A career National Guard veteran from Champaign, Ill., has been elected national commander of the nation’s largest veterans organization.
Delegates to The American Legion’s 89th National Convention here chose Martin F. (Marty) Conatser to lead the 2.7 million-member organization of wartime veterans for a one-year term.
Conatser retired from the National Guard in 1996 as a sergeant major. He is a member of the Lincoln American Legion Post #102 in DeLand, Ill., and has served in many leadership roles during his 25-years as a member of The American Legion.
Conatser has served as District, Division and Department (State) Membership Director and Commander. At the national level, he was on the Membership and Post Activities Committee and became its chairman in 2003. During 2004 and 2005 he chaired the National Legislative Commission.
He also served as Chairman of the Piatt County Veterans Day Celebration for 12 years. He is a member of the Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans in Canada (ANAVICUS) - U.S. Unit, Past State Commanders Club, Masonic Lodge #812, AMVETS Post #4, Egyptian Past Commanders Club, Lincoln Challenge Academy Memorial Committee and the Dads Association of the University of Illinois.
Conatser resides in Champaign, Ill., with his wife, Sharon and is the father of three boys, Richard, Rick, and Bryan. Two daughters-in-law, a grandson, and two granddaughters are all members of the American Legion family.
Conatser took the oath of office long with five other national officers. Serving as national vice commanders are Thomas L. Burns, Jr. of Ocean View, Del.; Peggy G. Dettori of Kodiak, Alaska; Randall A. Fisher of Louisville, Ky.; Donald J. Hayden of Kilkenny, Minn.; and David A. Korth, of Marshfield, Wisc.
National Historian James M. Holmes of Speedway, Ind.; National Sergeant at Arms Denver Ray Phelps of Ogden, Ill.; and National Chaplain Rev. Elliott Laurence Foss, Jr. of Kingsland, Ga., were appointed to their positions by Conatser following the close of the national convention.
Comments (2)
I wish them well and hope they help to bring all of us together.
Posted by Hal Donahue | 08/30/07 6:19 PM |
Congratulations to our new National Commander. Your service in the National Guard is a tribute to our Country and we are proud to serve under your leadership this coming year.
Posted by Adjutant, Post 568 - San Antonio, TX | 08/31/07 2:15 AM |