Vandenberg Post 125
Officers 2025-2026

Shannon Stevens

Commander

Shannon Stevens joined the U.S. Navy at 22, inspired by a unique calling despite family ties to the Army and Air Force. Beginning her service on May 6, 1996, she completed boot camp in Great Lakes, Illinois, and Aviation Machinist Mate (AD) training in Millington, Tennessee, specializing in jet engines. Assigned to the USS John F. Kennedy CV-67, she was unexpectedly flown via COD aircraft to meet the ship at sea—a daunting but memorable experience. Over her four-year enlistment, Stevens worked on F-14 TomCat engines, served as lead stretcher bearer, and deployed twice to the Persian Gulf. She honorably ended her service on May 6, 2000, cherishing the camaraderie and skills gained. Now, through the American Legion, she continues supporting veterans, embodying the same spirit of service she found in the Navy.

Joe McCormick

1st Vice Commander

(biography pending)

Joseph Benton

2nd Vice Commander (and Adjutant/Historian)

Joseph Benton served about 8 years in the Marines and was a combat correspondent during Operation Desert Shield and Storm. Having served 5 years as a disbursing clerk, he trained on-the-job and on-the-air at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, hosting a radio show in the noon hour and running the AFRTS on-air television content on weekends. He earn the broadcast journalist MOS and also attended the prestigious Defense Information School (DINFOS) to formalize his training; while attending DINFOS, he carried the Marine Corps colors for the honor guard at the Indianapolis 500.

Warren Einolander

1st Year Executive Officer

Warren has been a member of Vandenberg Post 125 since 1996. After his time in the U.S. Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserve (1977-1991) Warren has pursued a Financial Services career in Lompoc, while serving as an ECO Presbyterian church pastor.

Preston Staten

Finance Officer

Preston served over 22 years in the USAF, worked in the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, and retired from active duty in 2001. He was stationed at military bases in Washington DC, Arizona, California, Europe, and the Pacific Theater. He joined Vandenberg Post 125 in 2001 and elected as Finance Officer in 2016. Currently working as a Dept of Defense Employee on Vandenberg Space Force Base.

Leonard LaFebre

Chaplain