County Leadership

Commander - Dennis Duddie - Post 170

Bio:

Dennis Duddie originally hails from the Bronx, New York. He is a member of a very unique group of veterans who served in two branches of the military. He proudly served in the United States Navy from 1992 to 1994 as a Damage Controlman. His duties included ship stability, firefighting, fire prevention, and chemical, biological, and radiological (CBR) warfare defense. 

After his enlistment in the United States Navy, Dennis went on to serve in the New Jersey Army National Guard from 1994 to 2001 as a Combat Medical Specialist in the 2nd Battalion, 113th Infantry Regiment based in River Dale, New Jersey. After a four year break in service, he returned to the Army National Guard from 2006 to 2010 as a Combat Medical Specialist in the 1st Battalion, 114th Infantry Regiment based in Woodbury, New Jersey.

While serving in the New Jersey Army National Guard, Dennis worked as a police dispatch for the Borough of North Arlington from 1998 to 2003 and the Borough of Fair Lawn from 2000 to 2004. He also served as an Emergency Medical Technician with the North Arlington Volunteer Emergency Squad from 1994 to 1999. Dennis has always accepted the challenge of a demanding career in EMS and the combat medical service. He is known by many as a first responder’s first responder for his outstanding service to his community and for putting the needs of others over his own. Dennis is the current Post Commander for the Rochelle Park American Legion Post 170.  He is also the New Bergen County Commander.  His motto is Family takes care of family.

Commander - John McGowan- Post 26

Commander - James Logan - Post 135

Commander - Hugh O'Donnell - Post 193

Commander - Terence Scantlebury - Post 251

Commander - Robert Gerris - Post 282

Commander - Alan Brewer – Post 159

Commander - Tyrone King - Post 182 

Commander - Joel Bloom- Post 211

Bio:

Joel Bloom is originally from Brooklyn, New York. Where he enlisted in the United States Navy and served from 1965 to 1969 as a Data Processing Technician. The main tour of duty was at the Commander Submarine Force of the Pacific at Pearl Harbor. He was also stationed at the Naval Hospital in Key West. While in the Navy he reached the rank of Second-Class Petty Officer (E-5)

A few years after his discharge, he was approached by the Coast Guard Reserves and asked to join their reserve unit to help develop computer technology in the Coast Guard. He served another 10 years in the Coast Guard Reserves. Upon his discharge he reached the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer (E-8)

He is currently serving his second two-year term as the Post Commander of the Sayreville Lenape Post 211, which is the home Post of the Department Commander Larry Bishop.

Joel is also the Chairman of the Education and Scholarship Committee, Middlesex County Chairman of the Oratorical Contest Committee. He is also a member of the ABC Gaming Committee, Children and Youth Committee, and the Affordable Housing for at Risk/Homeless Veterans. 

One of Joel’s Sons who is an Army 82nd Airborne Veteran is a member of his Post along with his Wife who is a member of the Auxiliary Unit.

Commander - A. Victor Murray - Post 266

**BIO:**

Victor Murray's journey is one marked by resilience, dedication, and a deep commitment to service. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Victor enlisted in the U.S. Army at Fort Hamilton in 1977 after graduating from Boys High School in 1972.

**Military Service:**

Completing Basic Training at Fort Jackson, SC, and Advanced Individual Training as a U.S. Army Infantryman at Fort Benning, GA, Victor served at Schofield Barracks, HI, with the 1st Battalion/21st Infantry Regiment, known as the "Gimlets." His role as a Heavy Anti-Tank Weapons (TOW Gunner) Crewman added an adventurous chapter to his military career. After over three years, he moved to Atlanta, GA, receiving an Honorable Discharge but continued service at Fort Gillem, GA.

**Post-Military Career:**

Transitioning to civilian life, Victor worked at Southern Bell and, despite challenges, exemplified resilience. Reenlisting in 1982, he trained as a Bradley Fighting Vehicle System Mechanic at Fort Knox, KY, serving at Fort Riley, KS. His journey led him back to Southern Bell, where he embraced a new role after his second Honorable Discharge in 1985.

**Medical Career and Retirement:**

In 1993, Victor pursued his passion for healthcare, enrolling in Monmouth County Vocational School's Practical Nursing Program. Despite facing health challenges in 2014, he proudly held his Practical Nursing License, showcasing his dedication to care and service.

**Community Involvement:**

Victor's commitment extends to community involvement. A resident of Asbury Park, he has been a continuous member of the American Legion for an impressive 31 years. Joining Frederick Dempsey Post 266 in 1993, he actively serves as Historian and 2nd Vice Commander, contributing to various committees and completing courses at New Jersey American Legion College.

**Leadership Roles:**

June 2023 marked a significant milestone as Victor assumed the role of Monmouth County Executive Committee Commander. His journey includes serving as Junior Vice and Senior Vice Commander, as well as Department Historian from 2017-2018. Currently representing the county on the Department's Public Relations Committee, his leadership leaves an indelible mark.

Victor's story is a testament to the enduring spirit of service and the impact of a life dedicated to the betterment of others. We salute you, A. Victor Murray, III, for your unwavering commitment to the principles of the American Legion and your community. 🇺🇸🌟 #AmericanLegion #ServiceAboveSelf #VeteranLeadership

Commander- David Marciano - Post 342 

Legion Bio:

US Army Veteran April 1989 – November 2004

 US Army Infantry School, Ft. Benning, GA / Jungle Operations Training Course, Ft. Sherman, Panama / Global War on Terrorism homeland Security.   / Primary Leadership Development Course, Ft. Indiantown Gap, PA   

Post Offices: Boy Scout Chairman; Adjutant; Commander

State Committees: Boys Scouts & Community Service; Sons of The American Legion; American Legion Riders Sub-Committee                                                                                                                                                   

Commander - Jospeh Fricker III- Post 174

Commander - William Berglund - Post 297

Commander - Donald H. Caola - Post 327

Commander - John Hanson - Post 213

Commander - Robert Gentry - Post 499 

Legion Bio:

Born, raised and educated in Gary, West Virginia.

Married to Veronia M. Gentry, four (4) children, four grandchildren, one (1) great grand.

Served in the United State Army with duties in Viet-Nam.

Graduate of West Virginia State University; Associate degree in Police Science, Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. Graduate of Ashland Theology Seminary, Masters of Practical Theology.

Senior Pastor in Cleveland, Ohio, and Glenn White, West Virginia.

Police Officer and Parole Officer for twenty-two (22) years. Chairman of the board of Chaplains, Lake Norman Regional Hospital, Lake Norman, North Carolina for Eleven (11) years.

June 10th, 2023, The Borough of Roselle Park, New Jersey, awarded Proclamation Lifetime achievement. 

Present serving a second elected term Commander of The Union County American Legion.

Commander - Charles Rothenback - Post 528