News
Peterson named as the State Commander for North Dakota AMVETS
Scott Wagar
06/24/2014
Bottineau resident, Keith Peterson, has been named the State Commander of the AMVETS.
Peterson was born in Kenmare, N.D., and was raised in the communities of Westhope and Tioga. He is a graduate from Tioga High School and earned a degree from the University of North Dakota-Williston as a physical therapist assistant in 1997.
Peterson entered into the U.S. Army in 1985 and served as an artilleryman. While in the service, he served during Desert Storm and retired from the Army with the rank of E6 Sergeant.
After leaving the military, and moving to Bottineau in 2000 to accept a position at St. Andrew’s Health Center within its physical therapy department, Peterson became a member of Bottineau’s VFW Post 8688 and AMVETS Post 25.
Since becoming a member of Bottineau’s local AMVETS, Peterson has worked through the ranks in the organization.
During the 2013 AMVETS State Convention in Devils Lake, Peterson was chosen to be the state’s second vice commander for 2013-14.
At this year’s state convention in Fargo, the AMVETS nominated Peterson as the state commander for 2014-15, which he gives Post 25 a nod for his nomination to the highest position in the state organization.
“Post 25 is one of the top posts for achievements and has been since we started,” Peterson said. “This is what I credit being nominated for state commander.”
As state commander, one of Peterson’s goals is to get younger veterans involved in veterans’ organizations.
“There are a lot of veteran issues that need attention, from heath care to dwindling memberships in veteran groups that need to be addressed,” Peterson said. “Many of the younger veterans are not joining veteran service organizations. We have to find a way to connect with these veterans because we need their numbers so that we have a stronger voice to our politicians.”
Peterson added that he is also honored to represent his state and community as the AMVETS’ state commander.