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It should be considered a criminal act for one to falsely claim receipt of a government award of rank or commendation. The Stolen Valor Act must be rewritten as necessary within the framework of the Constitution.
- John Hollner R. Michael Suter
Vice-Chairman
National Veteran Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission
The American Legion
R. Michael Suter was born and raised on a farm in Southeastern Iowa and currently lives in Jamestown New York. Mr. Suter holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Behavioral Science and an Associate's Degree in Accounting.In 1966 he enlisted serving four years before receiving a commission in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1970. He served in varying capacities in communications, artillery and logistics at locations in the Western Pacific, Europe, Middle East and the United States retiring as the Program Director, Maritime Prepositioning Ships in 1989 at Headquarters Marine Corps.
Upon leaving active military service in 1989 he moved to Jamestown, New York with his wife Barbara and son Rob where he continues to live. He was self- employed from 1990 to 1993 as a financial planner dealing with pension plans, mutual funds, and various insurance and health care programs. From 1994-1998 Mr. Suter served as the Director, Chautauqua County Veterans Service Agency, Chautauqua County, New York. In this capacity he was accredited through The American Legion with the Department of Veterans Affairs to assist and represent veterans and their dependents with claims for benefits. In 1999 he was hired by the American Legion, Department of New York, as Field Coordinator, having oversight for accreditation, training and general management of 93 American Legion Accredited Representatives in 51 Counties and the 5 Boroughs of New York City. Mr. Suter provides veteran assistance for health care in VISN's 2 & 3.
He is a life member of The American Legion, Herman Kent Post 777 in Celoron, New York. He has served in all officer billets at the Post and County levels. At the Department level he has served as a member of the New York American Legion Press Association 2002-present, Chairman, VA Health Care Committee 1997-present, member Resolutions Committee 2005-present and Chairman of the Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Committee 2004-present.
At the National level, New York delegate to the Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Commission 2003-present and National Vice Chairman 2006-present, member of the System Worth Saving Committee 2004-present and Vice Chairman 2006-present, member of the American Legion Press Association 2005-present, member Lenker Award Committee 2006-present, member Facilities Advisory Committee in 2003- 2004 and member Committee for Certificates of Appreciation for VA Officials 2006-present.
Mr. Suter is a Paul Harris Fellow and Past President and Secretary of the Jamestown AM Rotary International Club, a member of the New York State Association of County Veterans Service officers and member of the VA Western New York Healthcare System's Patient Aligned Care Team Advisory Council.