Officers

Department Commander

Stan Oren

740-362-7478 |  commander@ohiolegion.com

Stanley D. Oren was elected to serve as the 2025-2026 Department of Ohio Commander on Sunday July 13th, 2025. His eligibility stems from holding office in 2024-2025 as the Department of Ohio 1st Vice Commander and was elected to serve this high office on Sunday July 14th, 2024, and also appointed to serve 2023-2024 as the Department of Ohio 2nd Vice Commander and was elected to serve this high office on Sunday July 2nd, 2023.

Stan earned his eligibility by serving in the United States Navy in 1969-1971.

Stan is a 42-year member of Harter-Williams Post 536 Gilboa, currently serving as Finance Officer, Membership Chairman, and Post Adjutant. 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.

Stan is married to his long time partner, Ruth.

 

» COMMANDER’S CORNER

Gary Cox Jr. | 1st Vice Commander

1stvice@ohiolegion.com

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.

Gary W. Cox Jr. was was elected to serve 2025-2026 as the Department of Ohio 1st Vice Commander on Sunday July 13th 2025 at the 106th Department of Ohio Convention. He was also elected to serve 2024-2025 as the Department of Ohio 2nd Vice Commander on Sunday July 14th 2024.

Gary Jr. earned his eligibility by serving in the United States Marine Corps from 2002-2010, including a tour in Afghanistan from 2004-2005.

Gary Jr. is a PUFL 24-year member of Harold Bradley Post 584 in Marion, Ohio. He is a past 2-time 6th District Commander from 2021-2023. He is an 9-year member of Buckeye Boys State staff serving as a trustee. Gary Jr. has also served on Gifts for Yanks, and National Security commissions along with a National appointee for the National Security Council.

He is a 34-year Charter member of Squadron 584 Marion, Ohio. A member of the Legion Riders 254, 40/8, Marine Corps League, and Wounded Warrior Project. He is also a lifetime member of the VFW, DAV, and CVMA.

Holly Lewis | 2nd Vice Commander

2ndvice@ohiolegion.com

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.

Holly Lewis was elected to serve 2025-2026 as the Department of Ohio 2nd Vice Commander on Sunday, July 13th, 2025.

Holly Lewis is a United States Navy veteran from Smithfield, Ohio, who proudly served during the Gulf War Era. While in the Navy, she played a crucial role in repairing the computer systems that supported the undersea surveillance system, contributing to national defense efforts.

With a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and an MBA, Holly transitioned into a successful 20+ year career at McKesson, where she was instrumental in the creation and launch of EnterpriseRx, a pharmacy management software used in over 4,500 pharmacies across the United States.

Holly’s commitment to service continues through her active involvement in the American Legion. She currently serves as the Adjutant for Stevens-Christian Memorial Post 557 in Wintersville, OH, and as the 2nd Vice Commander for the Department of Ohio American Legion. Additionally, she is the Vice Chair of the National American Legion Media and Communications Commission, advocating for veterans and their families at the national level.