2025 - 2026 National Officers

2025-2026 National Officers

Commander
Patrick Holcombe PDC FL

1st Vice Commander
David Niederhauser IA

2nd Vice Commander
Tim Goldman PDC KY

3rd Vice Commander
 Steve Bryant PDC OH

Judge Advocate
 David Spenser PNC/PDC MA

Finance Officer
 Richard Thibodeau PNC/PDC ME

Provost Marshal
Floyd Francis MA

Immediate Past Commander
Owen Jackson PNC/PDC OH

V.A.V.S. Coordinator
Daniel K. Briggs PNC/PDC KY

Legislative Director
Doug Brown OH

Deputy Legislative Director
Bill Lutz PDC OH

Communications Director
Michael 'Mick' Ciesla PDC/PNC FL
 

Jr. AMVETS Coordinator
Paul Speigle PDC/PNC OH

Inspector General
Mark Serpis PDC/PNC (MA)

Events Director
Harold Collins PDC/PNC KY

Webmaster
David T. Strittmather PNC/PDC OH

Chaplin
Tim Broke FL
 

Patrick Holcombe of North Port Florida was elected to National Sons of AMVETS Commander on August 23rd at the Sons of AMVETS National Convention in Greensboro, North Carolina.  Patrick is a life member of Sons of AMVETS Squadron 26 in Valrico, Florida . where he continues to be active as 1st Vice Commander.

Commander Holcombe brings over 16 years of service as an officer for the Sons of AMVETS at the local, state and national levels of the organization.  Patrick first joined the Sons of AMVETS in 2007 in Valparaiso FL.  He served as 2nd Vice Commander and Squadron Commander from 2008 through 2011.  Commander Holcombe became the National Executive Committeeman (NEC) representing the Department of Florida in 2008, serving through 2012.  His dedication to the Department of Florida continues through the offices of Provost Marshal, 3rd Vice, 2nd Vice and 1st Vice Commander from 2012-2019.  Patrick was elected as Commander of the Department of FL, serving from 2019 to 2022. He continues to serve the Department as Inspector General, appointed to the position in 2024.

In 2012 Commander Holcombe accepted that appointment to National Chaplain, starting his service to the National Son of AMVETS. Over the last four years, Patriick served as Provost Marshal, 3rd Vice, 2nd Vice and 1st Vice commander prior to his election as National Commander in 2025. 

Throughout his years of service, Patrick has received AMVETS Post 78 Commanders Award - Son of the year 2009, Nominated Dept Son of the year – 2011, AMVETS Post 26 Commanders Award—Above and Beyond 2022-2023, and National Son of the year – 2022 - 2023.

Commander Holcombe's military heritage goes back to the Revolutionary War with many ancestors fighting for our nation's freedom, and during the Civil War. Both of his grandfathers served in WWI.  Patrick's father, Richard, served in WWII, assigned to Battery G 263rd Coast Artillery at Ft. Moultrie SC. attached with 533 Signal Corps. Richard,served in the Philippines under Gen. MacArthur in the Battle of Leyte. Obtained rank of 1st Sergeant and honorably discharged in 1945. Patrick's uncle, Ernest Nichols served during WWII in the European Theater and part of the D–Day Normandy Invasion.

Patrick is originally from Greenville SC., graduating from Tabernacle Christian School.  He continued his education at Greenville Technical College earning an Associates Degree in Science. Commander Holcombe transferred to Clemson University and Furman University to study Journalism, Photography / Darkroom.

Commander Holcombe is an electrician by trade, working in various capacities in commercial, residential, warehousing and retail over the years.  Patrick is currently self employed providing electrical and maintenance services to his clients.

Commander Holcombe's Project:
Honor and Remember Flag mission and purpose is dedicated to honoring the sacrifice of America's fallen military service members and their families. We recognize all military deaths, whether during active duty or due to their service, across all wars, conflicts, and branches of the military from the nation's beginning. Our main way of showing this ongoing respect is through the Honor and Remember Flag. This flag is meant to fly continuously as a visible reminder of the lives lost defending our freedoms.  LEARN MORE

Elected: August 23rd, 2025 - Greensboro NC
National AMVETS Commander: Paul Shipley
National AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary President: Mary Lanphere
National AMVETS Juniors President:
National AMVETS Riders President: Natale Cummings
National AMVETS Sons Coordinator Don McLean AMVETS PNC

Commanders Awards:TBD