Post 108 Officers and Executive Committee
Have questions about membership with American Legion Post 108? Contact Stephen Weston.
Post 108 Officers
Post 108 Executive Committee
Mike Lowell 760-409-1081
Melton Godwin
Robert Schierschmidt 401-742-9116
Elaine Stoots 813-468-6881
Ray Williams 813-997-6452
Joshua Porthouse 352-978-2265
Valerie VanStronder 813-585-5542
The Adjutant (Support Position: BDD Marketing Dept.)
The Adjutant is the primary administrative officer for the post. Post activities revolve around the Adjutant. Most posts retain a good adjutant over a period of years. The role of the adjutant provides continuity for a post. While the commander's duties are largely inspirational and executive, an adjutant's duties are administrative and functional. The commander navigates the ship, while the adjutant is the engineer who sees that the ship's machinery is working and maintained.
The adjutant is the personnel officer and personal point of contact for individual post members. They maintain membership records and minutes of meetings, do checkups, assist the work of the other officers and committees, and publish official orders, announcements, and communication with post members. The adjutant should maintain and access all post records in a comprehensive filing system. The office involves a great deal of work and attention to detail. An effective adjutant is an essential component of a successful post.
First Vice Commander (Support Position: BDD Marketing Dept.)
In most posts, a first, second, or even third vice commander is elected, with membership and retention being the primary concern of the first vice commander. The first vice commander will maintain membership campaigns and initiatives, develop new procedures to improve all membership growth methods and campaigns, and meet directly with each post officer and committee chairperson to lay out a general plan of operation for the entire year.
Second Vice Commander (Support Position: BDD Programs Dept.)
The second vice commander is responsible for building an atmosphere in which Legionnaires have fun while accomplishing the mission of their American Legion Post. The commander depends on the second vice commander to help run operations, spice up meetings, and attract members to the post. The social calendar should be filled months in advance with activities designed to engage members. One of the second vice commander's duties should be to contact other veterans and civic groups to verify each patriotic holiday and observance receives the respect it deserves. The second vice commander should seek ways to involve membership in post activities, operations, and programs to assist the first vice commander by providing improved membership retention.
Third Vice Commander
The third vice commander is responsible for executing a plan to conduct a Buddy Check at least twice per year.
The Finance Officer
The finance officer should be honest and have experience in handling financial affairs. The post depends on fiduciary integrity and should acquire expert advice in formulating and administering its financial policy. The finance officer serves as the chair of the finance committee and oversees all receiving and disbursing of post funds. The post adjutant, in all matters relating to finance, should carry on the work in close correlation with the finance officer.
Post Service Officer
This post requires a competent, dedicated, and organized person ready to help. The post service officer is responsible for educating all veterans and their dependents about the rights and benefits granted by law. The post service officer also must know how to access and utilize the expert services available through the American Legion, state and federal government agencies, and local community agencies.
Post 108 Committees
The 108 Rally Point
Led by Vice Commanders Buck Rollings and Ed Marquis, Historian Dave Sullivan, and Executive Committee Member Valerie VanStronder, the Rally Point Task Force is focused on gathering life-saving resources and empowering our members. Participants in Rally Point are guided through a structured process to identify those at risk, effectively engage in crisis situations, and implement practical, personalized safety plans.
Want to be a part of The 108 Rally Point Committee?
Contact Buck Rollings
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 813-931-4741
Americanism
This committee aims to foster a love of country and promote good citizenship through patriotic observances, flag etiquette, civic education in schools, the Americanization of immigrants, community service, and youth activities such as Boys State, Boy Scouts, Oratorical Contests, School Award Medals, and American Legion Baseball.
We are currently looking for leaders to lead this committee. Are you ready to be a part?
Contact Toni Hedstrom
Email: [email protected]
Children & Youth
This committee works to ensure that the children of veterans in need of care and protection receive proper and timely services and aid. It extends connections to verified organizations and facilities providing services for children and youth and maintains programs that meet the needs of youth in the local community. In addition, the committee designates members to oversee the following programs:
- Boys State
- Boy Scouts
- Sea Cadets
- Legion Ball
- JRTOC/ROTC
- Junior Shooting Sports
- Oratorical Programs
- Scholarships, Schools Medals, and Awards
We are currently looking for leaders to lead this committee. Are you ready to be a part?
Contact Toni Hedstrom
Email: [email protected]
Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation
The committee assists veterans in pursuing claims, understanding their rights, and obtaining their benefits. Committee members also visit veterans who are sick, disabled, or residing in assisted living facilities and comfort members' families during illness and bereavement. In addition, the committee designates members to oversee the following programs.
- Homeless Veteran Outreach
We are currently looking for leaders to lead this committee. Are you ready to be a part?
Contact Toni Hedstrom
Email: [email protected]
National Security
This committee engages in community emergency preparedness, promotes public safety, and supports local and national civilian defense projects.
We are currently looking for leaders to lead this committee. Are you ready to be a part?
Contact Toni Hedstrom
Email: [email protected]
Membership
This committee recruits, retains, and engages members to give the post the best opportunity for success.
We are currently looking for leaders to lead this committee. Are you ready to be a part?
Contact Toni Hedstrom
Email: [email protected]
Public Relations
Elevates awareness in the veteran's community and the community of American Legion advocacy of veteran's issues, national security, Americanism, and youth. The American Legion is defined by the public eye by the values it demonstrates. This committee accomplishes this in two ways: Managing radio and TV advertisements and public service announcements produced by National Headquarters. Committee members must be seen and heard and develop relationships with editors and journalists in the post's community so they cover programs supporting the Legion's four pillars.
We are currently looking for leaders to lead this committee. Are you ready to be a part?
Contact Toni Hedstrom
Email: [email protected]
Events & Sponsorships
This committee focuses on planning events and socials to provide opportunities for comradeship, fun, and activity within the post. The committee determines the type of activities that will appeal most to its membership, works to schedule and plan them, and executes the post's objectives.
We are currently looking for leaders to lead this committee. Are you ready to be a part?
Contact Helen Marquis
Email: [email protected]