AUSTIN, Texas – (July 12, 2026) – U.S. Navy veteran Billy Hill, a resident of New Braunfels, Texas, was installed as the 20th District 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 district commander, Hill - a former vice department commander for the Department of Maryland - aims to lead the district’s efforts in membership growth, public relations and the promotion of The American Legion’s programs and services.

“I am aware of the main mission and purpose of The American Legion, and my previous experience has prepared me for the role of district commander,” said Hill, a Chicago native. “The American Legion has offered me an opportunity to serve and support veterans and their families. This is an extension of the commitment I had to this country while in uniform.”

Hill served in numerous billets, from drill instructor and master training specialist to command master chief detailer and command master chief at the Office of Naval Intelligence. He has served on numerous ships forward deployed to Japan, Korea and the Philippines, to include serving with expeditionary units in the South China, Mediterranean, Adriatic, Gulf of Oman and the Red Seas. Serving a total of 16 years at sea, Hill retired with 30 years of honorable and faithful service as a force master chief.

Hill’s goals for the next two years include:
• To improve the relationship between members of The American Legion and the community, law enforcement, public and political figures.
• To be the premier veterans service organization in the State of Texas, which will put the Legion in a better position to help Texas veterans and their families.
• To increase the district’s member population by 500 Legionnaires during his term.

A member of Fred Brock American Legion Post 828 in San Antonio, Hill has served as the first vice commander and continues to serve as chairman of the Board of Trustees.

On April 11, 2026, he was elected as the district commander at the district’s spring convention at Gene Ramirez American Legion Post 443 in Somerset, Texas.

At the department convention, Hill was recognized as the department’s top recruiter by recruiting 125 veterans into the Legion.

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.