The district commanders will receive an all-expense paid trip to the national convention in Louisville, Ky., for increased membership recognition.
American Legion district commanders from Idaho, Illinois and Texas will be honored on stage during the 2026 National Convention in Louisville, Ky., for winning their respective categories in the Race to the Top competition.
Race to the Top is divided into five categories based on the membership of the district without regard to geographic locations. The top district commander in each category whose district membership on March 31 represented the greatest percentage over the final previous year’s membership is named a Race to the Top winner.
This year’s four winning district commanders, along with a guest, will receive an all-expense paid trip to Louisville for the 107th National Convention as a distinguished guest of National Commander Dan Wiley. The trip includes round-trip airfare, tickets to the National Commander’s Banquet, and hotel accommodations for six days and five nights. The winning district commanders also will receive a Legion cap that signifies they are Race to the Top winners, and awarded on stage at the national convention with ribbons for each of the district’s posts.
2026 Race to the Top winners are:
Category I Districts of 15 to 1,499 members: Rolland D. Adams Jr., District 8, Idaho (121.19%)
Category II Districts of 1,500 to 2,999 members: Jerry L. Howard, District 13, Illinois (104.16%)
Category III Districts of 3,000 to 4,999 members: John T. Potts Jr., District 11, Texas (101.26%)
Category IV Districts of 5,000 to 7,499 members: No submissions
Category V Districts of 7,500 and more members: No submissions
Two second-place winners will receive a $500 check:
Category I Districts of 15 to 1,499 members: David C. King, District 8, Georgia (108.68%)
Category II Districts of 1,500 to 2,999 members: Enrique “Rick” Cabrera, District 3, Florida (102.39%)
No submissions for categories III, IV or V.
One third-place winner will receive a $375 check:
Category I Districts of 15 to 1,499 members: Jose M. Gamez Jr., District 23, Texas (104.91%)
No submissions for categories II, III, IV or V.
- Dispatch