"Be The One" is the campaign name for the Nation's largest Veteran's organization to STOP Veteran Suicide. Mark interviews the new Commander of American Legion Vincent J "Jim" Troiola about the travesty of suicide numbers and to help to prevent them as we approach another Veterans Day!

ABOUT VINCENT J. “JIM” TROIOLA

Vincent J. “Jim” Troiola (pronounced Tree-Ola) was elected national commander of the nation’s largest veterans organization on September 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 in Maine.

The American Legion , the nation’s largest veterans organization, is dedicated to the motto of “Veterans Strengthening America.” Chartered by Congress in 1919, The American Legion is committed to mentoring youth and sponsoring wholesome community programs, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting a strong national security and continued devotion to servicemembers and veterans.  Nearly 1.8 million members in more than 12,500 posts across the nation and regions overseas serve their communities with a devotion to mutual helpfulness.