AUSTIN, Texas – (July 12, 2026) – U.S. Army veteran Eric Mayer, a resident of San Antonio, was installed as a vice commander of the American Legion Department of Texas during the department’s 107th Annual Convention, held at the Renaissance Austin Hotel.

In his role as a department vice commander, Mayer, a former Army judge advocate officer, aims to lead the 3rd Division’s regional efforts in membership growth, public relations and the promotion of the Legion’s programs and services.

“This is an opportunity to help American Legion posts become the best version of themselves, a family for all veterans and a vital part of their communities,” said Mayer, a Boys State alum and native of Ozawkie, Kan. “I will never shy away from an opportunity to change lives and save lives.”

Initially an Army infantry officer, Mayer deployed in support of Operation Desert Falcon (Southwest Asia) in 1998 and Stabilization Force 6 (Bosnia-Herzegovina) in 1999-2000.

A member of Business and Professional American Legion Post 10, Mayer has served as the Americanism chairman for the 20th District and subsequently as district commander, overseeing 17 Legion posts.

In May 2026, he was elected as the department vice commander for the 3rd Division at the division's annual convention held at Alamo American Legion Post 2.

Mayer’s motto for the ensuring year is “Let there be Legion.”

“Whenever there is a veteran in need of a family, ‘Let there be Legion.’ When a voice is needed for those without their own, ‘Let there be Legion.’ Whenever our communities need a helping hand, ‘Let there be Legion.’ And when an example is needed for all to follow, ‘Let there be Legion,’” said Mayer. “My goal is to help posts be the Legion that is prepared to answer all of these calls.”

The American Legion is the largest U.S. veterans organization, with nearly 2 million members in more than 12,000 posts across the nation and in foreign countries.

Chartered by Congress in 1919, the Legion is dedicated to the motto of “Veterans Strengthening America.”
Legionnaires accomplish this through the organization’s four founding pillars of mentoring youth and sponsoring wholesome community programs, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting a strong national security, and continued devotion to servicemembers and veterans.

Follow the 3rd Division, Department of Texas on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/txlegiondiv3/.