J. Michael F. Yates, Candidate for Area 5 Vice Commander
Commander J. Michael F. Yates hales from Bristolville, Ohio. He entered the U.S. Army in January 1977. He was enlisted for seven years rising to the rank of Platoon Sergeant (PSG). After his first year as PSG he was selected to attend Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Fort Benning, Georgia and Retired in 2014 as Lieutenant Colonel.
EXPERIENCE
Commander Yates is currently serving as the District President of Past Commanders Club of Out Post 25, and the National Legislative Council. Previously he has served as 25th District Commander (County of San Bernardino) American Legion (2019-2020) and prior was the Post Commander for Post 256 in Apple Valley 2014-2017. He continues to assist his fellow Veterans to obtain needed VA and community services. He also continues to provide mentorship and guidance to community youth through American Legion programs such as: Boys State, Girls State, and JROTC award programs.
Commander Yates last key military assignments were: G4 Mentor, Embedded Training Light Infantry Battalion; Senior Army Instructor (Advisor), Oak Hills, California, JROTC 8th BDE; Human Resources/ Equal Opportunity Program Manager (HR/EO) for Task Force 34, HHQ 18th Airborne Corps, Multi-National Corps-Iraq (MNC-I), Balad, Iraq; Deputy Commander U.S. Forces Operation Peace Shield, Kiev Ukraine.
EDUCATION
Commander Yates has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Heidelberg University, Masters of Business (MBA) Degree from National University San Diego, Masters of Organizational Leadership (MOL) from Brandman University, and Certificate of Post Employment Training-Rehabilitation Administration (PET-RA) from San Diego State University.
MILITARY AWARDS
Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, NCO Leadership Development Ribbon (Numeral 3), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon, and Overseas Training Ribbon, CA Legion of Merit Medal, CA Commendation Medal, California Service Medal, Commanding General’s Meritorious Unit Citation.
MENTORSHIP
TEAMWORK
INNOVATIVE
DEDICATED
PERSONAL COURAGE
RESPECT
HONOR
INTEGRITY
CIVILIAN AWARDS
Certificate of Recognition: Victorville B.P.O.E. Elks Lodge #1877, Veteran of Year
San Bernardino County First District Supervisor – Robert A. Lovingood | Nov 2015
In Special Recognition of Your Work With Veterans in the High Desert Community
8th Congressional District – Congressman Paul Cook | Nov 2015
Certificate of Special Recognition – Honorable Service during Persian Gulf War
8th Congressional District – Congressman Paul Cook | Feb 2017
Certificate of Recognition: Exemplary service to our country and dedication to the well being of our community.
California Legislature – Assemblyman Autumn Burke | May 2019
Certificate of Appreciation: Male Army Veteran of the Year
Chief Basil’s Annual Broken Soldiers Veteran Awards Gala, Victorville, CA | May 2019
Certificate of Appreciation: Department of California 5th Area Sergeant at Arms Leadership & Selfless dedication to the 5th Area & the Legion programs | Jun 2022
In Special Recognition of the Outstanding Performance of Your Duties
American Legion Department of California 5th Area | Nov 2023
Certificate of Congressional Recognition Special Recognition – For Leadership
25th Congressional District – Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. | Jul 2023
For additional candidate information, visit Officer Candidates.
Author: caLegion Contributor
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