SONS OF AMERICAN LEGION COMMANDER

JOHN PHILLIP CHANG

John Phillip Chang was born in New York City to Ju and Eng Lun Chang. He graduated from Hastings High School and later achieved a B.S. Degree in Pharmacy from the Brooklyn College of Pharmacy in 1972. In 1980, he became a pharmacist in the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in New York. After 22 years of dedicated service to our veterans, John decided to retire so that he could concentrate on his duties as an active member of this organization.
 

John received his eligibility for membership into the Sons of The American Legion through his father, Ju Y. Chang, who served in the U.S. Army with the 11th Airborne Division during WWII (January 20, 1941 - January 16, 1946).
 

 He is a dual member (Sons of The American Legion and The American Legion) with over 27 years of continued service for both organizations. He recently completed two years as Detachment Vice Commander for the 1st and 9th Districts. On June 2008, John graduated from The Department of New York American Legion College. On October 2011, he graduated from The National American Legion College in Indianapolis, Indiana, receiving his diploma from National Commander Fang A. Wong. In addition, he has been active and held various offices at the Squadron and Detachment Levels. John is also a member of the Lt. B.R. Kimlau Chinese Memorial Squadron 1291 and the Lt. B.R. Kimlau Chinese Memorial Post 1291, both located in New York City.
 

John's military career started when he joined the United States Army Reserves on August 28, 1982. He was deployed during Desert Storm (1990-1991) and Operation Joint Endeavor (1996-1997). He also served several different positions at numerous military hospitals across the country and internationally. 

Throughout his distinguished military career, John has always devoted himself to serving his country and providing a positive role model for his soldiers. In 2005, John retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel (P) after 24 years of dedicated service to our
country.
 

Currently, John resides in Tarrytown, NY with his wife Priscilla. Their daughter, Lisa, is married to Matthew Curtin, and they have a 3 year-old son named Desmond. John Jr. followed in his father's footsteps and is currently working as a hospital pharmacist at New York University Medical Center. He is engaged to Michelle Wong and they are set to wed early next year.
 

Several members of John's family are associates of our Auxiliary, including Priscilla (wife), Lisa (daughter), and Eng Lun (mother). Both John and John Jr. are members of SAL Squadron 1291. They are all very proud to be part of the American Legion Family.