Roy E. Smith 2025-2026 Department Commander
Roy E. Smith has been a member of the American Legion for over 32 Years.
His eligibility in the American Legion Comes from his enlistment in the U.S. Navy in 1977 and retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer 2 in 1998.
After his retirement from the US Navy he continued working in power plants as a maintenance Supervisor, and as the Senior Outage Coordinator/Planning Supervisor for Thomas Hill Power Station, culminating his working career as Operations manager at Clay County Hospital.
In his Tenure in the American Legion, he has served as Post, District and Division Commander, he has also been the Post adjutant, District Adjutant and Finance Officer. He has been the Department Asst. Medical Officer and Asst. Sargent at Arms. He has also currently serving as the Vice Chairman of the Dept. of Illinois American Legion Riders Committee, and a member of the Department of Illinois Internal Affairs Commission, and past Vice Chairman.
At the National Level he has served on the Nation Security Council. Currently serving on the National American Legion Internal Affairs Commission and is a member of the National Sons of the American Legion Commanders Advisory Committee.
Roy is active in the Louisville Post 914 in Louisville Illinois
Served as the Past President of the Egyptian Past Commanders Club Haven Board, and is currently a member of the Haven Board of Directors
Recipient of 2020 Terry L. Woodburn, Illinois American Legion Rider of the Year.
Roy is married to Tena (aka Little Bit). They have 2 children and 3 grandchildren. Daughter Katherine (Katie) Washburn and husband Christian have 3 children, Talon, Amelia and Quinn. Their son Roy W. Smith is married to his wife Sarah. Everyone being a part of the Legion Family.
Joshua M Thielen, Department of Illinois Adjutant
Josh was Born in Hibbing, Mn in 1984 to Jan and John Thielen. He lived there until 1992 when his family decided to move to Clinton, Il where he graduated high school in 2003.
Josh immediately went into the Army as a 92G Food Service Specialist. After Basic and AIT, he went to his first permanent duty station in the Great White North, Fort Drum, New York. Assigned to the 4th Battalion 31st Infantry Regiment 2nd Brigade Combat Team he deployed twice to Iraq (June 2004-June 2005, Aug. 2006 – Nov. 2007). After the second tour he reenlisted and went to Fort Leonard Wood, Mo where he was assigned to the 463rd MP Company. During this time, he served as the driver for the 14th MP Brigade Command Sergeant Major and cooked in the NCOA Dining Facility. After his time there he returned to Fort Drum this time assigned to 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team. He deployed one time to Afghanistan (Apr. 2011 – Apr. 2012). In Sept. 2013 Josh was medically discharged and returned home to Clinton, Il.
Josh and his wife Christina have been married since May 2006. They have one daughter Jeanette, who is Josh’s mini me. One brother, Jeff, who also served in the Army from 2004 – 2009 and deployed twice to Iraq. Josh’s parents and mother-in-law also live with him. Josh and Jeff are both members of Crang-Bennett American Legion Post 103 in Clinton. His wife, mom, and daughter are all members of the Crang-Bennett American Legion Auxiliary Unit 103, Josh and his dad are both members of the Sons of The American Legion Squadron 55 in Farmer City. Josh is also a member of Darvin Volker AmVets Post 14 in Clinton, VFW Post 5346 in Monticello, and the Clinton Lake Ducks Unlimited.
Josh is a past post 103 and 19th District Commander, past post Sgt. At Arms, post and district finance officer, and post Service Officer. Josh has also served as the 19th district chairman for Children and Youth, Technology, and Americanism.