American Legion
Photo Courtesy of Gaylord Sanneman
Gaylord K. Sanneman was appointed National Sergeant-At-Arms of The American Legion on August 28, 2025, at the organization’s national convention in Tampa, Florida.
Sanneman is a resident of Newton, Kansas, and was born in Clay Center, Kansas, on the family farm. He graduated from Clay County Community High School in 1964. In November 1965, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. After technical training, he was assigned to the Heavy Bomber Wing as a B-52 maintenance airman at Clinton-Sherman Air Force Base at Burns Flat, Oklahoma. In the spring of 1968, the 70th Bomber Wing received orders to go TDY to Kadena Air Force Base, Okinawa for six months and was promoted as a B-52 assistant crew chief. After his military service, he attended and graduated from Washburn University.
He is currently a 56-year-life member of the American Legion and has served as the Department/State of Kansas Commander. After his retirement as State Commander, he was appointed as a committee member of the Kansas American Legion Cadet Law Academy. In 2024, he received and accepted a national appointment as the vice-chairman of the National Cadet Law Committee.
Gaylord and his wife, Janelle, have attended every National Convention since 2005 except for conventions held in Salt Lake City and Phoenix in 2006 & 2007. His wife passed away in November of 2024.
Sanneman is active in his local community by serving on the Harvey County Historical Society Board of Directors as its treasurer. He is also a member of the Newton Senior Area Center and serves on the Board of Directors, also as its treasurer. He is a member of Trinity Heights United Methodist Church, where he serves as chairman of the Trustees and participates in the chancel choir. He also serves on the Harvey County, Kansas State Extension Executive Board as their newly elected treasurer.
Sanneman is a member of the Edith Hoskanson Post #253 (Marquette Kansas) where he serves as their Adjutant/Finance Officer. He was instrumental in having the post charter a Sons of the American Legion squadron in 2022 and is a member of the Sons through his father’s service during WWII.
