The Detachment of Florida is proud to present James "Jim" Roberts for the High Office of National Commander of the Sons of The American Legion 2011-2012. Jim is employed by the Florida Division of Emergency Management and he currently works as a Regional Coordinator and is responsible for coordinating Emergency Management activities in 9 counties in Central and East Central Florida.  Jim is eligible for membership in the Sons through his Grandfather, James Roberts', honorable service in World War II and his Father's, James Roberts Jr's, honorable service in Vietnam and subsequent membership in The American Legion. He is currently an Honorary Life Member of Squadron 4 in Lakeland, FL. Jim is an active member of the Sons and has been since 1978. Jim began his participation in the organization at 8 years old and was the Sergeant-At-Arms in Squadron 10 in Kissimmee, FL. Jim participated in all of the activities of the Squadron including marching in parades carrying an M-1 Rifle on the color guard for the Post 10 Family. Jim continued to progress through the chairs in the Squadron holding the following position in Squadron 10: Sgt-At-Arms, Adjutant, 2nd Vice Commander. During the 1990-1991 membership year, Jim was appointed to fill the vacancy of District Commander representing the 6th District (Central Florida). Jim served in this capacity until 1994. As a District Commander, Jim began installing all of the new Squadron Officers within the District and was also responsible for reinstituting regularly scheduled District Meetings. As a result, each year he served as the 6th District Commander, the District attained consecutive All-Time-Highs in membership. In 1991, Jim married his then girlfriend Anita and they remain married to this day. Jim continued to serve the Sons and he ran for the Office of Detachment Sergeant-At-Arms in 1992 and held that position until 1994. As Sergeant-At-Arms Jim was responsible for creating the Detachment of Florida Color Guard which was made up of members from across the state. As a result of the hard work of Jim and the other Color Guard members they were the first Sons of The American Legion Color Guard that was invited to participate and march in a 40&8 Promenade Nationale parade held in Orlando, FL . In May of 1994 Jim and Anita became parents for the first time with the addition of Jessica who was immediately signed up in The American Legion Auxiliary. In June, one month after Jessica was born, Jim was elected to the High Office of Detachment Commander. Jim was a well traveled Commander as he was able to visit all 6 Areas and 15 of the 17 Districts. The Detachment ended the year in membership of about 5,400 members, this was down from the previous membership year. Jim also graduated the Detachment Commander's National Instructional Institute that year. Since 1995, Jim has served as the Detachment Membership Chairman and as a result of his work the Detachment has attained All-Time-Highs in membership for each consecutive year. Additionally, Jim has served the Detachment of Florida as the Detachment Disaster Preparedness Chairman and has been working on the promotion of the National Emergency Fund. After the 2004 Hurricane Season the Detachment Disaster Preparedness Committee, under Jim's leadership, took on a different focus that of teaching preparedness activities to members of The American Legion Family. In 1996, Jim and Anita again helped the membership of The American Legion Auxiliary grow by one member with the addition of their youngest daughter Jasmine. Jim began his work on the National level in 1995 when he was elected to the office of National Executive Committeeman. Since 1995, Jim has served on several committees and commissions including Sub-committee on Resolutions, Internal Affairs and Membership. Jim served as the National Vice Commander for the Southern Region in 2004-2005, National Membership Chairman in 2005-2006 and Vice-Chairman of the National Internal Affairs Commission 2008-2009. In Florida Jim has been instrumental in development and presentation of the many Detachment Leadership Workshops that are presented at conferences, conventions and local Squadrons and Districts. So as you can see Jim continues to serve the Sons of The American Legion at all levels. Jim is a dedicated member of Florida Sons of The American Legion and he is involving the membership at all levels to make this organization a successful one. It is with our hope that you will support The Florida American Legion Family as we proudly present James K. "Jim" Roberts for National Commander of the Sons of The American Legion 2011-2012.