Gaylord K. Sanneman was appointed national sergeant-at-arms of The American Legion on August 28, 2025, at the 106th National Convention in Tampa, Fla.
A resident of Newton, Kan., Sanneman graduated from Clay County Community High School in 1964 and enlisted in the Air Force the following year. He received technical training as a jet-over-two engine aircraft mechanic at Chanute Air Force Base, Ill., and served with the 70th Heavy Bomber Wing at Clinton-Sherman AFB, Okla., before deploying to Kadena, Air Base, Okinawa.
Sanneman later earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree man from Washburn University in Topeka, Kan.
After a long career, he retired as the general manager and chief operative officer of Sublette Cooperative Inc. A member of American Legion Post 253 in Maquette, Kan., Sanneman held many positions and was elected department commander of Kansas in 2013. He was instrumental in chartering his Sons of The American Legion in 2022, a group for which he is eligible through the World War II service of his father.
Sanneman is active in and held offices on the Harvey County Historical Society, the Newton Senior Area Center, Trinity Heights Methodist Church and the Harvey County Extension Executive Board.
His wife, Janelle, passed away in 2024. Sanneman enjoys playing 9-hole golf at least once a week.