American Legion Department of Nevada
737 Veterans Memorial Drive
Las Vegas, NV 89101
702-382-2353
Why become an American Legion Member? For Info and application: Legion Application and Info
Why become a Sons of The American Legion Member? For Info and application: SAL Application and Info
Why become an American Legion Auxiliary Member? For Info and application: ALA Application and Info
Why become an American Legion Rider Member? For Info: ALR Info
Need help filing a VA Claim? Contact Sandy Schneeberger @ 310-560-5400 or sschneeberger.tal2020@gmail.com
Click pdf to Download The American Legion Department of Nevada Constitution and Bylaws
2024-2025
Brenda Horton
DEPARTMENT COMMANDER
My military service began in 1992 at the age of 31 when I enlisted in the Montana Army National Guard. While attending a class in Career Futures, my personality was best suited for the military and teaching positions and after this class I went to the Army recruiter’s office and started the enlistment process. Given the fact that I still had three small children in grade school, I felt this was the best choice for me to serve my country while still focusing on my primary job as a single mother.
Basic training was in Ft. Jackson, SC.
AIT was in Ft. Gordon, GA as a single channel radio operator.
Reclassified at the WAATS in Arizona with Flight Operations.
PLDC was in Utah. (Primary Leadership Development Course).
I was medically discharged in August 2001.
In 2014, I attended an all-female veterans’ lunch in Aurora, Colorado where I met Post 206 Commander Terri Clinton. I learned that this post was an all-female post that was looking for members that wanted to be active and joined the Post on the spot and was immediately appointed Post Adjutant. I remained Adjutant the following year and was appointed as the District Adjutant during that same time. My district was one of the largest Districts in Colorado with approximately 30 Posts. This was a daunting task, and the experience expanded my understanding and grew my passion for The American Legion beyond my Post.
In December of 2015, my husband and I moved to Spring Creek, Nevada. In February 2016, I transferred my membership to Post 7 and in May 2016, I was elected as 1st Vice Commander of both Post 7 and District 3. The summer of 2016 I was honored to be selected to attend National American Legion College (NALC) in Indianapolis, further expanding my knowledge and passion for The American Legion.
In 2017, I was elected Post 7 Commander for a two-year term. In 2018 I became District 3 Commander for three years. Commander Jim Stewart asked me to be his Membership Chair and I accepted (two years). One year later, I was asked to be Membership Chair for Commander Valerie Sheureing-Hubbell and accepted.
Over the last three years, I have “worked the chairs” as a Department Officer and finally to Department Commander in June 2024.
“Every Voice Matters” is my theme for 2024-2025. While I was Post/District Commander, I enjoyed talking with other Commanders/Post Commanders and their officers and listened as they shared their frustrations and achievements, offering suggestions as I could. This will carry on at a Department level. While attending District meetings, Post Commanders and officers are encouraged to talk with me about their concerns, collaborate on solutions, and discuss topics for the DECs and Department Convention (training, communication, etc.)
My Commander’s Project this year is to support the Veterans Guest House and Fisher House with enthusiasm through monetary and supply donations, volunteer hours, or just encouraging others to support both Houses. District 2 will be the primary support for Fisher House while Districts 1, 3, and 4 will be the primary support for the Veterans Guest House. Individual Posts will decide how best to serve these two locations.
Finally, newsletter articles and District Reports detailing activities and successes are encouraged from all Districts, Posts, and Squadrons, we need to celebrate our achievements and share them with the world.
National Commander of The American Legion - 2024-2025
James A. LaCoursiere Jr.
James A. LaCoursiere Jr. (La coursey air) was elected national commander of The American Legion on August 29, 2024, in New Orleans, during the 105th National Convention.
An Air Force veteran, LaCoursiere has been a longtime field representative for the American Legion Department of Connecticut’s Soldiers, Sailors and Marines Fund, which financially assists veterans and their families in need.
LaCoursiere has held many leadership positions at The American Legion post, department (state) and national levels. He is a member of American Legion Post 91 in Moosup, Conn. He has also served as a national vice commander, Connecticut state commander, and chairman of the national Legislative Commission.
LaCoursiere is married to his wife, Lisa, and has two children (Patrick and Meghan), and three stepchildren (Jason, Kaylene and the late Johnathan).
Born to a military family in Honolulu, Hawaii, LaCoursiere attended Montville High School where he played junior varsity football, varsity football and varsity track.
As national commander, LaCoursiere is strongly committed to raising awareness for The American Legion’s Be the One mission to prevent veteran suicide.
WESTERN REGION - NATIONAL VICE COMMANDER - 2024-2025
Gary B. Leach
Gary B. Leach was elected as a National Vice Commander of The American Legion during the 105th National Convention in New Orleans on Aug. 29, 2024.
Leach is a Vietnam veteran who retired from the U.S. Navy as a senior chief petty officer in 1989. He joined The American Legion in 1993 and is a Paid-up-for-Life member of Yolo Post 77 in Woodland, Calif.
He has held offices at every level of The American Legion, including post commander in 2005; 6th District commander in 2010; department vice commander in 2011; and department commander from 2017-2018. He also served as alternate National Executive Committeeman for the Department of California from 2014 to 2016. In 2012, he was appointed to the department Boys State Commission and has been the director of the program since 2020.
Leach also serves as a facilitator for the California American Legion College, and is a charter member of Sons of The American Legion Squadron 77 based on his father’s service in the Marine Corps during World War II. His son is a Navy veteran who now serves in the California National Guard, and his grandson is currently serving with the U.S. Army’s 4th Infantry Division.
Leach has a daughter and seven grandchildren. He is certified as a registered parliamentarian from the National Association of Parliamentarians, and has served as president of the Epsilon (Sacramento) Unit of the National Association of Parliamentarians and as the Northern Area director of the California State Association of Parliamentarians.