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August 2026 www.OverTheHumpSaver.com PAGE 64

NEW AMERICAN LEGION

DEPARTMENT COMMANDER

BY CHUCK N. BAKER
V ic Moss is a Air
Force veteran of
the Gulf War and a
long-time veteran
of the American
Legion, Post 149. But this year he
also adds another role to his resume.
He has been elected to Department
Commander of the American Legion,
“department” meaning the State of
Nevada.

In the Air Force he was assigned
to an ordnance group, saying, “We the word out about the Legion and preserves and provides access to
were the ordnance people for the what it does. “A lot of people don’t extensive collections documenting
AF, everything from bullets all the know what the Legion is.” the organization’s history, including
way up to big bombs and in some materials available through its digital
cases tactical nuclear weapons. We At the grassroots level, the Legion archives. And in this year’s 250th
delivered them and had them ready family members are raising aware- anniversary of the United States, it’s
for use.” A native of Detroit, at one ness by hosting symposiums, more than fitting that the museum’s
time he was stationed in Southern conducting awareness hikes and collection displays the original hand
Nevada and felt it would be a good 5k’s, and connecting at-risk veterans written draft of the 1944 G. I. Bill,
place to settle down. After he retired with the resources they need in their which was written by members of the
from the military he came back to communities. Moss wants the local Legion.
the Silver State.On his way to being Legion to do more of these. He plans
Department Commander, he rose up to travel the state north and south, Moss notes the American Legion is
through the chairs: Post commander, meeting with most if not all of the committed to empowering veterans
adjutant, district commander, de- chapters. “There are more than 30 by providing the tools and informa-
partment sergeant at arms and other chapters statewide,“ he pointed out, tion they need to thrive in civilian life
responsibilities. He accepted the new “and many of them that may not and it believes national security must
title because he wanted to accom- have seen a commander for many be maintained to fulfill the mandate
plish changes in some of the admin- years.” The Legion is an organization for a strong national defense. As
istrative areas of the Legion. “When of veterans who fought for freedoms, stated in its Preamble, “For God and
I was nominated, it surprised body,” which they are dedicated to keeping country we associate ourselves to-
he explained. “I was nominated on and preserving. As one of the Four gether for the following purposes: To
the floor of the state convention in Pillars it was founded on, the Legion uphold and defend the Constitution
Laughlin.” believes national security is upheld of the United States of America, to
by keeping a well-funded Department safeguard and transmit to posterity
In his position he said, “There are of Defense, a good quality of life for the principles of justice, freedom and
things I want to get accomplished, to troops and a sensible transition be- democracy.”
get done.” Overall he would like to tween service and separation.
modernize the department and the So be on the lookout. This year Moss
the processes it uses. “They’re kind Moss also explainedthat the national may just show up in Pahrump, or in
of antiquated. I want to eliminate headquarters in Indianapolis houses any town in Nevada. In the mean-
unnecessary paperwork and do more the American Legion Library and time, contact him at info@post149.
electronic filing.” And he wants to get Emil A. Blackmore Museum, which org.