenn.

Richard Santos

Past National Commander

The American Legion

Selbyville, Del.

Hospital Corpsman

2nd Class Justin D.

Santoyo

Navy

Charles E. Schmidt

Past National Commander

The American Legion Hines, Ore.

Leo Shane III

Deputy Editor

Military Times

Washington, D.C.

Eric Shanks President

Fox Sports Los Angeles

David Shore

Matthew Shuman

Chairman, National Security Commission

The American Legion

Scottsdale, Ariz.

Robert Spanogle

Past National Commander/Past

National Adjutant

The American Legion Indianapolis

Hon. Mark Takano (invited) Ranking Member, House Veterans’ Affairs Committee

Washington, D.C.

Bruce Thiesen

Past National Commander

The American Legion

Plymouth, Calif.

Keni Thomas

Master of Ceremonies

Nashville, Tenn.

Hon. Thom Tillis

U.S. Senate

Washington, D.C.

Jeanette Troiola

Jersey City, N.J.

Saveria Troiola National Commander’s Spouse

The American Legion

Windham, Maine

Robert Turner

Past National Commander

The American Legion Cartersville, Ga.

Douglas R. Uhrig National Vice Commander

The American Legion Rock Springs, Wyo.

Kenny Vaughan

Shields of Strength

Glenn Wahus National Vice Commander

The American Legion

Watford City, N.D.

David F. Wallace

Chairman, Media & Communications Commission

The American Legion

Alexandria, Va.

Adam Walser Investigative Reporter

ABC Action News

Tampa, Fla.

Michael Walton Chairman, Convention Commission

The American Legion Springfield, Ill.

Johnie E. Webb Jr. Former Deputy Director Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency

Honolulu

Elizabeth Wehrheim

Catering Sales Manager

Charlotte Convention Center

Cmdr. Frank Weisser, Navy (retired)

Two-tour Blue Angels pilot

Lisa Williamson National Vice President American Legion Auxiliary Fairbanks, Alaska

Fang Wong

Past National Commander

The American Legion Flushing, N.Y.

Ted Woolford Event Manager Charlotte Convention Center

Davis Wright

Past President General

National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution Louisville, Ky.

CHARLOTTE

PATRIOTIC

Memorial Service

Musical Prelude

Rick Pedro, organist

Apalachin, N.Y.

Welcome

Monica Lockwood

Department Chaplain, The American Legion of North Carolina

Posting of Colors*

Newport Harbor American Legion Post 291

Newport Beach, Calif.

Opening Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance*

Jeffrey L. Gibson Sr.

National Chaplain, Sons of The American Legion

Alabama

Reading of the Holy Scriptures

Mark Antal

National Chaplain, The American Legion

Minnesota

Memorial Prayer

Karen Peel

National Chaplain, American Legion Auxiliary

Ohio

National Chaplain’s Message

Mark Antal

PRESENTATION

OF MEMORIAL WREATHS

For The American Legion

Vincent J. Troiola

Daniel S. Wheeler

National Commander National Adjutant

New York Virginia

For the American Legion Auxiliary

Vickie Koutz Dr. Coral May Grout

National President National Secretary Indiana Massachusetts

For Sons of The American Legion

Christopher Carlton Anthony W. Wright

National Commander National Adjutant Indiana Pennsylvania

11

Schedule subject to change

For those in uniform who lost their lives serving America during the past year

Mark Antal

Karen Peel

Lighting of the Candle of Remembrance

Mark Antal

Taps*

Closing Prayer*

Mark Antal

Retirement of Colors*

Newport Harbor American Legion Post 291

Newport Beach, Calif.

Musical Postlude

Rick Pedro, organist

*Audience stands

82ND AIRBORNE DIVISION ALL-AMERICAN CHORUS

Formed in 1964, the 82nd Airborne Division AllAmerican Chorus includes paratroopers from every brigade within the division. Their mission is to represent the 82nd Airborne and the Army to national and international audiences, and advance the legacy of the division as America’s Guard of Honor.

COLOR GUARD CONTESTS

Friday, Aug. 25

Charlotte Convention Center, Hall A, Exhibit Level 4 p.m.

BAND CONTEST

Saturday, Aug. 26

Charlotte Convention Center, Hall A, Exhibit Level 1 p.m.

AMERICAN LEGION FAMILY BASEBALL NIGHT

Saturday, Aug. 26

Truist Field, 324 S. Mint St. 7:04 p.m.

CAROLINA PANTHERS VS. DETROIT LIONS

Friday, Aug. 25

Bank of America Stadium, 800 S. Mint St. 8 p.m.

NATIONAL COMMANDER’S BANQUET

Tuesday, Aug. 29

Charlotte Convention Center, Crown Ballroom, Meeting Level 6:30 p.m.

Photo by Hilary Ott

Photo by Hilary Ott

Photo by Jeric Wilhelmsen

Photo courtesy Visit Charlotte

Library of Congress

The 2023 Legacy Run will arrive on the Hendrick Motorsports campus in Concord, N.C., on Thursday, Aug. 24. The five-day, 1,100-mile ride will leave American Legion Post 6 in Kokomo, Ind., on Aug. 20 and travel through Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee.

& DINING ATTRACTIONS

Bad Axe Throwing 350 E. 6th St., #1 (844) 818-0999

Brown Bag Seafood Co. 601 S. Tryon St. (980) 819-7830

Buffalo Wild Wings 400 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Suite B (704) 971-9464

The Market at 7th Street 224 E. 7th St. (704) 230-4346

WANT TO KNOW MORE? DOWNLOAD THE NATIONAL CONVENTION APP

LEGACY RUN !

Queen City Quarter 210 E. Trade St. (704) 348-4002

RedEye Diner 210 E. Trade St., C149 (980) 585-2867

Rooster’s Wood-Fired Kitchen 150 N. College St. (704) 370-7667

Ruth’s Chris Steak House 222 S. Tryon St. (704) 338-9444

Mellow Mushroom Pizza 255 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. (704) 371-4725

Super Abari Game Bar 1015 Seigle Ave. (980) 430-4587

*Several museums are located near the Charlotte Convention Center. Check the information racks at your hotel or the convention center.

Photo by Hilary Ott

Super Abari Game Bar

Mellow Mushroom Pizza

Brown Bag Seafood Co.

Bad Axe Throwing

RedEye Diner

The Market at 7th Street

HOTEL Directory

Courtyard City Center

237 S. Tryon St. California, Utah

Embassy Suites

401 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Louisiana, Mississippi, North Dakota, South Carolina, Virginia

Hampton Inn Uptown

530 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Ohio

Hilton Garden Inn

508 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Connecticut, Florida, Nevada, Pennsylvania

Hilton Uptown

222 E. 3rd St.

Alaska, Georgia, Indiana, American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters

Holiday Inn Center City 230 N. College St. Kansas, North Carolina, Oklahoma

Home2 Suites Uptown

610 S. Caldwell St. Arizona, Michigan

Hyatt Place Downtown 222 S. Caldwell St. Montana, South Dakota, American Legion National Headquarters

JW Marriott 600 S. College St. Idaho, Massachusetts, West Virginia, Wisconsin, American Legion National Headquarters, Sons of The American Legion

Kimpton Tryon Park

303 S. Church St. Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee, Wyoming

Marriott City Center 100 W. Trade St. Minnesota, New Hampshire, Oregon

Omni 132 E. Trade St. Iowa, Maryland

Sheraton/Le Méridien

555 S. McDowell St. Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, Texas, Vermont

Westin 601 S. College St. Delaware, District of Columbia, France, Hawaii, Maine, Mexico, New York, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, American Legion National Headquarters

TOP 5 EXPERIENCES

FOR THE AMERICAN LEGION 104TH NATIONAL CONVENTION ATTENDEES IN CHARLOTTE

1. Relive Racing History at the NASCAR Hall of Fame

Explore the legends and legendary moments of NASCAR at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Walk along the iconic Glory Road, honor 75 years of racing in the Great Hall and experience over 850 artifacts and 50 interactive exhibits, all under one roof.

2. Fill Up at Charlotte’s Food Halls

Hop on the light rail to get a taste of Charlotte’s culinary scene. Several food halls, boasting an array of dining options to satisfy any appetite, are located along the light rail system, including The Market at 7th Street, Optimist Hall and Urban District Market.

3. Find Inspiration Along the Levine Avenue of the Arts

Walk across the street from the Convention Center to the Levine Avenue of the Arts, home to the Mint Museum, Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture and the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. Did you know that the Mint Museum gets its name because its first location was the site of the original branch of the U.S. Mint?

4. Connect with Nature at the U.S. National Whitewater Center

Beat the heat with a shady stroll along one of the U.S. National Whitewater Center’s miles of trails for hikers and trail runners. Or, relax in a kayak and discover local wildlife along the Catawba River. For a more energizing adventure, try whitewater rafting.

5. Take a Tour of the Queen City

Explore Charlotte by bike, golf cart or segway with one of the city’s many sightseeing, history or brewery tours. Learn about Charlotte’s history as you cruise around the city on a segway with Charlotte NC Tours, or rent a bike from Joy Rides and pedal your way around on a self-guided tour.

It’s our honor to welcome you to the Queen City. For more itinerary inspiration, visit charlottesgotalot.com.

NASCAR HALL OF FAME

CONFETTI STRIPES WALL, SOUTH END

CONVENTION, CHARLOTTE, N.C.

HOTELS

1. Courtyard

2. Embassy Suites

3. Hampton Inn

4. Hilton

5. Hilton Garden Inn

6. Holiday Inn

7. Home2 Suites

8. Hyatt Place

DINING/ATTRACTIONS

1. Bad Axe Throwing

2. Brown Bag Seafood Co.

3. Bu alo Wild Wings

7. RedEye Diner

EXHIBIT HALL & FLOOR PLAN

SOUTH BREVARD ST.

SOUTH

Charlotte Convention Center Visit Charlotte

The LYNX Blue Line light rail at Charlotte Convention Center Visit Charlotte

MEDICAL SERVICES

EMT arrangements have been made to provide medical services on-site for attendees, if required. Should an attendee require other medical services, contact one of the local hospitals listed on the National Convention mobile app, or follow the procedures below and seek the appropriate assistance.

Should an emergency occur inside the Charlotte Convention Center, go to the nearest house telephone and dial 6090, or dial (704) 339-6090 from a cellphone. VAMC personnel may be available in the exhibit hall, but will not attend to emergency medical situations.

2023 SHUTTLE BUS SCHEDULE Charlotte, North Carolina

Hours of Operation

If you are attending a meeting/function at the Westin, use any house telephone and dial 2357 to report an emergency. The operator will dispatch emergency assistance to your location. To program your cellphone for emergency situations within the hotel, use (980) 333-7695 for security.

If you are attending a meeting/function at the JW Marriott, use (270) 348-1666 for emergency situations.

Any questions concerning medical services may be directed to the National Convention & Meetings Office.

2023 SHUTTLE BUS SCHEDULE Charlotte,

N.C.

For special assistance or shuttle bus questions, please call 866-767-3305. Schedule may be affected by traffic and weather conditions. Last departure from hotels is 20 minutes prior to end of service each day. Schedule subject to change.

ADA service available during all shuttle hours of operation from all hotels listed above and from official hotels within walking distance to the convention center. Please call 866-767-3305 at least one hour in advance to schedule

2023 SHUTTLE BUS Charlotte,

Hours of Operation

questions,

Hours

available during all shuttle hours Please call 866.767.3305 at least one hour

YOUR GIFT GIVES HOPE WHEN HOPE IS ALL THEY HAVE

The American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation helps military and veteran families with children by providing:

• A financial safety net when facing unexpected financial hardships.

• $1,500 grants that can be used for the costs of basic household needs during a crisis.

• Between $500K and $1M in Temporary Financial Assistance each year.

Your Gift Can Make A Difference: legion.org/giveVCF

ACCESS TO CHARLOTTE CONVENTION CENTER

Daily access to building:

One hour prior to start of first meeting

Daily access to convention floor (Aug. 29-31): one hour prior to call to order

Daily building closure:

One hour after last meeting

The above access times and days are subject to change without notice.

SHOW YOUR BADGE DISCOUNTS

The Show Your Badge program provides attraction, dining, nightlife and retail special offers and discounts. charlottesgotalot.com/savings-pass

HEALTH GUIDELINES

Attendees experiencing any COVID-type symptoms should seek medical attention and refrain from attending the convention. For alternatives to hugs, kisses or handshakes, consider fist or elbow bumps, footshakes, waves or tips of the cap.

CHARLOTTE at your fingertips

DOWNLOAD THE AMERICAN LEGION FAMILY NATIONAL CONVENTION APP

Splash pad at the Green

Visit Charlotte

OFFICERS

The American Legion continues its commitment to serving the nation’s veterans, their families and all children. This commitment has served us well since 1919, when the veterans of World War I returned to U.S. soil and formed what would become the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization.

As The American Legion convenes in Charlotte, delegates gather to conduct the vital business of the organization. From this convention will come policies that will direct the volunteer members as they work to make their communities – and our nation – better in the coming year and beyond.

The American Legion accomplishes its goals primarily at the grassroots level, but with direction from National Headquarters in Indianapolis and an office in Washington, D.C.

The American Legion’s chief executive officer is the national commander, elected by national convention delegates to a one-year term. The five national vice commanders are also chosen by the national convention.

Vincent J. “Jim” Troiola is the 2022-2023 national commander of The American Legion. The major accomplishments of the Legion during his term are detailed in this official program and organization report.

Daniel S. Wheeler, national adjutant, is the chief administrative officer of The American Legion. The appointed national officers of the Legion are the national adjutant, national judge advocate, national treasurer, national chaplain, national historian and national sergeant-at-arms.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? DOWNLOAD THE NATIONAL CONVENTION APP

Patricia A. Harris National Vice Commander North Carolina

Kenneth C. Hylton National Vice Commander Indiana

Paul M. Kennedy National Vice Commander Pennsylvania

Vincent J. Troiola National Commander New York

Daniel S. Wheeler National Adjutant Virginia

Douglas Ray Uhrig National Vice Commander Wyoming

Glenn L. Wahus National Vice Commander North Dakota

Michael T. Byrnes National Sergeant-at-Arms New York

Mark Antal National Chaplain Minnesota

Deborah A. Davis National Historian Colorado

Mark Seavey National Judge Advocate Virginia

Shawn Long, CPA National Treasurer Indiana

Gary Schacher Aide to the National Commander New York

Executive Committee

Alabama Hardwick O. Hall Sr.

Alaska James E. Pisa

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Steve W. Aguirre Sr.

Mary V. Erdman

Robert C. Heinisch

Connecticut D. Joseph Jackson

Delaware

Jeffrey K. Crouser

District of Columbia Carlton T. Durham

Florida Jim V. Ramos

France James M. Settle

Georgia Phil Youngblood

Hawaii

Francis E. Riddell Jr.

Idaho Robert L. Skinner

Illinois

Indiana

Willard W. Erickson Sr.

Edward J. Trice

Iowa Dennis J. Soppe

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Dan K. Wiley

William O. Moore Jr.

Charles D. Aucoin

Lloyd H. Woods

David J. Johnson

Massachusetts Michael P. Davis

Mexico

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Michael D. Wood

Jerry D. Lynch

William C. Barbknecht

Steve Sweet

George E. Scarborough

Montana Peter H. Rice

Nebraska Frederick C. Craigie

Nevada Jeanette R. Evans

New Hampshire Kenneth B. Maynard Jr.

New Jersey Berley Hanna Jr.

New Mexico Edward Cheatham Jr.

New York W. Michael Bowen

North Carolina David S. Shore

North Dakota Dean Overby

Ohio

Oklahoma

Stephen M. Masowick

Timothy W. Smith

Oregon Kevin John Owens

Pennsylvania E. Michael Stelacio

Philippines Michael S. Napsey

Puerto Rico Ramon L. Rivera

Rhode Island

Ronald P. Levasseur

South Carolina Joe A. Lysaght

South Dakota Dennis O. Brenden

Tennessee

Robert W. Hensley

Texas Kenneth W. Mueller

Utah Terry D. Schow

Vermont Ronald L. LaRose

Virginia Linden B. Dixon Jr.

West Virginia William W. Kile

Wisconsin Robert L. Shappell

Wyoming Keith R. Davidson

Convention hours

The information desk for the 104th National Convention will be open from Thursday, Aug. 24, to Wednesday, Aug. 30, in the Charlotte Convention Center. Times are subject to change.

The Exhibit Hall will be open from Friday, Aug. 25, to Tuesday, Aug. 29, in Hall B, Exhibit Level of the Charlotte Convention Center. Times are subject to change.

AMERICANISM COMMISSION

2023 COMMISSIONS& COMMITTEES

The purpose of the Americanism Commission is to supervise and coordinate national committee activity and to promote an understanding and appreciation of American government, the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship, and activity in the American way of life through youth programs, community service, instruction of prospective citizens and legal immigrants, education and educational facilities, and protection of the U.S. flag from physical desecration.

Americanism committees

American Legion Baseball Committee

Gary Stone, Chairman, Missouri

Committee on Children & Youth

Herbert J. Petit Jr., Chairman, Louisiana

Committee on Youth Education

Michael W. Westergren, Chairman, Arkansas

Youth Cadet Law Enforcement Committee

Larry Price, Chairman, South Dakota

Citizens Flag Alliance Advisory Committee

National Commander Paul E. Dillard, Chairman, Texas

CONVENTION COMMISSION

The Convention Commission oversees the implementation of The American Legion’s Request for Proposals (RFPs) pertaining to the guidelines for selecting cities to be recommended to the National Executive Committee (NEC) for awarding a national

convention bid; supervises and coordinates (with the host convention corporation, where applicable) all activities, venues and logistical requirements associated with the conduct of a national convention; administers and refers all national convention-related resolutions to the applicable national commission and the National Executive Committee; and assists the chief judge and assistant chief judge of contests with the implementation of procedures supporting the effective conduct of all uniformed groups’ contests at the national convention.

Future convention sites

New Orleans, La. (2024) Columbus, Ohio (2028)

Tampa Bay, Fla. (2025)

Louisville, Ky. (2026)

Kansas City, Mo. (2027)

FINANCE COMMISSION

The purpose of the Finance Commission is to prepare the yearly budget and the handling of funds under that budget, and such other duties as shall be prescribed by the NEC, subject to the approval of the NEC. (See Article I, Section 5, of the National By-Laws of The American Legion.)

American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, Inc.

Dennis Boland, President, Florida

The American Legion Endowment Fund Corp.

Hon. Vincent M. Gaughan, President, Illinois

Overseas Graves Decoration Trust

National Commander Paul E. Dillard, Chairman, Texas

Brian Ruiz, Corporate Financial Controller, Indiana

Mark A. Avis Chairman, Massachuetts

Ronald E. Neff Director, Indiana

Michael E. Walton Chairman, Illinois

Bridget Robinson, CMP/CMM Director, Georgia

Gaither M. Keener Jr. Chairman, North Carolina

Shawn Long, CPA National Treasurer, Indiana

INTERNAL AFFAIRS COMMISSION

LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION

The Internal Affairs Commission handles policies relating to activities conducted for organizational purposes; reviews and gives guidance to the necessary administrative operations of National Headquarters; recommends policies and procedures relating to trophies and awards given by the national organization in connection with Legion activities; acts on all nominations for the Distinguished Service Medal and reports recommendations to the NEC; is responsible for the contents of the Manual of Ceremonies, promotion of its use, the proper wearing of uniforms, caps, regalia, official badges, etc.; and reviews and recommends to the NEC recipients of the International Amity Award and the Canadian Friendship Award. The commission also oversees long-term programs and activities such as Sons of The American Legion, Paid Up For Life, the National Emergency Fund, Legion Riders, National American Legion College, Training Tuesdays, Buddy Checks and more.

Internal Affairs committees

American Legion Riders Advisory Committee

Mark Clark, Chairman, Missouri

Constitution & By-Laws Committee

Hon. Vincent M. Gaughan, Chairman, Illinois

IT Oversight Committee

Gaither M. Keener Jr., Chairman, North Carolina

Membership & Post Activities Committee

Matthew Jabaut, Chairman, Maine

National Convention Resolutions Assignment Committee

Bruce C. Feuerbach, Chairman, Iowa

Sons of The American Legion Advisory Committee

Joseph Mayne, Chairman, Minnesota

Sons of The American Legion Oversight Committee

Michael Seaton, Chairman, California

WANT TO KNOW MORE? DOWNLOAD THE NATIONAL CONVENTION APP

The Legislative Commission provides the NEC with a copy of the annual consolidated Legislative Council activities report (which summarizes the council’s grassroots lobbying efforts for each congressional session); collects into a single report, and then updates, a comprehensive compilation of all resolutions adopted by the national convention and/or the NEC that seek action by Congress or are a legislative policy statement of The American Legion; assists other commissions and their staffs in representing the Legion before Congress, and each committee thereof, on all legislative matters in which the Legion is officially interested; and assists, through its reports to the NEC and its liaison with other commissions, in the formulation of appropriate legislative actions to be officially endorsed by resolution adopted by the Legion.

MARKETING COMMISSION

The Marketing Commission is charged with working in concert with American Legion commissions and committees to build awareness and support for the mission and programs of the Legion; to promote them to active-duty military, National Guard and reserve components, military veterans and retirees, and the general public; and such other purposes as may be assigned to it by the National Executive Committee.

Emblem Committee

Robert Burke, Chairman, Massachusetts

Other responsibilities

Direct mail services

Corporate development

Planned giving Special events

Robert E. Newman Chairman, Indiana

Matt Herndon Director, Indiana

James LaCoursiere Jr. Chairman, Connecticut

Julia Mathis Director, D.C.

Paul A. Evenson Chairman, South Dakota

Dr. Kimberly L. Meesters Director, Texas

2023 COMMISSIONS& COMMITTEES

The American Legion Media & Communications Commission oversees the majority of print and digital media products, channels and services delivered by National Headquarters. The commission also oversees a portion of the organization’s media outreach program, including speech preparation, response to media queries, and support for key marketing initiatives and corporate relationships.

The purpose of the National Security Commission is to recommend policies that will ensure U.S. national security; have an understanding of the federal budget process and the budget of the U.S. departments of Defense, State and Homeland Security; maintain a professional working relationship with those departments, and with all congressional oversight committees and staff relating to the purposes of the commission; to monitor the hearings of these oversight committees and provide congressional testimony in cooperation with the Legislative Commission and staff; and to be knowledgeable about security threats to the United States as defined by the departments of Defense, State and Homeland Security.

National Security committees

Aerospace Committee

James Grenier Jr. Chairman, Virginia

Conventional Armed Forces Committee

Thomas B. Schottenbauer, Chairman, Minnesota

Foreign Relations Committee

Elizabeth Hartman, Chairman, North Carolina

Law and Order & Homeland Security Committee

George W. Wehrli, Chairman, Florida

Military Benefits & Quality of Life Committee

William J. Flanagan, Chairman, Illinois

National Guard & Reserve Forces Committee

William B. Goede, Chairman, Minnesota

Unconventional Forces & Intelligence Committee

Douglas C. Haggan, Chairman, France

David Wallace Chairman, Virginia

R. Jeffrey Stoffer Director, Montana

Matthew Shuman Chairman, Arizona

Mario Marquez Director, Philippines

VETERANS AFFAIRS & REHABILITATION COMMISSION

VETERANS EMPLOYMENT & EDUCATION COMMISSION

The Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Commission formulates and recommends to the NEC policies, plans and programs on direct assistance, outreach and support for veterans and their families with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) claims and benefits, health care, memorial affairs and women veterans programs, to ensure that they receive the highest quality of care from VA for their injuries and illnesses incurred from their military service; coordinates the activities of the national organization in veterans affairs; and oversees the effectiveness of The American Legion’s programs of service to these veterans and their dependents in claims for benefits administered by federal and state programs.

VA&R committees

Health Administration Committee

James W. Stanko, Chairman, Colorado

National Cemetery Committee

James Brehio, Chairman, Massachusetts

TBI/PTSD/Suicide Prevention Committee

Ronald F. Conley, Chairman, Pennsylvania

Veterans Benefits Committee

William J. Smith, Chairman, Pennsylvania

The purpose of the Veterans Employment & Education Commission is to supervise and coordinate all activities of committees assigned to the commission; when necessary, to initiate action concerning all matters affecting the economic well-being of veterans and/or the re-establishment of all veterans returning to civilian life after a period of active service in the armed forces of the United States; and to keep the national commander and the NEC informed concerning all developments affecting the economic welfare of veterans in all areas under the jurisdiction of the commission.

VE&E committees

Employment & Veterans Preference Committee

James Fratolillo, Chairman, Massachusetts

Veterans Education, Other Benefits & Homelessness Committee

Eric W. Measles, Chairman, California

Autrey James Chairman, California

Tiffany Ellett Director, Virginia

John Bowen Sr. Chairman, Colorado

Joseph C. Sharpe Jr. Director, District of Columbia

2023 COMMISSIONS& COMMITTEES

Rodney Rolland

Assistant National Adjutant, Georgia

Rolland serves as deputy to the chief administrative officer of American Legion National Headquarters and oversees the day-to-day administrative functions of the Executive Team.

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES

James Baca

Executive Director, New Mexico

Baca oversees the Americanism, Internal Affairs & Membership and Veterans Employment & Education divisions and the Library, including the Emil A. Blackmore Museum.

Chanin Nuntavong

Executive Director of Government Affairs, California

Nuntavong oversees the Legislative, National Security and Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation divisions, and serves as the liaison for the White House, Cabinet and other D.C.-based organizations.

Dean Kessel

Executive Director, North Carolina

Kessel oversees Marketing, Media & Communications, Convention & Meetings, fundraising and corporate partnerships.

AMERICAN LEGION CHARITIES

American Legion Charities benefits various programs and services focused on the men and women who have served the United States in its armed forces, and the families who support those servicemembers.

ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO NATIONAL COMMANDER

This committee acts as adviser and counselor to the national commander and all other national officers on matters of policy and activities, and studies and reports on matters referred to it by the national commander, the National Executive Committee, the national adjutant or members of the committee.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? DOWNLOAD THE NATIONAL CONVENTION APP

Thank You to our sponsors

TITLE SPONSOR

Founded in 1922, USAA provides insurance, banking, investment and retirement products and services to 10 million members of the U.S. military and their families. Known for its legendary commitment to its members, USAA is consistently recognized for outstanding service, employee well-being and financial strength. USAA membership is open to all who are serving or have honorably served our nation in the U.S. military and their eligible family members. For more information about USAA or to learn more about membership, visit usaa.com/legion or call 1-877-699-2654

PLATINUM SPONSOR

GOLD SPONSOR

SILVER SPONSORS

Comcast NBCUniversal With Honor Action

BRONZE SPONSORS

Hamilton Relay, Inc. (Heroes With Hearing Loss)

National Headache Foundation

VA All of Us Research Program

YE STEIVOS Reception Sponsor

Comcast NBCUniversal

Thank You

to our 2023 National Convention service providers and exhibitors

SERVICE PROVIDERS

82nd Airborne Division Band and Chorus

Atrium Health

Bensussen, Deutsch Associates (BDA)

Callaway Transportation

Captions Unlimited

Carolina Panthers

Charlotte Convention Center

Charlotte Knights

City of Charlotte, Mayor’s Office

Emblem Sales

Encore Global

Infiniti Wireless Solutions

JW Marriott Charlotte

Keni Thomas

Marco Promotional Products

Markey’s

Men’s Wearhouse

Mobility & More – scooters

Nancy Hays Entertainment, Inc.

Rick Pedro, RJCP Entertainment, Inc.

ShowProStaff, Charlotte Convention Center

Shepard Exposition Services

Stage Tech, Inc.

State of North Carolina, Governor’s Office

The Backline Company

The Legacy Motown Revue

The Westin Charlotte

Visit Charlotte

EXHIBITORS

ALA Insurance Program/Amwins

Group Benefits, LLC

American Academy of Ophthalmology

American Legion Child Welfare Foundation

American Legion Media & Communications Division

American Legion National Security Division & Army Donations

American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation

American Sikh Council

America’s VetDogs - the Veteran’s K-9 Corps, Inc.

Army Air Force Exchange Service

Army Historical Foundation/ National Army Museum

Centene Corporation

Childhood Leukemia Foundation

Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA)

Columbia Southern University

Comcast NBCUniversal

CTRMG-GAPSI JVII LLC (CGJV)

Defense Commissary Agency

Diamond Game

Diginity Memorial/Neptune Society

Guidehouse, Inc.

Hamilton Relay, Inc. (Heroes With Hearing Loss)

HealthLight, LLC

Linda’s Place

MyLegion

National Braille Press

National Cemetery Administration

National Headache Foundation

National Ticket Company

National Veterans Creative Arts Festival

New Orleans & Company

Neurolumen, LLC

Panoramic Software (VetPro)

ShipThrifty

Terri Lynn Fundraising

The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution

TriWest Healthcare Alliance

United Concordia Dental USAA

VA All of Us Research Program

VA Center for Women Veterans

VA Debt Management Center

VA Million Veteran Program

VA Office of Connected Care

VA Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

VA - VHA Member Services

Veterans Benefits Administration

Veterans Health Information Exchange (VHIE)

Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States

Veterans Voices Writing Project, Inc.

VHA Office of Healthcare Innovation and Learning

With Honor