American Veterans (AMVETS)

The commander, as the senior executive officer of the post, shall preside at all meetings of the post and executive committee but may delegate a vice commander to serve as a temporary substitute when needed. The commander is an ex officio member of all committees. The commander directs and supervises the activities of all elected and appointed officers and committees. Together with the adjutant and finance officer, the commander is responsible for all monies received by the post.

Posts may determine the number of vice commanders they wish to elect and the duties of the vice-commanders shall be prescribed by the post constitution. It is customary to elect two vice commanders who may be assigned duties by the commander or post executive committee. The first vice commander serves as the membership chairman and the second vice commander is responsible for programs and their promotion. In the absence of the commander, the vice-commanders in order of their rank shall preside at meetings and represent the commander. Like the Commander, he too can access post member information online. He has the same privileges as the commander.

Posts may determine the number of vice commanders they wish to elect and the duties of the vice-commanders shall be prescribed by the post constitution. It is customary to elect two vice commanders who may be assigned duties by the commander or post executive committee. The first vice commander serves as the membership chairman and the second vice commander is responsible for programs and their promotion. In the absence of the commander, the vice-commanders in order of their rank shall preside at meetings and represent the commander. Like the Commander, he too can access post member information online. He has the same privileges as the commander.

Posts may determine the number of vice commanders they wish to elect and the duties of the vice-commanders shall be prescribed by the post constitution. It is customary to elect two vice commanders who may be assigned duties by the commander or post executive committee. The first vice commander serves as the membership chairman and the second vice commander is responsible for programs and their promotion. In the absence of the commander, the vice-commanders in order of their rank shall preside at meetings and represent the commander. Like the Commander, he too can access post member information online. He has the same privileges as the commander.

The post finance officer is the treasurer. His responsibilities include receiving membership dues, banking, disbursement of monies and accounting for all post funds. The finance officer and one other post officer, usually the commander, sign and countersign all post checks only after payment is authorized.

The post finance officer should collect all monies due the post and keep an account of receipts for each member. All members in arrears should be notified personally. He should see that all post funds are secured in a bank account.

The adjutant provides the administrative support for the post and is charged with taking minutes and maintaining all records (in conjunction with the finance officer). He is also responsible for correspondence and handles the routine business of the post. The adjutant is the official contact person for the post and serves as the liaison officer between the post and its community, the department and National Headquarters.

The provost marshal is responsible for keeping order at post meetings, for the care of post colors and for carrying out other duties as assigned.

The post judge advocate is responsible for drafting the post’s constitution and bylaws (CBL) for presentation to and adoption by the general post membership. The original post CBL, together with any changes, additions or corrections must be sent to the department judge advocate for review, approval and forwarding to the national headquarters. The National Membership Department maintains a permanent file of important documents on each post. A post may adopt its own CBL, provided the provisions are not in conflict with the department or national constitution and bylaws.

The chaplain is a member of the commander's staff and acts as advisor and consultant to the commander in all matters relating to religion, morales and morale as affected by religion. The chaplain assists the commander and his shaff with integrating the principles of good moral conduct and citizenship in the post. He represents religion which teaches fortitude, reverence, and justice, as well as kindness, sympathy and humility.

General duties of an AMVETS post service officer include the following: 1) Sharing information about veteran’s benefits at post meetings and other AMVETS functions; 2) Referring veterans to an AMVETS national service officer, AMVETS state service officer, county veterans service officer or an accredited representative for assistance in filing for veterans benefits; 3) Becoming familiar with the application forms necessary to assist in the preparation and the proper filing of claims for benefits. 4) Being familiar with requirements for veterans in need of medical attention to obtain VA hospitalization and medical care, both under emergency and normal conditions.

To successfully assist in the development and presentation of any claim, the post service officer must safeguard all confidential information.

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The historian shall compile and maintain complete historical records of post activities and will submit a full historical report annually, or as requested..

The community will not know of the special and outstanding activities sponsored by AMVETS without being told; therefore, it is the job of the public relations officer (PRO) to spread the word. There are many avenues of publicity available; those found most useful are outlined in the AMVETS PUBLIC RELATIONS MANUAL. The PRO should take advantage of opportunities to enhance the prestige of the post.

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