Department Commander
Jason Rue
740-362-7478 | commander@ohiolegion.com
Jason Rue was elected to serve as the 2023-2024 Department of Ohio Commander on Sunday July 2nd 2023. His eligibility stems from holding office in 2022-2023 as Department of Ohio 2nd Vice Commander in which he was elected to serve on Sunday July 3rd 2022 and also appointed to serve 2022-2023, as the Department of Ohio 1st Vice Commander by order of Executive Session decision on August 6th 2022.
Jason earned his eligibility by service in United States Marine Corps Reserves from January 1994 through January 2000 and the Ohio Army National Guard from June 2005 to December 2019, upon retiring and served a tour in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Local Level: Past Commander at Winnow-Arn Post 541 for two years. District Level: Jason served as The Great First District Commander for two years.
He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sport Marketing and Management. He also earned a Master’s in Business Administration.
Jason is married to Mindi Rue.
» COMMANDER’S CORNER
Arnold Whatley | 1st Vice Commander
The First Vice Commander serves under the Commander of the Department of Ohio. His responsibilities include being Membership Committee Chairman, ensuring that the Legion message is heard by all veterans, and providing the overall mission for the membership year.
Arnold Whatley was was elected to serve 2023-2024 as the Department of Ohio 1st Vice Commander on Sunday July 2nd 2023 and also appointed to serve 2022-2023, as the Department of Ohio 2nd Vice Commander by order of Executive Session decision on August 6th 2022.
Arnold is a member of Post 776 and served 22 ½ years of Active Duty in the United States Air Force (USAF) His past and current offices include; National American Legion Appointment, Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation (VA&R), National Cemetery Committee 2018 -Present, Department of Ohio American Legion Internal Commission Member -2021, Sgt at Arms -2017 – 2018, Assistant Sgt at Arms-2016.
His District Positions/Accomplishments include; 3rd District Commander-2014-2015, 1st Vice Commander -2013, 2nd Vice Commander -2012, Finance Officer-2011, Resolution -2016 -Present, Past Commander Committee -2016 -Present.
His Post Positions/Accomplishments include; Commander Post 776 – 2008-2010, 1st Vice Commander – 2007, 3 Year Trustee -2001, 2004, 2018, 2 Year Trustee -2002, 2005, 2019, 1 Year Trustee -2003, 2006, Present, Needy Family Committee Member 2011 -Present, & PUFL – Major Accomplishments as Commander: $21,000 donation towards Gifts for Yanks Program, 20 Candidates to Boys State, 100% Membership Quota Met.
His other affiliations include; Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge State of Ohio, Edward Dugger, Jr Military Lodge #123 Worshipful Master, Past Master 32° Degree, Miami Consistory #26, Worshipful Master of the Rose Corix, Order of the Eastern Star (OES), Prince Hall Affiliated (PHA), Inc., Past Patron – 2015-2017, Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, Akbar Temple #41, Springfield, Ohio, Noble
Arnold is endorsed by Past Department Commanders:
Stanley Pleasant
Henry Long
Robert Steele
David Hilliard
Stan Oren | 2nd Vice Commander
The Second Vice Commander serves under the 1st Vice Commander and the Commander of the Department of Ohio. Their responsibilities include being Post Activities Chairman.
Stan Oren was was elected to serve 2023-2024 as the Department of Ohio 2nd Vice Commander on Sunday July 2nd 2023.
Stan earned his eligibility by serving in the United States Navy in 1969-1971.
Stan is a 40-year member of Harter-Williams Post 536 Gilboa, currently serving as Finance Officer. He is Past First District Commander 2017-2018 and Past Department Assistance Sergeant-at-Arms 2018-2019. He is a member of the Buckeye Boys State Staff 2021-2023. Stan has served on the Department Americanism, Oratorical, and POW-MIA commissions and is a National Appointee for Americanism Commission.
He serves the veteran community as President of Putnam County Veterans Service Commission and membership in veterans organizations, SAL, Forty & Eight, VFW, DAV, AMVETS and VVA.