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.

Commander Visit Request

Commander's Calendar

Commander's Headshot

Commander's Shirt

Ron Hoaks was elected Commander of the more than 60,000-member Department of Indiana, The American Legion, by acclamation during the closing session of the 107th Annual Department Convention on July 11, 2026, in Indianapolis.

A 34-year Paid Up For Life (PUFL) member of The American Legion, Commander Hoaks earned his eligibility through four years of honorable service in the United States Marine Corps. He attained the rank of Sergeant (E-5) and was assigned to the 2nd Force Service Support Group, 2nd Marine Division, at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. During his service, he was attached to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit.

While serving with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard the USS Guadalcanal, Commander Hoaks participated in Operation Provide Promise in the Adriatic Sea in 1993. He also took part in Operation Continue Hope with Joint Task Force Somalia in the Indian Ocean. In 1994, he participated in Operation Sea Signal.

Commander Hoaks has dedicated decades of service to The American Legion. He has served as Commander of William Chizum Post 146 for approximately ten years, 2nd District Commander (2015–2016), Department Membership Chairman (2018–2019), and Commission Chairman overseeing each of The American Legion's Four Pillars from 2020 through 2025.

In addition to his Legion service, Commander Hoaks is a member of The Forty & Eight and is a Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

Ron and his wife, Tracy, have been blessed with five children and thirteen grandchildren.

Commander Hoaks' slogan for 2026–2027 is "It's Not the Branch, It's the Stance." His Commander's Project supports the Cystic Fibrosis Clinic at Riley Children's Hospital, helping provide specialized care and hope for children and families across Indiana.