Biography from The American Legion Website (www.legion.org) 
Martin F. Conatser of Champaign, Illinois was elected national commander of the 2.7 million-member American Legion on August 30, 2007 in Reno, Nevada during the 89th National Convention of the nation's largest veterans' organization.
A U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam era, Conatser joined the Illinois National Guard as an infantryman in 1970. He went on active duty in 1976 and held all positions in Army recruiting from field recruiter to sergeant major from which he retired in 1996.
He is a member of Lincoln American Legion Post #102 in DeLand, Ill. where he served as post commander and adjutant. Conatser has also served as district, division and department membership director and commander. At the national level, he was on the Membership and Post Activities Committee and became its chairman in 2003. During 2004 and 2005 he chaired the National Legislative Commission.
Conatser has served as chairman of the Piatt County Veterans Day celebration for 12 years. He is a member of ANAVICUS, Past State Commanders Club, Masonic Lodge #812, AMVETS Post #4, Egyptian Past Commanders Club, Lincoln Challenge Academy Memorial Committee and the Dads Association of the University of Illinois.
Conatser resides in Champaign, Ill., with his wife, Sharon and is the father of three boys, Richard, Rick, and Bryan. Two daughters-in-law, a grandson, and two granddaughters are all members of the American Legion family. The Conatsers are truly an active Legion family.
The parade is always a popular event! Thousands attend the Champaign County Freedom Celebration Parade! Come out and help us celebrate the honoring our American heritage. The parade will take place, rain or shine. Cancellation may occur if there is lightning. The parade will not be re-scheduled to another date.