TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A retired Kansas district court judge was elected national commander of the nation's largest veterans organization during The American Legion's 106th national convention today.

Dan K. Wiley, an Air Force veteran, served 28 years on the bench in Leavenworth, Kan., and is a past department (state) commander of the Kansas American Legion. Wiley, who owns a cattle farm in Leavenworth, is a paid-up-for-life member of Byron H. Mehl American Legion Post 23. He has served in numerous offices at every level of The American Legion, including terms on the organization's National Executive Committee (board of directors).

After being appointed by the Kansas governor as a district court judge in 2008, Wiley helped establish and preside over the Leavenworth County Veterans Treatment Court. He has been active in his community and is a past president of the Leavenworth / Lansing Chamber of Commerce, a past chairman of the Leavenworth County Veterans Day Parade Committee and a member of the Unified School District 453 School Board.

Following an enlisted tour in the U.S. Air Force, Wiley earned a business degree at the College of Great Falls in Montana, and a law degree at the University of Kansas.

As national commander, Wiley is a strong advocate for The American Legion's "Be the One" outreach mission to prevent veteran suicide. He emphasizes inclusivity in The American Legion Family through the theme, "better together!"

Wiley and his wife, Sonia, have two children, Austin and Christy, and one grandson. The national commander and his son, Austin Wiley, are charter members of Sons of The American Legion Squadron 36 in Oskaloosa, Kan. Sonia and Christy are members of the American Legion Auxiliary.

Contact: John Raughter, jraughter@legion.org, 317.630.1350.

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SOURCE The American Legion