Meet the Commander

Wayne Madson
Detachment Commander
2025-2026

Wayne Madson is a nine-year member of the Sons of the American Legion. He is a Paid-Up-For-Life member with Squadron 1239 in Aviston. Wayne’s eligibility came from his Grandfather, Lyle McCoullough, who served during WW2.
Wayne served in the US Army Reserve and US Air Force for 10 years until he was medically separated. After his military career he started a new career in agriculture. For 23 years he was a Herds-man on a dairy farm. Then, for 8 years, he worked in hog produc-tion until his retirement in January of 2022.
On the SAL side, Wayne has served as a Past Commander for the 23rd District and 5th Division, also holding different positions in each. He has chaired Commission/Committee’s at the Detachment level and served on the National Legislative Commission. On the Legion side, he has served as the Past Post Commander of New Baden 321, Past 23rd District Commander, Past 5th Division Com-mander, again, holding many other positions at each level. He is currently the Chairman for Department’s Safety Law & Order Com-mittee. Wayne also serves on The American Legion’s National Se-curity Council.
He is also a life member with the American Legion Post 321 in New Baden, VFW Post 7682 in Mascoutah, and DAV Post 24 in Belleville.
Wayne has been married for 36 years to his wife, Mary. They have three adult children and three grandchildren. All are members of the Legion Family. Wayne’s motto for the year is Working Together for Veterans and his special project is Illinois Youth Police School.