Vincent J. "Jim" Troiola, National Commander of The American Legion
Vincent J. “Jim” Troiola (pronounced Tree-Ola) was elected national commander of the nation’s largest veteran service organization on Sept. 1, 2022, in Milwaukee during The American Legion’s 103rd national convention. His theme as national commander is “V.E.T.S., Veterans, Education, Teamwork and Sponsor.”
A life member of American Legion Post 1682 in Rockland County, N.Y, he served in the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserves from 1969 to 1974. He completed a tour aboard the USS Nitro, an auxiliary ammunition ship with the Sixth Fleet. He was honorably discharged as a boatswain’s mate third class. He is also a member of Sons of The American Legion Squadron 1682 based on the World War II service of Jim’s father.
Jim spent his entire working career in the automotive service industry, where he began as a parts manager at a local Chevrolet dealership and went to serve in many capacities of management. At the time of his retirement in 2017, he was director of service and parts at a New York Metro Mercedes Benz dealership. After a brief time at home, he began an entirely new career as a school bus driver for the Falmouth School District and part-time motor coach operator.
Jim served in many offices at every level of The American Legion. He was elected department (state) commander of New York for 2010-2011, and chaired several national commissions to include the Legislative Commission, Veterans Employment and Education Commission and the Membership and Post Activity Committee. He served on the National Security Commission and was elected national vice commander for 2016-2017.
He married his wife Saveria (pronounced Sa-Vare-ee-ah) in 1973. They have two daughters, Laura and Jeanette; a son-in-law, Michael; and three grandchildren, Alexander, Abigail and Natalia. The Troiolas include three generations of American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of The American Legion membership.
Jim currently lives in Maine to be close to a daughter and his grandchildren, while still being within driving distance to the Department of New York.