A MISSION
TO STRENGTHEN
AMERICA

THROUGH
CONTINUED
SERVICE...

TO VETERANS
$388 million paid to Hoosier vets last year alone through free VA claims processing and advocacy by the Indiana Legion Veterans Services Office.

TO FAMILIES
$171,000 in emergency grants and funds provided to veterans and their families by the Indiana Legion.

$270,000 given in scholarships to Indiana high school students every year by the Indiana Legion.

TO COMMUNITIES
11,000 hours of volunteer service provided by Legionnaires to their local communities.

American values taught through in-school education programs

COMMANDER.

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Ron Patterson of Fortville, Indiana was elected Commander of the over 60-000-member Indiana American Legion by acclimation in the closing session of the 106th annual Department Convention on July 12, 2025 in Indianapolis.

Patterson, a 20-year member of The American Legion, is a Desert Storm Era veteran who served in the United States Army from 1985 to 1991. His military service includes assignments as an infantry mortarman with the 9th Infantry Division and later as a Vulcan technician with the 82nd Airborne Division following his graduation from Airborne School. He deployed during Operation Just Cause and Operation Desert Storm, earning the Army Commendation Medal. In 1987, he was named Soldier of the Year for the Ninth Infantry Division and represented his post at the National Conference in Washington, D.C.

Patterson is a 20-year member of Post 391 in Fortville, Indiana, where he has served as Post Commander, Adjutant, and Membership Chair. He was the 10th District Commander in 2019–2020, achieving 100% membership, and received the Department’s “We Change Lives” award for lifesaving efforts in 2020. At the Department level, he serves on the National Media and Communications Commission and has chaired both the Veterans and Rehabilitation and Children and Youth Commissions. A nine-year SAL member, he is also part of the 40 & 8 and ANAVICUS. He is a six-time Gold Brigade award recipient and Master Recruiter.

Patterson has been married to his wife, Betsy, for thirty-nine years. They have two daughters, Denay and Danielle, all of whom are members of the American Legion Auxiliary.

Commander Patterson’s slogan is “Legion All the Way” and the main goal of his 2025-2026 Commander's Project is the Indiana American Legion Foundation with a focus on IVETS.