Candidate for Area 6 Vice Commander: Janice Somers

Janice Somers, Candidate for Area 6 Vice Commander

Janice is a US Navy Vietnam Era Veteran. She served from September 1968 to September 1971.

Her boot camp was held in Bainbridge Maryland. Janice was sent to Dental Tech school in San Diego from February 1969 to May 1969. Upon completion of tech school she was assigned to the Memphis Naval Hospital and Naval Air Station. Her Navy training provided an excellent job for her in Dentistry from 1971 to 1984 when her family moved to San Luis Obispo, CA. She was licensed in the State of Pennsylvania and Ohio to use her skills.

What an honor and privilege to represent the Department of CA and Area 6. District 16 and District 24 gave their endorsement. District 18 and District 20 are very supportive. I am seeking your vote and support. I would appreciate your confidence in me to serve the Department of CA and Area 6 for the year 2024 – 2025. My main goal is to help the four District Commanders be the best and to succeed. Will be doing my best as a liaison for Department information, share my knowledge, and research information for the District Commanders.  I’ll strive for all Area 6 Posts to be in – compliance.

AMERICAN LEGION HISTORY:

In 2002 she joined the American Legion San Luis Obispo Post 66 and is a Paid Up For Life Member. In 2009, Janice was appointed SGT – At – Arms at her Post. She worked her way up to Post 66 Commander in 2012 – 2013. For numerous years she served on the post executive committee. She assists Post 66 Adjutant and Chaplain. District 16 elected Janice to be 2nd Vice Commander in 2013 – 2014. The first time she was District 16 Commander was in 2015 – 2016. Janice was asked to go through the District ranks again. The second time she was District 16 Commander was in 2018 – 2019. As Post 66 1st Vice Commander she was one of the driving forces to restart the Auxiliary Unit 66. She served as President for several years. Today she is the unit’s Secretary and Treasurer. During her Commandership in 2012 – 2013 she helped start the American Legion Riders Chapter 66 and The Sons of the American Legion Squadron 66. Today she is District 16 Judge Advocate and Executive Committee person for San Luis Obispo County.

Since 2017 she has been serving on the Department Ways and Means Commission. She held the position of Chair for three years. She serves as Vice Chair which she held for two other years. Janice was an active member on the department Finance Committee for three years.

OTHER VETERANS GROUPS:

Janice is a member of the Twenty and Four, the Honor Society of Women Legionnaires. She served as Director and Sky Pilot. As a member and President of the Past Commanders Club Outpost 16 she organized membership drives for District 16 since 2013 – 2014. Janice serves as Chaplain for Chapter 82 Disable American Veterans (DAV) and The Forty and Eight Voyageur 1179 District 3. She is a lifetime member in Chapter 82 DAV and Central Coast Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 982.

EDUCATION:

Southern Ohio College Business Associate Degree

Retired with an active Real Estate License: REALTOR 1986 – 2022

FAMILY:

October 1974 married Greg Somers. Greg served in the US Navy from 1968 – 1974.

They have three boys, three daughter in laws, and seven grandchildren. Greg joined the Legion in 2002 and is a Paid Up For Life member. Two of their sons served in the Air Force and are members of Post 66. Their youngest son is a SONS member in Squadron 66. They have a daughter – in – law that is still serving in the Air Force. She is a member of Post 66.

For additional candidate information, visit Officer Candidates.