First female American Legion State Commander, Janet M. Wilson, welcomed home to Antioch, Saturday night

State Commander Janet Wilson presented a plaque by Antioch Post Vice Commander Autrey James at the dinner in her honor, Saturday night, June 6.

State Commander Janet Wilson presented a plaque by Antioch Post Vice Commander Autrey James at the dinner in her honor, Saturday night, June 6.

By Allen Payton

Antioch’s American Legion Harding-Noia Post #161 welcomed home Janet Wilson, the first California State Commander, at a dinner in her honor, Saturday night, June 6, 2015.

Guests enjoy dinner during the welcoming home celebration of Janet Wilson at the Veterans Memorial Building in Antioch, Saturday, June 6, 2015.

Guests enjoy dinner during the welcoming home celebration of Janet Wilson at the Veterans Memorial Building in Antioch, Saturday, June 6, 2015.

During the event held at the Veterans Memorial Building on West Sixth Street in Antioch, Wilson was presented with special certificates from local elected officials, including State Assemblyman Jim Frazier, who was in attendance, as well as a plaque for her year of service, which ends in three weeks.

According to her bio on the American Legion’s website:

Janet has served the Legion for over 26 years; served as Post & District Commander twice and Post Adjutant for over 10 years.

She is a graduate of American Legion College 2008, also a duo member, serving positions in both the Legion and the Auxiliary at Department levels.

She has served as Dept. Ca. as Vice Commander Representing Women Legionnaires and as Department Vice Commander Representing Area 2, as well as three other State appointed positions, and has been on numerous Committees and Commissions as well as National Americanism Council member and Children and Youth for the National organization, and is member of ANAVICUS.

She continues to act as Chairman of the Post and District Blood Donor program; and has actively organized numerous Blood Drives, is an ongoing donor of more than one gallon.

She has helped to complete the ‘Legion Family’, organized a squadron of the Sons of The American Legion. Continues as the “acting” adjutant and is currently the Squadron Advisor. She continues to mentor the squadron in protocol and leadership.

Having mentored the newer members of the Post and Riders Chapter: teaching the members about the Legion. Hoping to get them to move up and move into the ‘legion’ life outside our Post, into the District and beyond. Enjoys assisting the Riders at some of the events in our Community, like the Santa run to the local V.A. hospital, and Memorial Day Event, and Veterans’ Day annual parade.

A longtime member of the Past Commanders Club and held position of Recording/Secretary for the Department of California Past Commanders Club and was PCC District President.

After 11 years as Secretary/ Finance officer she continues to work on behalf of the Annual Golf Tournament at Yountville. This Golf Tournament not only allows Legionnaires a wonderful opportunity to mingle with the residents, but it also creates a source of funds for the Veteran-Residents of the Home, and fulfills a ‘wish list’ of items they otherwise could not acquire.

She has donated numerous hours to charitable organizations within the community. Working on quilts of Valor, and Quilts of Honor, these groups provides quilts to charities such as Wounded Warriors, VA hospitals, and numerous area hospices. Helps with the choices as to who needs our quilts and helps to distribute them, this year alone, we have given out over 100 quilts.

She has recently added docent to the list of hours of Community service, at the Rosie the Riveter National Park in Richmond, which she has just put on hiatus while being commander.”


the attachments to this post:


Janet Wilson dinner


Janet Wilson & Autrey James


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