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National Commander

OUR TEAM

Get to Know the Faces behind Riggs-Hamilton American Legion Post 20

As with all great organizations, it begins with great leadership.

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Daniel Seehafer
District 16 Commander
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Louis Hardy
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Louis Hardy

POST COMMANDER

Louis enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 2011, embarking on a journey that would shape his professional life. Boot camp at MCRD San Diego tested his mettle, instilling in him the discipline and resilience synonymous with the Marines. Following this rigorous initiation, he honed his combat skills at USMC combat training in Camp Pendleton, preparing for the challenges ahead.

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His path diverged towards specialization at Lackland Air Force Base, where he underwent intensive training to become a 5831 Correction Specialist. Graduating from this demanding program marked a pivotal moment as he embarked on his role within the military justice system. Stationed at Camp Lejeune North Carolina, he found himself immersed in the operations of the MCI East Regional Brig, where his dedication and proficiency earned him the rank of Corporal before concluding his service in 2016.

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Transitioning to civilian life, he returned home with a wealth of experience and a commitment to serving his community. Joining the Pope County Sheriff's Office, he now serves as a Corporal in the patrol division, bringing his military expertise to law enforcement operations on a local level. Additionally, his involvement with the honor guard team of the Arkansas Sheriff Association underscores his continued dedication to duty, participating in law enforcement events and solemnizing funerals across the state with respect and honor.

Department Commander
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Antoine 'Tony' Gordon
Area Vice Commander
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Billy "Koyt" Kidd
Get in Touch
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Kevin McCloud

First Vice Commander

Kevin McCloud grew up in London Ark graduated in 1987 from Russellville High School at which point he enlisted in the Army, Kevin served until he came home in 1990 at which point he enrolled into Petit Jean community College (Now UACCM) in Morriltion for Auto Mechanics and Auto body. Kevin went to work for Whitson Morgan Ford dealership in Clarksville for three years when he decided to join his families business and worked for his dad in the towing and auto repair shop eventually purchasing the business from his dad and now runs it full time. Kevin is happily married for the last twenty one years and has two grown kids and two grand kids. Most importantly Kevin belongs to the famous Towdog of Russellville Auto Repair and Towing of whom Towdog refers to as his bald hooman.

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Dr. Christopher Housenick

Second Vice Commander

Christopher Housenick enlisted in the U.S. army in Pennsylvania and departed in December 1991 for his military service. He went to Fort Benning (now Fort Moore) for One-Station Basic and AIT as an Infantry TOW Gunner (11H). After completing his initial training, he shuffled across post to the Army Airborne school, where he completed the Basic Airborne Course. After Jump School, he went to his permanent duty station at Fort Bragg (now Fort Liberty), where he was assigned to Delta Company, First Battalion of the 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, which is part of the 82nd Airborne Division. Serving there on jump status for four years, he eventually earned the rank of corporal. During his time in the 82nd, he logged twenty-nine parachute jumps, while also earning the Expert Infantry Badge and two Army Commendation Medals before leaving active duty in early 1996.

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After his time in service, he used his G.I. Bill benefits to attend Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania for his undergraduate degree in Political Science (where he met his wife Danielle), graduating in 1999. With some G.I. benefits remaining, he began graduate school for Political Science at Penn State University. He attended Penn State for six years, earning his Master’s Degree in 2001 and his Doctorate in 2005; both degrees are in Political Science with a specialization in International Relations.

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After graduate school, Chris Housenick first taught at American University in Washington, D.C. from 2005 until 2009. In August 2009, Chris and his family relocated to Russellville, Arkansas where he currently teaches Political Science at Arkansas Tech University. His classes include American Government, International Relations, U.S. Foreign Policy, and American Military Policy.

Susan Noland
Adjutant

Susan brings a wealth of military experience and a deep sense of commitment to her role. A former Army 31C (Army Radio Operator-Maintainer), she traces her journey back to her roots in Russellville High School, where she graduated in 1990. It was during her time serving at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia, that she crossed paths with her husband Bart who is a Russellville Fire Fighter and Medic, forging a bond grounded in shared service and dedication.

Susan's career is marked by a diverse array of experiences, reflecting her versatility and proficiency. From the bustling metropolis of Korea to the tranquil shores of Okinawa, and even within the corridors of power at the Pentagon, she has left her mark in communications, navigating the complexities of military operations with skill and precision.

Now, in her role as Adjutant, Susan channels her extensive background and unwavering dedication to support the mission and the individuals under her care. Her journey is a testament to her steadfast commitment to service and her unwavering resolve to excel in every endeavor she undertakes.

Kyle "Derek" Jones

Sgt. At Arms

After enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 2006, Derek completed boot camp at Naval Station Great Lakes, followed by further training at Naval Air Station Oceana. He was ultimately assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron VFA-81 Sunliners as an Aviation Machinist Mate and completed three deployments. Subsequently, he transferred to Strike Fighter Squadron VFA-106 Gladiators, where he was promoted to Aviation Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class.

 

Transitioning to civilian life, Derek initially worked at Pope County 911 before taking a position at the Pope County Detention Center, where he was able to advance to the Patrol Division where he currently serves advancing to the rank of Patrol Corporal.

 

Active within his community, is a member of the Pottsville Masonic Lodge #333, he furthers protecting his community on his own time as a Volunteer Firefighter with the Crow Mountain Fire Department, Derek furthermore serves as a Drill Sergeant for the River Valley Explorers helping mold young minds to advance to one day possibly becoming a first responder.

Koyt Kidd

Judge Advocate

Well versed in the Constitution and Bylaws regarding the American Legion, Koyt ensures that we follow the way of the Legion.

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As a member of The American Legion for 13 years Koyt has served in all level positions of The Department, He has  served as service officer, finance officer, adjutant, 1st and 2nd vice Commander, and Commander of Post 39 Morrilton at which time of his tenure there was held a 100% membership. At District level he has served as Sgt. At Arms and Commander with the 15th District. He served as South West Area Vice Commander through the Covid epidemic evolving with the Department in the great changes that took place during that time. He currently serves as the Americanism Chairman and Judge Advocate for the Riggs-Hamilton Post 20 in Russellville, he has just been elected for Dist. 16 as the Commander for the 2024-2025 years and is the North West Area Vice Commander of the Department of Arkansas serving in his elected position directly under the Department Commander.

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He has dedicated his time since his service to the continued service of our great country in various veterans services. He is a lifetime member of the DAV Simpson-Turner Chapter 27 in Russellville, He founded and is currently the President of the Board of VET to Vet Life Crisis Team, He served as the COO of "We are the 22" during the time of its revitalization and  restructure and continuously help where needed in the community when called upon for our veterans.

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He has served in the volunteer fire service for 22 years and is currently still serving as a volunteer firefighter, putting himself through the fire academy and becoming an instructor for the fire service to place greater emphasis on properly training his members to be able to safely and properly give their service to the community. He holds an associates degree in business management and business administration.

He has been married to his wife Elizabeth for 10 years and have 6 kids, 8 grand kids.

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Cole Hendrix

Immediate Past Commander

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Cole served Riggs-Hamilton Post 20 Russellville, AR and The District 16 as the Commander from 2022-2024, his dedication and leadership is that of which we are all grateful for. With his decision to continue his education to achieve his doctoral degree, he has handed the reigns over to a very capable Louis Hardy to continue his quest in revitalization and rebuilding.

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Cole served as a Combat Medic in the Arkansas Army National Guard 39th Infantry Brigade 2/153rd Infantry Batallion in Searcy, AR from 2010-2016 (Global War on Terrorism). During that time he was state activated for 2 winter storm responses and 1 tornado response. During his service, he trained with mortars, recon, uparmored infantry, light infantry, aid station, and ambulance units.


While using his GI Bill benefits and in the ROTC program at Arkansas Tech University, he was a charter member for the student organization Service Members and Veterans of America (SMVA) and served as secretary, of which he is now the chapter advisor. Currently, he is the Outreach and Services Coordinator for Veterans Upward Bound which assists veterans and service members in gaining access to post-secondary education. Along with being Commander of Riggs-Hamilton The American Legion Post 20, he is also the Commander for our 16th district of Arkansas American Legion. He is a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxillary, Marine Corps League affiliate, the River Valley Veterans Coalition, the Arkansas Veterans Coalition, and the SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society.

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Words cannot describe the role that Cole has had in ensuring that Riggs-Hamilton American Legion Post 20 always stayed on track. His continued communication with other local, state, and national organizations means that Cole is one of our greatest assets in listening to the pressing needs of the post and connecting with the necessary organizations to meet the needs of the post to be able to serve at all levels local and abroad.

Mailing Address

P.O Box 9281 Russellville, AR 72811

Physical Address

215 N Denver Ave, Russellville, AR, 72801

(479)-326-8967

americanlegionar20@gmail.com

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