Any deceased Veteran who was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable or any Service member of the Armed Forces of the United States who dies on active duty may be eligible for a Headstone/Marker or a Medallion, not both.

Veterans who passed away on or after November 1. 1990 – A Marker/Headstone will be furnished for the grave of any eligible deceased Veteran and provided for placement in private and local government cemeteries regardless of whether or not the grave is marked with a privately-purchased headstone or marker.

Veterans who died before November 1. 1990 - A Headstone or Marker will be furnished for the UNMARKED GRAVE of any eligible deceased Veteran. 

To obtain the most recent information about headstones and markers including the complete and most current list of available emblems of belief (listing all names and graphics), please visit our website atwww.cem.va.gov

Please refer to the document by clicking on the button labeled; "Headstone Application" to review requirements details and to print, fill, and mail the Application for a Headstone or Marker.


Questions?  We are always eager to help!


Post 217's Adjutant can help answer any questions that arise (their contact information is listed on this page).

​The 1st Vice Commander assists the Commander and presides over meetings in the absence of the Commander. Their main focus area is member recruiting and retention.


Phone:  408-310-8580

Email:  TedHigashi@gmail.com




1st vice commander Ted Higashi

Commander William Dunmyer

About Us

Military Headstone application

​​The Judge Advocate supplies professional advice in the conduct of Post business or to procure proper counsel. This officer is the guardian of the constitutional form of post government. The Judge Advocate can also supply valuable assistance to other Post committees and officers.


Phone:

Email:


​​The 2nd Vice Commander assists the Commander and presides in the absence of the Commander and 1st Vice Commander. Their main focus areas are patriotic events and observances, and building an atmosphere which is engaging for members and gets them involved in Post activities and programs.


Phone:  408-608-5548

Email: sjdholloway@outlook.com

2nd Vice Commander Dennis Holloway

The American Legion is a patriotic Veterans' service organization committed to mentoring youth, sponsorship of wholesome programs in the community, and advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security and continued devotion to to fellow Service Members and Veterans. 


At one time, Gilroy boasted two American Legion posts- Post 217, chartered June 1, 1921, and Las Animas Post 669, chartered August 26, 1946. Eventually, Post 699 (as well as Morgan Hill's post) was merged with Post 217. Post 217  currently has over 350 members, living in and around Gilroy and Morgan Hill, CA. 

​The Finance Officer oversees the administration of Post finances and receiving and disbursement of funds. They are Chairperson of the Finance Committee, and work with the Post Commander and Adjutant to develop and maintain an operating budget for the Post.


Email: calicowgirl1700@yahoo.com

Judge Advocate - Vacant

historian Jose Loquiao

Chaplain Jose Delgado

​​The role of the Chaplain is to facilitate the relationships that members have with each other and God. They serve non-denominationaly and are available to those members who are in need of personal and spiritual counseling. The Chaplain has an important place in the conduct of meetings, the observance of patriotic occasions, funeral services and dedication ceremonies. At all these events, the Chaplain is the moral leader. 


Phone:  408-427-5824

Email: JoseDelga@gmail.com



Finance Officer TERRI MARINI

American Legion


​sgt-at-arms Jesse Sanchez

Adjutant Sam Palmisano 

​​​​​​The Sergeant-at-Arms arranges the meeting hall and assists the Post Commander and Adjutant in  arrangements for meetings, including leading the color detail during presentation and retirement ceremonies. This person is the expert on flag etiquette, and plays a leading role in the Post Color Guard, burial detail and other pageantry. They also chair the Welcome Committee.


Phone:  408-607-0755

Email: jessesanchez316@yahoo.com



Service Officer Jose Delgado

Post 217 Officers

​The Post Commander oversees the general workings of our post. He presides over all Post meetings and appoints all committees and committee members.


Phone:  408-590-0575

Email: billdunmyer@comcast.net


​

​​The Post Service Officer is responsible for bringing awareness to all veterans and their dependents the rights and benefits granted them by law.  They must know how to access and utilize the expert services available through The American Legion, state and federal government agencies, and local community agencies.


Phone:  408-427-5824

Email: JoseDelga@gmail.com




​​​​​​The Adjutant is the primary administrative officer and coordinates all Post operations. They ensures every member receives the benefits of their membership, check up and assist the work of the other officers and committees, and publish official orders, announcements, and communications with Post members. 


Phone: 408-406-8050

Email: sppalmisano@earthlink.net

​​The Historian is responsible for maintaining the cumulative history of the Post. They cooperate with the Adjutant to preserve printed and photographic material in Post and local/state archives. Their work serves to provide a material for those looking for information about the Post and The American Legion.


Phone:  408-465-6142

Email: joseloquiao@gmail.com