Photos of New Orleans courtesy New Orleans & Company
WELCOME to NEW ORLEANS
Dear friends:
As mayor of the City of New Orleans, I am honored to welcome The American Legion for your 105th National Convention.
The American Legion focuses on serving our nation’s veterans after they have dedicated their lives in service to us. Your organization excels at providing assistance with benefit programs, services for unhoused veterans and programs for youth, and even encourages civic engagement through promoting voting. On behalf of the city, I express my sincere gratitude for all the meaningful work you do for our nation’s veterans.
New Orleans has a deep-rooted history with our armed forces, and I hope you all enjoy a visit to the renowned National World War II Museum. I encourage you to enjoy all the unique experiences our world-class city has to offer. Treat yourself to our world-famous cuisines, dance to our live music and walk around our historic French Quarter. Lastly, I extend my best wishes for a memorable convening.
LaToya Cantrell Mayor, City of New Orleans
To the men and women of The American Legion:
On behalf of the State of Louisiana, it is with immense pleasure that I welcome you to your 105th National Convention in New Orleans.
As both governor and a veteran of the U.S. Army, I am honored to host such a distinguished gathering of veterans, patriots and community leaders. Your unwavering commitment to service and sacrifice is a testament to the enduring spirit of our nation.
Throughout this convention, as you gather to commemorate the legacy of the Legion and chart the course for its future, may you find inspiration and renewed dedication to the principles that unite us as Americans. New Orleans, a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and spirit of resilience, offers a fitting backdrop for your conference.
I extend my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for your service to our country and your commitment to upholding the values of duty, honor and integrity.
May your time at the convention be filled with moments of fellowship, reflection and renewed purpose.
Jeff Landry Governor, State of Louisiana
Welcome to The American Legion’s 105th National Convention! It is with great pride and enthusiasm that we gather here in New Orleans, the “Jewel of Louisiana.” We hope you enjoy the hospitality, history and subcultures of our fair city.
As we come together, we honor the legacy of service, camaraderie and unwavering dedication that defines The American Legion. We are honored to have National Commander Daniel J. Seehafer and all members of the American Legion Family in attendance with us. The commander’s commitment to our veterans and communities exemplifies the very spirit of our organization. Each one of you embodies patriotism, selflessness and a drive to make a meaningful impact, especially to serve the needs of veterans and their families. You carry forward the principles upon which the Legion was founded – a commitment of service to community, state and nation.
Let us continue to spread the powerful “Be the One” message. Through Buddy Checks and encouraging veterans to become Legionnaires, we strive to promote the principles of The American Legion and continue to move the organization forward. Your participation in meetings and discussions is vital. As you return to your departments, posts, units and squadrons, share the knowledge gained, and let it promote the appreciation of American citizenship.
Today, we salute your unwavering dedication to The American Legion’s mission. Together, we honor our veterans, strengthen our communities and uphold the values that define our organization.
Thank you for being here. Let this convention allow you to fulfill your commitment of unity, purpose and service.
Carl McGee 2023-2024 Commander, Department of Louisiana
WELCOME from the AUXILIARY PRESIDENT
Hello to all American Legion Family members! The national convention is always a great time to be reminded how we are stronger when our organizations come together.
The Legion Family has always been a part of me, from membership in the Department of Alaska all the way up to my position today.
During this administrative year, the Auxiliary placed an emphasis on the Legion Family when American Legion National Commander Daniel J. Seehafer, Sons of The American Legion National Commander Donald “JR” Hall Jr. and I worked together to help our veterans, military and their families across the country, and even in Europe. I enjoyed seeing the Family work together at the grassroots level. You are truly inspiring.
Experiences of some people close to me led to the
Auxiliary’s national focus this year on Be the One – a focus the entire Legion Family embraced, widening the impact. Through The American Legion, VA and Columbia University trainings, Legion Family members learned to destigmatize asking for help and sent the message that it’s OK to not be OK. Thank you for taking this mission to heart and truly caring for our veterans and military who need our help. #BeTheOne
Lisa Williamson C. Russell Huber Unit 57, Fairbanks, Alaska
WELCOME from the NATIONAL COMMANDER
Over the past year, as I visited American Legion departments and posts around the world, I saw firsthand how our organization saves lives and changes lives. In Tennessee, a veteran showed me around his post and recalled how he was made to feel unwelcome by another veterans organization. He had been through difficult times. He attempted suicide, but miraculously, the gun failed to go off even after he pulled the trigger twice. An American Legion post not only welcomed him but embraced him. The veteran not only found a new family, but was soon elected commander of another welcoming Legion post.
The Legion’s Be the One mission didn’t just change that veteran’s life. It saved his life! There are likely similar stories in your department or post.
Last fall, VA conducted its first annual Buddy Check Week. This needed outreach was intended to enhance mental wellness and, most importantly, assist veterans in crisis. It was inspired by The American Legion, and we expect it to only get bigger.
Meanwhile, our connections with America’s youth continue to influence and change the lives of thousands of talented participants as they become better acquainted with the patriotic values of veterans and their families.
As always, too, we uphold our promise to honor previous generations of veterans and heroes for their service to our nation. I had the privilege of attending observances in Normandy for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, and am grateful for a rare opportunity to meet the men and women who not only changed and saved lives but literally saved the world. Fittingly, The American Legion was the primary sponsor of a statue of Gen. Dwight Eisenhower in Ste. Mère-Église, France. It follows our dedication of a statue of Brig. Gen. Theodore Roosevelt Jr. in 2022.
My 12 months as national commander have passed quickly, but the lives changed and saved by The American Legion are a lasting legacy that will strengthen our nation for decades to come.
It has been an honor to represent the world’s greatest veterans organization as its national commander.
Daniel J. Seehafer
American Legion Post 157, Horicon, Wis.
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.
a joint
and Senate Committees
MIDDLE LEFT: Seehafer points to his name on the No. 10 American Legion Be the One Honda in celebration of his homecoming event at Chip Ganassi Racing Headquarters in Indianapolis.
ABOVE: Seehafer, right, meets Medal of Honor recipient and Chattanooga Post 14 member Larry Taylor at the White House on Sept. 5, 2023. Photo by
BOTTOM:
participates in the American Legion 500 Festival Memorial Service on May 24 in Indianapolis.
TOP: National Commander Daniel J. Seehafer testifies before
session of the House
on Veterans’ Affairs on March 13. Photo by Mike Rohan
Photo by Hilary Ott
Mike Rohan
Seehafer
Photo by Jeff Stoffer
TOP: Seehafer hands out food and toys to children in El Porvenir, Guatemala.
Photo by Mike Rohan
MIDDLE LEFT: Seehafer, with the Department of Missouri, signs the official agreement for the 2027 American Legion national convention to be held in Kansas City, Mo. Photo by Hilary Ott
MIDDLE RIGHT: Seehafer is sworn in at the 104th National Convention in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Hilary Ott
BOTTOM LEFT: Seehafer assists a Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency team in remains recovery during a visit to Vietnam in November 2023. Photo by Mike Rohan
BOTTOM RIGHT: Seehafer addresses the National Executive Committee during the Spring Meetings in Indianapolis in May.
Photo by Hilary Ott
Medicare Advantage & more coverage veterans can trust.
Wellcare Medicare Advantage plans give veterans the support they need and coverage that works alongside their VA benefits.
To learn more about Wellcare Medicare Advantage plans:
Call 877-424-3245 (TTY: 711)
8 a.m.–8 p.m., 7 days a week Visit Wellcare4Veterans.com
Or visit your local post for more information.
The coverage you need & more
THE OFFICIAL MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PROVIDER OF THE AMERICAN LEGION
‘Ohana Health Plan, a plan offered by WellCare Health Insurance of Arizona, Inc. Wellcare is the Medicare brand for Centene Corporation, an HMO, PPO, PFFS, PDP plan with a Medicare contract and is an approved Part D Sponsor. Our D-SNP plans have a contract with the state Medicaid program. Enrollment in our plans depends on contract renewal. Washington residents: Health Net Life Insurance Company is contracted with Medicare for PPO plans. “Wellcare by Health Net” is issued by Health Net Life Insurance Company. Washington residents: “Wellcare” is issued by Wellcare of Washington, Inc. Washington residents: “Wellcare” is issued by Wellcare Health Insurance Company of Washington, Inc. Arizona D-SNP plans: Contract services are funded in part under contract with the State of Arizona. New Mexico (NM) Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (DSNP) Members: As a Wellcare by Allwell D-SNP member, you have coverage from both Medicare and Medicaid. Medicaid services are funded in part by the state of New Mexico. NM Medicaid benefits may be limited to payment of Medicare premiums for some members. Louisiana D-SNP prospective enrollees: For detailed information about Louisiana Medicaid benefits, please visit the Medicaid website at https://ldh.la.gov/medicaid or https://www. louisianahealthconnect.com. To request a written copy of our Medicaid Provider Directory, please contact us. Notice: TennCare is not responsible for payment for these benefits, except for appropriate cost sharing amounts. TennCare is not responsible for guaranteeing the availability or quality of these benefits. Any benefits above and beyond traditional Medicare benefits are applicable to Wellcare Medicare Advantage only and do not indicate increased Medicaid benefits. For Indiana D-SNP prospective enrollees: For detailed information about Indiana Medicaid benefits, please visit the Medicaid website at https://www.in.gov/medicaid Wellcare (HMO and HMO SNP) includes products that are underwritten by WellCare of Texas, Inc., WellCare National Health Insurance Company, and SelectCare of Texas, Inc. Wellcare by Allwell (HMO and HMO SNP) includes products that are underwritten by Superior HealthPlan, Inc. and Centene Venture Insurance Company Texas. Y0020_WCM_133459E_C Internal Approved 05282024 ©Wellcare 2024
AMERICAN LEGION FIRST DISTRICT CONVENTION CORPORATION
Herbert Petit Jr. President
Gerald “Jerry” Vollenweider Vice President
Sidney Parfait Finance Officer
Tony Betts Department of Louisiana Adjutant
William “Bill” Stroud Legal Counsel
Charles “Charlie” Aucoin National Vice Commander
Byron Comeaux Badges & Packets
Rudolph “Rudy” Bourg Distinguished Guests
Allen Dunn Registration
Gerald Theriot Memorial Service
Gilbert “Gil” Brechtel Junior ROTC
Earl Lowe Jr. Adviser
Angela Gomon Adviser
Julius “Jay” Walsh Adviser
Carl McGee 2023-2024 Department of Louisiana Commander
Illinois
Charles E. Gannon Vice Chairman Maryland
Michael J. Maxa Advisory Board Minnesota
Lisa McPhee Advisory Board Masschusetts
Vollenweider Vice President
Mark A. Gullion Nat’l Cmdr.’s Representative Indiana
J. Marcouillier Consultant Delaware
Phil Youngblood NEC Liaison, Chairman Georgia
Michael A. Havel NEC Liaison Delaware
Florida
Robert L. Shappell NEC Liaison Wisconsin
E. Scarborough NEC Liaison Missouri
Michael E. Walton Chairman
Larry
Dianne M. Boland Consultant
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
Ken LaVoy Ohio
James E. Prendergast Texas
David L. Buist Michigan
Roger P. Mathison Wisconsin
James T. Higuera California
James C. Mayhew Ex-Officio Member North Carolina
John A. Derner Advisory Board Iowa
George
David S. Shore NEC Liaison North Carolina
Herbert Petit Jr. President Jerry
Sidney Parfait Finance Officer
Tony Betts Dept. of Louisiana Adjutant
Bill Stroud Legal Counsel
Charlie Aucoin National Vice Commander
Byron Comeaux Chairman Rudy Bourg Distinguished Guests
Allen Dunn Registration
Gerald Theriot Memorial Service
Gil Brechtel Junior ROTC Adviser
Angela Gomon Adviser
Jay Walsh Adviser
Carl McGee 2023-2024 Dept. of Louisiana Cmdr.
Keith R. Davidson NEC Liaison Wyoming
HONOR YOUR HEROES AND LOVED ONES AT THE NATIONAL WWII MUSEUM
TRIBUTE GIFTS
CLASSIC RED BRICKS
8” X 4” CLASSIC RED BRICK
Leave a legacy on our campus with a Classic Red Brick. Over 9.5 million Museum visitors have been moved by the impact of the more than 55,000 red Victory bricks lining our sidewalks. With three lines of personalized text, including the name of your honoree, you can create a lasting tribute that will be installed on the perimeter of our campus.
Allow up to 12 months for installation.
COMMEMORATIVE FLAG AND CERTIFICATE
Fly a flag over the campus of The National WWII Museum in honor of your loved one, a meaningful way to pay tribute and recognize their service and sacrifice. Once flown, the flag will be shipped to you with a commemorative certificate bearing your honoree’s name and the date the flag was flown. At this time, we are unable to honor date requests.
Allow up to 4 weeks for delivery.
TRIBUTE BOOKS
This elegant, 44-page hardcover book immortalizes the story of America’s role in World War II through aweinspiring images and powerful narrative. Personalize the cover with an image of your commemorative brickor paver, or choose to include a custom message alongside an image of Iwo Jima or the American flag.
VICTORY PAVERS
Allow up to 8 weeks for delivery. 8” X 4”
12” X
*Our new Slate Blue Pavers, symbolic of peace and tranquility, honor the responsibility, sacrifice, commitment, and loyalty of those who helped topreserve our freedom.
Our pavers are located in the heart of the Museum’s campus on the Col. Battle Barksdale Parade Ground, guaranteeing your commemoration will be appreciated by hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
Allow up to 12 months for installation.
COMMEMORATIVE GIFTS FOR ALL OCCASIONS
At its foundation, The National WWII Museum is built on the stories of the brave men and women of the WWII generation and beyond.
Honor your hero or loved one’s legacy with a gift through The National WWII Museum’s Tribute Program. These unique gifts commemorate anyone who exemplifies the American spirit shown during World War II and other conflicts. Each gift represents a story of service and sacrifice and ensures the legacy of World War II will live on for generations to come.
SONS of THE AMERICAN LEGION
Hello, Legion Family, and welcome to New Orleans. As national commander, I know the Sons have had another year that calls for a celebration, surpassing $10 million in all-time donations to the Child Welfare Foundation and setting a membership record for the second straight year.
We owe a thank you to members of The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary and Legion Riders for supporting our efforts as we have worked hard to support all the programs of the Legion Family. I believe it shows in our work and our support for one another. My slogan for the year, “Representing More Than Me,” has taken on a new life; as members of our four organizations, we don’t just represent our own organization, but a family. That family has come together now more than ever.
I do think the great leadership we were given with American Legion National Commander Daniel Seehafer and American Legion Auxiliary National President Lisa Williamson has been a major part of that, and I am honored to have served with them. Together we have spread the word of our mission to “Be The One” to help save a life.
I want to thank the Sons of The American Legion for electing me and letting me celebrate the life of my grandfather, Ed Hall, World War II, U.S. Army. The support from everyone has given me energy and kept my faith strong in the work we do as a Legion Family. It has been a year I will never forget.
I must end by thanking my wife, Margie, and my family for their support and understanding on having a year to remember.
Sons, don’t ever stop working to be the best. Keep believing in the positives, and know that we can all do better when working together.
Donald L. “JR” Hall Jr., National Commander
Md.
Sons of The American Legion Squadron 40, Glen Burnie,
SONS of THE AMERICAN LEGION SCHEDULE
REGISTRATION OF DELEGATES, ALTERNATES, GUESTS
MCC, Hall C, 1st Floor
Wednesday, Aug. 21 – Saturday, Aug. 24
8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (subject to change)
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Friday, Aug. 23
Room 204, 2nd Floor
8:30 a.m. Internal Affairs
10 a.m. Membership
11:30 a.m. Finance
Room 205, 2nd Floor
8:30 a.m. Children & Youth
10 a.m. Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation
11:30 a.m. Constitutional Amendments
Room 207, 2nd Floor
8:30 a.m. Americanism
10 a.m. Community Service
Scrapbook/History Book Contest
11:30 a.m. Legislation and Rules
Great Hall, 1st Floor
11 a.m. Credentials
DETACHMENT COMMANDER TRAINING
Friday, Aug. 23, 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
MCC, Room 206, 2nd Floor
PRE-CONVENTION NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
Friday, Aug. 23, 10 a.m.
MCC, Great Hall, 1st Floor
GENERAL SESSION - OPENING
Friday, Aug. 23, 1 p.m.
MCC, Great Hall, 1st Floor
Call to Order
Salute to the Colors Invocation
Pledge of Allegiance
Preamble to the Constitution of the Sons of The American Legion
Reading of the Convention Call
Roll Call
Opening Remarks
Welcome from Host Detachment
Salute to the Colors Recess
GENERAL SESSION
Saturday, Aug. 24, 9 a.m.
Call to Order
Salute to the Colors Invocation
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call
Legislative and Rules Committee Report
Final Report of the National Commander
First Report of Credentials Committee
Membership Committee Report and Awards
Child Welfare Foundation (CWF) 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
GENERAL SESSION (cont’d)
Children & Youth Committee Report and Awards
Veterans Education & Employment Committee Report
National Vice Commanders Reports
Finance Committee Report
Constitution and By-Laws Committee Report
Final Report of the Credentials Committee
Recess
SAL NATIONAL CHILDREN & YOUTH ACADEMY
Saturday, Aug. 24, 8:30 a.m. –12:30 p.m.
MCC, Room 206, 2nd Floor
SAL CHILD WELFARE FOUNDATION
$10 MILLION CELEBRATION
Saturday, Aug. 24, 1 p.m.
MCC, Great Hall Pre-Function, 1st Floor
GENERAL SESSION
Sunday, Aug. 25, 8 a.m.
Call to Order
Salute to the Colors
Invocation
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call
National Convention Memorial Service
Special Order of Business
Nominations and Elections of Sons of The American Legion
National Officers
National Commander
National Vice Commanders (5)
10:30 a.m. Recess for 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
POST-CONVENTION NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
Sunday, Aug. 25, 2 p.m.
MCC, Great Hall, 1st Floor
*National convention agenda subject to change without notice
2023–2024
National Commander
Donald L. “JR” Hall Jr., Maryland
National Adjutant
Anthony W. Wright, Pennsylvania
National Vice Commanders
John R. Cook, New Hampshire
Linwood A. Moore, Virginia
Robert L. Bristo, Minnesota
Terry A. Harris, Kansas
James R. Fischer Sr., California
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
Scott J. Thornton, Ohio
Clifford E. Hall, Georgia
PAST NATIONAL COMMANDERS
1972 Robert Faust, California
1973 James R. Hartman† , Maryland
1974 Gregory D. Reis, Illinois
1975 Grant M. Jamieson, Michigan
1976 Charles E. Gannon, Maryland
1977 John M. Sherrard, California
1978 Richard J. Kepler† , Florida
1979 Ernest Wilson† , New Jersey
1980 Donald L. Willson† , Pennsylvania
1981 David P. Stephens, Indiana
1982 Christopher R. Cerullo, New York
1983 Fred L. Hartline Sr., Ohio
1984 Woodrow L. Mudge † , Colorado
1985 Royce Doucet† , Louisiana
1986
Douglas P. Bible, Minnesota
1987 Richard L. League, Maryland
1988 David R. Faust, Wisconsin
1989
1990
Charles R. Belles† , Virginia
Robert A. Worrel, Indiana
1991 Eugene L. Sacco, California
1992 Charles B. Rigsby† , Michigan
1993 Roland D. Matteson† , Arizona
1994 Joseph M. Mayne, Minnesota
1995 John T. Dietz, Kentucky
1996 Jack E. Jordan, Texas
1997 William E. Matoska, Maryland
National Chaplain
Jeffrey E. Hicks, New Jersey
National Historian
Jeffery Thorne, Maryland
National Parliamentarian
Gary B. Leach, California
National Sergeant-at-Arms
Mark T. Fayer Sr., Maryland
National Assistant Sergeants-at-Arms
Brian K. Waters, Pennsylvania
Lyle G. Larson, Kansas
Timothy S. Brower, New York
Gregory A. Falco, New York
Matthew W. Griffis, Arizona
National Commander’s Aide
Thomas G. Deal, Maryland
1998 Byron J. Robichaux, Louisiana
1999 Richard L. Cook, Oklahoma
2000 Kevin N. Winkelmann, Texas
2001 Clifford A. Smith, Massachusetts 2002
Steve C. Laws† , North Carolina 2004
Neal C. Warnken, Kansas 2004
Michael J. Deacon, Iowa
2005 William L. Sparwasser, Maryland
2006 Earl R. Ruttkofsky, Michigan
2007
2008
2009
2009
2010
2011
Raymond P. Giehll Jr., Indiana
Thomas E. Cisna, Illinois
Mark E. Arneson, Georgia
Patrick J. Shea† , Ohio (honorary)
David L. Dew, Texas
James K. Roberts III, Florida
2012 Christopher J. Huntzinger† , Pennsylvania
2013 Joseph W. Gladden, Maryland
2014
Michael W. Moss, Colorado
2015 Kevin L. Collier, Alaska
2016
2017
Jeff C. Frain, Arizona
Danny J. Smith, Nebraska
2018 Greg K. “Doc” Gibbs, New York
2019-2020 Clint D. Bolt, Virginia
2021
2022
PAST NATIONAL COMMANDERS BY VOTE OF NATIONAL CONVENTION
1967 Michael K. Seaton, California
1968 Robert McBride, Ohio
1969-1970 J.R. Stillwell, Illinois
1971 John Smolinsky, Massachusetts
2016
Michael C. Fox, California
Christopher A. Carlton, Indiana
Brian J. O’Hearne, Massachusetts
2021 Joseph Paviglianti, New York
THE AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY
Be the One, American Legion Family lead 2023-2024 ALA year
Members of The American Legion Family worked tirelessly during this administrative year to make a difference for veterans through suicide awareness and an overall focus on coming together to support our collective missions.
BE THE ONE TO SAVE ONE
Along with The American Legion and Sons of The American Legion, the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) put veteran and military suicide prevention at the forefront at the national level. Destigmatizing getting help was key to the messaging: it’s OK to not be OK.
According to the National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, it’s estimated that between 17 and 22 veterans or servicemembers take their lives daily. On average, each death by suicide affects an estimated 135 individuals: family, friends, co-workers and others. With all three American Legion Family national leaders spreading the same message, we were able to reach hundreds of thousands of members nationwide. Countless stories were shared throughout the year, from
heartbreak to healing. The subject touched on many who are struggling, have struggled or know someone who is struggling now.
Together, the Legion Family provided resources, trainings and tools to help unit and post members be the one. We saved the lives of veterans and military servicemembers.
“All those ones add up,” said 2023-2024 ALA National President Lisa Williamson. “Between three organizations, we are 2.5 million strong. If each one of us helps one, that is 2.5 million we save.”
The Legion Family teamed up with Columbia University and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in this mission. They provided valuable training and resources that align with the Legion’s Be the One mission, helping accelerate the relevance of the American Legion Family and its goal to train as many people as possible in preventing veteran suicide.
The Department of Maine presented VA S.A.V.E. training at posts across the state and hosted trainings at department headquarters every month.
Photo by Carlos Moreno
“Be prepared for difficult stories to be told,” said Debra Rumery, ALA Department of Maine National Security chairwoman. “Make sure everyone feels they are in a safe environment to be able to share their stories. Offer resource kits to members who attend so they can use them for themselves and share with their unit, post, squadron and Riders chapter.”
Columbia Protocol: A Training to Help Identify Risk
Just 90 minutes spent on a virtual training may save a life. Members of the Legion Family were invited to participate in a virtual training to learn how they can be part of the solution. The American Legion partnered with Columbia University to train and educate Legion Family and community members on how to interact with, and respond to, a veteran in crisis.
The Columbia Protocol, also known as the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), supports suicide risk assessment through a series of simple, plainlanguage questions anyone can ask. The answers help users identify whether someone is at risk for suicide, assess the severity and immediacy of that risk, and gauge the level of support the person needs.
After the training, participants were able to:
• Use the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale to
determine if an individual is at risk
• Identify risk factors and warning signs
• Outline the types of suicidal ideation and four behaviors that indicate imminent risk
• Communicate effectively with an individual who may be at risk of hurting themselves
To find a virtual or in-person training session, visit betheone.org
VA S.A.V.E. Training
VA offers training to give you the tools to help a veteran in crisis or who is having thoughts of suicide. S.A.V.E. training is free and can be done virtually or in person. The S.A.V.E. acronym stands for:
• Signs that indicate a veteran might be thinking about suicide
• A sk, “Are you thinking of killing yourself?”
• Validate the veteran’s experience
• E ncourage treatment and expedite getting help
In this training, members learned about the signs and symptoms of suicidal thinking, how to identify risk, how to ask questions in an objective and nonthreatening way, and what to do when you identify a veteran at risk for suicide.
To learn more about VA S.A.V.E. training, visit psycharmor.org .
their
at the
LEFT: American Legion Auxiliary National President Lisa Williamson helps pack canned goods with members of the Department of Delaware.
TOP MIDDLE: Members of the Department of Arizona American Legion Family host a Be the One walk. Photo by Carlos Moreno
TOP RIGHT: Members of the Department of Maine American Legion Family promote the Be the One mission. BOTTOM MIDDLE, BOTTOM RIGHT: Auxiliary members recite the Pledge of Allegiance and take
seats
American Legion Washington Conference in February.
TOP RIGHT: The Department of Puerto Rico
MIDDLE LEFT: Auxiliary members represent their departments from across the nation at the Washington Conference.
MIDDLE: Sarah Tobin of the Department of Colorado discusses The American Legion’s legislative priorities.
MIDDLE RIGHT: Department of Alaska Legion Family members discuss the Legion’s legislative priorities on Capitol Hill.
BOTTOM LEFT: Department of Maine Legion Family members participate in Be the One training.
BOTTOM MIDDLE: The Legion Family unites during a wreath-laying ceremony in Europe.
BOTTOM RIGHT: Williamson lays a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery.
In addition to this training, VA worked to keep lethal means from being easily accessible through the Keep It Secure program. According to VA, nearly seven in 10 veteran deaths by suicide are the result of firearm injuries. A suicidal crisis can be short – the time it takes to retrieve a firearm from a safe, remove the gun lock and load the gun can give the veteran enough time to change their mind.
The program also included guidance on safely storing medications, alcohol, opioids and other substances, as well as ropes, cords or sharp objects. Again, it’s about
adding time between the suicidal thought and obtaining an item that can be used to cause death.
Any veteran in suicidal crisis can now be seen at any VA or non-VA health-care facility free of charge. The veteran doesn’t have to be enrolled in the VA system for this benefit, which includes up to 30 days of inpatient or 90 days of outpatient care.
Remember: Be the one to save one. Any action, large or small, can make a difference. If you or someone you know needs help, call 988, ext. 1, or text 838255. For more information, visit betheone.org .
TOP LEFT: American Legion Family members gather at the Washington Conference in February.
greets National President Williamson for her visit.
FAMILY COMES FIRST
The national American Legion Auxiliary placed an extra emphasis on the American Legion Family, noting the power of working together as one. Units, posts and squadrons throughout the country shared stories of working together on projects, Be the One and much more to benefit veterans, military and their families.
The focus was seen from the community level all the way up to national.
In Washington, D.C., ALA members had the opportunity to learn, discuss and network with other Legion Family members at The American Legion’s annual Washington Conference. The ALA assisted the Legion’s advocacy efforts in Congress. Members can join in by going to the Legion’s Grassroots Action Center at legion.org/legislative
“When the ALA shows up to support the mission of The American Legion, we are strengthening our voice,” said Laurie Kuntz of the Department of Colorado. “We are still one family, one voice.”
A few weeks later, the Legion Family came together again for National Commander Daniel J. Seehafer’s testimony to Congress. It made a difference to have a room full of members supporting one another in taking care of our veterans, military and their families.
Throughout the country, American Legion Family members hosted fundraisers, days of service and more ... together.
In Delaware, local and national members worked together to take part in a Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, showcasing the importance of the Legion Family and how by working together we can achieve more. More than 200 grocery bags were filled with food and distributed to the Wilmington VA Medical Center.
Georgia hosted its fall conference together, with members of the Legion, Auxiliary, Sons and Legion Riders all attending. The national leaders of the Legion, the ALA and the SAL gathered in Hawaii for Pearl Harbor Day events – along with many Legion Family members – honoring together those who served during that time.
The Legion Family continued to work side by side in Puerto Rico, a department with a long history of “family first.” In Maryland, Legion Family members are very community-oriented, believing that working together makes all the difference.
Units, departments and national leadership took to heart the importance of working together as one big family. That mindset helped improve the lives of veterans, military and their families across the country.
Are You Using
Auxiliary member Sherri McGee of Indiana places wreaths at Rose Hill Cemetery in Bloomington, Ind., during Wreaths Across America Day 2023. Photo by Jennifer Donovan
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA TO RECEIVE ALA’S 2024 PUBLIC SPIRIT AWARD
The American Legion Auxiliary’s Public Spirit Award recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations for contributions that positively impact communities through service to our veterans, military and their families.
The recipient is selected by the American Legion Auxiliary national president. Previous recipients include U.S. presidents and government officials, as well as regular citizens who saw a need and acted.
The 2024 Public Spirit Award will be presented to Wreaths Across America (WAA). American Legion Auxiliary National President Lisa Williamson was part of the Wreaths Across America caravan from Maine to Arlington National Cemetery just outside Washington, D.C., in December. Participating in “the world’s largest veterans’ parade” gave Williamson an opportunity for a hands-on experience and a better chance to get to know WAA.
“The whole week was an incredibly moving and emotional week, culminating with Wreaths Across America Day,” Williamson said. “To be part of the escort to Arlington will remain a highlight in my life.”
WAA’s mission closely aligns with the ALA’s, as they continue to pay homage to our heroes after they have died.
Established in 2007, Wreaths Across America has become synonymous with its annual wreath-laying ceremonies each December. However, WAA’s mission to remember our nation’s fallen, honor those who have served and are serving, and teach the next generation the value of freedom is year-round.
Wreaths Across America has participating locations in more than 4,220 communities nationwide, engaging volunteers and organizations like American Legion Auxiliary units in educational initiatives, as well as sharing veteran stories of service and sacrifice.
Wreaths Across America will be presented with the Public Spirit Award during the general session of the 103rd National Convention in New Orleans.
The American Legion Auxiliary national organization officially joined forces with Wreaths Across America last August through a memorandum of understanding to build a stronger awareness of each group’s common missions while supporting fundraising efforts nationwide.
AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY DIRECTORY
All information is subject to change.
National Headquarters Office Hall C, New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (MCC)
General Convention Sessions Hall B2, MCC
National Convention Chair’s Office Hall C, MCC Mailroom Hall C, MCC
National Headquarters Hotel Hilton Riverside
AGENDA OVERVIEW: AUGUST 24–29
All meetings will be held in the MCC. Schedule is subject to change. See a more detailed agenda when you arrive in New Orleans. (All times Central.)
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24
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 25
11 a.m.
Patriotic Memorial Service
12:30 p.m. (Tentative)
Department Pages Meeting
MONDAY, AUGUST 26
8 a.m. - noon
Opening Convention Session
12:30 p.m.
American Legion Auxiliary Luncheon
TUESDAY, AUGUST 27
8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Convention Session
6:30 p.m.
American Legion National Commander’s Banquet
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28
8 a.m. - noon Convention Session
1:30 - 3 p.m. Installation of 2024-2025 National Officers
7 p.m. States Dinner
THURSDAY, AUGUST 29
7:30 a.m. (tentative) 2024-2025 National Executive Committee Orientation
8:45 a.m. (tentative)
National Executive Committee Meeting
103rd AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY NATIONAL CONVENTION PROPOSED CONVENTION STANDING RULES 2024
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. There will be no selling of goods nor pledging or collecting of donations, money or otherwise, in the convention business meeting hall without the prior approval of the National President.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. Pages may deliver messages to the stage and to other delegations at any time.
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. 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.
20. The National President shall appoint an Election and Tally Committee.
21. 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 24, 2024. Nominations from the convention floor for National Division Vice President shall not be permitted.
22. 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.
23. 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.
24. 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.
25. 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.
26. National Convention Parliamentarian and designated NHQ staff are authorized to correct article and section designations, punctuation, and cross-references and to make such technical, grammatical, formatting and conforming changes as may be necessary to reflect the intent of the voting delegates.
27 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 Chair
Monique Batiste
Convention Vice Chair
Linda Petit
Local Pages Chair
Renee Hantz
Local Pages Vice Chair
Amy Watts
Mailroom Chair
Barbara LeJeune
Mailroom Vice Chair
Regina Fulmer
Driver, National President
Tony Matthews
SPECIAL APPOINTMENTS
Credentials Chair
Kathy Dungan
Rules Chair
Erika Hernandez
Resolutions Committee
Jane Hardacre, Chair
Lisa Liford, Vice Chair
Alica Buser, Member
Personal Pages
Personal Page Chair
April Sinclair
Personal Pages
Sue Diaz
Beverly Eads
Sharon Riegsecker
Distinguished Guests Committee
Mary Davis, Chair
Carlene Ashworth, Vice Chair
Desireé Stoy, Member
Poppy Program
Poppy Program Guide
Expanded ways to use the poppy to raise funds and awareness
• Can ALA members make poppies?
• Who is considered part of “a veteran’s family”?
• How poppy funds cannot be used
• Purchasing poppy kits and labels
• How to make the ALA red crepe paper poppy
• How to be an ALA poppy production manager
• Working directly with veterans at a state veterans home
• Working with poppy makers indirectly
• National Poppy Day®
• Effective marketing practices
Download our Poppy Program Guide at www.ALAforVeterans.org to learn more about poppy distribution and the five criteria for use of poppy funds.
To purchase printed copies, go to American Legion Flag & Emblem Sales at Emblem.Legion.org.
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
Jack Miller
Distinguished Service Medal
Miller is an entrepreneur and philanthropist who founded the Jack Miller Center for Teaching America’s Founding Principles and History, an ambitious project to build a talent pipeline for the teaching of the American political tradition and those of freedom, human dignity and constitutionalism.
Michael Rodriguez
Patriot Award
A former Green Beret (medically retired in 2013) and American Legion member, Rodriguez is a multi-generation veteran leading the effort to install a memorial in Washington to honor his fellow post-9/11 warriors.
Jay Glazer
James V. Day “Good Guy” Award
Glazer has worked since 2004 as an NFL insider on “FOX NFL Sunday.” He significantly raised awareness about high suicide rates and prevention measures among veterans and athletes with his 2022 book “Unbreakable: How I Turned My Depression and Anxiety into Motivation and You Can Too.”
Capt. Daniel Rawson
Firefighter of the Year Award
Rawson is the fire department training chief at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Since June 2023, he has managed training for 56 firefighters, ensuring readiness and effectiveness. Rawson has also developed emergency repsonse plans for elements ranging from fighter wings to F-35 aircraft to a major air show.
Cpl. Nicholas DeFelice
Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award
In August 2022, during a critical incident involving an armed suspect, DeFelice demonstrated exceptional bravery and tactical skill, preventing potential harm to his team. He began his career in the Calvert County (Md.) Sheriff’s Office as a deputy in 2006, and has worked in criminal investigations and special operations.
Houston Bernard
Opening Ceremonies Artist
Bernard is a country music artist, Army veteran and American Legion member. He draws on his family’s country and rockabilly roots to create upbeat, relatable music, made even more memorable by his powerhouse vocals and country twang.
YOUTH CHAMPIONS
Aubrey Moore
2024 National Oratorical Contest Champion Renton, Wash.
Lauren Tyree
2024 American Legion Eagle Scout of the Year Milltown, Pa.
Dylan Provenzano
2023 American Legion Baseball All-Academic Team Captain Barrington, Ill.
The 2024 American Legion Boys Nation president, and Junior Shooting Sports Precision and Sporter champions, will be announced at the convention.
Take a convention survey on the mobile app!
The American Legion wants to continue to improve your experience at the national convention. We invite you to take a few moments to complete a survey on the convention’s mobile app; you can access it from the home screen. The survey is quick and easy, taking just five minutes to complete. Make sure to submit it to ensure your feedback is recorded.
Your insights help us understand what works well and where we can improve, ensuring each convention is better than the last. And feedback collected during the convention allows us to address any issues in real time. This is also your chance to share your thoughts and suggestions directly with National Headquarters.
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to take the survey
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 Daniel J. Seehafer, as well as one-year memberships in The American Legion.
WANT TO KNOW MORE? DOWNLOAD THE NATIONAL CONVENTION APP
Airman 1st Class
Vernica Challenger Air Force
Sgt. Mayann Santiago Army Petty Officer Richard Galbierz Coast Guard
Sgt. Davinsky Theodore Marine Corps
Staff Sgt. Jesyka Ware Air National Guard
Petty Officer
Pablo Rodriguez Jr. Navy
Sgt. Christopher Paradine Space Force
MCC, HALL D, 1ST FLOOR
11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 25
Schedule subject to change
PATRIOTIC MEMORIAL SERVICE
Musical Prelude
Rick Pedro, organist
Apalachin, N.Y.
Welcome
Keith Fontenot
Department Chaplain
The American Legion of Louisiana
Posting of Colors*
Newport Harbor American Legion Post 291
Newport Beach, Calif.
Opening Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance*
Jeffrey Hicks
National Chaplain, Sons of The American Legion
New Jersey
Reading of the Holy Scriptures
Frank Carr
National Chaplain, The American Legion
Virginia
Memorial Prayer
Brister Thomas
National Chaplain, American Legion Auxiliary
Hawaii
National Chaplain’s Message
Frank Carr
PRESENTATION OF MEMORIAL WREATHS
For The American Legion
Daniel J. Seehafer
Rodney K. Rolland
National Commander National Adjutant
Wisconsin Georgia
For the American Legion Auxiliary
Lisa Williamson
Kathy Daudistel
National President National Secretary
Alaska Kentucky
For Sons of The American Legion
Donald L. “JR” Hall Jr.
Anthony W. Wright
National Commander National Adjutant
Maryland Pennsylvania
For those in uniform who lost their lives serving America during the past year
Frank Carr
Brister Thomas
Lighting of the Candle of Remembrance
Frank Carr
Taps*
Closing Prayer*
Frank Carr
Retirement of Colors*
Newport Harbor American Legion Post 291 Newport Beach, Calif.
Musical Postlude
*Audience stands
JOYFUL AND THE SPIRIT OF NEW ORLEANS
The Spirit of New Orleans Gospel Choir is a conglomeration of members of several local gospel groups. The choir can be as a small as 12 or as large as 100 members, and also includes musicians for piano, bass, guitar and drums. Their show is always exciting and speaks to the culture of New Orleans.
Courtesy Joyful and The Spirit of New Orleans
Thankyou for yourservice!
We believe in helping our communities prosper through more than just attentive advice – we volunteer, sponsor education, and dig in. That’s because, like he American Legion, we are our communities. We are neighbors first, and advisors second. Call us at 317.844.2399 to learn how our conscientious team can partner with you on financial solutions that are adaptive to your needs.
GUESTS DISTINGUISHED
Red text indicates a distinguished guest who will take the stage at the national convention.
Dr. Darryl Addington
President General National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution
Jasmine Anderson Convention Services Coordinator New Orleans & Company
Larry Arnn President Hillsdale College Hillsdale, Mich.
Charles D. Aucoin
National Vice Commander
The American Legion Westlake, La.
Mark Avis
Chairman, Americanism Commission
The American Legion Palmer, Mass.
Harold D. Barnett
Past National Commander
The American Legion Douglasville, Ga.
Houston Bernard Opening Ceremonies
Artist
Tony Betts
Adjutant
American Legion Department of Louisiana
Thomas Bock
Past National Commander
The American Legion Aurora, Colo.
Rudolph Bourg
Distinguished Guests Chairman
John W. Bowen
Chairman, Veterans Employment & Education Commission
The American Legion Colorado Springs, Colo.
David Brechbuhl, CEPA
First Vice President and Director of Client Development
First Merchants Private Wealth Advisors
Indianapolis
Gilbert Brechtel
Junior ROTC
Chairman
Hon. John Brieden Past National Commander
The American Legion Brenham, Texas
Ethan Brown
Senior Military Fellow
Center for the Study of the Presidency & Congress
Washington, D.C.
Rob Byers
Enterprise & Investigations Editor
Louisville CourierJournal
Louisville, Ky.
Roger Byron
Senior Counsel
First Liberty Institute Plano, Texas
Hon. LaToya Cantrell
Mayor of New Orleans
Frank Carr
National Chaplain
The American Legion Halifax, Va.
Hon. Troy Carter
U.S. House of Representatives Washington, D.C.
Capt. Louis Cavaliere
Navy (retired) Chairman of the Board
Chapel of Four Chaplains Philadelphia
Airman 1st Class
Vernica Challenger Air Force
Milton Chatham Race to the Top winner
Beaumont, Texas
Chin-Kung Chen Vice Minister
Veterans Affairs
Council Republic of China Taipei
Adam Colone
Disabled Veterans Outreach Program, Department of Workforce Development
Fort Wayne, Ind.
Byron Comeaux
Badges & Packets
Chairman
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
Kathy Daudistel
National Secretary
American Legion Auxiliary Indianapolis
Cpl. Nicholas DeFelice Calvert County Sheriff’s Department Owings, Md.
Edward A. DeGumbia
National Historian
The American Legion Southington, Conn.
Daniel M. Dellinger Past National Commander
The American Legion Vienna, Va.
Suzy DePrizio Chief Marketing Officer
Centene Corp. St. Louis
Maureen Detweiler
Paul E. Dillard Past National Commander
The American Legion Lake Kiowa, Texas
George Duncan
Allen Dunn Registration Chairman
Donald Dwyer
Senior Sales Manager
Hilton Riverside
Randy D. Edwards
National Vice Commander
The American Legion Provo, Utah
Gary Ely
Race to the Top winner Cumming, Ga.
Miles Epling
Past National Commander
The American Legion Point Pleasant, W.Va.
Paul Evenson Chairman, Marketing Commission
The American Legion
Sioux Falls, S.D.
Michael Fitzmaurice
Army (retired) Medal of Honor recipient
Jimmie Foster
Past National Commander
The American Legion
Topeka, Kan.
Joseph Frank
Past National Commander
The American Legion
St. Louis
Petty Officer
Richard Galbierz Coast Guard
Hon. Vincent
M. Gaughan
Chairman, Constitution & By-Laws Committee
The American Legion Chicago
Jay Glazer
Co-Founder
Merging Vets & Players Los Angeles
Sgt. Maj.
Allen B. Goodyear Marine Corps Recruiting Command Quantico, Va.
Angela Gomon Convention Corporation Adviser
MaryBeth Guarisco, CMP
Senior Manager New Orleans & Company
Murray S. Hall
Race to the Top winner Accokeek, Md.
Donald L. “JR” Hall Jr. National Commander
Sons of The American Legion Glen Burnie, Md.
Greg Hamm
Vice President of Field and Government Recruiting Werner Enterprises Omaha, Neb.
Patricia Harris Chairman, Legislative Commission
The American Legion Raleigh, N.C.
Michael D. Helm
Past National Commander
The American Legion
Norcatur, Kan.
Clarence Hill Past National Commander
The American Legion Jacksonville, Fla.
Jessica Holtzman Manager of Group Marketing New Orleans & Company
Paul Hooper
Dominion President
Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans in Canada
Mary Irby-Jones
USA TODAY Midwest
Regional Editor and Louisville Courier-
Journal Executive Director
Louisville, Ky.
Matthew D. Jabaut
Chairman, Membership & Post Activities Committee
The American Legion Lewiston, Maine
Autrey James Chairman, Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Commission
The American Legion Antioch, Calif.
Anthony Jordan Past National Commander
The American Legion Augusta, Maine
Bruce Julian
Dominion President
The Royal Canadian Legion
Gaither M. Keener Jr. Chairman, Finance Commission
The American Legion Waxhaw, N.C.
James W. Kell
National Sergeantat-Arms
The American Legion Horicon, Wis.
James E. Koutz Past National Commander
The American Legion Boonville, Ind.
TBA
Knights of Columbus Council 694 Petersburg, Va.
Stephanie Kuzydym Enterprise & Investigations Editor Louisville CourierJournal
Louisville, Ky.
A.J. Lagoe Investigative Reporter
KARE-11 News
Minneapolis
Hon. Alan Lance
Past National Commander
The American Legion Caldwell, Idaho
Hon. Jeff Landry Governor, State of Louisiana
Carl Lauto, CMP, DEI Senior Account
Executive
New Orleans & Company
Garrett Lemoine
Senior Event Manager
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Patricia E. Liddell
National Recruiter of the Year
The American Legion Midland, Ga.
Earl Lowe Jr. Convention Corporation Adviser
Daniel A. Ludwig
Past National Commander
The American Legion Red Wing, Minn.
Jared S. Lyon President/CEO
Student Veterans of America
Emily Marchand
Catering Manager
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
James C. Mayhew President National Convention Corporation of Charlotte Lincolnton, N.C.
Douglas and Lorie McDermott Founders “The Gift of Gratitude” McDermott Foundation Henderson, Nev.
The Hon. Denis McDonough
Secretary Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Washington, D.C.
Carl McGee
2023-2024
Commander, American Legion Department of Louisiana
Lake Charles, La.
Kelly K. McKeague
Director
Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency
Butch Miller
Past National Commander
The American Legion Greenfield, Ind.
Jack Miller
Founder
Jack Miller Center for Teaching America’s Founding Principles and History
Bannockburn, Ill.
Carl S. Mills
Vice President and Senior Relationship Manager
Fifth Third Bank
Indianapolis
Aubrey Moore
2024 American Legion National Oratorical Contest Champion
Renton, Wash.
Paul Morin
Past National Commander
The American Legion Chicopee, Mass.
Robert L. Morrill
Advisory Committee to the National Commander
The American Legion Rochester, N.Y.
Command Sgt. Maj.
Shade S. Munday
Army Recruiting Command
Fort Knox, Ky.
Hon. Patrick
Murphy
Former U.S. Rep., Undersecretary of the Army Bristol, Pa.
Robert E. Newman Chairman, Internal Affairs Commission
The American Legion Garrett, Ind.
James W. Oxford Past National Commander
The American Legion Lenoir, N.C.
Sgt. Christopher Paradine Space Force
Sidney Parfait Corporation Finance Officer
Lisa Pedone Senior Sales
Executive
Hilton Riverside Herbert Petit Jr. Corporation
President
Dylan Provenzano
2023 American Legion Baseball
All-Academic Team Captain Barrington, Ill.
Dale Punch
The American Legion Lincolnton, N.C.
Capt. Daniel Rawson
354th Civil Engineering Squadron Delta Junction, Alaska
David Rehbein
Past National Commander
The American Legion Ames, Iowa
Brett P. Reistad Past National Commander
The American Legion Manassas, Va.
Marybeth Revoir
National Treasurer
American Legion
Auxiliary
Illinois
Sara T. Riegel
Executive Director
American Legion
Auxiliary National Headquarters
Indianapolis
Michael Rodriguez President/CEO
Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation
Lumber Bridge, N.C
Petty Officer Pablo Rodriguez Jr. Navy
Denise H. Rohan Past National Commander
The American Legion Verona, Wis.
William Roy National Vice Commander
The American Legion Manchester, N.H.
Gen. B. Chance
Saltzman
Chief of Space Operations Space Force
Sgt. Mayann Santiago Army
Richard Santos Past National Commander
The American Legion Selbyville, Del.
Hiram Sasser
General Counsel
First Liberty Institute Plano, Texas
Charles E. Schmidt
Past National Commander
The American Legion Hines, Ore.
Stuart L. Scott
Race to the Top winner Tallahassee, Fla.
Stacey Seehafer National Commander’s Spouse
The American Legion Horicon, Wis.
Kelly Shackelford President/CEO
First Liberty Institute Plano, Texas
Sang Tae Shin Chairman
Korean Veterans Association
Robert “Mark” Shreve
National Vice Commander
The American Legion Pine Mountain Valley, Ga.
Matthew Shuman Chairman, National Security Commission
The American Legion Scottsdale, Ariz.
Master Chief Britt K. Slabinski Navy (retired) President Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Russell Smith 15th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy
Robert Spanogle
Past National Commander and Past National Adjutant
The American Legion Indianapolis
William Stroud Convention
Corporation Legal Counsel
Sgt. Davinsky
Theodore Marine Corps
Gerald Theriot Memorial Service
Bruce Thiesen
Past National Commander
The American Legion Plymouth, Calif.
Bruce Townsend Director of Catering New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Vincent J. Troiola Past National Commander
The American Legion Windham, Maine
Robert Turner
Past National Commander
The American Legion Cartersville, Ga.
Lauren Tyree
2024 American Legion Eagle Scout of the Year Milltown, Pa.
Raymond L. Vail National Vice Commander
The American Legion Arma, Kan.
Gerald Vollenweider Convention
Corporation Vice President
David F. Wallace
Chairman, Media & Communications Commission
The American Legion
Alexandria, Va.
Julius Walsh
Corporation Adviser
Michael Walton Chairman, Convention Commission
The American Legion Springfield, Ill.
Trish Ward
National Vice President
American Legion Auxiliary Kansas
Staff Sgt. Jesyka Ware Air National Guard
Daniel S. Wheeler
Past National Commander and Past National Adjutant
The American Legion
Indianapolis
Larry Williams
Lisa Williamson
National President
American Legion Auxiliary Alaska
Fang Wong
Past National Commander
The American Legion Flushing, N.Y.
Anthony J. Wright
National Adjutant Sons of The American Legion Parkesburg, Pa.
Second Chances
You can give a child a second chance at life by working with the Children’s Organ Transplant Association.
COTA works with thousands of transplant families across the country — some are likely in your area. With your help, COTA provides fundraising assistance and family support.
Commended by The American Legion for humanitarian efforts on behalf of children in need of organ and bone marrow transplant, COTA provides all services at no cost to families.
COTA Kids deserve a second chance at life. COTA needs your help.
The Trusted Leader Supporting Families …For a Lifetime
Go to COTA.org to learn how you can help. Or call 800.366.2682
EVENTS
COLOR GUARD CONTESTS
Friday, Aug. 23, 4 p.m.
MCC, Hall D, 1st Floor
BAND CONTEST
Saturday, Aug. 24, 1 p.m.
MCC, New Orleans Theater, 2nd Floor
NATIONAL COMMANDER’S BANQUET
Tuesday, Aug. 27, 6:30 p.m.
MCC, Great Hall, 1st Floor
LEGACY RUN
The 2024 Legacy Run will cross the 24-mile-long Lake Pontchartrain Causeway and arrive at Jefferson American Legion Post 267 in New Orleans on Thursday, Aug. 22. The 1,100-mile ride will kick off at Tirey J. Ford American Legion Post 21 in Independence, Mo., on Aug. 18 and travel through Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi and into Louisiana.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS VS. TENNESSEE TITANS
Sunday, Aug. 25, 1 p.m.
Caesars Superdome, 1500 Sugar Bowl Drive
Tickets: legion.org/convention/resources
American Legion 105th National Convention
HOTELS
Courtyard
Warehouse Arts District
300 Julia St. California, Idaho, Kentucky
DoubleTree
300 Canal St. Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island
Hampton Inn & Suites Convention Center
1201 Convention Center Blvd.
Arizona, Georgia, Montana, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia
Hilton Riverside 2 Poydras St.
Alabama, Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, France, Hawaii, Kansas, Maryland, Mexico, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Philippines, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Wisconsin, American Legion National Headquarters, Sons of The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters
Hilton Garden Inn Convention Center
1001 S. Peters St. Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, Texas, West Virginia, Wyoming
Hyatt Place Convention Center
881 Convention Center Blvd.
Arkansas, Maine, Pennsylvania, American Legion National Headquarters
Marriott
Warehouse Arts District
859
Illinois,
Iowa, New Jersey
CONVENTION CENTER FLOOR PLAN
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 convention app, or follow the procedures below and seek the appropriate assistance.
Should an emergency occur inside the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, attendees should pick up a red emergency telephone. To program your cellphone for emergency situations within the convention center, use (504) 582-3040 for security. VAMC personnel may be available in the exhibit hall, but will not attend to emergency medical situations.
If you are attending a meeting or function at the Hilton Riverside, use any house telephone and dial 55 to report an emergency. This will go straight to security dispatch, and they will send assistance to your location. To program your cellphone for emergency situations within the hotel, use (504) 584-3824 for security.
ACCESS TO NEW ORLEANS ERNEST N. MORIAL CONVENTION CENTER
Daily access to building:
One hour prior to start of first meeting
Daily access to convention floor (Aug. 27-29): 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.
HEALTH GUIDELINES
Attendees experiencing symptoms of communicable diseases 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.
2024 SHUTTLE BUS SCHEDULE
New Orleans
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. * Last bus will depart 30 minutes after the conclusion of the Post-NEC Meeting.
National Officers
National Commander Wisconsin
K. Rolland National Adjutant Georgia
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 New Orleans, 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 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.
Daniel J. Seehafer is the 2023-2024 national commander of The American Legion. The major accomplishments of the Legion during his term are detailed in this official program and organization report.
Rodney K. Rolland, 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.
Charles D. Aucoin National Vice Commander Louisiana
Shreve National Vice Commander Georgia
Carr National Chaplain Virginia
Shawn Long, CPA National Treasurer Indiana
Randy D. Edwards National Vice Commander Utah
L.
National Vice Commander Kansas
Edward A. DeGumbia National Historian Connecticut
Mike Rohan Aide to the National Commander Wisconsin
Bill Roy National Vice Commander New Hampshire
W.
National Sergeant-at-Arms Wisconsin
National Judge Advocate Virginia
Daniel J. Seehafer
Rodney
Robert “Mark”
Raymond
Vail
James
Kell
Frank
Mark Seavey
National Executive Committee
Alabama Hardwick O. Hall Sr.
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
James E. Pisa
Steve W. Aguirre Sr.
Mary V. Erdman
Robert C. Heinisch
Connecticut Robert S. Murray
Delaware Michael A. Havel
District of Columbia
Christopher V. Herndon
Florida Jim V. Ramos
France James M. Settle
Georgia Phil Youngblood
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Latin America
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Francis E. Riddell Jr.
Robert L. Skinner
Roy Weber
Kenneth R. Cooper
Dennis J. Soppe
Dan K. Wiley
William O. Moore Jr.
Michael D. Wood
Rudolph A. Bourg Sr.
Lloyd H. Woods
Melvin G. Smullen
Massachusetts Jodie L. Pajak
Michigan Larry C. Money
Minnesota William C. Barbknecht
Mississippi
Missouri
Steve Sweet
George E. Scarborough
Montana
Larry G. Dobb
Nebraska Frederick C. Craigie
Nevada
New Hampshire
Jeanette R. Evans
Robert E. Dionne Sr.
New Jersey Berley Hanna Jr.
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Edward Cheatham Jr.
Timothy S. Van Patten
David S. Shore
Dean Overby
Stephen M. Masowick
Timothy W. Smith
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
Thomas J. Scanlon
Virginia Linden B. Dixon Jr.
West Virginia William W. Kile
Wisconsin Robert L. Shappell
Wyoming
Convention hours
The information desk for the 105th National Convention will be open from Thursday, Aug. 22, to Wednesday, Aug. 28, in the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Times are subject to change.
Thursday, Aug. 22
Friday, Aug. 23
Saturday, Aug. 24
Sunday, Aug. 25
Monday, Aug. 26
Tuesday, Aug. 27
Wednesday, Aug. 28
8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Keith R. Davidson
The Exhibit Hall will be open from Friday, Aug. 23, to Tuesday, Aug. 27, in Hall E, 1st Floor, of the convention center. Times are subject to change.
Friday, Aug. 23
Saturday, Aug. 24
Sunday, Aug. 25
Monday, Aug. 26
Tuesday, Aug. 27
8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
COMMISSIONS & COMMITTEES
AMERICANISM COMMISSION
Mark A. Avis Chairman, Massachuetts
Ronald E. Neff Director, Indiana
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
William S. Feasenmyer Jr., Chairman, Virginia
Citizens Flag Alliance Advisory Committee
National Commander Daniel J. Seehafer, Chairman, Wisconsin
CONVENTION COMMISSION
Michael E. Walton Chairman, Illinois
Bridget Robinson, CMP/CMM Director, Georgia
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
Tampa Bay, Fla. (2025) Indianapolis (2029)
Louisville, Ky. (2026) Salt Lake City (2030)
Kansas City, Mo. (2027)
Columbus, Ohio (2028)
FINANCE COMMISSION
Brian Ruiz, Corporate Financial Controller, Indiana
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.
Robert Lee Morrill, President, New York
The American Legion Endowment Fund Corp.
Hon. Vincent M. Gaughan, President, Illinois
Overseas Graves Decoration Trust
National Commander Daniel J. Seehafer, Chairman, Wisconsin
Gaither M. Keener Jr. Chairman, North Carolina
Shawn Long, CPA National Treasurer, Indiana
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
Sons of The American Legion Advisory Committee
Joseph Mayne, Chairman, Minnesota
Foreign Department Hearing Committee
PNC Thomas L. Bock, Chairman, Colorado
Membership Study Committee
Gaither M. Keener Jr., Chairman, North Carolina
The Legislative Commission provides the NEC with an annual consolidated report on Legislative Council activities, summarizing grassroots lobbying efforts for each congressional session; develops a comprehensive report of all resolutions adopted by the national convention and/or NEC that seek action by Congress or are legislative policy statements of The American Legion; assists other commissions and their staffs in representing the Legion before Congress and its committees on all relevant legislative matters; and formulates appropriate legislative actions to be endorsed by resolutions adopted by The American Legion.
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
MARKETING COMMISSION
Robert E. Newman Chairman, Indiana
Matt Herndon Director, Indiana
Patricia Harris Chair, North Carolina
Julia Mathis Director, Washington, D.C.
Paul A. Evenson Chairman, South Dakota
Mary Jo Dial Director, Indiana
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.
Legion media asset categories
Web
Social
Mobile
Smartphone apps
Physical displays
Podcasts
The National Security Commission recommends policies to ensure the national security of the United States; has an understanding of the federal budget process and the budgets of the departments of Defense, State and Homeland Security; maintains a professional working relationship with those federal departments, all relevant congressional oversight committees and their staff; monitors hearings of these committees and provides congressional testimony; and is knowledgeable about security threats to the United States.
National Security committees
Aerospace Committee
James Grenier Jr., Chairman, Virginia
Conventional Armed Forces Committee
Thomas B. Schottenbauer, Chairman, Minnesota
Foreign Relations Committee
Michael J. Landkamer, Chairman, Nebraska
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
Guillermo Guillen, Chairman, Virginia
Unconventional Forces & Intelligence Committee
Douglas C. Haggan, Chairman, France
Read
NATIONAL SECURITY COMMISSION
David Wallace Chairman, Virginia
R. Jeffrey Stoffer Director, Montana
Matthew Shuman Chairman, Arizona
Mario Marquez Director, Philippines
The Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Commission formulates and recommends policies, plans and programs to the NEC on direct assistance, outreach and support for veterans and their families regarding VA claims and benefits, health care, memorial affairs and women veterans programs to ensure veterans receive the highest quality of care for service-related injuries and illnesses; coordinates the activities of the national organization in regard to veterans affairs; and oversees the effectiveness of programs serving 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
PNC 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
Eugene J. O’Grady, Chairman, New Jersey
Veterans Education, Other Benefits & Homelessness Committee
Alonzo M. Scott, Chairman, Virginia
Autrey James Chairman, California
John Bowen Sr. Chairman, Colorado
Joseph C. Sharpe Jr. Director, District of Columbia
COMMISSIONS & COMMITTEES
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-level officials, members of Congress and 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.
TITLE SPONSOR
For more than 100 years, USAA has proudly served the financial needs of the military and their families. For insurance, banking, investments and advice, you can trust us to provide the convenience you need, savings you want and service you deserve. With USAA, you’re more than a member; you’re part of the family we serve. 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. Learn more at usaa.com or call 1-800-531-8722
PLATINUM SPONSOR
THANK YOU to our 2024 National Convention service providers and exhibitors
SERVICE PROVIDERS
Alamo Services
Bayou Royals
Bensussen Deutsch & Associates (BDA)
Callaway Transportation
Captions Unlimited
City of New Orleans, Mayor’s Office
Emblem Sales
Governor of Louisiana
Hilton Riverside
Houston Bernard
Infiniti Wireless Solutions
Joyful and the Spirit of New Orleans
Marco Promotional Products
Markey’s
Mathis Media
Men’s Wearhouse
Mobility City
Nancy Hays Entertainment, Inc.
New Orleans & Company
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
New Orleans Saints
NOEMS
Rick Pedro, RJCP Entertainment, Inc.
Scootaround
Shepard Exposition Services
Sodexo Live!
Stage Tech, Inc.
The American Legion
The American Legion Blood Drive
The National World War II Museum
VAMC
EXHIBITORS
22ZERO Follow Me Inc.
A&A Engraving
Advocate Health Advisors
AGIA, Inc.
American Academy of Opthalmology
American Legion Child Welfare Foundation
American Legion Media &
Communications Division
American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation
American Sikh Council
America’s VetDogs: The Veteran’s
K-9 Corps., Inc.
Armed Forces Vacation Club
Army & Air Force Exchange Service
Bastion Community of Resilience
Bradford Health Services
Canine Companions
CaptionCall by Sorenson
Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA)
ClearTrust Claims LLP
Columbia Southern University
Crosman Corporation
CU Branding Retail LLC/Be the One Coffee
Defense Commissary Agency
Delta Dental
Department of Veterans Affairs
Department of Defense Office of Casualty, Mortuary Affairs & Military
Funeral Honors
Diamond Game
Dignity Memorial/Neptune Society
Dream Vacations – Tom Calvin Associates
Euroshine USA, Inc.
Friends of the National World War II Memorial
Globe Life, Inc., American Income Life Division
Hamilton Relay (Heroes with Hearing Loss)
Infinity Speaks Cranial Prosthetics
Leidos QTC Health Services
LifeLine Pilots
Lincoln Technology
LogicMark
MetLife
Mutual of Omaha
MyLegion
National Braille Press
National Cemetery Administration
National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress
National Veterans Creative Arts
Festival
Neurolumen
PCI
Philips
Quilts of Valor Foundation
RCTAA CTRMG-GAPSI JVII LLC (CGJV)
Rockin’Feet by Unique 4U
Save A Warrior, Inc.
Save Our Servicemembers
Sokolove Law
South Carolina ETV - After Action
SymbolArts, LLC
Sync.MD
The Veterans Consortium
TriWest
USAA
VA Center for Women Veterans
VA Debt Management Center
VA Life Insurance
VA Office of Connected Care
VA Office of Mental Health
VA Office of Patient Centered Care &
Cultural Transformation (Whole Health)
VA Office of Suicide Prevention
VA - VHA Member Services
Veteran Legal Assistance Program
Veterans Canteen Service
Veterans Evaluation Services
Veterans Health Information
Exchange (VHIE)
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
Veterans Voices Writing Project
VHA Office of Learning and Innovation
Visit Tampa Bay
Wellcare
