2025–2026 National Commander Dan K. Wiley raises his hands high in celebration alongside William “Bill” Clancy III, Sons of The American Legion National Commander, and Pam Ray, American Legion Auxiliary National President. (Photo: The American Legion National Headquarters)
Editor’s note: Here’s our first piece of coverage on the 106th National Convention.
Thousands came together for the American Legion’s 106th National Convention, spending a week of leadership elections, speeches, award presentations, and programs honoring Veterans. Here are some highlights from the event:
On Aug. 28, delegates elected Kansas Legionnaire Dan K. Wiley as the 2025–2026 national commander. Wiley pledged to carry forward the Legion’s mission of suicide prevention, emphasizing teamwork across the Legion Family. “We must continue to be the one for each other,” Wiley said.
The week also featured remarks from several high-profile leaders. VA Secretary Doug Collins urged Veterans to stay engaged in suicide prevention and provided updates on the VA’s progress, including reducing the claims backlog from 260,000 in January to under 150,000 by late August. He emphasized that efficiency in helping Veterans is more important than the size of the VA, pointed to expanded access to community care, extended VA hours for younger Veterans, and renewed commitments to ending Veteran homelessness.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard called on Legionnaires to extend their service beyond the battlefield, emphasizing unity in addressing national challenges. “We can overcome these threats when we stand together as one,” Gabbard told attendees.
The convention recognized outstanding service: Phyllis J. Wilson, president of the Military Women’s Memorial and an Army Veteran, received the Patriot Award for her decades of service and advocacy for women Veterans. The Legion presented its National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award to Sgt. Shane Maloley of Beatrice, Neb., and the National Firefighter of the Year Award to Lt. Jason Harmsen of Clayton County, Ga.
Awards were extended to the employment sector as well. JB Hunt Transport Services was recognized as Large Employer of the Year for its Veteran hiring and support efforts, while Maria Lindsey of the Texas Veterans Commission received the DVOP Specialist of the Year Award for her dedication to Veteran career counseling. Additional VE&E awards honored small and medium businesses, service representatives, and programs that support Veteran employment.
Speakers also connected the convention’s themes to America’s past and future. Author Robert Edsel, best known for The Monuments Men, introduced his new book Remember Us and called for a U.S. version of the Netherlands’ grave adoption program, where families honor the memory of fallen soldiers.
Looking toward 2026, Rosie Rios, chair of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, encouraged the Legion to support America 250, the nationwide initiative to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary. She outlined programs such as America Gives, the largest planned service initiative in U.S. history, and Our American Story, an oral history project collecting voices from across the country.
Business and entrepreneurship were also in focus. During the Small Business Conference co-hosted with the SBA, speakers stressed patience in transitioning from military service to entrepreneurship and called attention to federal efforts to expand opportunities for Veteran-owned businesses.
Other highlights included:
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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Navy Veteran, received the James V. Day “Good Guy Award.”
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Founding Fathers Brewing donated $75,000 to American Legion charities.
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A six-day VA claims clinic assisted hundreds of Veterans.
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Fourth Estate Award winners KXAN-TV Austin and the Courier-Journal Louisville received recognition for excellence in journalism.
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Pam Ray was elected as American Legion Auxiliary National President, and William “Bill” Clancy III as Sons of The American Legion National Commander.
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Honors for the 2025 Youth Champions, including Boys Nation President Luke Lawson, American Legion Baseball All-Academic Team Captain Tristan J. Pecevich, National Oratorical Contest winner Gina Harjani, Eagle Scout of the Year Oliver Burke, and 2025 sporter shooting champion Bethany Shirley.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted family connection to the military, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
