Retired Army Major Don Harris Installed as New Commander of American Legion Hardee R. Mills Post 135

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Vicki Tracy, President and Chief Executive Officer, Tracy Consulting
(239) 572-3799
Email: vicki@gcipnaples.com

Retired Army Major Don Harris Installed as
New Commander of American Legion Hardee R. Mills Post 135

NAPLES, FLORIDA | June 30, 2026 – American Legion Hardee R. Mills Post 135 has installed retired U.S. Army Major Don Harris as its new Commander, ushering in a new chapter of leadership focused on veteran support, community engagement, and growing the next generation of Legion members.
Harris was officially inducted as Commander during the Post’s installation ceremony on June 17. A retired Army veteran with more than 20 years of military service, Harris brings decades of leadership experience from both the military and federal government.
Harris enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1972 and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant before attending Officer Candidate School and earning his commission as an Army officer in 1977. During his distinguished military career, he served in Operation Desert Storm as the Operations Officer for the Patriot air defense mission protecting Israel from Scud missile attacks. He retired from the Army in 1992 with the rank of Major.
Following his military service, Harris worked as an industrial engineer before transitioning into defense contracting, specializing in computer modeling and simulation in Washington, D.C. He later joined the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, serving as Deputy Assistant Director of Assessment for the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office, where he helped safeguard the nation’s borders by preventing the entry of unauthorized nuclear materials into the United States.
After retiring from federal service, Harris lived in New Hampshire before relocating to Southwest Florida in 2023 to be closer to family. Shortly after arriving in Naples, he was invited to visit American Legion Post 135.
“I immediately felt welcomed,” Harris said. “I joined because I wanted to be an active member. The people here are like family, and that’s what makes this Post so special.”
Within a year of joining, Harris was elected as a Post Trustee. Although initially asked to serve as Commander earlier, he chose to spend more time getting to know the membership before accepting the role.
Now, as Commander, Harris says his priorities are strengthening veteran services, expanding community outreach, reviving longstanding programs, and attracting younger veterans and new members.
“One of the pillars of the American Legion is taking care of our veterans,” Harris said. “We also support education, youth programs, nursing initiatives, and charitable organizations throughout our community. I want people to know who we are, what we stand for, and that we’re here to help.”
He adds, “We want people to know you don’t have to be a veteran to stop by and enjoy what we have to offer,” Harris said. “Our Post is family-focused and community-focused. If you’re a veteran or a family member of a veteran who needs assistance, please reach out. We’re here to help.”
Founded in 1943 by local veterans of World Wars I and II, American Legion Hardee R. Mills Post 135 is one of Naples’ oldest veterans’ organizations. The Post was named in honor of Hardee R. Mills, the first Naples serviceman to lose his life during World War II. The Post received its official charter on March 8, 1945, and has remained dedicated to serving veterans, supporting youth, promoting patriotism, and strengthening the local community for more than 80 years.
As he begins his term as Commander, Harris states, “As commanders before me have often said, our goal is simply to leave the Post a little better than we found it. I’m honored to build on the strong foundation they’ve created and continue serving our members and our community.”
For more information about American Legion Hardee R. Mills Post 135, membership opportunities, veteran services, or upcoming community events, members of the public are encouraged to visit the Post or contact its leadership.

For more information, please contact:
Vicki Tracy, (239) 572-3799 or vicki@gcipnaples.com

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