A Darlington veteran was elected National Vice Commander of the 2.2 million member American Legion during the 97th annual National Convention held in Baltimore on Thursday, Sept. 3.
David L. Gough entered the U.S. Army in 1966 and spent 13 months in Germany and the remainder stateside, being discharged in 1968. He joined the American Legion in 1989 and is a member of Bates-O’Brien-Howe-Wiegel-Roelli Post 214 in Darlington where he chartered a Sons of the American Legion squadron and is an advisor, has held numerous post positions and is currently membership chairman and service officer.
Gough has been county commander, district commander, department commander (2003-04) and was National Executive Committeeman from 2008-2014. He was department membership recruiter of the year in 1995. Gough was a charter member of the American Legion Riders in Wisconsin and has rode in eight of the 10 National Legacy Runs.
Gough has worked for Darlington Dairy Supply Co. (DDS Co.) for 50 years, currently as project manager, Sales and Engineering. He has worked in 27 states and Canada. He serves on the Darlington City Council, currently as council president, where he has served for 22 years.
Gough is married to Donna and they have three children: Sonja, Shane and Shad, a daughter-in-law Brenda and one grandson, Andrew.
He will serve a one-year term in the legion’s second-highest elective office. He took the oath of office along with National Commander Dale Barnett of Douglasville, Ga.
Gough is one of 12 national officers.
The Darlington American Legion Post 214 will be hosting an open house in honor of Gough’s election on Sunday, Sept. 20 at the Darlington American Legion Post from noon to 4 p.m. A light lunch will be served by the Post 214 Auxiliary.
Post 214 is proud of Dave’s accomplishments both within The American Legion and his commitment to the city of Darlington. Everyone is welcomed to come and visit with Dave and his wife Donna during the open house.
Local veteran, Dave Gough, elected as American Legion National Vice Commander