National Commander James LaCoursiere
An Air Force veteran, Wiley is a retired state district court judge who raises cattle in Leavenworth, Kan. Following his Air Force service, Wiley obtained a bachelor’s degree in business at the College of Great Falls in Montana. He returned to his hometown of Lawrence, Kan., and earned a law degree at the University of Kansas.
Wiley has held many leadership positions at The American Legion post, department (state) and national levels. He is a paid-up-for-life member of Byron H. Mehl American Legion Post 23 in Leavenworth and is a past department commander of Kansas. He also represented the state as a member of The American Legion’s National Executive Committee.
Appointed by the Kansas governor as a district court judge in 2008, Wiley helped establish and preside over the Leavenworth County Veterans Treatment Court. He has been active in his community and is a past president of the Leavenworth / Lansing Chamber of Commerce, a past chairman of the Leavenworth County Veterans Day Parade Committee and a former member of the Unified School District 453 School Board.
As national commander, Wiley is a strong advocate for The American Legion’s Be the One mission to prevent veteran suicide. He emphasizes inclusivity in the American Legion Family through the theme, Better Together!
Wiley and his wife, Sonia, have two children, Austin and Christy, and one grandson.
National Commander's Pin Incentive Program
American Legion National Commander Dan K. Wiley will award his national commander Be the One membership incentive pin to any Legionnaire who obtains two new members into The American Legion.
A new member is any eligible person joining for the 2026 membership year who was not a member of The American Legion during the 2025 membership year. Transfers do not count as new members.
Each member listed must be eligible for membership in The American Legion. New Auxiliary members and Sons of The American Legion members do not count toward this incentive. Forward names of Sons of The American Legion members or Auxiliary members to your squadron or unit for use in their respective incentive programs.
Only one coin will be awarded per individual. Upon receipt, American Legion National membership staff will confirm the names in the national database and mail the coin directly to the person who earned it.
2025 Department Fall Conferences
Department Fall Conferences will be held on October 10th and 11th with Committee meetings on the 10th and the DEC wrap up on October 11th. Committee meetings are open to anyone wanting to attend.