My military service began in 1992 at the age of 31 when I enlisted in the Montana Army National Guard.  While attending a class in Career Futures, my personality was best suited for the military and teaching positions and after this class I went to the Army recruiter’s office and started the enlistment process. Given the fact that I still had three small children in grade school, I felt this was the best choice for me to serve my country while still focusing on my primary job as a single mother.

 

Basic training was in Ft. Jackson, SC.

AIT was in Ft. Gordon, GA as a single channel radio operator.

Reclassified at the WAATS in Arizona with Flight Operations.

PLDC was in Utah. (Primary Leadership Development Course).

I was medically discharged in August 2001.

 

In 2014, I attended an all-female veterans’ lunch in Aurora, Colorado where I met Post 206 Commander Terri Clinton.  I learned that this post was an all-female post that was looking for members that wanted to be active and joined the Post on the spot and was immediately appointed Post Adjutant.  I remained Adjutant the following year and was appointed as the District Adjutant during that same time.  My district was one of the largest Districts in Colorado with approximately 30 Posts.  This was a daunting task, and the experience expanded my understanding and grew my passion for The American Legion beyond my Post.

 

In December of 2015, my husband and I moved to Spring Creek, Nevada.  In February 2016, I transferred my membership to Post 7 and in May 2016, I was elected as 1st Vice Commander of both Post 7 and District 3.  The summer of 2016 I was honored to be selected to attend National American Legion College (NALC) in Indianapolis, further expanding my knowledge and passion for The American Legion.

 

In 2017, I was elected Post 7 Commander for a two-year term.  In 2018 I became District 3 Commander for three years.  Commander Jim Stewart asked me to be his Membership Chair and I accepted (two years).  One year later, I was asked to be Membership Chair for Commander Valerie Sheureing-Hubbell and accepted.

 

Over the last three years, I have “worked the chairs” as a Department Officer and finally to Department Commander in June 2024.

 

“Every Voice Matters” is my theme for 2024-2025.  While I was Post/District Commander, I enjoyed talking with other Commanders/Post Commanders and their officers and listened as they shared their frustrations and achievements, offering suggestions as I could.  This will carry on at a Department level.  While attending District meetings, Post Commanders and officers are encouraged to talk with me about their concerns, collaborate on solutions, and discuss topics for the DECs and Department Convention (training, communication, etc.)

 

My Commander’s Project this year is to support the Veterans Guest House and Fisher House with enthusiasm through monetary and supply donations, volunteer hours, or just encouraging others to support both Houses.  District 2 will be the primary support for Fisher House while Districts 1, 3, and 4 will be the primary support for the Veterans Guest House.  Individual Posts will decide how best to serve these two locations. 

 

Finally, newsletter articles and District Reports detailing activities and successes are encouraged from all Districts, Posts, and Squadrons, we need to celebrate our achievements and share them with the world.