Meet The President

David L. Magidson

David L. Magidson, although a native of New York City, was raised in the Washington, D.C. area, the son of a DOD civilian who headed the Claims Division for the U.S. Marine Corps. Magidson brings an international and legal background to JWV, having earned his undergraduate degree in Spanish at Franklin & Marshall College. David continued his studies at the University of Madrid, and then went on to earn a Masters in Latin American History from the University of Florida. Upon his release from military service, he attended the University of Miami Law School on the GI Bill, earning his Juris Doctorate. He also studied international law at the Escuela Libre de Derecho in Mexico City.

A partner in the law firm of Abramson & Magidson, P.A., David has been featured in the highly respected Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers. In addition to serving his country, David has also served his profession as past chairman of the Member Benefit Committee of the Florida Bar and is a member of the Florida Bar's Judicial Nominating Procedures Committee.

Magidson's military service began in 1968 when he joined the U.S. Army, graduating from Infantry Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia, as a 2nd Lt. Putting his Spanish to good use, he served as the Operations Officer for the Miami Field Office of the 111th Military Intelligence Group, ending his active duty service in 1971.

David also serves his Jewish heritage. For many years he was a member of the Commission on Social Action of the Union For Reform Judaism, and in the year 2000 David completed a two-year term as president of Temple Judea in Coral Gables, FL.

Since joining JWV in the 1970's, David held numerous positions in Post 243, including Post Commander. Thereafter, David initially served as Judge Advocate for the Department of Florida and between 2001and 2003, as the National Judge Advocate. He was National Commander of JWV in the year 2006-07.

David, a widower, was married to his wife Carol for 38 years. Together, they raised two children. Son, Ben, now a high school teacher and coach was previously a Captain in the Army serving with the 125th M.I. Battalion, 25th Infantry Division and was stationed in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Daughter, Rebecca, married to Matthew Crawford, is an attorney practicing in Miami with her father.