Post Commander

James E.Collins

Sergeant Major U.S. Army (Ret.) James "Jim" Collins is our Post Commander and also the VFW DPA District 7 - Philippines Commander. 

Jim is originally from Lowell, Mass., he enlisted in the U.S. Army in1974 and after 30 years of military service retired in October 2004.  His son James Collins Jr. also served honorably in the U.S. Army.  Commander Collins assignments include 2 years with the 1st Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, 4 years in S. Korea, and 24 years in U.S. Army Special Forces.  A graduate of the U.S. Army Airborne School, Ranger School, Special Forces Qualification Course, and the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy.  His numerous awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and U.S. Army Meritorious Service Medal (5th award).  While on active duty Jim earned his Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from the State University of New York and a Master's Degree in Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma.  Jim is now happily retired and a resident of Angeles City (the City o Angels), Philippines.  He is a VFW Gold Legacy Life Member.

Senior Vice Commander

Janet Alford

Janet Alford retired from the U.S. Air Force after 23 years of service.  She is originally from

Angeles City, Philippines and also calls St Augustine, Florida home. Her last

deployment was to Kirkuk, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and last duty

station was at Joint Region Marianas, Guam as Director of Fleet and Family Readiness.

Janet is a VFW Silver Legacy Life Member. She moved back to Angeles City in 2017

after a small stint as a JROTC Instructor. She has one beautiful and talented daughter

Christina, whom she is very proud of.  In addition to her duties as Sr. Vice Cmdr., she is the Chairperson for the Post House Committee, Post Relief Committee and Review Committee.  She also serves on the Community Activities Commitee, Budget Committee, Honor Guard Team, and Board of Directors. 

Junior Vice Commander

Edgar LaBenne

Edgar LaBenne is originally from Ohio and received his officers commissioned in the U.S. Air Force upon graduation from Bowling Green State University. He served 20 years in the USAF, during which time he was assigned to Diego Garcia during Operation Desert Storm. Later he served 2 years in S. Korea on the USFK Joint Staff and during his final assignment at SHAPE HQ NATO Belgium, he traveled multiple times throughout the Balkans, four times to Afghanistan and to Sudan in support of various contingency operations. Ed is a VFW Gold Legacy Life member and an original founder of BSA Troop 485 sponsored by Post 2485 in 2013. Troop 485 thus far has 20 young men and 2 young women achieve the coveted rank of Eagle Scout. Ed moved to Angeles City in 2008, is married to Mely, has two sons Joshua and Kevin and two daughters, Mary and Gigi.