A 45-year member and past commander of August Mattson American Legion Squadron 71 in Gladstone, John Pickard was elected to be the Upper Peninsula SAL 5th Zone Commander for 2021-2022. John replaces William Bill Germain, who has served in that office the past five years.

“I grew up in a Legion family in Gladstone, with strong support of veterans. Beginning with my grandfather Cliff Murker, who was a charter member and third commander of the August Mattson post. He served in France and Belgium in World War I. My father Kenneth Pickard was a two-=time commander of the post and was a veteran of the China-Burma theater in World War II. Lastly, my brother Mike was a Vietnam-era veteran. It was only natural to become a Son of The American Legion to honor my family, and serve and help all veterans in need.”

The new SAL Michigan commander, elected from Three Rivers Squadron 170, is Gordon “Zack” Pendell. Zack is a 16-year member of the Hice-Shutes squadron, and very active on the district and detachment levels.