2025-2026 Department Commander
Roger Avie
Commander Avie is a highly accomplished professional with a diverse and distinguished career across business, finance, education, and veteran service. Starting out as Circulation Manager and Editor at the Southfield Observer, where he honed his skills in media and communications. He has served as CFO for Burns & Wilcox, one of the largest surplus lines insurance companies in the United States, managing over $2.5 billion in premiums during his 14-year tenure.
A dedicated Legionnaire, Roger has held numerous leadership roles in the American Legion. He is a member of the National Legislative Commission, Department Finance Officer, and Chairman. He was the 17th District Commander and currently serves as the 1st District Finance Officer, Post 390 Adjutant, Assistant Finance Officer, and past Commander of Post 390. He is also the current Finance Officer for the 40 & 8 Voiture 1002, as well as the current Vice President and Past President of the Michigan American Legion Foundation.
Roger was an instructor at Wayne State University and Lawrence Technological University. He is also a past president of the Lawrence Technological University Alumni Association and the Sojourners Masonic Veterans Association.
Roger is the vice chairman and former chairman of the Farmington Hills Emergency Preparedness Commission (EPC). Additionally, he has managed the Farmington Founders Festival Parade for 26 years and the Holly Days Parade for 8 years.
Roger is currently a licensed insurance and surplus lines agent. He owns a video surveillance company, a tax practice, a computer and networking, and a property management firm overseeing multiple properties across Michigan. Roger also owned a video production company working for both corporate clients and government agencies.
Request an appearance from our State Commander
Immediate Past Commander - Dan Cooper
Dan Cooper was elected as the 106th Department Commander of Michigan for 2024-2025 in Sault Ste. Marie on July 14, 2024.
Born and raised in South Haven, Michigan, Dan joined the Marine Corps in 1971 during the Vietnam era and served as a Crash, Fire, and Rescue Crew Chief, directing on-site fire and rescue efforts. Dan worked his way up to Dispatcher, directing all firefighting crews in all emergencies.
After leaving the Marine Corps in 1975 as a construction project foreman, Dan moved the family to several states across the Southwest and West.
When returning to Michigan, Dan worked with Consumers Energy at the JH Campbell power plant in West Olive, where he became a certified power plant operator.
Dan served in several post-officer positions, including Post Commander for three years at Post 6 in Holland, where he has been a paid-up-for-life member for 20 years. Dan served two years as the 5th District Commander and then as the 2nd Zone Commander before being elected as the Department's first and second Vice Commander.
He retired from Consumers Energy after 22 years as a certified hydro operator at the Rogers Dam in Big Rapids. Dan also holds a degree in business administration and has been a licensed general contractor for over 30 years. Dan and his wife, Virginia, have been married for 50 years and raised two children, Jim and Jennifer. Dan enjoys taking his fishing boat out on inland lakes, often just to enjoy the scenery. Dan’s hobbies include working on and restoring antique tractors and cars, leather crafts, and woodworking.
National Executive Committeeman 2025 - 2027
Brett Holt U.S. Navy
Brett Holt served in the United States Navy from 1983 to 1994 onboard the aircraft carriers USS America (CV-66) and USS George Washington (CVN-73). He was a member of the commissioning crew for George Washington. In between, he spent three years as a Navy Recruiter in Houston, Texas.
Brett currently serves as the Department of Michigan’s Alternate National Executive Committeeman. He also currently serves as the Department of Michigan’s Judge Advocate and Constitution and Bylaws Subcommittee Chairman. Brett is also the Judge Advocate for the eighth district and Judge Advocate for Post 412, Bath.
He has held several officer positions at all levels of the organization. Some but not all positions include Department Commander 2017-2018, Zone Commander, District Commander, District Adjutant, and Post Commander, as well as National Committee Appointments on Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, Health Administration and Americanism.
Brett is a 26-year member of The American Legion and a PUFL. He is also a member of the Sons of The American Legion. He is a Class of 2006 National Legion College Graduate and an honorary member of Army, Navy, Air Force in Canada, United States Unit (ANAVICUS).
Brett was born in Galveston, Texas and spent his teenage years living in Belgium, Iran and South Africa. He attended a British boarding school in South Africa and attended Texas A&M University prior to joining the Navy.
He is married to his wife, Bonnie, and has two children and two stepchildren. His granddaughter recently graduated from Basic Training for the Texas National Guard.
Alt National Executive Committeeman 2025 - 2027
I first joined the U.S. Air Force National Guard in 1979. I went to Western Michigan University and earned my Bachelor of Business Administration Accountancy.
I rejoined and earned eligibility during the Global War on Terrorism Era with the U.S. Air Force National Guard 1990-2012. While Serving my Posts 298 & 257 as Commander 2015-2022, we achieved 100% Post Membership All Years. I attended National American Legion College in 2018. Since then, I have continued to serve the American Legion Department of Michigan in various roles, including Kalamazoo County Commander 2017-2018, District 3 2nd Vice-Commander 2019-2020, Department DMS Coordinator 2018-2019, Department Membership Director 2020-2021 & 2021-2022, Department 1st Vice-Commander 2022-2023, National Americanism Council 2018-2021, and Membership & Post Activities Committee 2021-2023