Meet the Commander

Rick Allen
Detachment Commander – Illinois

Rick Allen is a 13 year charter member in good standing with the Sons of the American Legion at Skinner Trost Squadron 122 in Cullom, Illinois.

His eligibility is thru his father, Richard Allen who served in the United States Army from 1955 to 1957 in Korea. His father was a member of the Skinner Trost American Legion Post 122 and served as Commander in Cullom, IL.

Rick has always been a volunteer for many organizations. It wasn’t until he retired that he found his real vision to work with the Sons of the American Legion and working with the legion and their programs to support the Veterans. He believes in the Legion Family and their support.
Rick has been elected at Squadron, District, and Detachment positions in the Sons of the American Legion. He has taken part in many Revitalizations with the legion in 2022. He was 4th Division Member of the Year and on December 4, 2023, he was recognized by the National American Legion for his work in Training and field work in the 4th Division Revitalization Program. He has taken part in cooking for the Veterans at Danville VA.

During his 2023-2024 term as Detachment Sr. Vice Commander, which ended on June 10, 2024, they were over 100 % of the Goal and 90% plus retention. His program is Operation Comfort Warrior designed to help Veterans with needs they could not receive from the Federal programs. Those who suffer from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), this program offers support. 100% of donations go directly to veterans.

A graduate of Tri-Point High School, Cullom, Illinois. Rick worked for the Illinois Department of Transportation as a Highway Maintainer for 28 years. He retired and now works on the farm. He has been married to his wife Vicki for 42 years, and is the proud father of two children (and spouses), Jeremy and wife Lisa and Rebecca Henrichs and husband Justin. Rick has 4 grandchildren, three girls and one boy.

Motto: Planting the seeds of progress for a stronger family.

Commander’s Project: Operation Comfort Warriors (OCW)

My theme for the year is “Planting the seeds of progress for a stronger family”