Actor, Director and Vietnam Veteran Richard Lawson Honored as Honorary Colonel at the 2026 Post 43 Commander’s Ball

On Saturday, October 3, 2026, American Legion Hollywood Post 43 gathered for its annual Commander’s Ball, an evening celebrating service, community, Hollywood history and a tradition more than nine decades in the making.

At the center of the celebration was acclaimed actor, director, producer, educator and U.S. Army Vietnam veteran Richard Lawson, who was presented with Post 43’s prestigious Honorary Colonel Award.

Lawson’s recognition places him within one of Hollywood Post 43’s most distinctive traditions, a legacy that has connected the entertainment industry with America’s military and veteran communities since the 1930s.

Photography by Teresa Lowe and Paul Lowe

An Honor That Comes Full Circle

For Lawson, the connection to the military community is not ceremonial. It is personal.

Before building a career spanning more than five decades in film, television and theater, Lawson served in the United States Army, including a tour in Vietnam.

After returning home, he established an extensive career as an actor, director, producer and educator. His work has crossed generations of American entertainment, while his later career expanded into education and mentorship through Richard Lawson Studios, where he has worked to develop and empower other artists.

After returning home, he established an extensive career as an actor, director, producer and educator, spanning more than five decades in Hollywood. His impressive body of work includes Poltergeist (1982), Streets of Fire (1984), Wag the Dog (1997), How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998), Guess Who (2005) and Tyler Perry’s For Colored Girls (2010). His television career has included appearances in Dynasty, All My Children and Saints & Sinners, and most recently, his role as Norman in Tyler Perry’s hit Netflix series Beauty in Black. Beyond his accomplishments on screen, Lawson expanded his legacy into education and mentorship through Richard Lawson Studios, where he has dedicated himself to developing emerging talent and empowering the next generation of storytellers.

Photography by Teresa Lowe and Paul Lowe

His story is also one of extraordinary resilience. On March 22, 1992, Lawson was aboard USAir Flight 405 when the aircraft crashed during takeoff from New York’s LaGuardia Airport. Lawson survived the deadly accident, an experience he has described as profoundly changing his understanding of life and the importance of living with purpose.

His military service, survival, artistic achievement and decades of mentorship made his recognition particularly fitting for an honor rooted in the relationship between veterans and storytellers.

“Richard Lawson represents the bridge between two communities that have always been at the heart of Hollywood Post 43 — veterans and storytellers,” said Commander Mahogany Zachary. “He served his country, built an extraordinary career in entertainment and has continued using his experience to educate and empower others. It is an honor to recognize him as part of a tradition that has connected Hollywood and America’s veterans for generations.”

A Hollywood Tradition More Than 90 Years Old

Founded in 1919 by World War I veterans working in the motion picture industry, American Legion Hollywood Post 43 quickly developed a relationship with the emerging entertainment capital surrounding it. That relationship would eventually help earn Post 43 its enduring nickname: “The Post to the Stars.”

The Honorary Colonel tradition emerged during Hollywood’s Golden Age. In 1931, celebrated opera singer Ernestine Schumann-Heink, affectionately known as the “Mother of the Legion,” introduced a group of young Hollywood actresses at a special Post gathering. By 1932, the event had developed into Honorary Colonels Night, bringing together veterans, studio executives and Hollywood personalities.

During the ceremonies, Hollywood stars and rising performers were commissioned as Honorary Colonels and presented with silver wings symbolizing the distinction.

Over the decades, more than 200 entertainers became part of the tradition, including some of Hollywood’s most recognizable names: Shirley Temple, Rita Hayworth, Ginger Rogers, Lana Turner and Marilyn Monroe.

As Hollywood changed, so did the meaning of the honor.

What began largely as a connection between emerging Hollywood talent and the veteran community evolved into recognition of individuals whose lives, careers and service demonstrate a meaningful commitment to servicemembers, veterans and the values represented by Hollywood Post 43.

In 2026, Richard Lawson became part of that history.

A Historic Honor During a Historic Administration

The 2026 Commander’s Ball also came during a significant chapter in Hollywood Post 43’s own history.

Commander Mahogany Zachary is the first Black woman to serve as Commander of Hollywood Post 43, leading an administration focused on strengthening veteran engagement, expanding community partnerships, preserving the Post’s legacy and positioning the organization for the next generation of veterans.

Alongside Commander Zachary, Post 43 is guided by a dedicated leadership team whose collective service, experience and commitment continue to move the Post forward, including 1st Vice Commander Jeanette Estrem, 2nd Vice Commander Nick Papadakis, Junior Past Commander Monica Nichelson, and Executive Committee members Karen Kraft, Tim Shaner, Dennis Kee, Jeff Daly, Doug Derrick and Bob Gehan.

Together, the leadership team represents both sides of Post 43’s mission: protecting the extraordinary history entrusted to the organization while ensuring that veterans, service and community remain at the center of its future.

More Than a Hollywood Award

The Honorary Colonel distinction has always reflected something unique about Hollywood Post 43.

Few American Legion posts have a history so closely intertwined with the entertainment industry. For generations, Post 43 has been home to veterans who returned from military service and went on to work as actors, writers, directors, producers, craftspeople, executives and countless other professionals throughout Hollywood.

The Honorary Colonel tradition grew from that intersection. It is why Richard Lawson’s recognition carries an additional significance. He does not join the tradition simply as an accomplished Hollywood figure who supports veterans. He joins it as a veteran himself.

His life represents the two communities that have defined Hollywood Post 43 for more than a century: those who served their country and those who tell its stories. More than 90 years after Hollywood personalities first received their Honorary Colonel wings, the tradition continues. The faces have changed. Hollywood has changed. The veteran community has changed.

But the purpose remains: to recognize service, celebrate those who use their lives and platforms to strengthen others, and preserve the bond between Hollywood and America’s veterans. At the 2026 Commander’s Ball, Hollywood Post 43 added another name to that remarkable legacy.

Written by Charlie T. Savage, Post 43 Media and Communications Chairperson