Legionnaires from around the world hear from national commander candidates, present awards for membership growth.
The Foreign and Outlying Posts and Departments of The American Legion (FODPAL) elected Bill Shetz of Post 2 in Guatemala as president for 2025-26 at the group’s annual breakfast meeting Monday, Aug. 25, during the 106th American Legion National Convention in Tampa, Fla.
Members of FODPAL also heard from Dan Wiley of Kansas, leading candidate to serve as national commander of The American Legion for the coming year and unanimously endorsed him. Also speaking to the group was John “Jay” Bowen of Colorado, who is running to lead the nation’s largest veterans organization in 2026-27.
Wiley told the group that the Legion’s Be the One mission will top his agenda if elected national commander. “It is the most significant issue, without a doubt, facing our veterans and their families. We have to continue to have the conversation. We have to continue to listen. And we have to continue to reduce the stigma associated with mental health.”
He stressed the importance of participation in the Columbia University suicide-prevention training conducted as part of the Be the One mission, which has now exceeded 20,000 trained. Training opportunities are available online at legion.org.
Wiley also urged FODPAL members to weigh in on the Legion’s national legislative priorities through the Grassroots Action Center, which provides a quick, easy way to reach members of Congress.
He also explained his theme for the year – “Better Together” – to strengthen the entire American Legion Family. “We operate better as one, right? If we operate in unity – with the (American Legion Auxiliary) units, (Sons of The American Legion) squadrons and (American Legion Riders) chapters – those are the posts that are successful. Secondly, we take care of one another. It’s what we do. It’s who we are.”
Bowen told the group he looks forward to meeting members in their departments and expressed his passion for the organization. “It’s no secret – I think everybody can tell – I love The American Legion. It has been a passion of mine for many, many years. I truly believe this is the greatest veterans organization in the world. We do many, many amazing and important things. But, folks, we can do better. We can be better.”
He said he is looking to the departments and posts for their ideas and suggestions “to take this great organization that we have and make it even better than it is.”
FODPAL also presented year-end awards and a certificate of appreciation to American Legion Past National Commander John P. “Jake” Comer for outstanding support and mentorship.
The Past FODPAL President Appreciation Award was presented to Francis Riddell, Department of Hawaii.
Year-end awards went to:
- Enrique Rojas Post 74 in Puerto Rico for highest 2025 post membership percentage (Joseph “Joe” Craig Award)
- Department of France for highest department membership percentage (Robert “Bob” Conrad Award)
- Past National Commander Tony Jordan, Department of Maine, for Outstanding Support of FODPAL (Erle Cocke Award)
Joining Shetz, who leads humanitarian relief efforts for his post and the Department of Latin America in the region, in the FODPAL officer corps for 2025-26 are:
- 1st Vice President Antonio Arroyd, Department of Puerto Rico
- 2nd Vice President Larry Atkins, Department of France
- 3rd Vice President Sharon Cherette, Department of Alaska
- Judge Advocate Jim Hussey, Department of Hawaii
- Assistant Judge Advocate Lee Preston, Department of France
- Historian Ramon Rivera, Department of Puerto Rico
- Assistant Historian Mark DeVirgilio, Department of Hawaii
- Chaplain Terry Huisman, Department of Alaska
- Assistant Chaplain Randall Butler, Department of Latin America
- Sergeant at Arms Juan Cruz, Department of Puerto Rico
- Assistant Sergeant at Arms Jeff Carson, Department of France
- Secretary Jim Pisa, Department of Alaska
- Treasurer Jimmie Foster, Department of Alaska
- Assistant Treasurer Doug Haggan, Department of France
- Breakfast Chairman Doug Haggan, Department of France
- Nomination Committee Chairman Jimmie Foster, Department of Alaska
- Nomination Committee Member Tony Jordan, Department of Maine
- Master of Ceremonies Tony Jordan, Department of Maine
- FODPAL