Nelda MacDonald, an Air Force vet, was in Okinawa, South Korea and at Beale. An annual ceremony today marks a historical moment for the American Legion Magellan Post 604, a local branch of the national veterans organization. Nelda MacDonald, a retired Air Force analyst, will be the first woman elected as commander in its 70-year history. When MacDonald joined the post in 2006, she was its first female member. "We are very proud of her," said Tom Amaba, who served as commander for the past three years.