Michael J. Kogutek. From Erie County New York was elected National Commander of The American Legion at the closing session of the Annual Convention being held in Boston Massachusetts in 1980.
Born September 30, 1926, Michael was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy in 1946. He is a Charter Member of the Matthew Glab Post, No. 1477, which was charted in 1946. He was awarded with a Life Membership from the Post in 1967. He has been Post Commander, 1961-1967, Editor of Post Publications, Boys State, Essay, Child Welfare and Americanism Committees. Eire County Commander 1964-65, Chairman of Eire County Budget & Finance and Americanism Committees. 8th District Commander, 1966-67. 8th District Membership Chairman, 1965-1966.
On the Department level he was elected Commander, Department of New York 1968-69. He has been Chairman of the Department Special Activities, Resolutions and Membership Committees. President Department Convention Committee 1965. General Chairman 49th Department Convention, Buffalo, 1967. Department Special Flood Disaster Committee. President of Department Convention Corporation & General Chairman of Department of New York Convention 1970. Awarded Department Americanism Citation, (For outstanding presentation of the position of the Department of New York American Legion with respect to appearance on University of Buffalo campus of undesirable speakers under guise of academic freedom 1965).
Alternate National Executive Committeeman 1969-70. Member National Economic Commission 1964-1972. Vice Chairman National Veterans Preference Committee, 1969-1973. Member of National Economic Sub-Committee acting as liaison to Small Business Administration, 1970-72. Member National Finance Commission, 1972. Member and Director of National American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, Inc. 1972.
His civic record includes, Police Commissioner, City of Lackawanna. President and Director Lackawanna Chamber of Commerce. Commissioner Department of Public Works, City of Lackawanna. Fourth Degree Member Knights of Columbus. Member of Holy Name Society. President of Central Railroad Club of Buffalo. Past Institutional Representative Boy Scouts. Past President Acme Management Club. Member of Past Commanders Club of Eire County. National Disabled American Veterans Citation. Member New York State GOP 1978 Platform Committee.
He was employed as a Plant Manager of the Buffalo Brake Beam Company.
Michael died at his home in Orchard Park, New York, on August 22, 2012, he was 86 years old.
