American Legion Elects New State Leadership

CAREFREE, Ariz. - June 26, 2013 - PRLog -- The American Legion Department of Arizona today elected new leadership for 2013-2014 at its annual Department Convention in Carefree, AZ.  The 94-year-old veterans service organization, the largest in the nation, has placed its trust in the leadership abilities of Department Commander Judi Beischel of Fountain Hills Post 58 to guide its programs for the ensuing year.

“The American Legion remains today an active and vigorous advocate for service members, veterans and their families, not only on Capitol Hill, but right here in Arizona” said Beischel.  “With nearly 40,000 members in the State of Arizona alone, we have a very strong representation to maintain benefits for our service members and veterans here in Arizona and around the world. We thank the Town of Carefree, Carefree Resort and Pat Tillman Post 117 for being such gracious hosts during our Convention.”

Also elected today were three (3) Vice Commanders: Gene Chewning, Post 102-Area A (southeast); Domingo Bonilla, Post 35-Area B (central); Scott Miller, Post 42-Area C (northern).  Immediately following their election, these Officers were installed by Western Region National Vice Commander Jeanette Rea.

Department Commander Beischel served seven years in the US Coast Guard Reserve from 1973-1980, receiving an Honorable Discharge as a First Class Boatswain’s Mate.  She then worked for Mountain Bell/U. S. West as a Special Service Technician and as Area VP for CWA Local 7019, retiring from Qwest in 2001 with 34 years of service.  She is a very active member of the American Legion, serving as Vice Commander Area B and on the Finance Committee since 2009.  She was District 12 Commander 2009-2010, and was a 2009 Graduate of the National American Legion College.  Judi founded Chapter 58 of the American Legion Riders and served as their President for four years.  She also has over 30 years with the American Legion Auxiliary.  She served for two years as the Director VIP of Arizona Echelon 35 of the 20&4, the Honor Society of Women Legionnaires.  She was National Director VIP in 2012, and represented the organization at Arlington Cemetery on Memorial Day in 2011,12 and 13.  Judi belongs to Voiture 1466 of the 40 & 8, and is a member of WIMSA, Women in Military Service to America. She was honored by being inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame in the class of 2012.  Judi has one daughter, Melissa, and husband Jim has two daughters, Julie and Jen.  Between them, they have a granddaughter and three grandsons, from one to six years of age, who are all card carrying members of the American Legion Family.

Department Commander Beischel’s theme is “PRIDE”: Pride in the American Legion. P is for Patriotism: Proud to be an American, a Veteran, and a member of the American Legion; R is for Religion: as it states in our Preamble, For God and Country-that ties in with prayer, remember to pray for our Veterans and service members who serve in harm’s way;  I is for Ideas: have new ideas, think outside the box; D is for Dedication: dedication to the four pillars of the American Legion – National Security, Americanism, VA&R and Children and Youth;  E is for Enthusiasm: the enthusiasm and energy to do the job.

About The American Legion
With a current membership of 2.4-million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.