August 27, 1976
Page 28116
WILLIAM J. ROGERS ELECTED NATIONAL COMMANDER OF THE AMERICAN LEGION
Mr. MUSKIE. Mr. President, the American Legion chose wisely yesterday in selecting William J. Rogers of Kennebunk, Maine, to be national commander for 1976-77. I have known Bill Rogers for many years, and I can personally attest to his dedication to the cause of all veterans, and to his capacity for hard work in their behalf. I know Bill is not so much honored by his election as he is committed to using this year to improving the opportunities and lives of our veterans. I would like to extend my personal congratulations, and offer my thanks for all he has done and the work I know he will do.
Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that a news article on his selection be printed in the RECORD.
There being no objection, the article was ordered to be printed in the RECORD, as follows:
[From the Portland Press Herald, Aug. 27, 1976]
LEGION ELECTS KENNEBUNK MAN COMMANDER
SEATTLE.—William J. Rogers of Kennebunk, Maine, Thursday was elected national commander of the American Legion for 1976-77 as the veterans group, the country's largest, closed its convention here.
Rogers won overwhelmingly despite a challenge by Edward T. Hoak of Camp Hill, Pa., who had charged that national commanders are "hand picked" by a few powerful men.
Rogers, the first Maine legionnaire to be elected to the top position, succeeds Harry G. Wiles, of Topeka, Kan.
Born in Auburn, Maine, Rogers attended local schools and graduated from Edwards Little High School. Upon graduation from the Hampton, N.H. Preparatory School, he entered Syracuse University, enlisting in the Navy after his third year there.
While at Syracuse, Rogers won letters in boxing, football and baseball.
A veteran of World War II, Rogers, 55, served as a pilot of both fighters and bombers in the Pacific Theater. He flew more than 30 combat missions and his awards include the Air Medal and his squadron's Presidential Unit Citation.
He is a member of the Navy Inactive Reserve.
Rogers returned to Auburn at the end of the war, residing there until 1963 when he was transferred to New York City and then Washington where he now serves as vice president in charge of government relations for the United States Brewers Association.
He is married to the former Constance Bearce of Auburn and they have a daughter and three sons. His family now lives in Kennehuck.
Rogers began campaigning for the prestigious one-year office 10 years ago, according to Maine Department Adjutant Daniel Lambert who put Rogers' name in nomination Thursday.
During his legion career Rogers has served in a number of Legion positions including Maine Department commander and national commander and national executive committeeman.
In the campaign leading to the balloting, Hoak charged that the commander is selected by the legion "machine." He said delegates aren't given a real choice.
"If we don't stop this thing now, it's going to create a political dynasty in the American Legion," he said.
The charges were denied by past national commander James Wagonseller of Lancaster, Ohio, one of the three men Hoak says holds power in the group.
"I've come up through the ranks of the American Legion, and I've made many, many friends," said Wagonseller. "We count on those friends to believe as we believe. It isn't really a handpicking of candidates."