COMMANDING OFFICERS
Department Commander
Gary W Cox Jr.
- commander@ohiolegion.com
- 740-362-7478
Gary W. Cox Jr. was elected to serve as the 2026-2027 Department of Ohio Commander on Sunday July 12th 2026. His eligibility stems from holding office in 2025-2026 as the Department of Ohio 1st Vice Commander and was elected to serve this high office on Sunday July 13th 2025 at the 106th Department of Ohio Convention. He was also elected to serve 2024-2025 as the Department of Ohio 2nd Vice Commander on Sunday July 14th 2024.
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Gary Jr. earned his eligibility by serving in the United States Marine Corps from 2002-2010, including a tour in Afghanistan from 2004-2005.
Gary Jr. is a PUFL 25-year member of Harold Bradley Post 584 in Marion, Ohio. He is a past 2-time 6th District Commander from 2021-2023. He is an 10-year member of Buckeye Boys State staff serving as a trustee. Gary Jr. has also served on Gifts for Yanks, and National Security commissions along with a National appointee for the National Security Council.
He is a 35-year Charter member of Squadron 584 Marion, Ohio. A member of the Legion Riders 254, 40/8, Marine Corps League, and Wounded Warrior Project. He is also a lifetime member of the VFW, DAV, and CVMA.
1st Vice Commander
Holly Lewis
- 1stvice@ohiolegion.com
The First Vice Commander serves under the Commander of the Department of Ohio. Their responsibilities include being Membership Committee Chairman, ensuring that the Legion message is heard by all veterans, and providing the overall mission for the membership year.
Holly Lewis was elected to serve as the 2026-2027 Department of Ohio 1st Vice Commander on Sunday July 12th 2026 at the 107th Department of Ohio Convention.
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She was also elected to serve 2025-2026 as the Department of Ohio 2nd Vice Commander on Sunday, July 13th, 2025.
Holly Lewis is a United States Navy veteran from Smithfield, Ohio, who proudly served during the Gulf War Era. While in the Navy, she played a crucial role in repairing the computer systems that supported the undersea surveillance system, contributing to national defense efforts.
With a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and an MBA, Holly transitioned into a successful 20+ year career at McKesson, where she was instrumental in the creation and launch of EnterpriseRx, a pharmacy management software used in over 4,500 pharmacies across the United States.
Holly’s commitment to service continues through her active involvement in the American Legion. She currently serves as the Adjutant for Stevens-Christian Memorial Post 557 in Wintersville, OH, and as the 1st Vice Commander for the Department of Ohio American Legion.
Additionally, she is the Chair of the National American Legion Media and Communications Commission, advocating for veterans and their families at the national level.
2nd Vice Commander
Ken LaVoy
- 2ndvice@ohiolegion.com
The Second Vice Commander serves under the 1st Vice Commander and the Commander of the Department of Ohio. Their responsibilities include being Post Activities Chairman.
Ken LaVoy was elected to serve as the 2026-2027 Department of Ohio 2nd Vice Commander on Sunday, July 12th, 2026 at the 107th Department of Ohio Convention.
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Kenneth “Ken” LaVoy earned his eligibility for The American Legion through his service in the United States Army during Desert Storm. During that time, he served as an Infantry Anti-Tank Company Commander at Fort Benning, Georgia.
Ken served in the Army and Army Reserve from 1986 to 2017 and is a PUFL (Paid Up For Life) 32-year member of Kettering Post 596 in Kettering, Ohio. He is the immediate past American Legion Department of Ohio Treasurer, Dean Emeritus and Co-Founder of Buckeye American Legion College, and a former 3rd District Commander. Ken was appointed as a Director of National American Legion College in 2025 and continues to serve in that position.
He currently serves as President of Ohio’s Convention Corporation, National Convention Chairman for the 2028 American Legion National Convention in Ohio, National Committee Chairman for the Veterans Employment and Education Committee, and an ad hoc member of the National Veterans Employment and Education Commission. He also serves on the Commission’s Screening and Resolutions Committees.
Ken’s additional affiliations include the Sons of The American Legion (S.A.L.), 40/8, and lifetime membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).