The commissions and committees of The American Legion are composed of volunteer Legionnaires, backed by national staff. Together they do the work of the Legion, carrying out its resolutions and programs. Over the course of a year, each commission and committee records successes and growth.
American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, Inc. - President - Dennis R. Boland
The mission of The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation is to contribute to the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual welfare of children. The foundation corresponds with the mission of the Commission on Children and Youth in the areas of child health, safety and family support.
In 1954, the Legion endorsed the separate incorporation of CWF. Since then, the foundation has granted more than $11.8 million to nonprofit youth-oriented organizations. Grants are awarded to contribute to child welfare in two ways:
In 1954, the Legion endorsed the separate incorporation of CWF. Since then, the foundation has granted more than $11.8 million to nonprofit youth-oriented organizations. Grants are awarded to contribute to child welfare in two ways:
- Through the dissemination of knowledge about new and innovative organizations and/or programs designed to benefit youth; and
- Through the dissemination of knowledge already possessed by established organizations so that information can be best used in society.
Americanism Commission - Chairman - Joseph E. Caouette
or Americanism is an unfailing love of country, loyalty to its institutions and ideals, eagerness to defend it against all enemies, individual allegiance to the flag, and a desire to secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.
Through the Americanism Commission, Legion programs for our nation’s youth – the National High School Oratorical Contest, the Junior Shooting Sports Program, Boys State and Boys Nation, American Legion Baseball, and Scouting support – including The American Legion Eagle Scout of the Year Award and The American Legion Scouting Square Knot Award – have helped thousands reach their potential by building physical, mental and moral alertness, while cultivating strong character and civic responsibility.
The commission also works to help legal immigrants prepare for citizenship and assimilation into U.S. society. Over the decades, many posts, districts and departments have hosted orientation sessions to help teach proficiency in English, U.S. history and civics.
Americanism committees:
Through the Americanism Commission, Legion programs for our nation’s youth – the National High School Oratorical Contest, the Junior Shooting Sports Program, Boys State and Boys Nation, American Legion Baseball, and Scouting support – including The American Legion Eagle Scout of the Year Award and The American Legion Scouting Square Knot Award – have helped thousands reach their potential by building physical, mental and moral alertness, while cultivating strong character and civic responsibility.
The commission also works to help legal immigrants prepare for citizenship and assimilation into U.S. society. Over the decades, many posts, districts and departments have hosted orientation sessions to help teach proficiency in English, U.S. history and civics.
Americanism committees:
- Counter-Subversive Activities Committee:
Robert G. Bournival, New Hampshire, Chairman
Emphasizes importance, awareness of subversive activities and influences - National Committee on Education
The Rev. James T. Akers, Kansas, Chairman
Works to maintain a strong relationship between posts and schools
Commission on Children and Youth - Chairman - Dennis R. Boland
The Commission on Children and Youth strives to strengthen families, supports organizations that help young people, and maintains programs that meet the physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual needs of minors facing challenges. The Legion has been a strong advocate for the children and youth of our nation since its founding in 1919.
Among the commission’s prominent programs is the Family Support Network (FSN), which connects Legion volunteers to military families with children at home. FSN offers volunteer help for military families, while the Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) program provides cash grants to help military families through difficult times.
To fulfill its mission, the commission supports such notable organizations as the Children’s Miracle Network, the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA), the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program, and Operation: Military Kids.
This pillar responsibility of the Legion also includes support for programs that aim to prevent teen suicides, eradicate child pornography, ensure child safety and reduce substance abuse.
Click here to contact or (317) 630-1203
Among the commission’s prominent programs is the Family Support Network (FSN), which connects Legion volunteers to military families with children at home. FSN offers volunteer help for military families, while the Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) program provides cash grants to help military families through difficult times.
To fulfill its mission, the commission supports such notable organizations as the Children’s Miracle Network, the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA), the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program, and Operation: Military Kids.
This pillar responsibility of the Legion also includes support for programs that aim to prevent teen suicides, eradicate child pornography, ensure child safety and reduce substance abuse.
Click here to contact or (317) 630-1203
Convention Commission - Chairman - Michael E. Walton
The National Convention Commission conducts regular meetings during the year to review materials and choose future Legion national convention cities from those that submit requests for proposals. This process provides an equal opportunity for all cities to be judged the same way during the initial review and site-visit process.
It is the commission’s desire to continue to attract new cities to host national conventions, providing Legionnaires and their families with pleasurable, memorable and meaningful experiences every year. Parades, concerts, special parties and more are worked out between the commission and local and regional entities. Cities are chosen several years in advance, so that the commission has plenty of time to plan an outstanding convention.
The Convention & Meetings staff coordinates the activities and programs of the national convention (including meetings, concerts, the parade, and more), as well as of the Spring and Fall Meetings in Indianapolis, each year.
Convention committee:
It is the commission’s desire to continue to attract new cities to host national conventions, providing Legionnaires and their families with pleasurable, memorable and meaningful experiences every year. Parades, concerts, special parties and more are worked out between the commission and local and regional entities. Cities are chosen several years in advance, so that the commission has plenty of time to plan an outstanding convention.
The Convention & Meetings staff coordinates the activities and programs of the national convention (including meetings, concerts, the parade, and more), as well as of the Spring and Fall Meetings in Indianapolis, each year.
Convention committee:
- Distinguished Guests Committee
Stephen W. Short, Indiana, Chairman
Coordinates activities for all distinguished guests invited to a national convention
Economic Commission - Chairman - Harold D. Barnett
The Economic Commission and its two standing subcommittees are responsible for ensuring that U.S. veterans have the opportunity to provide, with honor and dignity, the economic necessities of life for themselves and their families. To achieve this goal, the commission and committees work closely with government agencies, nonprofit organizations and industry.
These include the Department of Labor, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Office of Personnel Management, the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Veterans Affairs, Bank of America, Monster.com, PNC Bank and Cisco Technologies.
The National Economic Commission also continues to guide the Legion’s efforts to provide veterans with comprehensive education benefits and new employment and business opportunities. This commission is also heavily engaged in the fight to end homelessness among veterans.
Economic committees:
These include the Department of Labor, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Office of Personnel Management, the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Veterans Affairs, Bank of America, Monster.com, PNC Bank and Cisco Technologies.
The National Economic Commission also continues to guide the Legion’s efforts to provide veterans with comprehensive education benefits and new employment and business opportunities. This commission is also heavily engaged in the fight to end homelessness among veterans.
Economic committees:
- Employment Committee
Albert M. Robotti, New Jersey, Chairman
Guides policy on veteran employment, education, business development, housing, transition assistance and other matters - Veterans Preference Committee
Wendall J. Sandell, Pennsylvania, Chairman
Covers federal employment law and rights, and the U.S. Postal Service
Finance Commission - Chairman - Kenneth D. Danilson
The primary responsibilities of the Finance Commission are to prepare yearly budgets for the National Executive Committee, handle funds under those budgets, and exercise reasonable oversight to see that various divisions and departments of the organization operate within appropriations. The commission also directs the work of the Finance Division.
Finance committees and divisions:
Finance committees and divisions:
- The American Legion Insurance Committee
Kenneth L. Powell, Florida, Chairman
Provides oversight for insurance plans offered by the Legion - Fundraising Division
Bill Pease, Indiana, Director
Focuses mainly on nonmember donors to support Legion programs, through planned giving and major gifts - Membership Support Services
Greg Roth, Indiana, Director
Manages the DMS program that focuses on new-member acquisition - National Emblem Sales Division
Alvan T. Fuller, Massachusetts, Chairman
Oversees sales of the Legion emblem and items containing the emblem, as well as other organizational equipment - Information Technology Division
Brad Pryor, Indiana, Director
Plays a key role in the selection and maintenance of all hardware and software used by National Headquarters
Foreign Relations Commission - Chairman - Randall Fisher
The Foreign Relations Commission is dedicated to the full accounting of POWs and MIAs, the defense of human rights and freedom, the promotion of peace, and the care of veterans and their families who live abroad. The commission works diligently to advance resolutions that speak to key foreign-relations issues concerning national interests of the United States.
The commission conducts meetings and programs throughout the year to keep the Legion membership fully informed on current foreign-policy issues. It encourages bipartisan development of foreign policies consistent with the principles of democratic activism and with the Legion’s portfolio of active resolutions.
Click here to contact or (202) 630-1298
The commission conducts meetings and programs throughout the year to keep the Legion membership fully informed on current foreign-policy issues. It encourages bipartisan development of foreign policies consistent with the principles of democratic activism and with the Legion’s portfolio of active resolutions.
Click here to contact or (202) 630-1298
Internal Affairs Commission - Chairman - Larry J. Besson
The Internal Affairs Commission is charged with formulating and recommending policies, and with overseeing the implementation of adopted policies, relating to activities conducted within The American Legion organization.
Among its purposes are membership and post development, records administration, post-revitalization training, Sons of The American Legion, Legion Riders, Legion College, and special projects such as the Legion’s connection with country-music artist Michael Peterson.
The commission provides guidance and assistance to the national adjutant on necessary administrative operations, and also monitors legislative and other regulatory activities that can potentially affect Legion posts and departments, recommending appropriate courses of action.
Internal Affairs committees:
Among its purposes are membership and post development, records administration, post-revitalization training, Sons of The American Legion, Legion Riders, Legion College, and special projects such as the Legion’s connection with country-music artist Michael Peterson.
The commission provides guidance and assistance to the national adjutant on necessary administrative operations, and also monitors legislative and other regulatory activities that can potentially affect Legion posts and departments, recommending appropriate courses of action.
Internal Affairs committees:
- Constitution & By-Laws Committee
Vincent Gaughan, Illinois, Chairman
Focuses on matters relating to the organization of the Legion - Membership & Post Activities Committee
Denise Rohan, Wisconsin, Chairman; Billy R. Johnson, Georgia, Membership Director
Works to strengthen Legion membership and relevance in communities - Resolutions Assignment Committee
C. Wayne Schrader, Illinois, Chairman
Advances resolutions during the national convention - Trophies, Awards and Ceremonials Committee
Randall W. Busch, Nebraska, Chairman
Supervises all official national awards
Legislative Commission - Chairman - Ken Governor
The purpose of the Legislative Commission is to promote the legislative mandates of the Legion before Congress. These mandates are dictated by resolutions adopted at a national convention or any meeting of the National Executive Committee. Neither the Legislative Commission nor its staff can make policy decisions.
The Legion’s legislative portfolio covers a large spectrum of issues, such as the global war on terrorism, juvenile delinquency, veterans employment and education, military preparedness, immigration, flag protection and veterans health care. The Legion’s mandates are promoted by oral and written testimony at congressional hearings, writing and mailing letters, and lobbying Congress through countless hours of telephone calls, emails and meetings. The National Legislative Council, the American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of The American Legion are critical allies in the Legion’s grass-roots lobbying program.
The Legion’s legislative focuses include fiscal-year appropriations for VA, homeland security and national defense; continued support for legislation to eliminate the disabled-veterans tax, and passage of a constitutional amendment to protect the U.S. flag.
Click here to contact or (202) 861-2700
The Legion’s legislative portfolio covers a large spectrum of issues, such as the global war on terrorism, juvenile delinquency, veterans employment and education, military preparedness, immigration, flag protection and veterans health care. The Legion’s mandates are promoted by oral and written testimony at congressional hearings, writing and mailing letters, and lobbying Congress through countless hours of telephone calls, emails and meetings. The National Legislative Council, the American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of The American Legion are critical allies in the Legion’s grass-roots lobbying program.
The Legion’s legislative focuses include fiscal-year appropriations for VA, homeland security and national defense; continued support for legislation to eliminate the disabled-veterans tax, and passage of a constitutional amendment to protect the U.S. flag.
Click here to contact or (202) 861-2700
National Security Commission - Chairman - G. Michael Schlee
The National Security Commission is responsible for developing and maintaining the Legion’s positions and policies relevant to national defense, homeland security, and the well-being of the members of our military, as well as their families. National security is regarded as one of the four pillars of the Legion.
Commission and division staff work closely with each branch of the U.S. military in an effort to stay well-informed on issues that affect troops and their families. Troop strength and military quality of life are among the commission’s highest priorities. The commission also addresses issues related to illegal immigration.
The commission meets during Spring and Fall Meetings, the Washington Conference and the national convention, to hear presentations from military authorities and bring forward resolutions reflecting the most up-to-date positions of the Legion on the latest national-security concerns; and also coordinates the Legion’s blood-donor program, as well as the ROTC medals program and the National Law Enforcement and National Firefighter of the Year Awards
Click here to contact or (202) 861-2700
Commission and division staff work closely with each branch of the U.S. military in an effort to stay well-informed on issues that affect troops and their families. Troop strength and military quality of life are among the commission’s highest priorities. The commission also addresses issues related to illegal immigration.
The commission meets during Spring and Fall Meetings, the Washington Conference and the national convention, to hear presentations from military authorities and bring forward resolutions reflecting the most up-to-date positions of the Legion on the latest national-security concerns; and also coordinates the Legion’s blood-donor program, as well as the ROTC medals program and the National Law Enforcement and National Firefighter of the Year Awards
Click here to contact or (202) 861-2700
Public Relations Commission - Chairman - Robert L. Morrill
The Public Relations Commission communicates the organizational image, goals, programs and legislative positions of the Legion to national, regional and specialized media, corporate America, and the public.
Public Relations tools can be downloaded online and are also available in print, free upon request. The commission offers a wide array of media tools, including regularly updated suggested speeches for patriotic holidays, the Public Relations Handbook, event-planning guides, and various Legion information-campaign kits, as well as radio and TV public-service announcements.
A new PR-system tool kit includes all of the above components, as well as electronic venues such as website development, and a full array of fill-in-the-blank news releases, advisories, and letters to the editor and to community leaders. The package will include a print handbook, DVD, and hyperlinks to editable media products on master templates.
To date, more than $765,000 has been raised for Operation Comfort Warriors (OCW) since its inception in December 2008, to purchase items meant to improve the morale, welfare and recreation of wounded, injured or ill warriors in U.S. military hospitals and warrior transition units around the world.
The commission continues to engage emerging communication technologies to provide the most accurate, timely information to veterans and their families, and help the Legion continue to stand as the pre-eminent voice of, and for, the American veteran.
Public Relations tools can be downloaded online and are also available in print, free upon request. The commission offers a wide array of media tools, including regularly updated suggested speeches for patriotic holidays, the Public Relations Handbook, event-planning guides, and various Legion information-campaign kits, as well as radio and TV public-service announcements.
A new PR-system tool kit includes all of the above components, as well as electronic venues such as website development, and a full array of fill-in-the-blank news releases, advisories, and letters to the editor and to community leaders. The package will include a print handbook, DVD, and hyperlinks to editable media products on master templates.
To date, more than $765,000 has been raised for Operation Comfort Warriors (OCW) since its inception in December 2008, to purchase items meant to improve the morale, welfare and recreation of wounded, injured or ill warriors in U.S. military hospitals and warrior transition units around the world.
The commission continues to engage emerging communication technologies to provide the most accurate, timely information to veterans and their families, and help the Legion continue to stand as the pre-eminent voice of, and for, the American veteran.
The American Legion Magazine Commission - Chairman - Dennis J. Henkemeyer
The Magazine Commission oversees a variety of media, including The American Legion Magazine, the national website, the Dispatch leadership newspaper, The American Legion Online Update e-newsletter, and many other information products. The division continues to clock all-time highs in website visitation and social-media participation. With a circulation of nearly 2.3 million, the magazine is still the most influential media channel for the organization, but the website is gaining ground; and the Online Update has a rapidly growing weekly-subscriber list. The Legion adds new Facebook friends and Twitter followers every day.
Click here to contact or (317) 630-1298
Click here to contact or (317) 630-1298
Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Commission - Chairman - Michael D. Helm
As one of the four pillars upon which the Legion was founded, the Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation (VA&R) Commission actively advocates for, and exercises independent oversight over, hundreds of benefits, programs and opportunities that aim to compensate and care for U.S. military veterans and their dependents.
VA&R provides direct assistance to veterans and their families in a variety of ways, including representation on disability claims and appeals, health-care advocacy, military-discharge reviews and upgrades, deployment health and environmental exposures, and memorial benefits. Additionally, the VA&R staff maintains an active voice in congressional deliberations regarding veterans’ issues, and has a well-established and respected working relationship with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that includes regular participation in major VA advisory committees. A yearly Department Service Officer (DSO) School is held for Legion DSOs, who come from around the country to learn how to better assist veterans with their claims and appeals. The commission continues to lobby and fight, to ensure that VA will indeed be capable of fulfilling its mission to “care for him who shall have borne the battle, and his widow and his orphan.”
Click here to contact or (202) 861-2700
VA&R provides direct assistance to veterans and their families in a variety of ways, including representation on disability claims and appeals, health-care advocacy, military-discharge reviews and upgrades, deployment health and environmental exposures, and memorial benefits. Additionally, the VA&R staff maintains an active voice in congressional deliberations regarding veterans’ issues, and has a well-established and respected working relationship with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that includes regular participation in major VA advisory committees. A yearly Department Service Officer (DSO) School is held for Legion DSOs, who come from around the country to learn how to better assist veterans with their claims and appeals. The commission continues to lobby and fight, to ensure that VA will indeed be capable of fulfilling its mission to “care for him who shall have borne the battle, and his widow and his orphan.”
Click here to contact or (202) 861-2700
Administrative Services - Executive Director - William M. Justis
Executive Director William M. Justis performs duties assigned by the national adjutant, and fills in for him whenever he is out of the office. He also oversees the Indianapolis-based divisions, including Americanism, The American Legion Magazine, Public Relations, Internal Affairs, Human Resources, Maintenance, The American Legion Library and the Emil A. Blackmore Museum; and serves on any committees assigned.
Administrative Services - Executive Director - Peter Gaytan
Executive Director Peter Gaytan manages the work of the several divisions that deal regularly with the administration, Congress and agencies of the federal government. Four divisions are housed at this office: Economic, Legislative, Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation and National Security/Foreign Relations.
Administrative Services - Director - Jeff Brown
Executive Director Jeff Brown oversees operations of the commercial and technical-support divisions of the Legion’s facility on the east side of Indianapolis, and is responsible for the performance of Emblem Sales, Information Technology, Fundraising and Membership Support Services.
