The Sons of AMVETS Department of Ohio State Officers

One of my greatest honors has been serving for many years as Commander of Sons of AMVETS Squadron 2000 (Columbus East). That experience strengthened my commitment to our organization, our members, and, most importantly, the veterans we proudly serve. I recently stepped down as Squadron Commander to devote more time and energy to my responsibilities at the District and State levels.

My years as an officer in District 12 have been especially rewarding. Working alongside dedicated members to solve problems, strengthen communication, and encourage cooperation among our local Squadrons has reinforced my belief that our greatest strength comes from working together.

As your Department 1st Vice Commander, my primary mission is to revitalize and grow the Sons of AMVETS Department of Ohio. We cannot fully honor our veterans' legacy without an active, engaged, and growing membership. Retaining our current members, recruiting new members, and encouraging meaningful participation are essential to our future.

I am committed to providing our Districts and Squadrons with the guidance, resources, and tools they need to succeed. Together, we can strengthen our organization, build Squadrons we are proud of, and ensure that the Sons of AMVETS remain a powerful force in serving veterans, their families, and our communities for generations to come.

Gary is a dedicated veterans advocate and community service leader in Columbus, Ohio, with a longstanding commitment to supporting veterans, their families, and the greater community.

Throughout his years of service with the Sons of AMVETS, Gary has held several leadership positions, including longtime Commander of Squadron 1928, District 12 First Vice Commander, and his current role as Provost Marshal for the Sons of AMVETS Department of Ohio. He also serves as Treasurer of the AMVETS Post 1928 Riders, actively participating in veteran support rides, charitable events, and volunteer initiatives alongside the greater AMVETS Riders organization.

Gary's dedication to service, leadership, and the AMVETS mission has earned him several distinguished honors, including the Gilbert Garza Award, the Sons Lifetime Achievement Award, and Ohio AMVETS Family Member of the Year.

Through his continued leadership and community involvement, Gary remains committed to strengthening the AMVETS family, supporting local Squadrons, and ensuring that veterans receive the recognition, assistance, and respect they have earned.

*Phone:  614-989-9131 

Email:  gscott72972@gmail.com 

Bobby Bryant of Dayton Ohio was elected to National Sons of AMVETS Commander on August 10th at the Sons of AMVETS National Convention in Springfield, Illinois.   Bobby is a life member of Sons of AMVETS Squadron 444 in Fairborn, Ohio where he continues to be active. 

Commander Bryant's Project:
AMVETS Family Service Center This  35,000 square foot facility will provide housing and important services  for veterans and their families experiencing homeless.

Commander's Awards:
Son of the Year.

Joe Kirkpatrick has demonstrated a lasting commitment to serving veterans through volunteer service and leadership within the Sons of AMVETS and particularly the VAVS Program. Since 2011, he has been a registered volunteer at the Louis Stokes VA Medical Center's Wade Park campus in Cleveland, holding an indefinite appointment. He has also served as the Sons of AMVETS Department of Ohio Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) Representative since 2016, supporting the organization's commitment to veterans receiving care in VA facilities.

From 2023 to 2025, Joe served as the National Sons of AMVETS VAVS Coordinator, extending his service from the state to the national level. His experience reflects VAVS' purpose: connecting volunteers and veterans' organizations with opportunities to support the comfort, dignity, and well-being of those who served. Through his continued involvement, Joe exemplifies the Sons of AMVETS' spirit of service and the importance of showing veterans that they are valued, supported, and remembered.

Owen Jackson of Athens, Ohio, was elected National Sons of AMVETS Commander on August 10th at the Sons of AMVETS National Convention in Springfield, Illinois.   Owen is a life member of Sons of AMVETS Squadron 76 in Athens, Ohio, where he remains active. 

Mr. Jackson has over 14 years of service to the organization.  He has held numerous offices at the Squadron, State, and National levels, and has served as chair at each level.  In 2018, Mr. Jackson was elected State  Commander for the Department of Ohio.  He was elected to his first national office, serving as Provost Marshal in 2019. He has served as 3rd Vice, 2nd Vice, and 1st Vice Commander over the last five years.