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 - Mark Sutton 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 - Steve Caudill Steve “Radar” Caudill joined the United States Air Force on March 28, 1988. He began his career as a Fuels Specialist (POL) before moving into Information Management and Knowledge Operations Management.
During his Air Force career, Steve was stationed at Pease Air Force Base, New Hampshire, Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho and with the 314th Recruiting Squadron in Burlington, New Jersey. He also served overseas in Akıncı, Turkey and Darmstadt, Germany.
While serving in Germany, Steve worked with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency’s European Operations Division. He supported Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and civilian personnel. He held several leadership positions and was responsible for information management, personnel administration, security programs, official travel, records management, and support for international treaty missions.
Steve completed his career as the Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of Knowledge Operations Management for the 314th Recruiting Squadron. In this position, he supported military and civilian personnel located across several states.
Steve retired as a Technical Sergeant on June 29, 2009, after serving more than 21 years in the United States Air Force.
Steve is very passionate about The American Legion and everything it stands for. He has been a proud member since retiring from the military in 2009 and remains committed to supporting veterans, their families, and his community.
Posts in Branch, Calhoun, Eaton, Hillsdale, Kalamazoo County
4th District - Earl Lash Bio coming soon
Posts in Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Cass, St. Joseph, and Van Buren County
5th District - Doug Cox Posts in Kent and Ottawa County
6th District - Mark Downing Commander Mark Downing is a native of Flint, Michigan, and a 1982 graduate of Flint Northern High School. The youngest of five children, he was raised in a family rooted in hard work, patriotism, and service. His father, a Korean War veteran (1951–1953), worked for Buick Motor Division for 42 years, retiring as General Supervisor of the Plant 36 Crankshaft Division. His mother was a Teacher's Aide with Flint Community Schools.
Commander Downing holds an Associate of General Studies from Macomb Community College, a Bachelor of Business Leadership from Baker College, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Human Resources from Baker College Center for Graduate Studies.
He entered the United States Air Force in September 1985, specializing in Personnel. His active-duty assignments included Little Rock AFB, Arkansas; Kunsan AB, Republic of Korea; Selfridge ANGB, Michigan; and Nellis AFB, Nevada, his final active-duty assignment. After transitioning to the Michigan Air National Guard in December 1995, he served at Selfridge ANGB, Battle Creek ANGB, and Michigan Joint Force Headquarters.
His positions included Production Recruiter, Air Force Recruiting School Instructor, Recruiting Office Supervisor, Retention Manager, Management Analyst, and Chief of Personnel (Air) at Michigan Joint Force Headquarters. He also served as an Alternate Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Manager. Commander Downing retired on May 1, 2014, after more than 28 years of military service, attaining the rank of Chief Master Sergeant (E-9).
Following military retirement, he continued his public service as a Yellow Ribbon Program Manager, Survivor Services Advocate, and Claims Specialist with the Social Security Administration.
His American Legion leadership includes serving as Post Commander of Grand Blanc Post 413, Commander of the Genesee County Council, and First Vice Commander of the 6th District. During 2025–2026, he served on the Department of Michigan Americanism Committee as Junior Shooting Sports Program (JSSP) Subcommittee Chairman, supporting youth development, firearms safety, and sportsmanship. Currently serving on the Post Revitalization Committee.
His late wife of 22 years, Nicole Sue Downing, encouraged him to pursue Post leadership before her passing in May 2023. He is the proud father of three children: Nicholas Walton, Andrew Downing, and Kaitlyn Fetter.
On October 8, 2026, Commander Downing assumed command of the 6th District. His priorities include strengthening Post communication, increasing membership and retention, mentoring future leaders, and supporting Post revitalization. His leadership emphasizes accountability, teamwork, accessibility, and commitment to the American Legion's Four Pillars.
His guiding principle: "Integrity in leadership, fidelity to our Constitution and Bylaws, and unwavering commitment to those we serve."
Posts in Genesee, Ingham, and Livingston County
7th District - Robert Montgomery Robert M Montgomery was born in Mt Clemens on March 21st 1962 He enlisted into the United States Navy on the 9th of August 1979 into the delayed entry program and reported for active duty on the 11th 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 3rd 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 Wendy L. Retzloff enlisted in the U.S. Army on December 28, 1989, serving as office staff personnel during her Military Police Basic Training at Fort McClellan, Alabama.For over 11 years, Wendy has been an active and dedicated member of The American Legion. She has served in numerous leadership roles, including District 12 Commander from 2019 to 2021, while also graduating from the National American Legion College in the class of 2019. Her service continued as the 5th Zone Commander (2021-2022) before she moved to District 10 to serve as Senior Vice Commander (2022-2023). She now lives in District 8 and is a proud member of Carson City Post 380.Currently, Wendy is a member of The American Legion, Department of Michigan Boys State Committee, where she serves as a first responder. She also represents the Department of Michigan on the National Children & Youth Committee. Additionally, she is the event organizer for the annual Legion Female Veteran Retreat held each fall at Wilwin Lodge.In her professional life, Wendy has over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, handling claims. Outside of The American Legion, she volunteers for The Elks and The Fraternal Order of Eagles. She is also a member of the Worldwide Women's Association and the National Fire Protection Association.A graduate of Waverly High School (1985) and Lansing Community College (1988), Wendy earned an Associate's degree in Fire Science Technology and Emergency Medical Technician, graduating magna cum laude. She holds certifications as a State of Michigan Police, Fire Fighter II, with minors in Criminal Justice, Computers, and Mixology.Wendy's commitment to The American Legion is deeply personal. She states, "I am The American Legion, as I am passionate about making a positive difference to helping my active military and veteran brothers and sisters and their families who sacrificed themselves for the liberties and freedoms of others."Posts in Clinton, Gratiot, Ionia, Montcalm, Saginaw, and Shiawassee County
9th District - Yvonne Herter I was a Air Force Brat growing up back than going to New York and Germany meeting new friends and saying goodbye to them as their parents received orders to travel elsewhere. I had made my decision that after high school I would enlist in the U.S Air Force.
I was stationed K.I. Sawyer AFB into Audiovisual. I was amazed when I first saw a B-52 fly over.
I met my husband Ed at the Base Graphics shop where he was the NCO. We hit it off real well. Times were different and it was almost impossible for two married military members to be stationed at the same base in the same career field. Ed hung his uniform and supported me through my career of 22 years in the Air Force.
Both Ed and I have dual membership in the Legion and Auxiliary. Both PUFLs with 12 years in the legion.
At post level I have served as Post Commander, Historian, Trustee and Adjutant. At district level I have been 1st Vice Commander and Commander. I have served as President and Sergeant of Arms of our Auxiliary unit.
My goal is to serve the Legion Family and promote the women veterans and their husbands and families that supported them.
Posts in Benzie, Grand Traverse, Lake, Leelanau, Manistee, Mason, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Missaukie, and Wexford County
10th District - Liz Cuddington Posts in Alcona, Arenac, Bay, Clare, Crawford, Gladwin, Iosco, Isabella, Mecosta, Midland, Ogemaw, Oscola, Oscoda, and Roscommon County
11th District - Jan Lepinski For those of you who don’t know me, I am the 11th District Commander, Jan Lepinski. I received my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The Ohio State University in 1973, where I participated in the Army Student Nurse Program. In March 1974, I reported for basic training at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas.
After completing basic training, I was assigned to Harley Army Hospital at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis, Indiana. There, I received additional training in critical care and emergency nursing. After being released from active duty in 1977, I moved to Detroit, where my parents were living at the time, to continue my career as a critical care and emergency nurse. I also served with the 323rd General Hospital until 1985.
I am married to my husband, Kurt, a retired Army Corps of Engineers officer, and together we are the proud parents of three furballs. Kurt joined The American Legion after returning from Afghanistan, and I became his first recruit at Morton Grove Post 134 in Illinois.
During my time at Post 134, I served in several leadership positions and eventually became the Post’s first woman commander. I was also the first woman to join the Post’s rifle squad and later became its commander. At the District level, I have served in every elected position, including District Commander.
I have also held several state and national committee positions, including my current service on the National Security Council. In addition, I am a member of ANAVICUS and the Twenty and Four, the Honor Society of Women Legionnaires.
Throughout my Legion journey, I have been fortunate to receive the guidance and mentorship of Past National Commander John Geiger, Past National Commander Marty Conatser, and Past National Executive Committeeman Ken Trumbull. I am deeply grateful for their encouragement, leadership, and support..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 - Tom Viger 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 - Dennis Daugherty 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
