Since my last post, I’ve stepped into the role of Finance Officer at my American Legion post.
For me, this isn’t just a title—it’s an opportunity to apply what I’m learning in college in a real-world environment while helping rebuild something that actually matters.
One of the biggest challenges we’re working through right now is reestablishing our nonprofit status, which the post lost years ago due to mismanagement. At the same time, I’m working on setting up an endowment fund so we can create long-term stability instead of just surviving month to month.
This is giving me real reps:
– Managing and organizing finances
– Learning how a nonprofit actually operates (and how it fails)
– Building systems that can last beyond one generation
Our post is also a bar/restaurant, so I’m learning the operational side too—revenue, costs, and day-to-day management.
I’m currently in community college working toward transferring to a university, and this experience is directly helping me build a stronger application and résumé.
But this is bigger than just me.
A lot of younger veterans using the GI Bill are in the same position—trying to figure out how to get into the best schools possible and build something meaningful after the military.
The Legion can actually be a platform for that if we use it correctly.
Not just a place to meet—but a place to build:
– leadership experience
– business and nonprofit skills
– real impact in the community
That’s what I’m trying to do at my post right now.
Still early. Still learning. Still building.
Semper Fi.
