Samuelson elected State American Legion Commander
By Tina Foreman
Farmer Staff Writer
‘Still Serving America’ is the motto of the American Legion, and Jerry Samuelson of Watford City continues to fulfill that motto as the North Dakota State Legion Commander. Samuelson was installed as Commander during the 91st annual North Dakota American Legion Convention in Williston on June 28.
“I am proud to hold this position,” states Samuelson. “It’s a big deal to represent the largest veterans’ organization in the state and I’m honored to have the chance.”
The process of becoming State Commander is a long one. Legion members are required to fulfill certain positions before they can run for State Commander Elect, and after working under the Commander for a year, the Commander Elect is nominated as the new Commander.
“For me the process goes all the way back to being Vice District Commander,” says Samuelson. “That was my first Commander position, and now things have come full circle and I have the honor of being State Commander.”
As State Commander, Samuelson will travel throughout the state as a voice for North Dakota Veterans and promoter of the four pillars of the American Legion.
“It is going to be a busy year,” says Samuelson. “I was at the capital my second day on the job at a Courage Carriers press conference with the governor. My schedule is filling up fast, so anyone interested in having me attend a function needs to contact me soon.”
Serving as an advocate for veterans is something that Samuelson knows a lot about. Not only is he a veteran himself, he is also the Veterans Services Coordinator for McKenzie County.
“One of the pillars of the American Legion is taking care of veterans,” comments Samuelson. “This is something that I feel very strongly about and take very seriously. There are many things that we can do to help veterans and their families and I am proud to be doing my part.”
As State Legion Commander, Samuelson will have a busy year traveling to American Legion functions all across North Dakota, but that won’t stop him from doing his job here in McKenzie County.
“Even though I will be on the road a lot, I will still be available for my job as Veterans Services Coordinator and McKenzie County Emergency Services Manager,” says Samuelson. “I will have my cell phone and laptop with me wherever I go which will allow me to do business as usual from wherever I happen to be.”
For more information on the American Legion, Samuelson can be reached at 444-6853.