AMVETS
National Headquarters
Official Website
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National committees are where AMVETS turns service into policy. Appointed each year by the National Commander, these veterans receive, develop, and consider the resolutions that shape advocacy, programs, finance, membership, and the rules that govern the organization—work that is essential to AMVETS’ mission of safeguarding veterans’ entitlements and strengthening the communities they serve. The rosters below introduce the chairs, vice chairs, and members charged with that responsibility for the current term, so you can see who is doing the work.
AMERICANISM & PATRIOTIC ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE
The promotion of the American way of
life and other related subjects.
Chairperson Jo Keller (CA) of Riverside, CA
Vice Chairperson Bobby Lumpkins (TX) of Ft. Worth, TX
Members
Gary Maddock (ND) of Bismarck, ND
Mark Hines (PA) of Philadelphia, PA
National Second Vice Commander Sheldon Hartsfield (MO) of O’Fallon, MO
Auxiliary Representative Kathy Hays (KY)
Ex-Officio (Non-Voting)
National Commander Sandy Vorhies (OH) of Columbus, OH
National Judge Advocate Fred Bates (GA) of Valdosta, GA
Armed Services, Military Liaison Committee
This Committee also covers issues related to Cold War, Viet Nam, Persian Gulf War, and the Global War on Terror veterans.
Chairperson Andy Martel (MD) of Bowie, MD
Vice Chairperson Kelly McFarlain (LA) of Alexandria, LA
Members
Richard VanNatta (IL) of Avon, IL
Frank Kusiowski, Jr. (TN) of Friendsville, TN
Staff Liaison Warren Cox (NHQ)
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Ex-Officio (Non-Voting)
National Commander Sandy Vorhies (OH) of Columbus, OH
National Judge Advocate Fred Bates (GA) of Valdosta, GA
CIVIL SERVICE & VETERANS EMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE
Develop, receive, and consider all resolutions as appropriate relating to the field of employment, both governmental and nongovernmental, as they pertain to veterans.
Chairperson Rick McKern (FL) of Niceville, FL
Vice Chairperson Robert E. Lee (MO) of De Soto, MO
Members
Jack Isaacson (AZ) of Mesa, AZ
Eddie L. Bullock Jr. (FL) of Dover, FL
Staff Liaison Ciara Singeltary (NSF)
Ex-Officio (Non-Voting)
National Commander Sandy Vorhies (OH) of Columbus, OH
National Judge Advocate Fred Bates (GA) of Valdosta, GA​
COMMUNITY SERVICES & ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE
AMVETS is committed to better the communities in which veterans live.
Chairperson Lloyd “Butch” Adams (TN) of Maryville, TN
Vice Chairperson Loretta B. DiBrino (NY) of Bay Shore, NY
Members
David L. Feary (NY) of Buffalo, NY
Michael Eason (DC) of Clinton, MD
Auxiliary Representative National Third Vice President Faye Richardson-Green (MI)
Staff Liaison TBD
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Ex-Officio (Non-Voting)National Commander Sandy Vorhies (OH) of Columbus, OHNational Judge Advocate Fred Bates (GA) of Valdosta, GA​
CONSTITUTION & BYLAWS COMMITTEE
The promotion of the American way of
life and other related subjects.
Chairperson Terry Corson (TN) of Carthage, TN
Vice Chairperson Ross Smith (CA) of Red Bluff, CA
Members
Charles “Chuck” Kissel, Ph.D. (CA) of Anaheim, CA
Ralph Hensley (VA) of Dayton, VA
Staff Liaison Joe Chenelly (NHQ)
​
Ex-Officio (Non-Voting)
National Commander Sandy Vorhies (OH) of Columbus, OH
CONVENTION RULES COMMITTEE
Reviews annually the Rules of the Annual Convention for presentation to the Spring National Executive
Committee for approval.
Chairperson PNC Donald McLean (MA) of Buzzards Bay, MA
Vice Chairperson Danny Crotts (NC) of Lexington, NC
Members
Mike Davis (IN) of Shepherdsville, IN
Johnny W. Byrum (CA) of Porterville, CA
Jeremiah Botkin (GA) of Anderson, SC
National First Vice Commander Christopher Studebaker (IL) of Pontiac, IL
CBL Committee Chairperson Terry Corson (TN) of Carthage, TN
Staff Liaison Joe Chenelly (NHQ)
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Ex-Officio (Non-Voting)National Commander Sandy Vorhies (OH) of Columbus, OHNational Judge Advocate Fred Bates (GA) of Valdosta, GA​
CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE
To supervise the registration of delegates, alternates, members and guests at the National Convention, and to set forth the voting strength of the convention in accordance with the AMVETS National Constitution & Bylaws.
Chairperson Jodi Wood (FL) of Plant City, FL
Vice Chairperson Lloyd “Butch” Adams (TN) of Maryville, TN
Members
PNC Jan Brown (OH) of Youngstown, OH
Katy Barber (FL) of Ellenton, FL
Diana Johnson (MO) of Willard, MO
Veneda Dalton (KY) of Louisville, KY
National Third Vice Commander A.J. John (FL) of Ocoee, FL
Staff Liaison Joe Chenelly (NHQ)
Ex-Officio (Non-Voting)
National Commander Sandy Vorhies (OH) of Columbus, OH
National Judge Advocate Fred Bates (GA) of Valdosta, GA​
DIVERSITY COMMITTEE
Reaffirming AMVETS' commitment to embracing all eligible veterans, regardless of gender, race, ethnic origin, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation.
Chairperson Eddie L. Bullock Jr. (FL) of Dover, FL
Vice Chairperson Laura Doss (IL) of Jacksonville, IL
Members
Clyde Pike (DC) of Upper Marlboro, MD
Iz Gonzalez (FL) of Valrico, FL
​
Staff Liaison Pimjai “Pim” Krot (NSF), Human Resources Officer
​
Ex-Officio (Non-Voting)
National Commander Sandy Vorhies (OH) of Columbus, OH
National Judge Advocate Fred Bates (GA) of Valdosta, GA​
AMVETS FAMILY TRADITIONS & PROTOCOL COMMITTEE
Updates and maintains the Traditions and Protocols Guidance Book.
Chairperson Harold Collins (KY) (Sons) of Louisville, KY
Vice Chairperson Robert Quick (MO) (Riders) of High Ridge, MO
AMVETS Representative Don McCauley of Columbus, OH
Auxiliary Representative PNP Linda McGriff of Little Elm, TX
Sons Representative Richard Thibodeau of Biddeford, ME
Sad Sacks Representative Dana Dillon (CT) of Stafford Springs, CT
Juniors Representative Sara Pierce (OH) of Xenia, OH
Service Foundation Representative Charles “Chuck” Kissel, Ph.D., of Anaheim, CA
Ex-Officio (Non-Voting)
National Commander Sandy Vorhies (OH) of Columbus, OH
National Judge Advocate Fred Bates (GA) of Valdosta, GA
​
Staff Liaisons
Ladies Auxiliary Executive Director PNP Carol King
AMVETS Executive Director Joe Chenelly
HONORS & AWARDS COMMITTEE
Responsible for promulgating
and maintaining a uniform procedure of soliciting and judging entries for all national awards of the organization.
Chairperson PNC Bill Clark of Southport, NC
​
Members
Past five “AMVET of the Year” honorees
2021 — Donald Rhinedress (FL)
2022 — Peter Romano (NJ)
2023 — PNC Bill Kilgore (TN)
2024 — Robert Becker Jr. (NY)
2025 — Larry Arnett (FL)
Staff Liaison Joe Chenelly (NHQ)​
HONOR GUARD COMMITTEE
AMVETS Honor Guards render dignified military funeral honors—flag presentation, rifle volleys, and Taps—so every honorably discharged veteran receives a final tribute worthy of their service.
Chairperson Kevin Butwill (FL) of Ft. Myers, FL
Vice Chairperson Michael Eason (DC) of Clinton, MD
Members
Martin Fisher (MD) of Smithsburg, MD
Rigley K. Jackson (DC) of Washington, DC
PNC Rege Riley (PA) of North Braddock, PA
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Staff Liaison Dana Bolton (NSF), National Service Director
​
Ex-Officio (Non-Voting)
National Commander Sandy Vorhies (OH) of Columbus, OH
National Judge Advocate Fred Bates (GA) of Valdosta, GA​
LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
Reviews and develops resolutions on veterans’ issues so the organization can set its advocacy agenda and press Congress to protect benefits, services, and quality of life for veterans and their families.
Chairperson A.J. John (FL), National Third Vice Commander, of Ocoee, FL
Vice Chairperson Inetta Bullock (FL) of Dover, FL
Members
Clay Roundtree (TX) of Mineral Wells, TX
Albert Duff (CT) of Danielson, CT
Sons of AMVETS Representative PNC David Strittmather (OH) of Vermilion, OH
Staff Liaison Justin Brown (NHQ), National Legislative Consultant
Ex-Officio (Non-Voting)
National Commander Sandy Vorhies (OH) of Columbus, OH
National Judge Advocate Fred Bates (GA) of Valdosta, GA
LONG-RANGE PLANNING COMMITTEE
To recommend to the National Executive Committee the fiscal, organizational programs, and service directions the AMVETS national organization should take in the future years, and to
develop a comprehensive long-range plan to accomplish this mission.
Chairperson Richard Shea (IL) of Chicago, IL
Vice Chairperson Dr. Charles “Chuck” Kissel (CA) of Anaheim, CA
Members
Clyde Pike (DC) of Upper Marlboro, MD
Eddie L. Bullock Jr. (FL) of Dover, FL
Bobby Lumpkins (TX) of Ft. Worth, TX
Shelly Huff (CA) of Visalia, CA
Mark Frederick (TN) of Alcoa, TN
PNC Jan Brown (OH) of Youngstown, OH
National First Vice Commander Christopher Studebaker (IL) of Pontiac, IL
National Second Vice Commander Sheldon Hartsfield (MO) of O’Fallon, MO
National Third Vice Commander A.J. John (FL) of Ocoee, FL
National Finance Officer Kelly McFarlain (LA) of Alexandria, LA
National Service Foundation President Don McLean (MA) of Buzzards Bay, MA
Staff Liaison Joe Chenelly
Ex-Officio (Non-Voting)
National Commander Sandy Vorhies (OH) of Columbus, OH
National Judge Advocate Fred Bates (GA) of Valdosta, GA
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
Considers all matter relating to the development of AMVETS
through membership activities.
Chairperson Chris Studebaker (IL), National First Vice Commander, of Pontiac, IL
Vice Chairperson Ross Smith (CA) of Red Bluff, CA
Members
Loretta B. DiBrino (NY) of Bay Shore, NY
Bill Zelner (PA) of Carlisle, PA
Rick McKern (FL) of Niceville, FL
All National District Commanders
All Department 1st Vice Commanders
All Department Executive Directors
National Auxiliary 1st Vice President Debra Gass (IN)
National Sons 1st Vice Commander Tim Goldman (KY)
Staff Liaison Warren Cox (NHQ), National Membership Director
Ex-Officio (Non-Voting)
National Commander Sandy Vorhies (OH) of Columbus, OH
National Judge Advocate Fred Bates (GA) of Valdosta, GA
POW/MIA COMMITTEE
AMVETS’ POW/MIA effort presses for the fullest possible accounting of Americans still missing from our nation’s wars—keeping their names before Congress and the public, supporting their families, and honoring the promise that no one who served is left behind or forgotten.
Chairperson Gayla Laufenberg (OK) of Marlow, OK
Vice Chairperson Jo Keller (CA) of Riverside, CA
Members
Robert E. Lee (MO) of De Soto, MO
Frank Kusiowski Jr. (TN) of Friendsville, TN
Dean Frazier (KY) of Bowling Green, KY
John Cole (IL) of DeKalb, IL
Ladies Auxiliary Representative TBA
Sons of AMVETS Representative TBA
Staff Liaison TBD (National Programs)
Ex-Officio (Non-Voting)
National Commander Sandy Vorhies (OH) of Columbus, OH
National Judge Advocate Fred Bates (GA) of Valdosta, GA
NATIONAL PROGRAMS COMMITTEE
Review actions taken by other committees, coordinating all national programs to ensure maximum impact within established national policies.
Chairperson Sheldon Hartsfield (MO), National Second Vice Commander, of O’Fallon, MO
Community Services & Activities Chair Loretta B. DiBrino (NY) of Bay Shore, NY
VAVS Chairperson Bobby Lumpkins (TX) of Ft. Worth, TX
Veterans Suicide Awareness Chair Kevin Matteson (NY) of Fredonia, NY
​
All National District Commanders
All Department Commanders
All Department 2nd Vice Commanders
Auxiliary National 2nd Vice President Donna Tolland (MD)
Sons National 2nd Vice Commander Steve Bryant (OH)
​
Staff Liaison Warren Cox, National Membership Director
Ex-Officio (Non-Voting)
National Commander Sandy Vorhies (OH) of Columbus, OH
National Judge Advocate Fred Bates (GA) of Valdosta, GA
UNIFORM & INSIGNIA COMMITTEE
Maintains the standards for official dress, caps, emblems, and other authorized insignia so members present a consistent, professional image.
Chairperson Robert E. Lee (MO) of De Soto, MO
Vice Chairperson Doug Newell (CT) of Manchester, CT
Members
Clay Roundtree (TX) of Mineral Wells, TX
Deborah Wehrli (NE) of Blair, NE
Mike Davis (IN) of Shepherdsville, IN
Staff Liaison Warren Cox, National Membership Director
Ex-Officio (Non-Voting)
National Commander Sandy Vorhies (OH) of Columbus, OH
National Judge Advocate Fred Bates (GA) of Valdosta, GA
VAVS & VA HOSPITAL, MEDICAL SERVICES, REHABILITATION BENEFITS COMMITTEE
Guides volunteer service in VA facilities and considers policy on hospital care, medical services, and rehabilitation benefits.
Chairperson Bobby Lumpkins (TX) of Fort Worth, TX
National Deputy / Vice Chairperson PNC John “J.P.” Brown III (OH) of Youngstown, OH
Members
Ted Ganda (OH) of Cleveland, OH
Leona Wheeler (CA) of Riverside, CA
Dana Dillon (CT) of Stafford Springs, CT
Ladies Auxiliary Representative Fran Ganda (OH) of Cleveland, OH
Sons of AMVETS Representative Daniel K. Briggs (KY) of Findley, KY
Staff Liaison Dana “Bo” Bolton, National Service Director
Ex-Officio (Non-Voting)
National Commander Sandy Vorhies (OH) of Columbus, OH
National Judge Advocate Fred Bates (GA) of Valdosta, GA
VETERAN SUICIDE AWARENESS COMMITTEE
Works to prevent veteran suicide by raising awareness, supporting local and national prevention programs, and advancing policy that improves mental health care for veterans and their families.
Chairperson Kevin Matteson (NY) of Fredonia, NY
Vice Chairperson Dana Dillon (CT) of Stafford Springs, CT
Members
Rigley K. Jackson (DC) of Washington, D.C.
Ralph W. Belk (WI) of Oshkosh, WI
Deborah Wehrli (NE) of Blair, NE
Johnny W. Byrum (CA) of Porterville, CA
Staff Liaison Spenser Toth, NHQ Chief of Staff
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Ex-Officio (Non-Voting)
National Commander Sandy Vorhies (OH) of Columbus, OH
National Judge Advocate Fred Bates (GA) of Valdosta, GA
WOMEN VETERANS COMMITTEE
To serve, locate, educate and advocate for all women
veterans.
Chairperson Inetta Bullock (FL) of Dover, FL
Vice Chairperson Lee Ann Adams (TN) of Maryville, TN
Members
Dana Dillon (CT) of Stafford Springs, CT
Sara Pierce (OH) of Xenia, OH
Laura McFarlain (LA)of Alexandria, LA
Staff Liaison TBD
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Ex-Officio (Non-Voting)
National Commander Sandy Vorhies (OH) of Columbus, OH
National Judge Advocate Fred Bates (GA) of Valdosta, GA
COUNCIL OF PAST NATIONAL COMMANDERS
The Council of Past National Commanders, chaired by the Immediate Past National Commander, is an advisory body that reviews the organization as a whole, works to preserve unity and harmony, and recommends measures for the good and welfare of AMVETS to the National Commander, NEC, and National Convention.
LIVING PAST NATIONAL COMMANDERS
1986–1987 Joseph T. Piening of Gulfport, FL
1988–1989 Jimmy T. Smith of Lenoir City, TN
1992–1993 James J. Kenney of Clermont, FL
1999–2000 Charles L. “Chuck” Taylor of Zapata, TX
2000–2001 Arthur C. Stahl of San Antonio, TX
2002–2003 W.G. “Bill” Kilgore of Kingsport, TN
2004–2005 William A. Boettcher of Cincinnati, OH
2007–2008 John “J.P.” Brown III of Youngstown, OH
2009–2010 Duane J. Miskulin of Stevens Point, WI
2010–2011 Gerald “Jerry” Hotop of Perryville, MO
2011–2012 Gary Fry of Sugar Grove, PA
2014–2015 Larry E. Via of Naples, FL
2015–2016 James D. Pidgeon of Tulare, CA
2016–2017 Harold Chapman of East Islip, NY
2018–2019 Regis “Rege” Riley of Pittsburgh, PA
2019–2021 Jan Brown of Youngstown, OH
2021–2022 Gregory S. “Greg” Heun of Louisville, KY
2022–2023 Donald “Don” McLean of Buzzards Bay, MA
2023–2024 William “Bill” Clark of Southport, NC
2025–2026 Paul Shipley of Uniontown, PA (Chairperson for 2026-27)
