American Legion Auxiliary Call to Service Corps
Member Biographical Sketches

AmeriCorps National Members Assigned to Call to Service Corps Consortium Member Organizations

Claudia Alvarez is an AmeriCorps National member assigned to Operation Homefront through the American Legion Auxiliary Call to Service Corps. In her assignment as a marketing specialist, Claudia designs, creates, and delivers programs and materials to support publicity about and growth of Operation Homefront programs and services. Prior to joining the Call to Service Corps, Claudia held positions in the administrative field with The Lukens Company. Claudia holds an Associate degree in computer drafting and design from ITT Technical Institute.
 
Atalie Galvan is an AmeriCorps National member assigned to Operation Homefront through the American Legion Auxiliary Call to Service Corps. In her assignment as an information technology support specialist, Atalie evaluates current IT policies, procedures, and systems to better meet the customer service needs of chapter volunteers and staff and national staff. She also evaluates current processes of managing computer assets, including depreciation and disposition. Prior to joining the Call to Service Corps, Atalie held positions in the food service industry. Atalie holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in information technology from ITT Technical Institute.

Bruce Gustafson is an AmeriCorps National member assigned to Ride 2 Recovery through the American Legion Auxiliary Call to Service Corps. In his assignment as Challenge events coordinator, Bruce assists in the development, implementation, and monitoring of R2R’s multi-day rehabilitative cycling events held across the country. Prior to joining the Call to Service Corps, Bruce held positions in sales and marketing and contract sales and pricing with Amgen. Bruce holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in business finance and a Bachelor of Science degree in computer information systems from Bethel College.

Leticia Hamilton is an AmeriCorps National member assigned to Operation Homefront through the American Legion Auxiliary Call to Service Corps. In her assignment as a programs assistant, Leticia assists military families seeking economic or other assistance through Operation Homefront by processing applications and conducting casework with families. In addition, Leticia helps implement programs directly related to client services. Prior to joining the Call to Service Corps, Leticia held a position as a case manager intern with San Antonio Healthy Start. Leticia holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Leticia is a veteran of the United States Air Force.

Pauline Perry is an AmeriCorps National member assigned to Operation Homefront through the American Legion Auxiliary Call to Service Corps. In her assignment as a human resources specialist, Pauline is responsible for assessing and improving Operation Homefront’s human resources practices, including recruitment policies and procedures, position description development, and employee file management. Pauline holds a Master of Arts degree in community counseling from St. Mary’s University, and a Master of Arts degree in human resources and management. Pauline is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps.

AmeriCorps VISTA Members Assigned to Call to Service Corps Consortium Member Organizations

Laura Baim is an AmeriCorps VISTA member assigned to American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters through the American Legion Auxiliary Call to Service Corps. In her assignment as children and youth specialist, Laura is developing a network for alumni of Girls State and Girls Nation, promoting resources for veterans and their families, and developing materials to help local units. Prior to joining the Call to Service Corps, Laura developed programs and led groups as an intern with Ball State Christian Student Foundation. She held her practicum at Longfellow Elementary School in Muncie, Indiana. She has participated in community service with the Boys and Girls Club, Anderson Christian Center, and Habitat for Humanity. Laura holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Ball State University.

Stephanie Bennett is an AmeriCorps VISTA member assigned to The Mission Continues through the American Legion Auxiliary Call to Service Corps. In her assignment as a national service project coordinator, Stephanie is responsible for ensuring that TMC volunteers have access to all available resources to success complete their community service goals. Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hanover College. Stephanie’s father and grandfathers are veterans.

Katherine Davis is an AmeriCorps VISTA member assigned to Still Serving Veterans (Huntsville, AL) through the American Legion Auxiliary Call to Service Corps. In her assignment as an operations specialist, Katherine will assist in connecting SSV clients to the organization’s case managers. Katherine has more than 20 years experience in office management and special projects coordination. She volunteers with Oakwood Community Services and the Huntsville/Madison Volunteer Bureau. Katherine is a certified bereavement facilitator and a certified chaplain. She holds a degree from Pasadena City College.

Patricia Godsey is an AmeriCorps VISTA member assigned to Still Serving Veterans (Huntsville, AL) through the American Legion Auxiliary Call to Service Corps. In her assignment as information technology specialist, Patricia will provide IT support, maintain the SSV website, and deploy social media. Prior to joining the Call to Service Corps, Patricia held an administrative position in commercial real estate. Patricia holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Macon State College.

Blake Lovelace is an AmeriCorps VISTA member assigned to Student Veterans of America through the American Legion Auxiliary Call to Service Corps. In his assignment as a chapter outreach coordinator, Blake assists in the creation and support of SVA chapters. This includes: communicating with current SVA chapters and other outreach volunteers to disseminate pertinent information regarding, but not limited to, benefits, employment, academic resources, and SVA programs. Prior to joining the Call to Service Corps, Blake held a student-hire position in the U.S. Department of the Navy. Blake also has volunteer experience with nursing homes. Blake holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from Salisbury University.

Linda Monastra is an AmeriCorps VISTA member assigned to Blue Star Families through the American Legion Auxiliary Call to Service Corps. In Linda’s assignment as assistant to the director of membership, Linda will increase the number of volunteers for Blue Star Families as well as help with outreach to servicemembers and their families through public speaking, tabling events, and social media. Linda will also assist with special projects and service events in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. Prior to joining the Call to Service Corps, Linda held positions as a teacher’s aide at Church Street Christian School and as a congressional research intern for a lobbying firm in Washington, DC. Linda holds a Bachelor’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and is currently working toward her Master of Public Administration degree from Clemson University.

Morgan Neubert is an AmeriCorps VISTA member assigned to Student Veterans of America through the American Legion Auxiliary Call to Service Corps. In her assignment as a chapter outreach coordinator, Morgan assists in the creation and support of SVA chapters. This includes: communicating with current SVA chapters and other outreach volunteers to disseminate pertinent information regarding, but not limited to, benefits, employment, academic resources, and SVA programs. Prior to joining the Call to Service Corps, Morgan held positions in advertising, marketing, event planning, and hospitality with UCSB Daily Nexus, La Cumbre Yearbook, and Bacara Resort and Spa. Morgan holds a Bachelor of Arts in history and a minor in education from University of California Santa Barbara. Morgan’s grandfather was a World War II Navy veteran. Her step-brother is a Marine Corps veteran.

Guadalupe (Lupi) Rodriguez is an AmeriCorps VISTA member assigned to Still Serving Veterans (Huntsville, AL) through the American Legion Auxiliary Call to Service Corps. In her assignment as an operations specialist, Lupi assists SSV leaders with preparation of presentations, recognizing donors, and assisting workforce development and mentoring program counselors. Prior to joining the Call to Service Corps, Lupi held positions as a quality engineer and ISO quality assurance auditor with Sanmina-SCI. She also has volunteered as a first aid assistant at Challenger Elementary first aid clinic through the American Red Cross. She is a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Ladies Auxiliary #3263 in Huntsville. Lupi holds a degree from Central Texas College. She is a sister-in-law to four Army veterans.

Joshua Schreier is an AmeriCorps VISTA member assigned to American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters through the American Legion Auxiliary Call to Service Corps. In his assignment as organizational effectiveness VISTA, Joshua assists ALA Departments (state offices) nationwide by providing guidance and support on training, communications, optimizing organizational performance, and strategic planning. Prior to joining the Call to Service Corps, Joshua held positions as treasurer of the University of Connecticut Alumni Association Greater Hartford Chapter and as board member of the Connecticut Coalition to Save Darfur. Josh was selected as a Carl Wilkens Fellow by the Genocide Intervention Network in 2010. Josh is an alumnus of the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps. Joshua holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in history and political science from the University of Connecticut.

Dru Secrest is an AmeriCorps VISTA member assigned to American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters through the American Legion Auxiliary Call to Service Corps. In her assignment as volunteer mobilization specialist, Dru develops and implements training, technical assistance strategies, tools, events and resources to enhance the capacity of ALA departments and units to individually and collaboratively generate and provide volunteer service to servicemembers, veterans and their families. Prior to joining the Call to Service Corps, Dru held positions in department coordination, volunteer coordination, and administrative support for organizations such as August Mack Environmental, Inc, Susan G. Komen, and Kingsway Community Care Center. Dru holds a Bachelor’s degree from Butler University. Dru is a relative of an Air Force veteran.

Andrew Talbot is an AmeriCorps VISTA team leader assigned to American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters through the American Legion Auxiliary Call to Service Corps. In his assignment as a VISTA team leader, Andrew is responsible for coordinating the national VISTA program and improving the organization’s VISTA policies and procedures. Prior to joining the Call to Service Corps, Andrew held an AmeriCorps VISTA position with the River Region CASA program in Louisville KY. Andrew has worked with several law firms in the Indianapolis area. Andrew has volunteered with the Neighborhood Christian Legal Center. Andrew holds a Juris Doctorate degree from the Western New England College School of Law.

Nicholas Zevely is an AmeriCorps VISTA member assigned to The Mission Continues through the American Legion Auxiliary Call to Service Corps. In his assignment as a military membership coordinator, Nick will work to grow the TMC volunteer base, comprised of veterans and civilians. Prior to joining the Call to Service Corps, Nick held positions with the Center for Survivors of Torture and War Trauma and the International Institute of St. Louis. Nick holds a Bachelor’s degree in global studies from Arizona State University. Nick’s father and brother are Army veterans.

AmeriCorps VISTA Members Assigned to the Community Blueprint Initiative

Tyler Anger is an AmeriCorps VISTA member assigned to the Community Blueprint Initiative at the Veterans Innovation Center, through the American Legion Auxiliary Call to Service Corps. In his assignment as a Community Blueprint coordinator, Tyler is responsible for development and implementation of topical content, support tools, project infrastructure, and community decision-making structures and processes to execute the Community Blueprint in the areas of employment and behavioral health. Prior to joining the Call to Service Corps, Tyler held positions in online marketing with the Sponge Community Building Blog and with Wells Fargo. Tyler worked with the Sage Mentorship Program, a student-run initiative designed to aid students in low-income elementary schools. Tyler holds a bachelor's degree from the University of California, Berkeley. His father is an active duty servicemember.

Jen Jones is an AmeriCorps VISTA Member assigned to the Community Blueprint Initiative at the Veterans' Innovation Center, through the American Legion Auxiliary Call to Service Corps. In her assignment as a Community Blueprint coordinator, Jen develops the topical content, support tools, project infrastructure, and community decision-making structures and processes to execute the Blueprint in the areas of reintegration and homelessness. Jen holds a Bachelor's degree in economics from Westminster College.

Jenna Londynsky is an AmeriCorps VISTA member assigned to Give an Hour through the American Legion Auxiliary Call to Service Corps. In her assignment as a Community Blueprint field site representative, Jenna is assessing the strengths and weaknesses of resources and services for the Fayetteville, North Carolina military community in eight impact areas. Prior to joining the Call to Service Corps, Jenna held positions in student teaching and retail with Bellows Free Academy, St. Albans, and Bed, Bath and Beyond. Jenna holds a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education/social studies from Champlain College. Jenna’s father graduated from Kingspoint Merchant Marine Academy and is currently a Port Captain with Maersk LTD in Norfolk, Virginia.