U.S. Navy Veteran and life member of AMVETS since 2008 and has been active at all levels. National District III Judge Advocate 2021-2023, National Membership Committee 2021-2022, Department Commander 2023-2024, 1st Vice Commander 2021-2023, 2nd Vice Commander 2020-2021, Department Judge Advocate 2015-2017. Other positions held at the Department level are Inspector General, Deputy Inspector General, member of the Constitution & Bylaws Committee, and member of the Grievance Committee. Served as Commander and Finance Officer of District XII. He has served as Commander 6 years, 1st Vice, Finance Officer and Judge Advocate of AMVETS Post 32. He was the Department Officer of the year 2015-2016 and Post 32 AMVET of the year 2012.
HONORS AND AWARDS
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MAILING ADDRESS:
2939 Sunway Ln Lakeland, FL 33801
1st VICE COMMANDER
Dean Richards – Post 88
727-919-9530
Dean is a Florida native, born in St. Petersburg, FL. Being an Air Force brat Dean grew up all over the United States and Germany. He enlisted in the Army in 1984. His duty stations in order include 3rd Ranger Battalion Ft Benning, 2nd Infantry Division Camp Hovey Korea, 7th Infantry Division 3rd 27th Ft Ord, 5th 87th Infantry at Ft Davis Panama and Ft Sill Training Brigade. He earned his Expert Infantry Badge at 3rd Ranger Bat and his Combat Infantry Badge during Operation Just Cause in Panama. He graduated from Ranger School Class 3rd of 91 at the age of 30. He was on active duty just shy of 10 years and achieved the rank of E6.He has four daughters, three granddaughters, and one grandson. Dean is currently employed as a maintenance supervisor at a high-end apartment complex and lives with his two dogs Dixie and Cash.
HONORS AND AWARDS
Post Commander of the Year Post of the Year – two years in a row under his command
MAILING ADDRESS:
6531 NE 131st Ave Williston, FL 32696
2nd VICE COMMANDER
Kevin Butwill – Post 81
508-369-8618
Kevin Butwill is a US Army Veteran. His Duty Stations were Schofield Barracks, Hi & Ft Polk, La after attending Basic Training and AIT at Ft Sill Ok. (Field Artillery)
Kevin is a 20-year member of New England Carpenters Union. His Positions have included Union Steward, Local #535 Trustee and Local #535 Recording Secretary. He continues his membership in Carpenters Union Local #1809 Miami, while self-employed in Property Maint. Prior to this position Kevin was Commander of Amvets Post 81, he has Proudly Served in many elected and appointed positions at Amvets Post, District and Department Levels
Kevin received a United States Congressional Citation and a Rhode Island House of Representation Citation for Volunteerism. Now he has dedicated his time in Supporting and Advancing the Aims and Purposes of Amvets Veterans Organization on behalf of all Veterans
HONORS AND AWARDS
Veteran of US Army 1982 – 1985 Life Member of Amvets Dept of Florida, Alt. Provost Marshal 2017- Present District 6 Florida, 1st Vice Commander 2019 – Present District 6 Florida, Provost Marshal 2017 – 2019 Commander of Amvets Post FL- 81 NFT Myers 2018 – 2020 1st Vice CMDR Amvets Post FL- 81 NFT Myers 2016 – 2017 Finance Officer Amvets Post FL – 81 NFT Myers 2017 – 2018 Dept of Florida Honor Guard Committee Member 2019 – Present Post 81 Honor Guard 2018 – Present
Received a US Congressional Citation Volunteerism Sept. 2009 Received a State of Rhode Island House of Representatives Citation Sept. 2009
MAILING ADDRESS:
551 Plaza Del Sol North Ft. Myers, FL 33917
JUDGE ADVOCATE
Pam Gerhard – Post 26
813-625-8379
Army Veteran
Served as Post Adjutant, JA, 2nd and 1st Vice Commanders
District JA, Finance Officer, and Commander
Co-Chair of Dept CBL committee for 2 years
HONORS AND AWARDS
Awarded 2017-2018 Appointed post officer District Officer of the year.
MAILING ADDRESS:
10118 Gerhard Ln Lithia, FL 33547
FINANCE OFFICER
Dr. Jondexter Toombs, DM – Post 4
813-210-0973
Dr. Jondexter Toombs, a United States Air Force veteran, has an impressive academic and AMVETS background. Doctor Jondexter Toombs is a researcher, scholar, practitioner, leader, educator, activist, published author, idealist, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business with a specialization in Management, a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Master of Science in Cybersecurity with a specialization in Cyber Intelligence, and a Doctor of Management with a specialization in Organizational Leadership degrees. His academic achievements showcase his intellectual capabilities and steadfast dedication to leadership development.
Dr. Jondexter Toombs has held various leadership positions within the AMVETS organization, including serving as the AMVETS Post 4 Judge Advocate, 1st Vice Commander, and currently, the esteemed AMVETS Post 4 Commander and District III’s Commander. Additionally, he serves as the Chief Financial Officer for the AMVETS Department of Florida and chairs the department’s finance committee, illustrating his valuable contributions to the organization.
Dr. Jondexter Toombs is a leader of integrity who upholds the values of accountability, dignity, and honor. His unwavering commitment to the Constitution of the United States and the principles of the AMVETS organization, as outlined in its preamble, reflects his strong character. His dedication to self-improvement, societal contribution, and service to others is paving the way for a brighter future for AMVETS.
HONORS AND AWARDS
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MAILING ADDRESS:
160 West Tyler Street Unit 109 Tampa, FL 33602
PROVOST MARSHAL
Dave Baca- Post 26
813-352-8590
David Baca is a proud United States Marine Corps veteran and a dedicated lifetime member of AMVETS. After graduating from boot camp at MCRD San Diego, CA, in 1992, he served at notable duty stations, including MWCS-28 in Cherry Point, NC, JCSE at MacDill AFB, FL, and the 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion in Tampa, FL.
Joining AMVETS Post 26 in 2015, David quickly became a passionate leader at the Post, District, and Department levels. He has held positions as Provost Marshal, 1st Vice Commander, and Commander for Post 26, as well as Provost Marshal, 1st Vice Commander, and Commander for District III. His journey continued in 2018 when he joined the Department of Florida, stepping up as a member of the Membership and Personal Committees, serving as a Department Deputy Provost for four years, and is currently the elected Department Provost Marshal.
David has served as the General Manager of Fastenal Company for 18 years, a role in which he has honed his leadership and management skills to an exceptional level. His experience in this position has allowed him to effectively guide teams, implement innovative strategies, and drive significant business growth. Beyond his contributions to Fastenal, David is also deeply involved with AMVETS, where he applies his expertise to support and enhance the organization’s mission of advocating for veterans. His commitment to leadership and community service has left a lasting impact on both his company and the veterans he assists.
David’s commitment to AMVETS extends beyond himself; it is a beautiful family journey. Married to Sarah Baca for 16 years, they are blessed with three children: Mia, David, and Makenzie Baca. Together, they actively engage with AMVETS Juniors, embodying their shared dedication to the organization and its core values and inspiring others to do the same.
HONORS AND AWARDS
2023-2024 Dept of Florida Commander of the Year
2023-2024 Dept of Florida Post of the Year – under his Command
2020-2021 Dept of Florida AMVET of the Year
2024 Veterans Council of Hillsborough County Walt Raysick Patriotic Spirit Award
2018-2019 Elected District Officer of the Year
2018-2019 Post 26 AMVET of the Year
Department Provost Marshal – 2023- Current
Department Deputy Provost Marshal – 2019 – 2023
Department Personal Committee – 2021- Current
Department Membership Committee 2018 – 2019
District III Commander – 2021-2023
District III 1st Vice Commander – 2019-2021
District III Provost Marshal – 2017-2019
Post 26 Commander – 2021-2024
Post 26 1st Vice Commander- 2019-2021
Post 26 Provost Marshal – 2017-2019
MAILING ADDRESS:
P.O. Box 2231 Valrico, FL 33595
ADJUTANT
Sharon Davis – Post 04
813-748-4650
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HONORS AND AWARDS
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MAILING ADDRESS:
5710 N 22nd St Tampa, FL 33610
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Richard A. McKern – Post 78
850-855-0474
Richard A. McKern, was born in Omaha, Nebraska, and is a lifetime fan of the Nebraska Cornhuskers (GO BIG RED). He graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School and entered the Army National Guard in 1976 as a Recovery Specialist. In 1979, he transferred into the Air Force on active duty as a Armament System Specialist. He later became a Weapons Safety officer, retiring in April of 2000 at Eglin AFB, Florida. Rick went to work for Nortel Networks upon retirement from the USAF until returning back to Eglin AFB as a contractor working for the 96th Test Wing again as an Explosive Safety officer. He also started his college degree with Troy University in Finance and Personnel Management, graduating with his BS in 2007. In 2006, Rick converted from a Contractor to Civil Service for the 96th Test Wing until his final retirement in April of 2020 with over 40-years of service working for the Government and Department of Defense.
Richard McKern was introduced to Amvets in late 2001 while attending a military retirement at Amvets Post 78. He was impressed by the camaraderie and just being around veterans, becoming a member of the Post in 2002 and a life member in 2003. He has held numerous positions within the Post since including Trustee, Chairman of the Board, 2st Vice Commander, Finance Officer for 5-years, and currently in his 2nd year as Post Commander. Rick also is currently the District Commander for District IV, the largest District in the State of Florida with eleven Posts, soon to be twelve.
Richard McKern was asked to become part of the Finance Committee which he did and really enjoyed as he did in his previous duty as Finance Officer for Post 78, one of the largest Posts in Florida. Rick was nominated for the Finance Officer position, accepted, and was elected as the Finance Officer for the Department of Florida in June 2022.
Richard McKern has been married to his wife Mary since 1977 and both have enjoyed tours of duty in California, Louisiana, 9-years in the United Kingdom, settling down in Niceville, Florida which they have been a resident of since 1993. They have two sons, Chadwick and Jay.
HONORS AND AWARDS
Inspector General USAF Asst First Sergeant, USAF Instructor, USAF Post 78 Trustee Post 78 2nd Vice Commander Post 78 Chairman of the Board Post 78 Finance Officer District IV Finance Committee District IV Commander Department Finance Committee
