Department Officers

Department 1st Vice Commander / Membership & Post Activities 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

 

I earned my eligibility from the Persian Gulf War. A U.S. Navy veteran, served aboard the USS Longbeach CGN-9 from 1988-1991 and in the 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 Storm, Panama and Coast Guard operations were conducted.

A graduate of the National Institute of Technology, Schoolcraft College degree in Electronic Engineering, and Columbia Southern University, with a degree in Business Administration & Human Resource Management.

Ron has two wonderful children, Jessica and Mikael, and three granddaughters, Addison, 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 

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.

 

 

Chaplain

Rodney Tolbert

Bio coming soon

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

         Brett Holt served in the United States Navy from 1983 to 1994 onboard the aircraft carriers USS America (CV-66) and USS George Washington (CVN-73). He was a member of the commissioning crew for George Washington. In between, he spent three years as a Navy Recruiter in Houston, Texas.
            Brett currently serves as the Department of Michigan’s Alternate National Executive Committeeman. He currently serves as the Department of Michigan’s Judge Advocate and Constitution and Bylaws Subcommittee Chairman. Brett is also the Judge Advocate for the eighth district and Judge Advocate for Post 412, Bath.
            He has held several officer positions at all levels of the organization. Some but not all positions include Department Commander 2017-2018, Zone Commander, District Commander, District Adjutant, Post Commander, as well as National Committee Appointments on Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, Health Administration and Americanism.
            Brett is a 26-year member of The American Legion and a PUFL. He is also a member of the Sons of The American Legion. He is a Class of 2006 National Legion College Graduate and an honorary member of the Army, Navy, Air Force in Canada, United States Unit (ANAVICUS).
            Brett was born in Galveston, Texas and spent his teenage years living in Belgium, Iran and South Africa. He attended a British boarding school in South Africa. Prior to joining the Navy, he attended Texas A&M University.
            He is married to his wife, Bonnie and has two children and two stepchildren. His granddaughter recently graduated from Basic Training for the Texas National Guard.

 

 

Historian

Pete Ramik

Bio coming soon