OFFICERS
Philip G. (Phil) Mowry
COMMANDER
A Gulf War era veteran, Phil served 10 years on active duty in the Judge Advocate General's Corps of the United States Air Force, receiving a Regular Air Force Commission and rising to the rank of Major. Since leaving active service Phil has served in executive leadership roles in both the nonprofit and corporate worlds. Currently, Phil is SVP, Chief Legal Officer and Board Secretary for a national healthcare company. In addition to his role as Commander of Matthews Post 235, Phil is Judge Advocate for American Legion Department of North Carolina Division IV. He has been a member of the American Legion since 1994 and is a PUFL.
Albert (Big Al) Cerino
FIRST VICE COMMANDER/ADJUTANT
A Vietnam War era veteran, Al did Active, Guard and Reserve duty for 19 years, rising to the rank of Captain upon his discharge. After separating from the military, Al spent a career working for Consolidate Edison, a utility company in New York. Joining the American Legion while in New York, Al served in a Post officer role as chaplain. After transferring to the Department of North Carolina, Al has served as adjutant and commander at the Post level. In addition to his roles as Vice Commander and Adjutant of Matthews Post 235, Al is District Commander for American Legion Department of North Carolina District 20 (Mecklenburg County, NC) and Adjutant for NC Division IV. Outside of the American Legion Al is active in his church and is also an active volunteer at the Levine Senior Center in Matthews.
Albert (Big Al) Cerino
FIRST VICE COMMANDER/ADJUTANT
A Lebanon & Grenada, Panama and Persian Gulf War era veteran, Mike served in the U.S. Air Force and the North Carolina Air Guard, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant. Mike retire from the NCANG in 2014. He is actively involved in serving his community and fellow veterans as a member of several area veterans organizations.
Harold (Hal) Parker
THIRD VICE COMMANDER
A Vietnam, Panama and Persian Gulf era combat veteran, Hal served in the United States Army in Vietnam from 1969-1970, attended Officer Candidate School in 1972, and retired from the Army in 1994, having attained the rank of Major. Hal has been a member of Post 235 for 4 years.
Mark Tofano
CHAPLAIN
A Vietnam era Air Force veteran, Mark’s civilian life has involved working for NASA, being a technology entrepreneur and serving as a technology and business process consultant. Mark is active in his local community and his faith community, among many other activities and hobbies.
Gordon Greene
JUDGE ADVOCATE
A Vietnam War era veteran having served as an E-5 Personnel Specialist. Since leaving active service Gordon has been involved in the sale and auction of Commercial Real Estate & Builder Residential Condominium Projects in 40 States, 4 Provinces of Canada, & the Bahamas. The National Association of Realtors awarded him the Campbell Trophy in the consecutive Years of 1975 & 1976 for the “Commercial Transaction of the Year.” The National Auctioneers Association awarded him the “Auction of the Year Award” in 2000 for the Sale at Auction of Middle Island located in Lake Erie, Ontario, Canada. Gordon is a Partner in the Commercial Brokerage Firm Hanna Commercial which is part of the Howard Hanna Family of Companies that includes Allen Tate Realtors, and Howard Hanna Realtors. In addition to his role as Judge Advocate of Post 235, Gordon has served as the four year Quota Commander of the Brecksville, Ohio American Legion Post 196, He has been a member of the American Legion since 2007.
Mark Tofano
CHAPLAIN
A Vietnam era Air Force veteran, Mark’s civilian life has involved working for NASA, being a technology entrepreneur and serving as a technology and business process consultant. Mark is active in his local community and his faith community, among many other activities and hobbies.