District Commanders
District commanders are among the most important individuals in The American Legion organization. They are the representatives of posts within a defined area of a department: a "district." They are the liaisons between posts and departments, responsible for relaying information through both levels. Facilitating communication in this manner ensures the Legion operates as a national entity.
District commanders provide crucial leadership and guidance. They empower and direct members to act locally, in a manner that affects the well-being of all of our nation’s communities, veterans and military personnel. The result is a unified organization working toward the same established goals.
Often, district commanders assemble a team of members who assist in determining objectives and organizing projects that benefit the district and its communities and veterans. District commanders are responsible for ensuring that communication flows through the public, the posts in their district, the team of individuals they’ve assembled, and ultimately to the department and National Headquarters.
Post leadership receives guidance and encouragement from district commanders, who supervise posts to ensure proper execution of Legion programs or initiatives. When a post is inactive, faltering or failing altogether, district commanders must provide direction and assist with rebuilding and revitalization.
Committees are also established by district commanders. Committees conduct many of the Legion’s programs, which benefit communities, veterans or military personnel. District commanders select committee members and chairmen who are passionate about the committee’s programs. Productive committees are crucial to a district’s success.
District commanders are always on the job. They are constantly trying to develop successful programs and activities for their districts. Even when their posts are doing well, they should communicate to department leadership their methods of success. A district commander’s ultimate goal is to leave the district in better shape than when he or she took control of it.