Grittner endorsed for department vice commander

Kriesel-Jacobsen Post 560 in Zimmerman has endorsed Frank Grittner for Department of Minnesota vice commander for 2026-2027.

Grittner qualifies to be a member of The American Legion with his service in the U.S. Marine Corps from December 1981 through October 1991. Upon completing boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., he was sent to Naval Air Station Millington, Tenn., for avionics training, and NAS Whidbey Island, Wash., for primary MOS training.

From there he served in the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and was assigned to Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 2 (aka VMAQ-2) and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14 (aka MALS-14) as an electronic warfare systems technician at Cherry Point, N.C. He was deployed with VMAQ-2 on the supercarrier USS America in 1986 during the strikes against Libya. He also spent two deployments at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan.

Grittner is a PUFL member of Post 560 in Zimmerman for the past 27 years. He has been on the executive board of Post 560 for 26 of those years holding almost every position at the post level.

On the 6th District level, Grittner served as chaplain for three years, and as vice commander for one year. He is currently in his second year serving as 6th District commander. He has been appointed to the Resolutions Committee at the department level and has recently been appointed to the Americanism Council at the national level. He is a dual member of SAL Squadron 560.

On a personal note, Frank and his wife, Wendy have been married for 26 years and have a blended family of six children and nine grandchildren. Wendy is a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 560 and is currently the 6th District president. Their youngest son is a member of Squadron 560 and serves on the Post 560 Honor/Color Guard. As you see, serving our veterans and our community is truly a family affair in the Grittner household.