Department 1st Zone Commander - Scott Nichols
Scott Nichols is a 2nd generation American Legion member. He first joined the SAL in the 1970’s at the DeWitt American Legion Post, where his father was a member. He and his father later joined Post 412 in Bath. Scott enlisted in the US Army after high school, stationed in West Germany and later received a commission as an officer serving as a platoon leader with Co. F 425th Airborne Infantry. For several years, Scott was the Scout Master for the Boy Scout Troop sponsored by the post, later being appointed as the post’s adjutant and also Senior Vice for the 8th District. He later moved to Ann Arbor, joining Post 46 and was elected Vice Commander and Commander. Scott’s son Anthony is also a member of Post 46 and is a 3rd-generation Legionnaire. Scott has served as the 2nd District Adjutant and sat on the following state committees: Membership, Post Revitalization and Legislation. He was appointed to the National Foreign Relations and Legislation committees. Scott received the following awards: Lyle H. Alexander Adjutant of the Year, National Pioneer Award and The American Legion Gold Medal of Merit. Scott is a graduate of the National American Legion College class of 2020 and holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from Michigan State University.
Department 2nd Zone Commander - Fred Young
I have 29 years as a Legionnaire. I have been through most of the Chairs in the Post, I have been, and I am currently on the Governing Board. I have been through the District Commander and was brought into the District during COVID-19. I started as one of the Vice Commanders through attrition. I was 1st Vice in 2020-2021, and the next year, I was District Commander. I have worked on Committees within the Post and the District and at the Department. I enlisted in the Army while I was a Sr. in high school and went to Basic Training in July of 1974. I have served in Svc Btry 1/73rd F.A.Towed and SP 155MM Artillery units as a Mechanic, shop supervisor, and Brigade S-4 Maintenance Tech. Inspector in the 18th Engr. Bde. Engineer Bde. for the last 6 years as the Motor Sergeant, I served in the Active Army from 1974 - 1986, and with the Mi. ARNG from 1987 - 1990, I moved to California, where I was a full-time CA. ARNG at Camp Roberts. Rejoining my old unit as the Recovery Team NCOIC of the Bn. A Svc. Btry 119th F.A. Retiring on 31 Oct. 1996, but in July of 2006, the Army ordered me as a Retiree Recall to Active Duty for 4 years. I was assigned as the NCOIC of the Automotive Artillery Recovery Department at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD. After two years, I was reassigned as an Army Recruiter to Marquette, Mi. My final Retirement was January 2010.With a total of 27 years in the Army.
I have worked as a Contractor in Afghanistan for 5 years, training the Afghan Army and working with ISAF. I then went on to work as a facilities Coordinator and later as a driver for Car Rental Agencies.
Department 3rd Zone Commander - Leo Cowdry
Growing up my parents were both involved in the American Legion, so I have been going to conventions and meetings all my life. I was a charter member of the SAL squadron in my Post and after serving in the Air Force during Vietnam I joined the Legion. In the Air Force I was a Fire Protection Specialist and assigned to “Crash Rescue”.
At the Post level I have been Service Officer, Jr Vice, and Commander. In the District I have been the Adjutant and Commander. At the Department level I have served as Chairman of various committees and recently was the Department Finance Officer. Currently I am the 3rd Zone Commander serving the 6th, 7th, 8th and 18th Districts.
I worked 40 years at General Motors and retired from the Lansing Delta Twp plant in 2016 as a Team Leader in Reliability. I have a daughter, Amanda (USAF) and son, Nick (USMC) who are both Legion members, three grandchildren and I enjoy playing golf in my spare time.
Department 4th Zone Commander
Mike Pergande
Mike Pergande joined the American Legion in 2004 after retiring from the United States Army. He served on active duty for 23 years.
He is a member of Post 18 in Bay City. He has served as Post Commander, Post Finance Officer and Post Adjutant. At the district level, he has served as district commander (4 times), district alternate (4 times), and district finance officer. In addition to being the 4th Zone commander, he is also a member of the Department Finance Committee.
He resides in Bay City with his wife of 47 years, Cathy. He has two grown children and two grandchildren.
Department 5th Zone Commander
Mike Trickey
