National Sons Of AMVETS

Commander John Barnhill

2011 - 2012

National Commander's Report

My Fellow Sons,

First I would like to thank everyone for their support and electing me you’re Commander for the year 2011-2012.   I know this is going to be a busy year, but I believe we will accomplish much and have some enjoyment too.

Since convention, I held our first E Board meeting at Post 12 in Muncie, Indiana.  We did this in conjunction with their Signal Fire and Flag Retirement Ceremony.  As always it was a great time and the hospitality was second to none.

The following weekend, National Finance Officer, Dan Briggs and I traveled to Cleveland, Tennessee for their SEC and we held a training session.  I feel it was very productive and again, we received great hospitality.

In October, I attended Michigan’s (my Department) Fall SEC in Grayling.  It was good to have the opportunity to talk with old friends.  I also, attended the dedication of a carillon at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan.  They have 58 acres with a small lake in the center of it, and the new carillon overlooks the lake.  I feel proud to have two National cemeteries in my home state.

In November, I attended a veterans meeting held by Congressman Bill Huizenga, in Holland, Michigan at the local DAV.  This was to compile first hand veteran stories, and honor them.  This was so the veteran and their experiences would not be lost over the ages.

Then I went on to Washington, DC to attend the Veterans Day Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery at the Amphitheater.  After the service, AMVETS National Commander, Gary Fry, National President, Linda Taylor, and I laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  I considered this a great honor.  I accompanied the National Sons Officers to the World War II, Korean, and Vietnam memorials for our wreath laying ceremonies.  This is always an emotional time.

I won’t tell you about all the daily phone calls and everyday situations that arrive, but they are time consuming.  Presently, I am in Florida, for the winter, but you can still reach me at the same phone number, and email twenty four seven (24/7). 

This completes my report, and I ask for its acceptance.

Yours in Dedicated Service,

John Barnhill, Commander

National Sons of AMVETS

National Commander's Project

For those who are not aware, my project choice for the Sons of AMVETS during my term is Camp Hop, and the goal is to raise enough money to build a cabin.  This comes with a price tag of $30,000.00.  If you are not familiar with Camp Hope, it is aretreat for the wounded veteran, where he can enjoy the outdoors and connect with fellow veterans and/or family.  I fully support the Mike White family in realizing the dreams of Camp Hope.

I want to thank all who have already donated to the Sons project.  A special thank you to VFW 4534 of Rockledge, Florida, and the Knights of Columbus, Vismara Council 3725 of st. Clair Shores, Michigan for their support of our endeavour.  I would like to ask those who have not donated to consider supporting this project with a donation, and believe me, no amount is too small, and not thank you is too big.

Yours in dedicated service

John Barnhill, Commander

National Sons of AMVETS

National Commander's Biography

Commander John Barnhill was born, the second child of four boys, in Snowball, Arkansas.  His family moved to Southwest Michigan when he was a young man.  John was unable to finish school, choosing to work and help support the family.  Later while living in Douglas and raising a family with four daughters, John acquired his GED and attended Lake Michigan College for two years in the Law Enforcement program. Upon completing the program, John served as a deputy for the Allegan County Sheriff’s Department, and as an officer for the Saugatuck and Douglas police departments, totaling 18 years of law enforcement.  Before and after his law enforcement career he owned and operated a towing and automobile service, retiring in 1994.  After a short retirement he went to work in excavating.  He retired from excavating to care for his ailing parents.  He then started working in restaurant/lounge equipment sales and service.  He retired again, to devote full time to his AMVET positions.

John was a respected and involved member of his community serving as a member of the Douglas Village Council for two terms.  He is also, a member in The Loyal Order of the Moose, American Legion, and VFW.

John has been a member of Sons of AMVETS since 1994, starting as a member of Holland Squadron 1983, where he held Squadron Commander for 3 years.  He chaired several charity events focusing mainly on Child Abuse Prevention. John received the “Child Advocate Service Club Award” in 2001 for outstanding work in this field. When squadron 1983 closed, John transferred his membership to Baldwin Squadron 1988, becoming a life member.  He is currently President and charter member of the new chapter of Baldwin 1988 Riders.  John is active at his post in community and veteran benefits, and received the Son of the Year Award from the Department of Michigan.  He held many offices in the Department of Michigan, serving as Department Commander for two years. During this time he had two projects; phone cards for overseas military, and undergarments for all of Michigan’s Veterans Hospitals/Homes.  During his four years as Department NEC and then as Commander, John was proud to travel to Capitol Hill to lobby for the rights, and benefits of American Veterans, and participate in the laying of wreaths, honoring veterans at the war memorials.  John continues to make this pilgrimage and will until he is unable to do so.  John was elected as National Provost Marshal in 2007.  He continued his rise in the respective offices, and was elected National Commander at the National Convention in St Louis, Missouri in 2011.

As National Commander, his project is Camp Hope.  Camp Hope is a retreat for combat-wounded soldiers located in Farmington, Missouri.  His goal is to raise enough money to build another cabin.  This is a huge undertaking as the cost will be approximately $30,000. He is very dedicated to this project, and hopes Camp Hope project will continue beyond his time as the National Commander.