Department District Commanders - The American Legion, Department of Michigan

2025-2026 District Commanders are the first line in a Post's chain of command

Use the contact form below to reach your district commander

Michigan District Map

1st District - Karl Burnett
Posts in the county of Wayne and cities of Detroit, Grosse Pointe, and Hamtramck

2nd District - William McMurray

I enlisted in the US Army In April ,1970 for a three year hitch. They assigned me to the 44th Ordance Company, 30th Artiliary Bde AD, Ryukyus Island Command. After completing my 18 month tour of duty, I was assigned to the 503rd Transportation Company , Fort Story, Va. did my remaining year - a 90 day early out. Released from duty Jan. 15,1973. So I just say US Army regular,1970-1973. I am a Vietnam Era veteran, with no doubt that I am a Cold War Warrior.
Posts in Jackson, Lenawee, Monroe, and Washtenaw County

3rd District - Sheila Overholts

I was a Marine Corp brat who defied the family tradition by joining the U.S. Army. Aviation 1986-94. Had both sons while stationed at Ft. Campbell, Ky. Both followed my path by joining the Army. Again, broke dad's heart. 26 year member American Legion PUFL. Held many positions Post, District, Department, and National Committees.

Posts in Branch, Calhoun, Eaton, Hillsdale, Kalamazoo County

4th District - Rodney Tolbert

I have been a 6 year member of The American Legion thanks to the Legion act and a 33 year member of the Sons of the American Legion. In the Legion I have been Department Chaplain 1st vice commander and county commander of Van Buren, also on post redevelopment.

In the Sons I have held multiple offices and was a Detchment Commander for 2012-2013 and 2 time National Chaplain I am now on the legislative committee. I am a proud dual member. For God and Country

Posts in Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Cass, St. Joseph, and Van Buren County

5th District - Bob Cook
Posts in Kent and Ottawa County

6th District - John Brauer

I come to you through the smoky haze of the 1960s Detroit riots, with survival skills that can only be acquired through catholic boys' homes and years in the Detroit public school system. Only to tarnish the halls of the lily white suburban Brighton high school, where I graduated, most likely to receive my 15 minutes of fame through a mugshot in a tie-died Grateful Dead tee shirt.

In 1980, with an ultimatum from a very imposing man addressed as "your Honor", I joined the Navy. Replacing my disdain for authority with the unrivaled chaos of the order only the U.S. military could muster. After two luxury cruises of the Mediterranean Sea (1980-81 USS John F. Kennedy) (1983-84 USS Dwight D. Eisenhower), I returned as a frocked E-5 with an OCS appointment, should I choose to make the Navy a career. I decided to let my hormones guide me, and I returned to start a family and pursue a career in the electrical construction industry.

After completion of my IBEW apprenticeship, I worked as a journeyman for six years. After obtaining my master's, I worked in various roles, including foreman, general foreman, superintendent, project manager, service manager, and estimator. Working on some of the most significant commercial and industrial projects in mid-Michigan.

In 2001, after the death of my wife of 21 years, I stepped back from my career to raise my children(4) and mentor young electricians to become viable assets of the capitalist juggernaut. In 2008, I was recruited by American Legion Post 238 to utilize my electrical skills in remodeling their new post home. Not knowing the cynicism and dark humor that came along with me.

At some point around the end of COVID, someone thought I had leadership potential and elected me 1st vice commander at a meeting I wasn't even present at. Knowing nothing about anything associated with the American Legion, I assumed my position with all the obligatory guilt only a catholic grandmother can instill. After failing at hiding my true potential, I was elected Commander.

My steadfastness and determination to succeed pushed me to every conference, workshop, training opportunity, and convention. And the position of District Alternate Committeeman. Just like all volunteer organizations, no good deed goes unpunished. Thanks to term limits and a lack of interest, I'm here. Your new district Commander. Y'all beware, I make Shtuff happen.

Posts in Genesee, Ingham, and Livingston County

7th District - Robert Montgomery

Robert M Montgomery was born in Mt Clemens on March 21^st 1962 He enlisted into the United States Navy on the 9^th of August 1979 into the delayed entry program and reported for active duty on the 11^th of July 1980, After boot camp and Machinist Mate “A” school Mr. Montgomery reported to his first ship the USS Yosemite AD-19 in January of 1981 and was assigned to the forward engine room as a member of “M” division. After 2 years of service aboard the Yosemite, Mr. Montgomery reported aboard the USS Saratoga CV-60 in February of 1983 and was assigned to the hydraulic shop aircraft elevators as a member of “A” division. He was honorably discharged in May of 1984 with the obtained rank of Machinist Mate 3^rd class petty officer. Mr. Montgomery has belonged to several veteran service organizations over the years and was past Commander and Adjutant of his American Legion post. Mr. Montgomery has been active in the community for several years as well, He managed several little league teams and was the Cub Master for the local pack and assisted on the Memorial Day parade in St Clair Shores. He is a former tool and die maker who retired in 2024. He is a 1980 graduate of Engadine High School in Michigan’s upper peninsula and if you cannot find him hanging around Memphis/Richmond area you will find him at his cabin in the upper peninsula.

Posts in Huron, Lapeer, Macomb, Sanilac, Tuscola, and St. Clair County

8th District - Wendy Retzloff

Posts in Clinton, Gratiot, Ionia, Montcalm, Saginaw, and Shiawassee County

9th District - Ed Herter

I was raised along with my sister and brother by our Grandparents. They were very conservative and taught me to stand up for what I believed in. As a young teenager, I witnessed the Vietnam War on the television set. It had a profound effect on me. I was proud of our country and the sacrifices our soldiers made. I always knew there was a soldier inside.

I joined the United States Air Force and became a SAC troop. I was first a Security Police at K.I. Sawyer AFB. Long, hard hours and I was dealt the standard-issue divorce by my 1^st wife. I cross-trained in Graphics and re-enlisted. One day, a new female airman reported to my shop. I was her supervisor. We hit it off together. That didn’t sit too well back in the days of PDA. We had plans to marry, so I hung up my uniform and supported Yvonne as a military spouse until she retired after 22 years of service. She has been my ‘little airman’ for 45 years now.

She is a USAF brat, and I am a spouse, so we both have dual membership in the Legion and the Auxiliary. We are both PUFLs with 11 years in the Legion.

At the post level, I have served as an Adjutant at two posts. I am the Post Commander at my post. At the District level, I have held various positions, including Sergeant of Arms, Adjutant, 1st Vice Commander, and Commander. I have also been the 1^st Vice President of my Auxiliary unit twice.

My goal is to help posts develop and attract the young veterans. Our youngest son did four combat tours and is 100 percent disabled. We have seen firsthand what these soldiers live with mentally and physically. Too many are slipping through the cracks, no, ravines. We need to be here for everyone of them, their families and our families.

Posts in Benzie, Grand Traverse, Lake, Leelanau, Manistee, Mason, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Missaukie, and Wexford County

10th District - Wayne Benson
Posts in Alcona, Arenac, Bay, Clare, Crawford, Gladwin, Iosco, Isabella, Mecosta, Midland, Ogemaw, Oscola, Oscoda, and Roscommon County

11th District - Mark Maida

I grew up in post 104 where my grandfather was a very active member. I then lived in South Dakota, where I played Legion baseball. I joined the Army 6 days after I turned 17 years old. I was in the Army Reserve and National Guard for 12 years. I attended college in the Tri-City area and have worked for three of the largest public utilities in the country as a supervisor and manager. I then moved to the UP, where I am a teacher and a coach. In the summers, I am a Wildland Firefighter for the BIA. I hunt and fish a lot and own a small outfitter service specializing in bear hunting for veterans with disabilities. I'm also a member of the MI DNR UP Citizens Advisory Committee. This is my second year as District Commander, following my previous tenure as the 11^th District Vice Commander. I commanded Post 393 for 4 years, in which time we doubled in membership. I am also an avid Detroit Lions fan.

Posts in Alger, Chippewa, Delta, Luce, Mackinac, Menominee, and Schoolcraft County

12th District - Jim Wallis

Posts in Baraga, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, Marquette, and Ononagon County

16th District - Pete Ramik

A seasoned veteran of the United States Army, tRamik served with distinction in the Artillery from 1981 to 1985. His service included an 18-month tour at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, with the 3rd Corps, followed by 30 months at Schofield Barracks with the 25th Infantry Division. Following his father's 22 years of service, enlisting after high school was a natural choice.

Returning to the spirit of service, the individual joined the American Legion in 1993, becoming a dedicated member of Post 472 in Melvindale. He has actively contributed to the organization, serving on the Executive Board, as Junior Vice, Senior Vice, and in the prestigious role of Commander for a continuous 12-year term. Reassuming the Commander position in 2021, he continues to lead the Post with distinction. In 2022, he expanded his leadership to the 16th District and currently serves as the District Commander.

Outside of his military and Legion commitments, Pete is a proud parent of three grown children - two daughters and one son - and cherishes his role as a grandparent to four grandchildren.

Covers the following Posts in Wayne County - 67, 75, 173, 200, 217, 231, 232, 251, 285, 319, 337, 364, 389, 409, 426, 447, 472, 478

18th District - Kim Lambouris

I enlisted in the United States Air Force from 6/19/1988 to 619/1992 as an Aircraft Armament Systems Specialist on B-52’s and was station at Andersen AFB Guam. While being stationed in Guam, I participated in Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and Fiery Vigil. I joined the American Legion in 2013 and started getting involved and taking officer positions right away. I became Post Commander in 2017 to 2019 at Campbell Richmond Post #63 in Clarkston, MI. I transferred to Oakland County Post #25 and became the Post Adjutant and the 18^th District Adjutant in 2019, 18^th District 1^st Vice Commander in 2021-2022, 18^th District Commander 2022-2023, 18^th District Finance Officer 2023-2025, 3^rd Zone Baseball Chair from 2023 to present.

Posts in Oakland County

19th District - Patrick McGinn

Patrick McGinn enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1977 and stayed on active duty till retirement in 1999. While on active duty, he was trained as an aviation electronics technician and achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer. He served as an F-14 maintenance technician with VF-101 and deployed with VF-32 onboard the USS Independence and the USS John F. Kennedy. His next assignment was the Naval Aviation Test Center. He qualified and worked on F-14 Tomcat and A-6 Intruder projects. Later, he volunteered to be a Naval Drug and Alcohol Counselor, which led to training and assignment to the Alcohol Rehabilitation Center in Pearl Harbor.

He returned to his rate in 1993 and was assigned to the USS John F. Kennedy Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department, VAST shop and at the same time was assigned as the Director of the Counseling and Assistance Center onboard. Final assignment was at the Naval Hospital in Great Lakes, Alcohol Rehabilitation Department as the Senior Counselor. Harbor Hall, Inc, a substance abuse treatment facility in Petoskey, immediately hired Pat. Pat has worked at Harbor Hall in multiple roles, including Director of Clinical Operations, Clinical Director, Chief Clinical Officer, and CEO. Pat is now semi-retired, working 2-3 days a week as a clinical therapist and as the Clinical Director.

Pat has the following credentials and affiliations: Master of Science Degree in Clinical Psychology, Limited Licensed Psychologist, State of Michigan, Master of Arts Degree: Human Resources Training and Development, Certified Advanced Addictions Counselor, Certified Clinical Supervisor, American Psychological Association Affiliate Member, Michigan Psychological Association Associate Member, Member of the American Legion

Posts in Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmett, Kalkaska, Mt. Morency, Otsega, and Presque Isle County

	1st District - Karl Burnett Posts in the county of Wayne and cities of Detroit, Grosse Pointe, and Hamtramck
	2nd District - William McMurray I enlisted in the US Army In April ,1970 for a three year hitch. They assigned me to the 44th Ordance Company, 30th Artiliary Bde AD, Ryukyus Island Command. After completing my 18 month tour of duty, I was assigned to the 503rd Transportation Company , Fort Story, Va. did my remaining year - a 90 day early out. Released from duty Jan. 15,1973. So I just say US Army regular,1970-1973. I am a Vietnam Era veteran, with no doubt that I am a Cold War Warrior. Posts in Jackson, Lenawee, Monroe, and Washtenaw County
	3rd District - Sheila Overholts I was a Marine Corp brat who defied the family tradition by joining the U.S. Army. Aviation 1986-94. Had both sons while stationed at Ft. Campbell, Ky. Both followed my path by joining the Army. Again, broke dad's heart. 26 year member American Legion PUFL. Held many positions Post, District, Department, and National Committees. Posts in Branch, Calhoun, Eaton, Hillsdale, Kalamazoo County
	4th District - Rodney Tolbert I have been a 6 year member of The American Legion thanks to the Legion act and a 33 year member of the Sons of the American Legion. In the Legion I have been Department Chaplain 1st vice commander and county commander of Van Buren, also on post redevelopment. In the Sons I have held multiple offices and was a Detchment Commander for 2012-2013 and 2 time National Chaplain I am now on the legislative committee. I am a proud dual member. For God and Country Posts in Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Cass, St. Joseph, and Van Buren County
	5th District - Bob Cook Posts in Kent and Ottawa County
	6th District - John Brauer I come to you through the smoky haze of the 1960s Detroit riots, with survival skills that can only be acquired through catholic boys' homes and years in the Detroit public school system. Only to tarnish the halls of the lily white suburban Brighton high school, where I graduated, most likely to receive my 15 minutes of fame through a mugshot in a tie-died Grateful Dead tee shirt. In 1980, with an ultimatum from a very imposing man addressed as "your Honor", I joined the Navy. Replacing my disdain for authority with the unrivaled chaos of the order only the U.S. military could muster. After two luxury cruises of the Mediterranean Sea (1980-81 USS John F. Kennedy) (1983-84 USS Dwight D. Eisenhower), I returned as a frocked E-5 with an OCS appointment, should I choose to make the Navy a career. I decided to let my hormones guide me, and I returned to start a family and pursue a career in the electrical construction industry. After completion of my IBEW apprenticeship, I worked as a journeyman for six years. After obtaining my master's, I worked in various roles, including foreman, general foreman, superintendent, project manager, service manager, and estimator. Working on some of the most significant commercial and industrial projects in mid-Michigan. In 2001, after the death of my wife of 21 years, I stepped back from my career to raise my children(4) and mentor young electricians to become viable assets of the capitalist juggernaut. In 2008, I was recruited by American Legion Post 238 to utilize my electrical skills in remodeling their new post home. Not knowing the cynicism and dark humor that came along with me. At some point around the end of COVID, someone thought I had leadership potential and elected me 1st vice commander at a meeting I wasn't even present at. Knowing nothing about anything associated with the American Legion, I assumed my position with all the obligatory guilt only a catholic grandmother can instill. After failing at hiding my true potential, I was elected Commander. My steadfastness and determination to succeed pushed me to every conference, workshop, training opportunity, and convention. And the position of District Alternate Committeeman. Just like all volunteer organizations, no good deed goes unpunished. Thanks to term limits and a lack of interest, I'm here. Your new district Commander. Y'all beware, I make Shtuff happen. Posts in Genesee, Ingham, and Livingston County
	7th District - Robert Montgomery Robert M Montgomery was born in Mt Clemens on March 21^st 1962 He enlisted into the United States Navy on the 9^th of August 1979 into the delayed entry program and reported for active duty on the 11^th of July 1980, After boot camp and Machinist Mate “A” school Mr. Montgomery reported to his first ship the USS Yosemite AD-19 in January of 1981 and was assigned to the forward engine room as a member of “M” division. After 2 years of service aboard the Yosemite, Mr. Montgomery reported aboard the USS Saratoga CV-60 in February of 1983 and was assigned to the hydraulic shop aircraft elevators as a member of “A” division. He was honorably discharged in May of 1984 with the obtained rank of Machinist Mate 3^rd class petty officer. Mr. Montgomery has belonged to several veteran service organizations over the years and was past Commander and Adjutant of his American Legion post. Mr. Montgomery has been active in the community for several years as well, He managed several little league teams and was the Cub Master for the local pack and assisted on the Memorial Day parade in St Clair Shores. He is a former tool and die maker who retired in 2024. He is a 1980 graduate of Engadine High School in Michigan’s upper peninsula and if you cannot find him hanging around Memphis/Richmond area you will find him at his cabin in the upper peninsula. Posts in Huron, Lapeer, Macomb, Sanilac, Tuscola, and St. Clair County
	8th District - Wendy Retzloff Posts in Clinton, Gratiot, Ionia, Montcalm, Saginaw, and Shiawassee County
	9th District - Ed Herter I was raised along with my sister and brother by our Grandparents. They were very conservative and taught me to stand up for what I believed in. As a young teenager, I witnessed the Vietnam War on the television set. It had a profound effect on me. I was proud of our country and the sacrifices our soldiers made. I always knew there was a soldier inside. I joined the United States Air Force and became a SAC troop. I was first a Security Police at K.I. Sawyer AFB. Long, hard hours and I was dealt the standard-issue divorce by my 1^st wife. I cross-trained in Graphics and re-enlisted. One day, a new female airman reported to my shop. I was her supervisor. We hit it off together. That didn’t sit too well back in the days of PDA. We had plans to marry, so I hung up my uniform and supported Yvonne as a military spouse until she retired after 22 years of service. She has been my ‘little airman’ for 45 years now. She is a USAF brat, and I am a spouse, so we both have dual membership in the Legion and the Auxiliary. We are both PUFLs with 11 years in the Legion. At the post level, I have served as an Adjutant at two posts. I am the Post Commander at my post. At the District level, I have held various positions, including Sergeant of Arms, Adjutant, 1st Vice Commander, and Commander. I have also been the 1^st Vice President of my Auxiliary unit twice. My goal is to help posts develop and attract the young veterans. Our youngest son did four combat tours and is 100 percent disabled. We have seen firsthand what these soldiers live with mentally and physically. Too many are slipping through the cracks, no, ravines. We need to be here for everyone of them, their families and our families. Posts in Benzie, Grand Traverse, Lake, Leelanau, Manistee, Mason, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Missaukie, and Wexford County
	10th District - Wayne Benson Posts in Alcona, Arenac, Bay, Clare, Crawford, Gladwin, Iosco, Isabella, Mecosta, Midland, Ogemaw, Oscola, Oscoda, and Roscommon County
	11th District - Mark Maida I grew up in post 104 where my grandfather was a very active member. I then lived in South Dakota, where I played Legion baseball. I joined the Army 6 days after I turned 17 years old. I was in the Army Reserve and National Guard for 12 years. I attended college in the Tri-City area and have worked for three of the largest public utilities in the country as a supervisor and manager. I then moved to the UP, where I am a teacher and a coach. In the summers, I am a Wildland Firefighter for the BIA. I hunt and fish a lot and own a small outfitter service specializing in bear hunting for veterans with disabilities. I'm also a member of the MI DNR UP Citizens Advisory Committee. This is my second year as District Commander, following my previous tenure as the 11^th District Vice Commander. I commanded Post 393 for 4 years, in which time we doubled in membership. I am also an avid Detroit Lions fan. Posts in Alger, Chippewa, Delta, Luce, Mackinac, Menominee, and Schoolcraft County
	12th District - Jim Wallis Posts in Baraga, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, Marquette, and Ononagon County
	16th District - Pete Ramik A seasoned veteran of the United States Army, tRamik served with distinction in the Artillery from 1981 to 1985. His service included an 18-month tour at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, with the 3rd Corps, followed by 30 months at Schofield Barracks with the 25th Infantry Division. Following his father's 22 years of service, enlisting after high school was a natural choice. Returning to the spirit of service, the individual joined the American Legion in 1993, becoming a dedicated member of Post 472 in Melvindale. He has actively contributed to the organization, serving on the Executive Board, as Junior Vice, Senior Vice, and in the prestigious role of Commander for a continuous 12-year term. Reassuming the Commander position in 2021, he continues to lead the Post with distinction. In 2022, he expanded his leadership to the 16th District and currently serves as the District Commander. Outside of his military and Legion commitments, Pete is a proud parent of three grown children - two daughters and one son - and cherishes his role as a grandparent to four grandchildren. Covers the following Posts in Wayne County - 67, 75, 173, 200, 217, 231, 232, 251, 285, 319, 337, 364, 389, 409, 426, 447, 472, 478
	18th District - Kim Lambouris I enlisted in the United States Air Force from 6/19/1988 to 619/1992 as an Aircraft Armament Systems Specialist on B-52’s and was station at Andersen AFB Guam. While being stationed in Guam, I participated in Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and Fiery Vigil. I joined the American Legion in 2013 and started getting involved and taking officer positions right away. I became Post Commander in 2017 to 2019 at Campbell Richmond Post #63 in Clarkston, MI. I transferred to Oakland County Post #25 and became the Post Adjutant and the 18^th District Adjutant in 2019, 18^th District 1^st Vice Commander in 2021-2022, 18^th District Commander 2022-2023, 18^th District Finance Officer 2023-2025, 3^rd Zone Baseball Chair from 2023 to present. Posts in Oakland County
	19th District - Patrick McGinn Patrick McGinn enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1977 and stayed on active duty till retirement in 1999. While on active duty, he was trained as an aviation electronics technician and achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer. He served as an F-14 maintenance technician with VF-101 and deployed with VF-32 onboard the USS Independence and the USS John F. Kennedy. His next assignment was the Naval Aviation Test Center. He qualified and worked on F-14 Tomcat and A-6 Intruder projects. Later, he volunteered to be a Naval Drug and Alcohol Counselor, which led to training and assignment to the Alcohol Rehabilitation Center in Pearl Harbor. He returned to his rate in 1993 and was assigned to the USS John F. Kennedy Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department, VAST shop and at the same time was assigned as the Director of the Counseling and Assistance Center onboard. Final assignment was at the Naval Hospital in Great Lakes, Alcohol Rehabilitation Department as the Senior Counselor. Harbor Hall, Inc, a substance abuse treatment facility in Petoskey, immediately hired Pat. Pat has worked at Harbor Hall in multiple roles, including Director of Clinical Operations, Clinical Director, Chief Clinical Officer, and CEO. Pat is now semi-retired, working 2-3 days a week as a clinical therapist and as the Clinical Director. Pat has the following credentials and affiliations: Master of Science Degree in Clinical Psychology, Limited Licensed Psychologist, State of Michigan, Master of Arts Degree: Human Resources Training and Development, Certified Advanced Addictions Counselor, Certified Clinical Supervisor, American Psychological Association Affiliate Member, Michigan Psychological Association Associate Member, Member of the American Legion Posts in Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmett, Kalkaska, Mt. Morency, Otsega, and Presque Isle County