Department 1st Vice Commander / Membership
Jim Austin
I joined the Navy right out of high school in December 1980. I was stationed on the USS Merrimack (AO-179) out of Norfolk. VA in the Pre-Com unit and commissioned in November of 1981. During my time on the Merrimack, we did one Med cruise at which time we supported the Marines in Beirut in 1983. We also took 2 North Atlantic cruises; I am a Shellback and 2-time Blue Nose. After 5 years in the Navy as a boiler technician (BT-2), I was honorably discharged, and when I returned home, I went to work in the civilian sector as a boiler operator. After several years as a licensed boiler operator, my career changed to the maintenance side of the profession. I have been a journeyman millwright since about the year 2000. When I left the military, I joined the American Legion family. My father and my uncle/godfather were charter members of the Southgate Post 478. Once I became eligible to join the American Legion, I joined full speed ahead. I am a believer that if you are going to join an organization, you need to engage wholeheartedly. I was happy at the Post and District level until a fine gentleman, PDC Bill Anderson, saw something in me and introduced me to the Department level committees. As enthusiastic as I was about the American Legion, PDC Carney Jackson recognized my enthusiasm for the American Legion Riders and appointed me to be the first Department Legion Rider Liaison. My commitment has never wavered, and I have been appointed to several Department committees over the years. I look forward to what I can contribute to the American Legion. My leadership style is all about teamwork and complete transparency. If it is good for the Legion, I will do everything in my capacity to make it happen. I look forward to continuing my dedication to the Legion and its members in whatever position I am honored to hold.
Department 2nd Vice Commander / Americanism Chairman
Roger Deaton
I joined the U.S. NAVY in 1986, serving in VFA-87 aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt and USS Abraham Lincoln. During my time in service, I earned my undergraduate degree in Criminal Law. After serving eight years in the world’s greatest Navy, I went to work in the Public and Civil Service sectors. During my 20 years in the Automotive industry as a director of supply chain, I earned my master’s in business administration (MBA). After leaving the automotive industry, I returned to serve 22 years in the public sector at the Department of Defense (DoD). Serving as a Branch Chief Supervisor and working on Programs BAMS, H-60 and EMALL. In November of 2022, my service to the public continues with my election to the prestigious Livingston Board of Commissioners.
For most of my adult life, I have been a Legionnaire and PUFL Member of the American Legion for 33 Years. I have served at the Post, District and State levels in the following positions: Color Guard, Sgt at Arms, Adjutant, ALR Member and past ALR Secretary, District Finance Officer, and Commander. At the State Level, Boys State Committeeman. As post adjutant, I was awarded the 2021 Department of Michigan Adjutant of the Year. And most recently, nominated to attend the 2023 National American Legion College.
Simple philosophy as District Commander: Back to the basics/4 pillars: Continue the synergy between the multiple Veteran groups, further my education to support Veterans and their families and improve our great communities.
Department Adjutant - Ronald Runyan
Ron earned his eligibility from the Persian Gulf War. A U.S. Navy veteran, served aboard the USS Longbeach CGN-9 from 1988-1991 and active Navy reserves from 1991-1993. He then joined The American Legion in 1997. While serving aboard the Longbeach a World Cruise was completed, Desert Shield & Desert Strom, Panama and Coast Guard operations were conducted.
A graduate of National Institute of Technology; Schoolcraft College degree in Electronic Engineering and current student at Columbia Southern University achieving a Masters degree in Business Administration & Human Resource Management.
Ron has two wonderful children Jessica and Mikael and a granddaughter's Addison and Della and Lillian. In his free time he likes to walk the beaches of Michigan lakes finding rocks as an avid rock hound, and tumbles and polishes them for gifts. If rocks were not enough, Ron also loves music and concerts. As his favorite band of all time JOURNEY says "Don't Stop Believin"!
Finance Officer
Brian Mohlman
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.
I am the Past Department Commander for 2023-2024, as well as 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.
Chaplain
Michael Schlaack
Michael (Mike) Schlaack a 29-year member of the American Legion and has served as the chaplain for American Legion Post 141 in Howell, as well as a member of the Post’s American Legion Riders. He has worked in the Information Technology department at DTE Energy for 26 years and has nearly 40 years of experience in the Information Technology field.
Mike joined the U.S. Army after graduating from Durand Area High School in 1979, and received training as a 19D (Cavalry Scout) at Fr. Knox, KY. After serving as a hometown recruiter’s aid, Mike went on to his first duty assignment at Ft. Hood, TX, assigned to 1/8 Cav., 1 Cav. Div. In 1981, Mike was assigned to Aschaffenburg, GE, to serve in 4/64 Armor (3ID). He was later reassigned to the Battalion and 3rd Brigade (3ID) S-3 shops as an assistant operations NCO.
Mike re-enlisted in 1984 to retrain in the computer field as a 34H at Ft. Gordon, GA. Upon completion of training, he was assigned to S.H.A.P.E. (Supreme HQ Allied Powers Europe) in Mons, BE. Mike left military service as a Staff Sergeant in 1985 and worked in Germany for defense contractors supporting battlefield simulation centers in the Frankfurt/Darmstadt areas. He returned to the United States with his family in 1993.
Mike holds a BS degree in Computer Info. Systems Management, an MS in Computer Info Systems, and an MA-Theology in Systematic Theology. He is a Protodeacon in the Orthodox Christian Church and has served for over 13 years at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Fenton, MI. He has been a resident of Howell, MI, for 30 years and has been involved in local Scouting at the Pack, Troop, and District levels. Mike is an Eagle Scout (1978) and a Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow.
Mike has been married to his wife, Susan, for 44 years, and they have three adult children. In his spare time Mike enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, motorcycle riding, reading and woodworking.
Sgt at Arms
Duane Miller
Duane is a 30-year PUFL Member with his eligibility earned during the Vietnam era while serving in the U.S Air Force from 75 - 79, and later in the Army from 81 - 06. He is a Member of Post 48, where he served as Commander for 5 years. he has also held the offices of 1st Vice Commander, 2nd Vice Commander, Adjutant, Sgt at Arms, and Bar Chairman. He is a member of his post's Honor Guard and a Legion Rider.
He has served in various roles in the Third District, including Commander, 1st Vice Commander, Chaplain, and the VA Bingo Vice Chairman. He has also served as the Commander of the 2nd Zone. Duane continues to serve as the Director and Caretaker of Wilwin.
Miller and his wife of 46 years, Barbara, share 3 children, 8 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.
Judge Advocate
Brett Holt
Historian
Bob Higley
Bob earned his eligibility during the Grenada/Panama era. He served in the Army National Guard as a scout for a TOW missile Battalion. Bob is a 26-year PUFL member. He has served as Department historian, membership director and assistant membership director. At the District level he has served as commander, alternate commander, finance officer, historian and sergeant-at-arms. At the post level he has served as commander, senior vice-commander, adjutant, finance officer, historian and chaplain.
Bob is also a 2014 graduate of the National American Legion College. A graduate of Lawrence Technological University with a Bachelors of Science degree in Construction Engineering he retired after a 32-year career as a construction superintendent. Bob has a 37-year-old son Matt who is a member of the Sons of The American Legion.