Lonnie J. Johnson was elected State Commander of the Department of Montana, of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., on June 15, 2024, at the State Convention held in Great Falls, Montana.

Lonnie Enlisted in the Montana National Guard in 1991 as a Junior in High School.  He attended Basic Training in Fort Benning, Georgia, in 1991 and then Advanced Individual Training (AIT) again at Fort Benning in 1992. He decided to go active duty in the spring of 1994 and served in the 1st/506th Infantry on both Camp Giant and Camp Greaves, 2nd Infantry Division, South Korea. In 1995 PCS’d to 1st/5th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division at Fort Lewis, Washington.  His duties at Fort Lewis included NBC NCO for a year and Unit Armorer through the Army’s Force XXI program.  In 1997 he was selected for an Active Guard Reserve (AGR) position in S4 at the Infantry Headquarters in Bozeman. He finished his National Guard enlistment with the Artillery in 1999.

Joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States in 2018 after hearing that the local Post was liquidating assets and getting ready to close. He is a Gold Legacy Life Member of Butch Leibach Post 4018 in Plentywood.  Lonnie has served as both Post and District Commander as well as District VOD and Patriots Pen Chair.  He is an All-American Post and District Commander and was appointed as an Assistant Inspector for the 2021-2022 year.

Lonnie currently lives in Plentywood with his wife Cassie and two daughters Madison and Sierra.  They own and operate Plentywood Sanitation, with one employee serving Sheridan County. Lonnie is also a Paid-up for Life (PUFL) member of The American Legion, member of The Sons of The American Legion, ANAVICUS, life member of AMVETS, life member of KWVA, life member of VFW National Home for Children, and an affiliate member of the Royal Canadian Legion.