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 Bio coming soon
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 - 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 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
