POST COMMANDERS BIO

Hello fellow Legionnaires, my name is Shawn Henning and I have been the Post Commander for American Legion Post 77 since 2019.  I retired from the United States Navy in 2009 after just over 20 years of active duty service.  I started my career in the Seabees as a Construction Mechanic (CM) .  I served in Naval Mobile Construction Battalion THREE; 31st Naval Construction Regiment; and was an instructor at Naval Construction Battalion Center (Yes, all of those in Port Hueneme, California).  

I was an instructor when the attacks occurred on September 11th and shortly after cross-rated over to the Naval Security Forces as a Master at Arms (MA).  While a member of the security forces, I was honored to serve in areas such as Rota, Spain as well as Portsmouth, Virginia.  

I retired as an MA1(SCW) in 2009 and moved with my wife and two sons to Bella Vista, Arkansas.  Originally born on the East coast, and lived most of my life on the West coast, the midwest was the place of choice for the next step in our lives (and this was where my wonderful in-laws had moved to when they retired).

My wife and I joined the American Legion Family a short time after getting settled in the Northwest Arkansas area.  Our initial post was Post 100 in Rogers, Arkansas.  After a few years with them, we eventually transferred over to Post 77 in Bentonville where we felt we could better provide service and support for our veterans, active duty, military families and community.

I became the Vice Commander of Post 77 soon after joining, and helped get a Squadron up and going within our Legion Family again.  In late 2018, I assumed the duties of Post Commander and was elected to the position in June of 2019.  I am a dual member of both the American Legion Post and the Sons of the American Legion Squadron.

Post 77 may still be small in number of members, but our efforts and drive are massive!!  The American Legion Family of Post 77 is working on things we have not done for years, as well as taking steps into areas our Post has not  been involved in before.  Additionally, Post 77 has been a significant part of some recent historical changes within the American Legion Family and has started doing some things for our veterans, active duty and military families not previously done in Northwest Arkansas before.  Very proud to be a member of a group so focused and determined to serve and support!!