2024-2025 Department Commander, Department of West Virginia, Veterans of Foreign Wars
Richard Earl Ogden
Name: Richard Earl Ogden / Joined VFW: September 2011, Post 3663 Buckhannon
Highest Rank: First Sergeant E8 / US ARMY / Gold Life Legacy Life Member
Date of Enlistment: 06 January 1981 / Current: Senior Vice Cmdr, 3663 Buckhannon
/ State of WV, Sate Commander
Date of Retirement: 30 August 2013 /
/ President Potomac Highlands Wounded Warriors Outreach
Years of Service: 25 years of Active Duty, 7 Years of WV National Guard, Total 32 years 6 months 15 Days
Assignments: Det 1, 1092nd Engineer Battalion, Richwood, WV
Headquarters WV National Guard, Charleston, WV
119th Engineer Company, Clarksburg / Buckhannon WV
Operation Noble Eagle, Fort Story VA
Fix Wing Army Aviation Training Site, Bridgeport WV
1st Cav Divisions, Fort Hood, TX
Task Force ODIN, A4 Afghanistan
306th Military Intelligence, Bagram Afghanistan
First Sergeant Co B, 306th
Regional Training Institute, Chief Engineer Instructor, Kingwood WV
Military Education: Platoon Leadership Developed
Small Arms Weapons Instructor,
Battle Skills Course
Basic NCO School, 3 Phases Advance NCO School, 4 Phases
First Sergeant Course,
Flight Aerial Sensor Course
RIG – Rescue International Group, Collapse Structure School
National Disaster incident – Command and Control
National HAZMAT Incident, response Team
Civilian Education: Richwood High School Class 1983
Bachelor’s Degree, Military History, Mountain State Univ
Computer Science and Technology, Univ of Charleston
Advance Search & Rescue Scuba School, Univ of Charleston
Awards and Decorations
WV VFW Rich Homan Award,
Bronze Star Medal, Afghanistan Medal with bronze Star, Air Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Armed Force Service Medal, with 30 Years Gold Hour Glass Device, Meritorious Service with 2 Oak Leaf Cluster Army Commendation Medal 7th Award Army Achievement Medal 6th Award, Good Conduct Metal 32 Years, Aviation Badge, Combat Action Badge, Global War Terrorism Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Forces Medal, Oversea Service Ribbon, South East Asia Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal 2nd Award, NATO Service Medal, Non Commissioned Officer Education 4th Award, Order of Saint Michael Bronze Award, 672 Hours Flying in Combats (Master Jedi) Member of the US Army Secret Squirrel Society, Master Mason, Franklin Lodge #7, Buckhannon WV 32 Degree Mason, Valley of Clarksburg, WV
Family: Married to Lisa Ann Foster of Summersville WV for 40 years, they have two children and 5 Grandchildren, Daughter Leslie N. Ogden of Elkins WV, (who served 7 years US Army) and Son, US Air Force, SSgt Matthew E. Ogden Station in Rammstein Germany.
Volunteer Work:
Nicholas County EMS / Volunteer Fireman 1980-1985
Youth Counselor / Instructor WV National Guard Youth Camp 1986-1995
Asst Coach Little League Football Upshur Co, 2002-2003
Booster President, Buckhannon Upshur High, 2003-2006
Boy Scout of America, Asst Scout Master 1998-2000
Boy Scout of America, Scout Master 2001-2011
Commander Army Aviation Association of America, Bagram Afghanistan Chapter 2011-2012
Potomac Highlands Wounded Warriors Event coordinator- 2013-2015
Potomac Highlands Wounded Warriors, Junior Vice President - 2015 – 2020
Potomac Highlands Wounder Warriors, President 2020- Present
Project Healing Water Fly Fishing volunteer – 2018 - Present
VFW Post 3663, Bingo Worker, Every Thru & Sun 2022-Present
VFW POSITIONs HELD:
3663 Jr Vice Commander
3663 Sr Vice Commander
State of WV, VMS Chairman
State of WV, Sargeant at Arms
State of WV, Jr Vice Commander
State of WV, Sr Vice Commander
State Commander 2024-2025
Special Aide De Camp to National Commander in Chief
VFW Grafton Memorial Post 3081 Commander
Scott Bitner
Scott Bitner of Grafton, West Virginia became Commander of Memorial City Post 3081 in
June of 2019.
Scott joined the Navy on October 13, 1981 He graduated from the Great Lakes in
November 1981, and was stationed on his first ship, the USS San Diego - AFS6. During his
Naval career, he was stationed on several sea going commands, 1 shore duty, and retired
from the USS EIRod -FFG55. Scott spent two & half years in Sardinia, Italy with the USS
Orion. He was deployed during several conflicts including Desert Storm, Desert Shield, and
Kuwait.
He earned the Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, SW
Asia Service Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Nato Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal,
and several other medals and commendations.
Scott joined the VFW in 2005 and became a Life Member in 2014. He is a Life Member of the
VFW National Home for Children and a Member of the American Legion Post 12 in Grafton,
West Virginia. Scott is also a member of the BUMC.
Scott is originally from Summerdale, PA, but moved to Grafton after retiring from the
Navy in 2001.
VFW Auxiliary President 2024-2025
Jamie Crum
Jamie Crum was elected Department President of the West Virginia Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary at the Department convention in a June of 2024. She joined the Auxiliary in 2007 in Ripley WV and later transferred to Stewart-Johnson VFW Auxiliary 9926 in Mason, WV. Where she is a life member. Jamie is committed to honoring veterans, their families, and the community, as she advocates for those who have served.
Jamie joined the Auxiliary under the eligibility of her husband Captain Roger Crum, who is an Army Vietnam veteran where he was a fixed wing pilot. She is the daughter of James Boyle a Korean War veteran and mother of James Neal a Iraqi War on Terrorism Veteran.
A proud mother of four children and grandmother to thirteen active grandchildren, Jamie’s family is deeply involved in sports and extracurricular school activities. Outside of her duties, Jamie cherishes time spent supporting her grandchildren's school and sporting events. She retired after dedicating over 20 years to the retail auto parts industry
As she looks to the future, Jamie is excited to embark on new travel adventures with family. And to continue to advocate for Veterans and their families.
Brenda Thompson VFW Auxiliary District President & Grafton Memorial City Post 3081 Auxiliary
President Brenda is the daughter of the late John Nery a World War II Veteran and life member of VFW Post 573 Clarksburg. Brenda also serves the VFW Auxiliary Department of West Virginia as president of District Three and liaison to West Virginia Veterans Nursing Home. Brenda is a member of the Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist. She is active in the community. She served on City of Grafton City Council for eight years. Serving as Vice Mayor for four years. She is currently serving as as member of the Grafton Taylor County Library Board. Brenda is also a member of the Grafton Rotary Club. Brenda wants to welcome all of you to Grafton. Enjoy the Memorial Day Weekend!
AMERICAN LEGION DEPARTMENT COMMANDER
Jeff Wisey
Jeff Wisley was born in Sacramento, California, and grew up in the Northern California area until he graduated high school on his 18th birthday in June 1983. In October 1983, Jeff signed a contract to join the United States Air Force Reserve as a Loadmaster on the largest aircraft in the US inventory, the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy. Jeff flew as a Loadmaster in the 312th Military Airlift Squadron at Travis AFB, California, for just over 3 years when he decided to go active duty. In January 1987, he started over as an Airman First Class on Active Duty at Dover AFB. Jeff was stationed in Delaware for around 7 years, becoming a SOLL II Loadmaster (Special Operations, Low Level, Low Light) and an Instructor Loadmaster. He then moved to the schoolhouse for C-5 Loadmasters in Altus, Oklahoma, where he would run the Standardization and Evaluation section in his unit. Assignments followed that led Jeff and his family back to California, Oklahoma, and a 3-year stint in Yokota, Japan, as part of the PACAF TALCE (Pacific Air Forces Tanker Airlift Control Element), where he managed airfield operations and conducted mobile command and control at designated hot spots around the world. When MSgt. Wisley was due to retire from the Air Force in 2010, he was looking for a way to assist Veterans and found an opening in West Virginia for a Veterans Service Representative. He applied, interviewed, took a test, and was offered the job as a Veterans Service Representative in the Huntington Regional Office for the US Department of Veterans Affairs. Jeff has worked for the VA for the past 14 years, where he works today as a Public Contact Outreach Specialist, assisting Veterans with benefits every day. Jeff has held various offices in the American Legion at the Post, District, and Department levels. He is currently also a consultant to the National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission. Jeff is also a 2017 graduate of the National American Legion College. Jeff is a life member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, and the 40&8. He and his wife, Donna, have six children and 11 grandchildren living in four states. Jeff and Donna currently call Lavalette, West Virginia, home. They also welcome you to their business in Huntington at any time, “Scratch’s Bar & Grill.”
Sons of the American Legion Detachment of WV Commander
Herb Chruchman
My name is Herb Churchman, I was raised in Rowlesburg, Preston County West Virginia. I joined the Merchant Marines in 1972. I then attended the University of Miami Florida for two years. For three years I worked in the circulation department at a newspaper in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1980 I learned the wallpaper and painting trade. Fifteen years later I joined the Painters Union. My career abruptly ended six years later with a fall of twenty feet, requiring five surgeries and a year in rehab. Forced into retirement I moved to Hampshire County, West Virginia. In 2013, I joined the Capon Bridge, American Legion Post 137. In 2017 I became the SAL Historian. In 2018 I was elected Adjutant and have held this office for five years to date. Membership has grown from approximately 100 to over 200 members, so far. In 2020, I was elected to SAL WV State Historian, then became SAL WV State Vice Commander for two years. In 2020, I held the District 10 Vice Commander for one year, then elected District 10 Commander for three years. I’ve since stepped down to serve as SAL WV Detachment Commander. None of my positions would have been possible without the many talented officers I’ve been involved with at every level of the American Legion. By staying positive, working together and communicating with all groups in our Legion family, we can support one another and increase awareness for our veterans here, across the country, as well as abroad.
American Legion Dept. Auxiliary President
Laura Clark
Laura is a 3rd generation member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Huntington Unit 16 since 1986. Her eligibility is through her grandfather, Glenn Hogan. Laura has held many offices and chairmanships on the Unit, District, and Department level. On the Unit level, she has held the positions of Junior Activities Chairman, Chaplain, and currently is the Unit Vice President. On the District level, Laura has served as Chaplain, Vice President, and District President. She has served as Department Chaplain, Department 2nd Vice President, and Department 1st Vice President as well has held several chairmanships and served on many committees. Laura is employed by Jacaruso Enterprises as a Hotel Regional Director of Sales and has been in the hospitality industry since 1998.She is an active member of Madison Avenue Christian Church and volunteers and advocates for several organizations in her community. Laura is married to Brandon Clark and has 3 children: Trae, Katie Beth, and Alexander. She is also a dog mom to Henry and Eliza.
Director of the American Legion Riders, West Virginia Chapter
Clifford Shingleton
Clifford Shingleton raised in Shinnston West Virginia is the oldest son of Fred and Janet Shingleton. He is a Graduate of Lincoln High School in 1984. Joined the United States Air Force soon after and was assigned to the 554 Medical Services Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas Nevada. There he served as a medical services corpsman and shift leader in the Emergency Room for 13 years. During this time at Nellis he met his beautiful wife Robin from Cass West Virginia and had 2 Children Jayne and Charles. While stationed at Nellis Air Force Base he attended Independent Duty Medical Services School and was qualified for special medical assignments. The Family then transferred to Germany where he took charge of the Gastroenterology and Endoscopy center. During this tour Cliff completed many special duty assignments to places like Albania, Tunisia, Nigeria and Cairo, Egypt. The family enjoyed German culture and people traveling to see all the amazing sights of Europe. From Germany, the family moved to San Antonio, Texas. Cliff was assigned to the 37th Training Wing in San Antonio as a Master Sergeant where he oversaw the medical Care of over 6000 Basic Military Trainees through 7 Satellite Clinics. In 2006 the Family made its last military move to Sumter South Carolina and Shaw Air Force Base. Here Cliff was to serve as Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of the 20th Aerospace Medical Services. Cliff Retired from the Air Force in 2009 and moved with the Family back to Shinnston West Virginia. Since Retirement he has completed his Nursing Degree and works as an RN at United Hospital Center. His second career after retirement has been with the American Legion Serving as a post officer in Shinnston Post 31 as well as District and Department Offices in the 7 years since Joining. He is now the Department of West Virginia’s Riders Director, where he assists and set up new Motorcycle programs for the American Legion around the State of West Virginia. He is the current Facilitator for a VA Sponsored Program called Together with Veterans Suicide Awareness and Prevention initiative in North Central West Virginia.
American Legion Post 12 Commander
SENIOR MASTER SERGEANT (RETIRED)
DAVID L. “ROBBIE” ROBINSON
Senior Master Sergeant Retired David L. Robinson was born 4 May 1959, Grafton, WV and is the son of James and Virginia Robinson, Grafton, West Virginia. Sergeant Robinson has one sister and one brother. Sister, Debra K. Hoag, of Grafton who, with her husband David M. Hoag. His brother, Douglas J. Robinson, wife Monica a, reside in Grafton. Sergeant Robinson is a 1977 Graduate of Grafton High School. Prior to graduation, in April 1977, he enlisted in the United States Air Force under the delayed enlistment program. He reported to Lackland AFB, TX in September 1977 for Basic Military Training. Upon completion of Basic Military Training, he was assigned to Keesler AFB, MS for Technical Training as an Information Management Specialist. He was then assigned to the 6940th Electronic Security Wing, Ft Meade, MD. Then he moved overseas to Dec 25 1945th Communication Group, Radio Relay Location, Federal Republic of Germany. Returning to the States, he was assigned to the 42d Bombardment Wing, Loring AFB ME. He was then handpicked for a special duty assignment with Headquarters Air Force Element/Program Resource Office at Bolling AFB, Washington DC. He was requested, by name, to fill another special duty assignment with the Office of the Secretary of Defense and worked in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy in the Pentagon. Sergeant Robinson retired from the United States Air Force on 1 July 2001 at Bolling Air Force Base Washington DC, with honors. He is a graduate of Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) Professional Military Education (PME) Courses, I & II. A graduate of the Electronic Security Command NCO Leadership School, the Military Airlift Command (East) NCO Academy, winning the Speech Award, and graduated from the USAF Senior NCO Academy. Sergeant Robinson holds an associate degree in information management from the Community College of the Air Force. He served as the Veterans Affairs Officer, for the West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance, Martinsburg Field Office, Martinsburg WV. On September 1, 2019, he retired from state service and move to his hometown Grafton, WV. Sergeant Robinson's honors and decorations include Airman of the Month, NCO of the Quarter, and NCO of the Year. His was awarded The Defense Meritorious Service Medal w/oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal w/ oak leaf cluster, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal w/two oak leaf clusters, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal w/two oak leaf cluster, Joint Unit Meritorious Service award, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award w/four oak leaf clusters, Air Force Organization Excellence Award w/oak leaf cluster, Air Force Good Conduct Medal w/silver and oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon w/four oak leaf clusters, NCO Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon w/two oak leaf cluster, Air Force Small Arms Marksmanship Ribbon and the Air Force Training Ribbon. He also wears the United States Air Force Master Information Managers badge and the Office of the Secretary of Defense badge. David L. Robinson (ROBBIE) is very active in the American Legion. He served in numerous positions at all levels of the American Legion. He is currently the Department Assistant Service Officer, is Director of The American Legion Mountaineer Boys State. He is currently Commander of The American Legion Taylor County Post 12, Grafton West Virginia. He is also an active member of the West Virginia Memorial Day Committee representing the American Legion. Sergeant Robinson is married to the former Jo A. Howard of Glen Burnie, MD. They were married on 15 October 1982. Jo has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Maryland and a master’s degree from Cappella University. She served 15 years as a Department of the Air Force Civilian at two bases and the Pentagon as a Transition/Relocation assistance specialist. She was employed by the Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, at the National Conservation Training Center. She is retired from Federal Service.