In one of his first official acts, newly elected Department Commander, Donald E. Klein, appointed Richard M. Pedro, of Owego County as the Adjutant, of the Department of New York, The American Legion. Mr. Pedro appointment was confirmed by the Department Executive Committee, following the conclusion of the 66th annual Department Convention being held in Buffalo Convention Center, Buffalo, NY, July 11-14, 1984. Mr. Pedro succeeds the retiring Adjutant, Leonard Baxter, who has held the position since 1976.
Richard M. Pedro, was born in Endicott, New York. He graduated from the Owego Free Academy in 1944. He enlisted in the U. S. Navy serving during WWII. And was honorably discharged in 1947. Returning home he immediately joined the Tioga Post, No. 401, Tioga, New York. Awarded by his Post with a Life Membership in 1964. Tioga Post, No. 401, Commander - 1959. Owego County Commander - 1961/ Sixth District Commander - 1965. Department Vice Commander - 1965. Unanimously elected Commander of The American Legion, Department of New York, at the 51st Annual Department Convention at Niagara Falls, New York, July 15-18, 1969. (50th Golden Anniversary Convention).
Alternate National Executive Committeeman -1970
National Executive Committeeman - 1971-1977 and 1984
Member, National Emblem Committee - 1970-71
Member, National Security Commission -1971-77
Member, National Executive Committee’s Liaison Committee to The National Security Commission - 1978-1984.
Chairman, National Executive Committee’s Liaison Committee to The National Security Commission - 1978-1984
Member, National Executive Committee’s Sub-Committee on Committee’s, 1978-1984.
Member, National Commander’s Advisory Committee - 1977 to present;.
Floor Leader, National Conventions - 1980 to present.
Richard is married to the former Jeanne Salata of Endicott, New York. They are the parents of two children: Debra Ann and Richard J.M., they reside at their home in Owego, New York. (Photo, R. Blevins, taken in 1999, at Binghamton, NY).
