About the Legion Membership
The American Legion Waters-Hackenburg Post #220 has undergone a remarkable turnaround. Just five years ago, a critical decline in active membership left the Post facing an uncertain future, with internal discussions leaning toward permanently closing its doors. Instead, a dedicated push for growth completely flipped the script. Today, the core Legion roster has stabilized at approximately 26 active members, forming a strong foundation that allowed the Post to aggressively expand its footprint in the Lawton community.
Years Established
Legion Members
Years in the Depot
Lyle Paterala-Streeter
Post Commander
Commander Lyle Paterala-Streeter was an active duty Marine from 1992 to 1998, a member of Waters-Hackenberg Post 220 since 2021, and recently Lyle was elected post commander in April 2026. Commander Paterala-Streeter leads from the front, as he has been a key driver in the recent growth of Post 220. His accomplishments include: Reforming of the Auxiliary (December 2025), the first formation of a local Son’s of the American Legion (May 2026), repair and improvements of the Depot (2024-current). Lyle is a proud Marine voluntarily serving his communities’ veterans and their families, Semper Fidelis.
John Thayer
Vice Commander
24 years within Special Operation Forces - 1st Battalion 75th Infantry Ranger (Airborne), 1st Battalion 12th Special Forces Group (Airborne), and 1st Battalion 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne). Served in Urgent Fury, Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. Proud member of Waters-Hackenberg American Legion Post 220 since 1985. Current Vice Commander.
Jayna Miller
Post Adjutant
Jayna Miller is originally from Rochester, Minnesota, and now proudly calls Lawton, Michigan home, where she lives with her husband and their two daughters. She served honorably in the United States Army for 15 years as a Military Police Soldier (MOS 31B – Combat MP) from 2005 to 2020. Today, Jayna continues serving her community as a volunteer with the Waters‑Hackenberg Legion while building a fulfilling career as an Escrow Officer with Chicago Title. An avid animal lover, she enjoys gardening and traveling whenever she can.
Michael Frank
Finance & Chaplain
Enlisted Army 11/4/66 - 20/1/69
Specialist 5
Vietnam 7/67-7/68 41st Sig Bn
WMU: BBA BM/Accountancy
VFW Post 2532
Ren Turner
Sgt. of Arms/Commander of 4th District AL