Janice Somers, Department Commander (2026-2027)
Janice Somers
2026-2027 Commander | The American Legion Department of California
Leadership Theme: “United in Service”
Janice Somers, a proud United States Navy veteran and dedicated advocate for veterans and their families, serves as the 2026–2027 Commander of The American Legion Department of California. With more than two decades of dedicated service to The American Legion, she brings extensive leadership experience, a passion for helping others, and a commitment to strengthening the organization throughout California.
Commander Somers served honorably in the United States Navy from 1968 to 1971 as a Dental Technician. Following her military service, she continued her career in healthcare as an Expanded Duty Dental Assistant in Levittown, Pennsylvania, and Cincinnati, Ohio, from 1971 to 1984.
In 1984, she established her home in San Luis Obispo, California, where she later embarked on a successful 35-year career as a Realtor, serving from 1986 until her retirement in 2021.
A proud member of The American Legion since 2001, Commander Somers has demonstrated her dedication through leadership positions at the Post, District, Area, and Department levels. She served as Commander of American Legion Post 66 in San Luis Obispo from 2012 to 2013 and twice as District 16 Commander, during the 2015–2016 and 2018–2019 membership years, representing San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties.
Her commitment to serving Legionnaires continued as Department Vice Commander for Area 6 during the 2024–2025 membership year, representing Districts 16, 18, 20, and 24. These experiences provided her with a broad understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing American Legion Posts and their members across California.
Leadership Vision: United in Service
Guided by her 2026–2027 theme, “United in Service,” Commander Somers emphasizes the importance of unity, collaboration, communication, and a shared commitment to The American Legion’s mission.
Her leadership approach centers on connecting with Legionnaires at every level, listening to their concerns, recognizing their contributions, and encouraging members to work together toward common goals.
Her vision emphasizes strengthening relationships among Posts, Districts, Areas, and the Department while fostering an environment where every Legionnaire feels valued, heard, and empowered to contribute.
Through this shared commitment to service, Commander Somers seeks to encourage membership growth, support the next generation of Legionnaires, strengthen the American Legion Family, and advance the organization’s Four Pillars: Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children & Youth.
Veteran well-being remains central to this mission, including continued awareness and support for The American Legion’s Be the One initiative to prevent veteran suicide.
For Commander Somers, “United in Service” represents more than a theme. It reflects the belief that the strength of The American Legion comes from its members working together, supporting one another, and remaining focused on the veterans, families, and communities they serve.
Family and Personal Life
Beyond her military service and Legion leadership, Commander Somers is a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She and her husband, Greg, have been married for 52 years and are blessed with three sons, three daughters-in-law, and seven grandchildren.
A longtime resident of San Luis Obispo since 1984, she continues to demonstrate that service does not end with military retirement but carries forward through community involvement, mentorship, and dedication to others.
As the 2026–2027 Department Commander, Janice Somers continues a lifetime of service with a vision of bringing Legionnaires together, strengthening the organization, and ensuring that The American Legion remains a powerful voice for veterans and their families throughout California.
United in Service — strengthening our Legion Family, honoring our veterans, and carrying our mission forward together.