John A. Brieden Explained

John A. Brieden
Office:	Judge of Washington County, Texas
Term Start:	January 1, 2011
Predecessor:	Dorothy Morgan
Birth Name:	John A. Brieden III
Birth Place:	Freer, Texas, U.S.
Residence:	Brenham, Texas, U.S.
Alma Mater:	Texas Agricultural and Mechanical University
Occupation:	Politician
Title1:	National Commander of The American Legion
Term1:	2003–2004
Predecessor1:	Ronald F. Conley, Sr.
Successor1:	Thomas P. Cadmus
Branch Label:	Branch
Serviceyears:	1972–1977
Rank:	Captain

John A. Brieden III (born 1955) is an American politician and businessman who served as the National Commander of The American Legion from 2003 to 2004.^[1]

Early life and education

Brieden was born in 1955 and educated at the Calallen High School in Corpus Christi, Texas. After graduating from high school, he moved to College Station to attend the Texas A&M University where he roomed with future Texas Governor Rick Perry.^[2] He served in the United States Army for close to five years on active duty, leaving the service with the rank of Captain.^[3] Brieden later moved to Brenham, Texas where he opened a State Farm Insurance office.^[4]

The American Legion

On August 28, 2003, Brieden was elected National Commander of The American Legion. As such, he directed the nation's largest wartime veterans' organization, representing the interests of 2.8 million U.S. veterans. During his term of office, he lobbied for veterans' benefits and continued support for POW/MIA programs.^{[5] [6]}

Political career

Long involved in Republican party politics, Brieden in 2010 decided to run for Judge of Washington County, Texas. He would go on to defeat his opponent, Joel Romo, in the March 2010 Republican primary with 3,337 votes (56.1%) to 2,608 votes (43.9%). He then won the general election over Democrat John Muegge in the November with 6,895 (65.7%) votes to 3,598 (34.3%).^{[7] [8]}

Brieden was re-elected without opposition in 2014 and retired in 2018.^[9]

Military awards

Brieden's decorations include the following:^[10]

U.S. military decorations
	Soldier's Medal
U.S. service medals
	National Defense Service Medal
U.S. Army badges and tabs
	Parachutist Badge
	Ranger Tab

See also

• List of people from Texas
• List of Texas A&M University people

Further reading

• Brieden III . John A. . John A. Brieden . n.d. . John A. Brieden III: National Commander, 2003-2004 . Video . PNC Perspectives: An Oral History From Leaders of The American Legion . Duane Mercier . The American Legion.

Notes and References

1. Web site: Brieden files for reelection. Brenham Banner-Press. 2013-11-15. 2015-06-01.
2. Web site: Brieden named to Perry steering committee . Brenham Banner-Press . 2011-08-03 . 2015-06-01 .
3. Book: United States Congressional Serial Set, Serial No. 15043, House Documents Nos. 145-152. Government Printing Office. 111.
4. Web site: Brieden to take Legion commander office . Brenham Banner-Press . 2003-08-28 . 2015-06-01 .
5. American Legion . American Legion . John Brieden saddles up for a winning year . The American Legion . 155 . 3 . 31.
6. Web site: State Legion Commander Mueller welcomes 'new generation' to group . Bud Chambers . Brenham Banner-Press . 2010-07-19 . 2015-06-01 .
7. Web site: Romo says property taxes are paid. Arthur Hahn. Brenham Banner-Press. 2010-02-11. 2015-06-01.
8. Web site: Brieden, Reue get Republican nods. Alan Nieschwietz. Brenham Banner-Press. 2010-03-03. 2015-06-01.
9. Web site: JOHN BRIEDEN LOOKS BACK ON TIME AS COUNTY JUDGE, FORWARD FOR WASHINGTON CO. - KWHI.com. Dave Redden. says. December 31, 2018.
10. Web site: General Orders No. 17 . Washington, DC . . 1975 . 2 . First Lieutenant John A. Brieden, III, Infantry, United States Army, for heroism on 21 July 1974, while a member of Company B, 2d Battalion (M), 50th Infantry Regiment, 2d Armored Division.