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Robert Liebenow

Sons of The American Legion Oregon Detachment Commander   2024-2025

Rob graduated from Hillsboro Union High School on June 3, 1966, and 10 days later was on his way to San Diego for Navy boot camp. After boot camp, he was assigned to the destroyer base at 32nd and Harbor in San Diego. In 1968 he was transferred to Attack Squadron VA163 out of Lemoore, CA. VA 163 was attached to the USS Hancock and spent 7 ½ months off the coast of Vietnam. After returning stateside, Rob was honorably separated on July 16, 1969, as a Petty Officer 3^rd class.

Upon returning to Hillsboro, OR., Rob married Linda in November of 1969. They have two children and three grandchildren. Rob and Linda currently live in Wilsonville, OR. Linda is a Past Department President and has been continually active at the unit, district, and department levels for many years, currently serving as Department Secretary. Their son and two grandsons belong to the SAL, daughter, and granddaughter belong to the Auxiliary.

Rob joined The American Legion in July of 1972 and is currently a 48-year member. His first Post was Sherwood Post #56, where he served as 2^nd Vice Commander, 1^st Vice Commander and 2 years as Commander. In 1980 Rob transferred to Hillsboro Post #6 and is still a current member. Rob has served Hillsboro in many capacities, including Commander, Vice Commander, Finance Officer, and Adjutant, having held each position several times. He is currently the membership chairman and over the years has helped increase the post membership by over 150%.

In 1988, Rob was appointed Adjutant for District 1. In 1989 he was elected Vice Commander and in 1990 was elected Commander. Under his leadership, District 1 came in second in membership at 108%.

Rob was elected Department Vice Commander for the 1995-96 Legion year and was elected Department Commander for the 1996-97 Legion year. Rob was elected Department Finance Officer in 1998 and held that office until stepping down in 2002. Rob has served as Department Americanism Chairman, for several years as Constitution, Bylaws, and Internal Affairs Chairman, Vice President of Oregon American Legion Foundation, and several other commissions and committees.

On the National level, Rob has served on the Distinguished Guest Committee, the Americanism Council, the Counter Subversive Activities Committee, the Children and Youth Commission, and the Veterans Employment and Education Council.

Rob was elected Alternate NEC in 2013 and held that office until August of 2016 when he stepped up to the position of NEC when that position became vacant after NEC Charlie Schmitt was elected National Commander. Rob was elected to a two-year term in 2017. Rob served as a member of the NEC Liaison Committee to the Convention Commission. He is currently serving on the Resolution Sub Committee and is on the NEC Liaison Committee for the Marketing Commission where he served as chairman from 2017-2018.

Rob was elected National Vice Commander at the national convention in 2019 and served in that position until August 2021.

Rob is a 13-year member of The Sons of The American Legion. On June 24, 2022, he was elected as SAL Detachment Commander for Oregon.

Rob is a member of the 40 et 8 Voiture 316 Grand du Oregon. He is Cheminot of District #10 and VAVS Grand Director. He is the 40 et 8 representative at the Portland VA and is a member of the VAVS Committee. Rob has been volunteering at the hospital for over 20 years.

Rob was born July 17, 1948, in Forest Grove, OR. And attended school in Hillsboro. He worked for the Kmart Corporation for nearly 19 years as among other things receiving manager, and security manager, and when he left the company, he was sporting goods manager. He then worked for 16 years in the assembly business. He retired in 2015 and spends his time with family and The American Legion.