Member of Post 56 Cheriton elected American Legion State Commander

Back in 1922 American Legion Post 56 was chartered to serve our Eastern Shore veterans. It always hasn’t been easy, and Post 56 did go through its share of hard times. But fast forward to 2015, and you find a Post 56, now based in Cheriton, that is one of the most dynamic, involved, community-centric posts in the state. This has not gone unnoticed, as former shore resident Jim Chapman has been elected Commander for The American Legion’s Department of VA. This prestigious position is the highest office for The American Legion in the state. Chapman was unanimously elected on July 18 at the Legion’s state convention in Roanoke by over 300 delegates who represented 200 plus American Legion Post’s across the state. Jim is the first person from the Eastern Shore to be elected to this position and is a member of Post 56 in Cheriton.

According to Joe Vaccaro of Post 56, “Huge accomplishment. The oldest Post on the ESVA and NO one ever even got close to this one.”

Jim’s rise to this esteemed position was not meteoric but based on his previous positions as Vice Commander, Finance Officer, Post Commander, District Commander, Department Vice Commander, Department Sergeant-at-Arms, Deputy Judge advocate and Judge Advocate. This was in addition to his work as Director Junior Law Cadet Program, Department Membership Chairman, Boys State Counselor, Board of Directors. Based on his hard work and dedication to the community; he was named 2008 Department of Virginia Legionnaire of the Year. Jim is a retired Air Force veteran with over 20 years of service and has an Associate of Arts Degree in Education from the Eastern Shore Community College where he graduated magna cum laude. He also graduated magna cum laude from Virginia Wesleyan College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology with a concentration in Criminology.

Congratulations Mr. Chapman. Your hard work, care and dedication makes you a role model that all of us can look up to. The Shore is very proud of you.