PAST COMMANDERS,   2015- 1971

THIS PAGE WILL BE A CONTINUING WORK IN PROGRESS,  check back often.
Scroll this page in its entirety or click on a Past Commanders name
to view his picture, bio and accolades.

* denotes deceased

Sonny Kirkwood 48 2015- 2016
Roy Havekost 47 2014- 2015
Roy Havekost 46 2013- 2014
Roy Havekost 45 2012- 2013
Robert 'Robby' Bacom 44 2011- 2012
Steve Willis 43 2010-2011
Clen Ward 42 2009-2010
Don Mills 41 2008-2009
James P. Ross 40 2007-2008
John Blessing 39 2006-2007
Richard 'Dick' Salzarulo 38 2005-2006
Johnny Jones 37 2004-2005
Mark Dorsey 36 2003-2004
Mark Dorsey 35 2002-2003
Harry Frisbee 34 2001-2002
Harry Frisbee 33 2000-2001
John 'Ski' Kozlowski 32 1999-2000
Lynn Haslauer 31 1998-1999
R. 'Bob' Mays 30 1997-1998
James Harris 29 1996-1997
Sal Caminiti 28 1995-1996
Joe Nolan 27 1994-1995
Lynn Haslauer 26 1993-1994
Bob Bacom 25 1992-1993
Bill Haley 24 1991-1992
Johnny Jones 23 1990-1991
Ronald Drake 22 1989-1990
Joe Nolan 21 1988-1989
Bob Mays 20 1987-1988
Tom Wiley 19 1986-1987
Clyde Myers 18 1986
Joel Singleton 17 1985-1986
James Ard 16 1984-1985
Melvin Ard 15 1983-1984
Earl Bilcher 14 1982-1983
Alton 'Red' Kellow 13 1981-1982
Clyde Myers 12 1980-1981
Robert Jackson 11 1979-1980
James Hennessey 10 1978-1979
Robert Richards 9 1977-1978
Bob Ness 8 1976-1977
George Hartley 7 1976
Edward O'Connor 6 1975
Robert Sowerby 5 1974-1975
Howard Briggs 4 1973-1974
Oliver J. Oliver 3 1973
Walter 'Chip' Squire 2 1972-1973
Louis 'Pappy' Martin 1 1971-1972

We apologize for any misspellings and/or omissions of Past Commanders.
Please send name corrections or omissions to the
webmaster@AL233FL.org .
Past Commanders who have passed and are not listed as such, please send
the month and year of passing to the webmaster@AL233FL.org. Thank you
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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Commander Sonny Kirkwood

2015-2016

My military background is I served 22 years and retired in October 1999 as the Command Master Chief and Administrative Officer at Regional Support Group (largest shore Command at Mayport). I have an extensive administrative and Human Resources background along with budgetary experience with managing companies. Presently, I am the Administrator & Compliance Officer for The SMI Group which involves HVAC Test & Balancing in the commercial sector. I oversee the day-to-day operations and ensure The SMI Group is in compliance with government contractual requirements.

 

Introduced an Employee Handbook and Job Description Guidelines


Upgraded the Post CCTV system


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Commander Roy Havekost
2014 - 2015

2013 - 2014
2012 - 2013
United State Navy Reserve, 1966-71. US Navy Beach Jumper 1967-68, stationed at Naval Amphibious Base in Little Creek, Virginia. After release from active duty, I pursued a career in law enforcement from 1969 to 1995, retiring as Captain of Detectives. In 1995, I entered the private sector and operated Havekost Detective Agency for 10 years, until my move to Florida. After acclimating to Florida life, I joined Post 233 in 2007.  I have held the following offices, Executive Committee Member, House Committee Member, 3rd Vice Commander, 1st Vice Commander (2 terms), Adjutant (partial term) and Commander (3 terms) .

 

 

Recipient Commander of the 2015 National Post Excellence Award
for Palm Valley Post 233

100%+ Post membership Commander, 3 consecutive years

 

Pallbearer at the 1st 'Call to Honor' for Florida MIAP Jacksonville National Cemetery

Attended and Graduated the 2013 LEAD Training (Leadership, Education And Development) 

Recipient of the 5th District 'Post of the Year' Award 2012-2013

Won the 'John Wayne Commemorative .45 cal automatic' for Post 233, in the 100%+1
drawing
at the 95th Department Convention

Attended the 95th Department of Florida Convention


Attended the 2013  District 5 Constitutional Conference

Webmaster and creator of The 5th District of Florida website at www.AL5thDistrictFL.org, 2013-2016  

Appointed 5th District Social Media Chairman 2013-16

 

Appointed Dept. of Florida Social Media Chairman 2014-16


Attended and Graduated the American Legion Extension Institute

Presided over  the K9s for Warriors Monthly Graduation Ceremonies at Post 233, 2013-2015

Instituted the American Legion Law & Order Program at Post 233

Restructured the House Committee, facilitated new House Rules & Regulations 2012

Webmaster and creator of Post 233 website at www.AL233FL.org,  2007-present

Member of Captain Ski's Original Fish Fry Team.

 

Post Project Chairman Post 233 renovation project, 2013-15
 

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Commander Robby Bacom

2011 - 2012

 

 

 Instituted the K9s for Warriors Graduation Ceremonies at Post 233

 

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Commander Steve Willis

2010 - 2011

 

 

 

 

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Commander Clen Ward

2009 - 2010

 

 

 

 

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Commander Don Mills

2008 - 2009

Bio

I entered the U.S. Army in July 1966 thru July 1968 where I served as logistical support services, stationed in the Republic of Panama. I returned home and went to work for Mosquito Control in Palm Valley, Florida, and then went to work for the St. Johns County Sherriff's Office in 1973 until my retirement on June 30, 2003. During my career I attended numerous law enforcement schools including traffic homicide investigation and traffic crash reconstruction. I was also certified as a drug interdiction officer and an expert pistol shot.

 During my term as Commander of Post 233 I replaced the roof on our Post which was in dire need of replacing. The Post had a 100% membership. Some of the events during my term was the 1st annual Nease High School Football Team appreciation day, a flag retirement ceremony, pig roast, bonfire & oyster roast, children's Christmas  party, two  Fish Fry Golf Tournaments one to raise money for a new roof, a Sun Cruz Day Casino Boat Trip and numerous other successful fundraising events.

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Commander James 'Jim' P.  Ross

2007 - 2008

 

 Building repairs and exterior painting, including the American Flag deposit box for worn and tattered flags to be retired. Front driveway and parking lot resurfacing.

 

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Commander John 'Jack' Blessing

2006 - 2007

Passed in July 2008.


SP3 U.S. Army.

 

 

 

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Commander Richard 'Dick' Salzarulo

2005 - 2006


 

 

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Commander Johnny Jones

2004 - 2005

 

  I am very proud to say as a Past Commander of Post 233, I had the dubious distinction of serving when there was "Peace" in the Valley and we were known as the "Friendliest Post" in the area. I was also blessed with a fine hard working slate of officers and many, many faithful volunteers.

  Post 233 has the "Jones" family fingerprints all over the place by the hard work of my wife Arlene, daughter Cathleen, and two sons Kenny and Carl during my 2004-05 tenure. This Bio would not be complete without mentioning that I was fortunate enough to have the all time, best ever, Canteen Manager, Pat Moseley Root and the hardest working most talented 2nd. Vice Commander, Ray Root (Col. Ret. U.S. Army. The moral,technical, and financial support of Ron Joy. It also didn't hurt things having Retired Master Chief Mike Holland around every day as my Finance Officer.

  A few of the accomplishments that I am most proud of, all accomplished in 2004-05 and little known by many of our members are as follows: The Main Bar that you sit at every day was built entirely by my wife and I, the "Stand Up" bar next to the main bar was built by Arlene and I, the half round bar next to the dance floor was also built by Arlene and I.

  Arlene, Cathleen and I completely renovated the "Ladies Meeting" room from under the floor up.  It also included new carpet, wall of fame for current and past officers and a new lighting system with the help of Wilbur Burnett.

  Arlene and I also completely renovated the ladies room, and back then it was the cleanest and nicest in the area. With the assistance of Ray Root, Arlene and I also built the "Wall of Fame of current and Past Commanders located on the wall of the main canteen.  My son Ken built the corner display cabinet which Arlene and I stained and outfitted.  My other son, Carl and I completely renovated the rear exit floor and walls and re-built the storage room at that exit. Carl and I also rebuilt the men's bathroom floor and had it tiled.

  The main reason we were able to accomplish all of the above projects, is we had a great slate off officers, employees and volunteers.  In other words, I had the time to do things the Post needed most and wasn't bogged down with the work the elected and appointed officers were expected to do.

  I know this bio sounds like a lot of back patting, but I am very proud of the accomplishments at Post 233 during my tenure as Commander.  Also, I was selected as the 5th. District "Commander of the Year" for 2004-05.  Somebody thought we were doing a good job.

 Happily married to Arlene for 58 years, seven children, 14 grand- children and and 8 great grandchildren. 30 Year continuous member of Post 233.


For God and Country,

Johnny R. Jones, Past Commander

 

5th. District "Commander of the Year" for 2004-05

 

 

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Commander Mark Dorsey

2003 - 2004
2002 - 2003


US Air Force

 


Responsible for the placement of directional street signs along Palm Valley Road, Roscoe and Canal
Boulevards which guide people to Post 233 at our well hidden dead end road. This was done with the
cooperation and approval of the St. Johns County Commission in 2003. Read news article.

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Commander Harry Frisbee

2001 - 2002
2000 - 2001
 


 

 

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Commander John 'Ski' Kozlowski

1999 - 2000


Ski has been a member of the Post since 1986. Ski is a retired Navy Chief. He also served with the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office. Known for 'Captain Ski's Fish Fry' event services.

Bar room and dining room carpeted. New bar stools purchased. Donated pool table to Post.

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Commander Lynn Haslauer

1998 - 1999


 

 

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Commander R. Bob Mays

1997 - 1998

 

Passed June 1998


 

 

 

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Commander James 'Jim' Harris

1996 - 1997


 

 

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Commander Salvatore Caminiti

1995 - 1996

 

Passed in March 2009.


 

 

 

 

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Commander Joe Nolan

1994 - 1995


 

 

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Commander Lynn Haslauer

1993 - 1994


 

 

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Commander Bob Bacom

1992 - 1993

Passed in January 2007


 

 

 

 

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Commander Bill Haley

1991 - 1992


 

 

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Commander Johnny Jones

1990 - 1991


Bio, click here for more information

 

 

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Commander Ronald Drake

1989 - 1990


 

 

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Commander Joe Nolan

1988 - 1989


 

 

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Commander R. Bob Mays

1987 - 1988

Passed June 1998


 

 

 

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Commander Tom Wiley

1986 - 1987


 

 

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Commander Clyde Myers

 1986


 

 

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Commander Joel Singleton

1985 - 1986


 

 

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Commander James Ard

1984 - 1985

Passed in December 2005


U.S. Air Force, Vietnam.

 

 

 

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Commander Melvin Ard

1983 - 1984


 

 

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Commander Earl Bilcher

1982 - 1983


 

 

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Commander Alton 'Red' Kellow

1981 - 1982


 

 

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Commander Clyde Myers

1980 - 1981


 

 

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Commander Robert J. Jackson

1979 - 1980


 

 

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Commander James L. Hennessey

1978 - 1979


 

 

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Commander Robert Richards

1977 - 1978


 

 

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Commander Bob Ness

1976 - 1977


 

 

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Commander George Hartley

1976


 
 

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Commander Edward O'Connor

1975


 

 

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Commander Robert Sowerby

1974 - 1975

Passed in October 1996

1st Lieutenant, U.S. Air Force. National Champion. Former State Commander.
 

 

 

 

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Commander Howard Briggs

1973 - 1974


 

 

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Commander Oliver J. Oliver

1973

Passed in February 1978


Sergeant Major, U.S. Army, WWII.

 

 

 

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Commander Walter 'Chip' Squire

1972 - 1973


 
 

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Commander Louis 'Pappy' Martin

1971 - 1972


 

Post 233 founding Commander.

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