National Officers

The national commander is the executive head of The American Legion with full power to enforce the provisions of the National Constitution and By-Laws and the resolutions of the National Convention. He also appoints all necessary commissions and committees, subject to ratification by the National Executive Committee. During tenure in office, the national commander visits most departments in this country and some of the overseas departments.

Elected at the National Convention, the five national vice commanders act as representatives of the national commander. Upon the request of the national commander, they preside over meetings of the National Executive Committee or the National Convention and perform such other duties as the commander may request. No two vice commanders can be chosen from the same department during the same year.

National officers elected by the National Convention take office upon the adjournment of the convention and serve until the conclusion of the next convention.

Six other national constitutional officers are appointed annually by vote of the National Executive Committee. They are the national adjutant, national treasurer, national judge advocate, national historian, national chaplain and national sergeant-at-arms.

Responsibilities of National Officers:

Daniel S. Wheeler
National Adjutant

The national adjutant is the administrative head of the organization. He supervises national headquarters and all other national offices wherever located and is charged in the organization's by-laws with the administering of the policies and mandates of the National Convention and the National Executive Committee.

George A. Buskirk
National Treasurer

The national treasurer, appointed annually by the National Executive Committee, is custodian of the funds of the national organization. The duties of the national treasurer include signing all checks, making reports upon the condition of the national treasury and performing other duties appropriate to the office.

Philip B. Onderdonk
National Judge Advocate

The national judge advocate, appointed by the National Executive Committee, advises the national officers and the National Executive Committee on all legal matters, including the interpretation of the National Constitution and By-Laws.

Charles J. Zelinsky
National Historian

The national historian, appointed by the National Executive Committee, is responsible for Legion history and helps department and post historians coordinate, unify and promote their work. The national historian is assisted by the librarian and archivist employed by the national organization.

Lawrence L. Vollink
National Chaplain

The national chaplain performs spiritual nonsectarian services as may be necessary, adhering to ceremonial rituals as approved by the national organization. The national chaplain is in charge of memorial services at each National Convention, opens and closes national meetings with appropriate prayers and frequently gives guidance and leadership to the religious emphasis program of the Americanism Commission.

Randy L. Freel
National
Sergeant-at-Arms

The national sergeant-at-arms preserves order at national meetings and performs such other duties as may be from time-to-time assigned by the National Executive Committee. the national adjutant, treasurer, judge advocate, historian and chaplain. The sergeant-at-arms may be reappointed by the National Executive Committee.