WEST PALM BEACH — Frank Reese knew that one day his granddad’s advice to him would prove to be valuable.

“My grandfather sat me down, and said, ‘Son, no matter where you go, you have got to earn the respect of the men you’re gonna be around, because respect is not due to you, it is earned.”‘

Thirty-three years later — Reese, 54, uses that motto as a guide for his actions as state commander of the American Legion in Florida.

Reese, a public school bus driver who lives in West Palm Beach, succeeded Robert Proctor at the state’s annual convention in Orlando recently to head the organization of 100,000 veterans.

During his one-year term he hopes to increase that figure by 10,000 to 25,000 members and to boost morale.

“We have a bill in the Senate (that will be on the ballot) that’s going to have the veteran’s affairs in the cabinet, and I think that is a very important thing to have, because it tells us that the people of Florida care for the veterans,” he said.

Reese said he is very excited about his new job.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime shot,” said Reese, who is the first black to head the organization in Florida. “There will never be another first (black commander) in Florida. There might be another later, but I can stand there when they cap him and say I set the groundwork for him through my dedication and work.

“I am very proud to have been elected out of 100,000 (members), 92,000 from the Caucasian race,” Reese said. “But it tells you that they’re ready, if we’re doing the right thing, because if you’re not qualified for a job I don’t think you should have that job.”

Reese said he was chosen for the job because he was the most qualified.

“I don’t think (I got this job) because of my race. I think if I wasn’t qualified, no matter what race I may be, I would not have gotten elected.”

Fifteen years ago when Reese joined the Legion, blacks and whites had their separate posts although a few were integrated.

Things have somewhat remained the same today.

“It’s not a form of segregation. I believe in integration. Things should be on a voluntary basis,” said Reese, a 7 1/2-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force who served in the Korean War.

“The only reason I strive to keep the black post is for identity. (Blacks) have lost all their identity in America,” Reese said.

First Vice Cmdr. Chester Blaisdel of American Legion Post 268 in Riviera Beach described Reese as a hard-working man who is well deserving of the job.

“I have known Mr. Reese for the past three years, and I think he is a fantastic guy. He is well qualified and there’s no doubt about it,” Blaisdel said.

“He has worked very hard to get where he is today. This man has an excellent knowledge of the American Legion.”

Blaisdel also described Reese as an eloquent speaker who expresses himself very well.

And past state commander Proctor agreed.

“Most definitely. Frank is highly qualified for the job,” Proctor said. “I have known him for seven years and he is a strong believer of the programs the American Legion offers.”

Proctor promised the Legion’s whole-hearted support for Reese throughout his leadership.

“I am confident that he will lead us well throughout his term,” Proctor said. “We will all rally behind him, and I hope he continues the great programs that we have.”