Department Officers
Adjutant
John D. Baker - Post 120 - Hunterdon
171 Jersey Street Build #5, 2nd Floor Trenton, NJ 08611
Chaplain
Dr. Geraldine MacManus - Post 228- Union
g.macmanus@njamericanlegion.org
Bio:
Geraldine McManus was born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y. While pursuing her dental degree at NYU College of Dentistry, she entered the U.S. Navy.
Upon graduation she was stationed at Submarine Base Groton New London as a dental officer. Her daughter was born
at the base hospital during her tour of duty.
A member of Post 1000 for five years, Geraldine joined Continental Post 228 Springfield Township on Veterans Day 2019. She was Post Commander for three years and currently serves as Post Service Officer and Post Adjutant. For Union County she is County Adjutant and County Chaplain.
Geraldine resides in Springfield with her husband Paul. She is a proud mother and mother-in-law, and an awesome Nana to her
grandson.
Pro Deo et Patria
Master-At-Arms
Joe Lapointe- P455 Ocean
j.lapointe@njamericanlegion.org
Bio:
Joseph (Uncle Joe) Lapointe is a 10-year member of New Egypt Post 455. Having served as Post Historian, 2 nd and 1 st Vice Commander, Finance for Ways and Means committee, C&B committee and Catering many Post hosted functions. Joe also served as Historian for Ocean County and on the Oratorical committee.
Joe is a Navy Veteran having served in Vietnam. He proudly served with MCB 12 (Mobile Construction Battalion). While in Country he was tasked with constructing Bridges and Barracks. Joe attained the Rank of PO 2 nd class (E-5).
Joe has attended Basic Legion College and proudly served under Mr. Tony Gladden's mentorship. He as attended Department and National Conventions for many of their sessions.
Joe is married to his wife Laurie who is a member of Post 455 Auxiliary. Joe's Father was a Navy Veteran and his brother a Veteran of the Coast Guard.
Historian
Jeff Golden - P87- Middlesex
Bio:
Jeffrey “#11” Golden is currently serving as Vice Commander of the American Legion in Middlesex County, New Jersey, and Commander of American Legion Post 87 in Woodbridge.
Born in the village of Tan Son Hoa, Tan Binh, Vietnam, Jeffrey was airlifted out of Saigon during Operation Babylift near the end of the Vietnam War. He was adopted by John C. Golden, a U.S. Army veteran drafted during Vietnam, and Clare M. Golden, a school teacher. Raised in Cedar Grove, New Jersey, he attended Seton Hall Preparatory School in West Orange before choosing to continue his family’s tradition of service.
On March 15, 1994, Jeffrey enlisted in the United States Army and entered active duty as a 91B Army Medic assigned to HHC, 2nd Battalion, 67th Armor and 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. His military service strengthened his commitment to leadership, discipline, and care for others.
Following his honorable discharge from active duty, Jeffrey continued serving his community by graduating Firefighter I from the Middlesex County Fire Academy and earning certification as a New Jersey EMT-Basic.
He is the proud father of two children, ages 18 and 11, who remain the center of his life and inspiration for his continued service.
”#11”
National Executive Committeeman
Eugene O’Grady - Post 232 - Ocean
Service
US Army Veteran Combat Engineer, Lebanon Grenada Era
US Army Reserve Combat Infantryman SGT E-5
POST
34 year member of John Wesley Taylor Post #232 in Barnegat
5x Past Commander Post #232, 6x Post Finance and many years in various positions, awarded life member in 2008
County
3x OC Vice Commander, 2X county Commander, 2x Ocean County Dept. Executive Committeeman
Chaired multiple committees and participated in all activities.
State
Dept. Scholarship Chair, Dept. Finance Chair, Dept. Vice Commander
Dept. Commander (Hurricane Sandy)
ANEC NJ 2021-2025
National
National American Legion College Graduate 2001 (Senior of NJ)
Many years on National Legislative Committee, Finance committee and the veterans Education and employment committee as member, vice chairman and presently serving as National Chairman Veterans Education and Homeless Committee.
Personal
Gene is married to his wife Sharon and has 2 children and 2 grandchildren.
All Family members are Legion family, Son in law presently 17 year active duty USAF. Master Sargent.
Alternate National Executive Committeeman
Michael Wilson - Post 19 - Hudson
Bio - coming soon