The American Legion | Department of Arkansas

"I will seek to strengthen the common threads that bind us as legionnaires: love of God, love of country, and willingness to sacrifice for others."

"If we were all the same, things would be pretty dull. Our strength lies in our diversity and the fact that we all took an oath in which we expressed our willingness to die defending this nation."

"As the largest Veterans' Organization, we must take a leadership role in standing up for Arkansas Veterans."

"By working together we can see great things accomplished in the future. We can do no less for our veterans, youth, widows and orphans, the Auxiliary and SAL, our State and Nation."

Commander McVay and his wife Magda reside in Fort Smith, and their daughter, Dr. Marcene McVay, also a Legionnaire, resides in Little Rock.

National Commander | National Officers | Department Officers

2009-2010 Department Commander Gene McVay

Gene McVay is a veteran of 35 years in the US Air Force and Air National Guard where he rose through the ranks as an Intelligence Analyst on the Northern tip of Japan and the National Security Agency to become a Command Pilot and commander of a multinational joint Provisional Wing.

He was a global qualified aircraft commander on the C-141 Starlifter and instructor pilot on the F-100 Super Sabre, F-101 Voodoo, F-4 Phantom II and the F-16 Fighting Falcon. He flew 50 combat missions in Vietnam.

Gene was awarded Life Membership in The American Legion by Post 31.

He has served as 2nd Vice Commander, 1st Vice Commander and Commander of Post 31 Fort Smith, Chaplain and Commander of District 13, Department Vice Commander for the Northwest Area, Department Budget and Finance Committee and as the Department Legislative Chairman.

Gene is currently Vice Chairman of The American Legion National Distinguished Guests Committee. Gene previously served as President of the National Guard Association of Arkansas and is also a life member of the VFW, National Guard Association and the Vietnam Veterans of America.

Contact Commander McVay

1-877-243-9799 (toll free): Department Headquarters

1-501-375-1104: Department Headquarters

1-501-375-4236: Fax

eMail: alegion@swbell.net

Address:

Department Commander Gene McVay

The American Legion

Department of Arkansas

P.O. Box 3280 -- 7th & Victory St -- Little Rock, AR 72203-3280