About Us

Our Story

The Scottish American Military Society. The Society was founded as a veterans organization. The membership is composed primarily of veterans of Scottish ancestry who have served –– or are serving –– in the Armed Forces of the United States and the Commonwealth. SAMS Mission is to:
“Preserve and promote Scottish and American Armed Forces customs, traditions, and heritage”, by:

Providing a forum for exchange of military history and genealogical information
Conducting public education programs
Presenting military student honor awards
Supporting Scottish activities at Highland Games
Making contributions to qualified scholarship funds or institutions
Making appropriate charitable contributions
Providing a fraternal atmosphere for members

The San Diego SAMS Post was chartered in 1988 and is organized in accordance with the Bylaws and regulations of the National Society. We are formally known as the LCPL Kenneth J. Haywood, USMC, Memorial Post 1861. We are composed of Military Veterans of Gaelic ancestry (Scottish, Irish or Welsh) who are presently serving, are veterans of, or are retired from the active or reserve Armed Forces of the United States and the Commonwealth. Spouses and children (over 18 years old) of Military Service Veterans having Gaelic Heritage are also welcome. If you are looking for volunteer opportunities to honor and support Veterans in San Diego, we welcome your membership.

2018 Chain of Command LCPL Kenneth J. Haywood, USMC, Memorial Post 1861 San Diego, California

Steve Sheldon
Post Commander
Steve served 24 years in the U.S. Air Force, Army National Guard, and Navy Reserve. He promoted up through the ranks to retire from the Navy as a Mustang Lieutenant. His Gaelic heritage is Clan Scott.

Leon Dame
Vice Post Commander
Leon has served for the past 28 years in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. He is currently on active duty as a Captain. His heritage is recorded through the Stewart of Atholl clan.

Keith MacDonald
Treasury
Keith is a retired Senior Chief Petty Officer who served 23-1/2 years in the U.S. Navy. His Celtic heritage is Clan Donald.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU MEET?

We generally meet once per month depending on community events we are participating in. Our schedule is posted on our Facebook Page as well as on the Members Only Section of this website.

Who may join sams?

Membership is open to honorably discharged veterans or active duty or reserve military persons who have served or are serving with any branch of the US Armed Forces. Membership is open to:

Present or former Regular or Reserve members of the US Armed Forces.
- Individuals who have been discharged or released from duty must not have received a less than honorable discharge.
Cadets of any of the Armed Service Academies or college level ROTC
Spouses, widows, or widowers of any of veterans or Service Academy/ROTC cadets.
Members of the British Commonwealth Armed Forces