American Legion Auxiliary

Each of our divisions oversees an important component of mission-related work. Click on the links below or scroll down the page for more information about what we do and for a list of team members.

Accounting Division

Keeping a close watch on all things financial, the Accounting Division handles everything from paying the bills and balancing budgets to making sure the Auxiliary is up-to-date on all government-mandated regulations.

Tim Bresnahan

Tim Bresnahan, Controller

(317) 569-4525 | tbresnahan@ALAforVeterans.org

 As the Auxiliary's controller, Tim works to ensure that the organization discharges its financial stewardship responsibilities in a timely and accurate manner. Tim has been a Certified Public Accountant for nearly 20 years and has worked in the nonprofit accounting field for almost as long. Originally from Dayton, Ohio, Tim believes our greatest mission is our troops--past and present--and that we should maintain the values our country was founded upon. He and his wife, Christine, have been married for 21 years and adopted a daughter from Ethiopia. Tim’s hobbies include reading and sports, and he volunteers at his church's food pantry.

Susan Stewart

Susan Stewart, Accounting Manager

(317) 569-4523 | sstewart@ALAforVeterans.org

 After graduating from an Indiana college in the accounting field, Susan joined National Headquarters in 1978, initially working with new and existing unit charter files. After a few months, Susan became secretary to the national secretary, and in 1980, secretary to the national president. In the mid-1980s, an opening became available in the Finance Division, so Susan was able to use her accounting education for the benefit of the organization. Susan felt privileged to be one of the Auxiliary’s national representatives at the first Americanism Youth Conference at Freedoms Foundation, which was truly a rewarding experience. Susan is a member of Auxiliary Unit 500 in Speedway, Ind. She enjoys science fiction movies, is a Star Trek fan, likes various types of music and loves animals.

Cindy Radcliff

Cindy Radcliff, Accounting Coordinator-Accounts Payable

(317) 569-4527 | cradcliff@ALAforVeterans.org
Before coming to work at National Headquarters in October 2007, Cindy worked in the hospitality industry. That experience led her to become customer service oriented. Cindy always makes sure that every customer/client she encounters gets great service, treating each person as she would like to be treated. The Auxiliary’s mission is what led Cindy to want to work at National Headquarters. Her responsibilities consist of various accounts payable issues, such as timely and accurate vendor payment, and she oversees the 1099 process. On her days off, Cindy enjoys the company of her husband, family and close friends. She also enjoys shopping, attending church and doing crafts and home projects. In 2008, Cindy helped her hometown’s medical mission that was held in the Philippines, her country of birth.

Shelley Johnson

Shelley Johnson, Accounting Coordinator-Accounts Receivable

(317) 569-4526 | sjohnson@ALAforVeterans.org

Shelley, who was born and raised in Minnesota, came to National Headquarters in August 2011. She worked the past 17 years for a missions organization, more recently as accounts receivable clerk at the organization’s headquarters in Marion, Ind. Prior to that time, Shelley, who speaks fluent Hungarian, served for 15 years in Hungary as administrative support staff to missionaries. She was the regional treasurer for the organization and also supported the work of The Wesleyan Alliance through bookkeeping and translation and publication of theology materials into the Hungarian language. Shelley and her husband, who recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary, have two grown children and live in Indianapolis.

Sara Riegel

Sara Riegel, Compliance Accountant

(317) 569-4524 | sriegel@ALAforVeterans.org

Sara joined ALA NHQ in 2011 as a Compliance Accountant, which includes a variety of duties to support the Accounting Department. She brings to National Headquarters a diverse background in non-for-profit, for profit and prior ownership of a small business. She has served on school commissions and neighborhood development organizations, and is thankful for the guidance of her parents in setting the example of giving of one’s time and talent in service to their church and community. Sara has also implemented the same character building values in the rearing of her four children. She enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, reading and socializing.

Elizabeth Chiavarini

Elizabeth Chiavarini, Accounting Grants Coordinator

(317) 569-4563 | echiavarini@ALAforVeterans.org

Elizabeth joined the Accounting Division at National Headquarters in September 2013. She brings with her more than 15 years’ experience in accounting, with more than 10 years at a private nonprofit organization. Elizabeth was born and raised in upstate New York where she met and married her husband, Rick, in 1995. Soon after, they moved to North Carolina. Elizabeth and Rick, with their fur-babies, have been calling Indianapolis home since 2004. During her off time, Elizabeth likes to crochet and read.

Administrative Services/Human Resources

The Administrative Services/Human Resources Division manages both the people side and the customer service side of the organization. The staff processes orders, answers questions, and makes sure staff needs are addressed.

Donna Parrott

Donna Parrott, Administrative Services/Human Resources Director

(317) 569-4512 | dparrott@ALAforVeterans.org

Donna was born and raised in Missouri but has lived in Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, North Carolina and Indiana. Because she has moved so often, she is frequently asked if her husband is in the service. She just smiles and says, “The Lord's service—he's a minister.” No matter where his ministry has taken them throughout the country, Donna and Mike have always been blessed to have veterans and current military personnel as part of their congregations. The Parrotts moved back to Indiana in May 2008 after living in North Carolina for three years. While living in Morehead City, her husband said they were living in the safest place in the world because they were just an hour from Camp Lejeune, 15 minutes from Cherry Point Marine Air Station, a mile from a Coast Guard station, and just 10 blocks was the port that always had a military vessel or two anchored there—not to mention that the town was full of retired military personnel. When not volunteering in many capacities at the church as a pastor’s wife, Donna enjoys reading, gardening and being with her family.

Anita McCoy

Anita McCoy, Member Services Coordinator

(317) 569-4503 | amccoy@ALAforVeterans.org

Anita has always been an advocate for our men and women veterans and wanted to do as much as she could to support them. In October 2007, she felt she had a wonderful opportunity to do just that by accepting a position at National Headquarters. Her experience working with nonprofits and her customer service skills were a perfect fit with the National Headquarters staff. Anita offers support and information to assist Auxiliary members and veterans and is part of a team that strives every day to make a difference in the lives of these veterans and volunteer heroes. When away from the office, Anita likes to read and spend time with her family and those in her community.

John Switzer

John Switzer, Purchasing Coordinator/Inventory Control

(317) 569-4529 | jswitzer@ALAforVeterans.org

John was planning to retire and possibly do some volunteer work at his church or for a community food bank or school, but God had a different agenda when John was laid off from Thompson Inc. Watching his retirement funds dwindle, John consulted a financial analyst and realized full-time employment was still necessary, but he needed to be close to home to care for his spouse, who has multiple sclerosis. He also wanted to work for a company whose goal was helping people. The Auxiliary met both of his qualifications. In fact, National Headquarters relocated from downtown Indianapolis to the north side--within a quarter mile of John's former job. John is using his experience in purchasing and inventory control to benefit the organization. Born and raised in Philadelphia, John worked for Thompson in New Jersey, but he was transferred to Indianapolis in 2002, where he and his wife have enjoyed living. In his free time, John enjoys Bible study, volunteering at church, listening to music and yard work.

Lynn Maxwell

Lynn Maxwell, HR and Payroll Coordinator

(317) 569-4562 | lmaxwell@alaforveterans.org

Lynn, the daughter of an Army veteran from the Vietnam War, joined National Headquarters in July 2013. With a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Marian University and an associate’s degree in information technology from Ivy Tech, Lynn has well-rounded professional experience in event planning, payroll, computer services and executive assistance. Now in human resources, Lynn is welcoming the challenges as she embarks upon AmeriCorps and VISTA projects in her new role. In her off time, Lynn enjoys the “mad dashes” to competition during show choir season with her daughter and hopes to start a Christian-based program, “The Packaged Gift©2008,” for expectant and newly single teenage mothers as well as a newly sought passion in philanthropy for pancreatic cancer research in memory of her mother.

Erin Smith

Erin Smith, Member Services & AmeriCorps HR Coordinator

(317) 569-4500 | esmith@ALAforVeterans.org

Erin graduated from Indiana University where she studied Non-Profit Management. She was very excited to join the team at National Headquarters, which, incidentally, is less than a mile from her childhood home. In her job as AmeriCorps human resources coordinator, Erin assists AmeriCorps members who commit their time to serving our servicemen and women and their families nationwide. Additionally, as member services coordinator, Erin has daily contact with ALA membership. As the granddaughter of two Korean War veterans, Erin understands the importance of these services and was thrilled to find her own way to give back. When Erin is not at work, she enjoys reading and spending time with her husband and young son.

Business Development

It is a unique balancing act, melding the passion of our social mission with the discipline, innovation, and determination found in any well-run business. The Business Development Division is charged with this task. It focuses the American Legion Auxiliary on employing the best business practices in pursuit of our mission. The overall goal of this division has three parts:

• Enhance the impact and financial sustainability of our in-house programs
• Create freestanding, mission-centered enterprises  
• Form mutually beneficial relationships with corporations and other enterprises  

The benefits realized from this division’s work include a more accurate understanding of community and national needs; a higher quality of service by focusing on what we do best as an organization; more effective and efficient operations within the Auxiliary; and additional financial resources, especially through increased mission-related income.

Michael Butt

Michael Butt, Communications and Business Development Director

(317) 569-4543 | mbutt@ALAforVeterans.org

As an Eagle Scout, Mike has always strongly believed in God and country and is pleased to be part of an organization that demonstrates the same principles. Charged with directing internal and external communications and business development, Mike draws upon 30 years of experience in media and publishing, including newspaper, magazine, web and printing leadership. Because he enjoys history, Mike values the importance of sharing stories about why the Auxiliary was formed and how it has grown to be the world's premier women's patriotic service organization. He is also excited to positively communicate where the organization is headed. A highlight of Mike's involvement with the Auxiliary to date was the 2009 National Veterans Creative Arts Festival in San Antonio, Texas, where he witnessed the true spirit of Service Not Self as Auxiliary members interacted with disabled veterans to help give them a more positive experience at the awe-inspiring event. Lisa, Michael’s wife of more than 20 years, is a publications and web director for a local community college. They reside in Indianapolis and share a passion for miniature dachshunds, reading, and foreign and domestic travel.

Communications

Providing our members with tools that present the best information in the best possible way is the Communication Division's responsibility. They produce resources like Auxiliary magazine, ALA eNews, ALA In the Know eBulletin, the Auxiliary website, brochures, and news release templates, among others. These print and electronic media communication vehicles not only help our members successfully do their work, but they also keep the general public up-to-date on the mission activity of the Auxiliary.

Michael Butt

Michael Butt, Communications and Business Development Director

(317) 569-4543 | mbutt@ALAforVeterans.org

As an Eagle Scout, Mike has always strongly believed in God and country and is pleased to be part of an organization that demonstrates the same principles. Charged with directing internal and external communications and business development, Mike draws upon 30 years of experience in media and publishing, including newspaper, magazine, web and printing leadership. Because he enjoys history, Mike values the importance of sharing stories about why the Auxiliary was formed and how it has grown to be the world's premier women's patriotic service organization. He is also excited to positively communicate where the organization is headed. A highlight of Mike's involvement with the Auxiliary to date was the 2009 National Veterans Creative Arts Festival in San Antonio, Texas, where he witnessed the true spirit of Service Not Self as Auxiliary members interacted with disabled veterans to help give them a more positive experience at the awe-inspiring event. Lisa, Michael’s wife of more than 20 years, is a publications and web director for a local community college. They reside in Indianapolis and share a passion for miniature dachshunds, reading, and foreign and domestic travel.

Aaron Meyer

Aaron Meyer, Communications Manager

(317) 569-4533 | ameyer@ALAforVeterans.org

Aaron takes to heart the Auxiliary’s mission statement that we honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military and their families. Since joining National Headquarters staff in June 2010, Aaron manages the production of Auxiliary magazine and many other communications projects. Having worked in marketing and communications in the financial industry as well as having a background in publishing and printing, Aaron brings that experience to assist in serving America’s best. Aaron and his wife Stacy are from Colorado and moved to the heartland through Stacy’s work in the agricultural industry. They return every year to Colorado to spend time visiting their families and friends. Aaron enjoys gardening, working in the garage, and getting out into God’s creation to get his Jeep stuck in the mud. He is also a member of the Sons of The American Legion Squadron 79 in Zionsville, Ind.

Stephanie L. Holloway

Stephanie L. Holloway, Communications Senior Editor

(317) 569-4535 | sholloway@ALAforVeterans.org

Stephanie has been with National Headquarters since 2007. Her area of concentration is member communications, and as the editor of the National News newsletter, she regularly keeps in touch with Auxiliary members at the unit, department and national levels. Stephanie’s husband, Brandon, is an officer in the Indiana Army National Guard. After Brandon returned home in 2007 from a 15-month deployment to Iraq, Stephanie made it her personal mission to help women in the same situation as her: alone and unaware of resources and assistance for families of deployed servicemembers. Since becoming a mother of two, support for veterans and their families is an even bigger priority for Stephanie. She is a member of Auxiliary Unit 45 in Noblesville, Ind.

Stacy Poca

Stacy Poca, Creative Communications Specialist

(317) 569-4565 | spoca@alaforveterans.org

Stacy joined National Headquarters staff in May 2012. She serves as creative communications specialist working on initiatives such as public relations, Auxiliary magazine, ALA In the Know eBulletin and other communications pieces to help spread the word about the Auxiliary's great work. Having many veterans in her family, she is proud to be a part of this organization. Stacy's background includes a bachelor's degree in Communications from Manchester University (Indiana), a master's degree in Human Movement, Sport and Leisure Studies from Bowling Green State University (Ohio), and more than 10 years' experience working with nonprofits and higher education. Outside of the office, Stacy enjoys playing with her two young children, exploring Indianapolis with her husband, and spending time outdoors.

Travis Perkins

Travis Perkins, Web & Graphics Specialist

(317) 569-4531 | tperkins@ALAforVeterans.org

Travis joined National Headquarters staff in late 2010. As a Kentucky Boys State alumnus, Travis believes strongly in the Auxiliary’s mission and program goals and was delighted to join the Communications Division as the web and graphics specialist. His role includes managing and maintaining the ALA website and assisting in the planning, design and layout of ALA marketing materials. Travis has a strong background developing web communications and marketing strategies for large nonprofit organizations. In previous roles, he developed marketing and web strategies for Families First, Community Action, the YMCA and the Georgia World Congress Center Authority where he managed website communications for the Georgia Dome, Centennial Olympic Park and the Georgia World Congress Convention Center. Travis and his wife Heather reside in Indianapolis and share a passion for traveling, volunteering, reading and University of Kentucky Men's Basketball.

Membership/Information Technology

Promoting Service Not Self and assisting the national membership committee with retention and recruitment strategies are key priorities of the Membership/IT division. In addition to daily answering hundreds of questions and providing support to members nationwide, the division is charged with managing the member benefit and discount program, the national member database and membership processing, annual renewal notices and membership cards, membership statistics, paid up for life (PUFL) memberships, unit and district/county charters, and all IT services for national headquarters. Further, the division collects and maintains EIN/TIN information for departments, districts/counties and units, and files the annual report to the IRS.

Marta Hedding

Marta Hedding, National Treasurer/Deputy Executive Director

(317) 569-4508 | mhedding@ALAforVeterans.org

Marta was appointed to the position of national treasurer in July 1994. Her eligibility in the Auxiliary comes from her father, who was in the Navy during World War II, and her grandfather, who was in the Army during World War I. Prior to becoming national treasurer, Marta operated a consulting business offering marketing, organizational development, and accounting services to small businesses. Previously, she helped birth a nonprofit charged with long-range economic development planning for the State of Indiana, where she served as vice president of Business & Public Affairs, corporate secretary, and assistant treasurer. Marta has served in numerous leadership positions with her neighborhood association and at her church, where she served on the Children’s Ministry team, Finance Committee, Executive Planning Committee, and as the Administrative Board chairman. Marta and her husband have two children and reside in an Indianapolis community listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Tammy Wiggins

Tammy Wiggins, IT Systems Administrator

(317) 569-4513 | twiggins@ALAforVeterans.org

Tammy joined National Headquarters in February of 2011, and is happy to join an organization that truly helps others. She is responsible for managing IT systems, including ALAMIS. Tammy has more than a decade of experience in IT, working at both universities and for not-for-profit agencies. In her free time she enjoys volunteering at Morning Dove therapeutic riding center, which has programs for both handicapped adults and children, as well as the Horses for Heroes program that assists veterans. She has a Masters degree from Indiana State University, in CIMT.

Claressa R. Basile

Claressa R. Basile, Assistant Database Administrator

(317) 569-4544 | cbasile@alaforveterans.org
Claressa joined National Headquarters in August 2013. Her father-in-law was a sergeant in the Air Force during the Korean War, and her grandfather was in the Army. Claressa has an impressive background in data management and nonprofits. She and her husband, Joe, have two children, Arisa and Zion. In her free time, Claressa enjoys going to cooking classes, listening to audiobooks, crafting and going to her son’s basketball games. At her church, Claressa serves on the Newcomers Ministry, Marketing Team, and Young Adult Ministry.  She has a bachelor’s degree in computer information technology from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.

Cathi Taylor

Cathi Taylor, Archivist and Data Projects Coordinator

(317) 569-4530 | ctaylor@ALAforVeterans.org

One of Cathi’s favorite hymns begins “God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform” and knows this is how she has become a part of the National Headquarters. Coming from a long line of veterans and with a nephew presently in the Navy, the Auxiliary provides the perfect opportunity for her to thank and support all those who serve. Cathi’s focus is on the recruitment of AmeriCorps volunteers and special projects. Because of her passion for American history and preservation, she is presently pursuing a master’s degree in library science with a focus in archiving. When not working, Cathi enjoys reading (generally American history), genealogy research, restoring pioneer cemeteries, crocheting and spending time with family.

Kelly Cochran

Kelly Cochran, Senior Membership Coordinator

(317) 569-4510 | kcochran@ALAforVeterans.org

Kelly joined National Headquarters staff in February 2011. As a granddaughter of a WWII veteran she was excited to join the ALA family as a senior membership coordinator. She is delighted to be working directly with departments, units, and members in order to enhance the mission of the organization. Kelly is a graduate of Indiana University with a Masters of Arts in Administration, and has previous nonprofit experience working with the Indiana Repertory Theatre. When not at work, Kelly enjoys camping, cooking and spending time with her dog Bella.

Amanda Hoffmann

Amanda Hoffmann, Membership Coordinator

(317) 569-4564 | ahoffmann@ALAforVeterans.org

Amanda joined National Headquarters staff in 2012 as a membership coordinator. She takes the Auxiliary's mission to heart — her grandfather is a veteran who served in World War II in the Navy. Amanda has more than 15 years of customer service experience and knows the value of volunteering in her community. She has done years of volunteering for breast cancer awareness and walks for cancer. In her spare time, Amanda spends time in the great outdoors by camping and hiking, and she enjoys spending time with her friends, family and her dog, Lucy.

Executive Area

This division assists the national president, national vice president, national secretary, and national treasurer by addressing their communications and administrative needs.

Tamara Shumate

Tamara Shumate, Assistant to the National President

(317) 569-4505 | tshumate@ALAforVeterans.org

On Veterans Day in the not so distant past, John F. Kennedy said, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” Joining National Headquarters staff was the perfect way for Tamara to express her gratitude not only through words but through the work she accomplishes every day. The volunteers Tamara has worked alongside have shown her what passion, dedication and hard work can achieve. In fact, the Auxiliary was the inspiration behind her decision to return to school and begin working on a master's degree in philanthropic and nonprofit studies. It is Tamara’s hope that the daily knowledge she gains from school and work will allow her to serve our veterans just as they have so honorably served us.

Patricia Blazek

Patricia Blazek, Executive Assistant to the National Secretary/Executive Director

(317) 569-4507 | pblazek@alaforveterans.org

Patricia (Pat) Blazek joined the American Legion Auxiliary in July 2013. Pat is the granddaughter of a World War II U.S. Navy veteran. Pat herself is a Navy veteran, having served eight years both at home and abroad. Her children are continuing the family legacy of Service Not Self to the community, one as a social worker and another as a U.S. Marine. Pat enjoys a long history of involvement with not-for-profit organizations but finds those most fulfilling are when she is sharing her time and passion for veterans programs in addition to teaching our youngest citizens the importance of Americanism, sharing the message that our freedom is not free. For fun, Pat enjoys spending time with friends, ATV off-roading, riding horses, and her children…especially her granddaughter Hazel!

Mary “Dubbie” Buckler

Mary “Dubbie” Buckler, National Secretary/Executive Director

Mary "Dubbie" Buckler is a lifelong resident of the greater Indianapolis area where she has earned a reputation as a caring leader in business, public service, elective office, and civic service. She is an accomplished business executive with an impressive background in management, finance, and issue advocacy. Her career path reveals a strong commitment to serving where she can make a difference in people’s lives by giving back to the community. Dubbie is also proud to have served as the Federalist Party chair at Hoosier Girls State during high school, and while in college, as one of only five full colonels in the United States in Angel Flight, an honorary to the Air Force ROTC. View full bio

Marta Hedding

Marta Hedding, National Treasurer/Deputy Executive Director

(317) 569-4508 | mhedding@ALAforVeterans.org

Marta was appointed to the position of national treasurer in July 1994. Her eligibility in the Auxiliary comes from her father, who was in the Navy during World War II, and her grandfather, who was in the Army during World War I. Prior to becoming national treasurer, Marta operated a consulting business offering marketing, organizational development, and accounting services to small businesses. Previously, she helped birth a nonprofit charged with long-range economic development planning for the State of Indiana, where she served as vice president of Business & Public Affairs, corporate secretary, and assistant treasurer. Marta has served in numerous leadership positions with her neighborhood association and at her church, where she served on the Children’s Ministry team, Finance Committee, Executive Planning Committee, and as the Administrative Board chairman. Marta and her husband have two children and reside in an Indianapolis community listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Programming & Event Planning

The Programming & Event Planning Division manages two huge components of the American Legion Auxiliary's mission work. They oversee the organization's goals and action steps at the national, state, and local levels, and they orchestrate the Auxiliary's major events and meetings to inspire, update, and move the Auxiliary membership forward in service to our veterans.

Colette Fike

Colette Fike, Programs and Events Director

(317) 569-4551 | cfike@ALAforVeterans.org

Colette was drawn to her job at the Auxiliary because it promotes values that are very dear to her: God and country. Since joining National Headquarters staff in November 2007, Colette has been helping implement the vision of Auxiliary leaders through coaching and support of our programming and event-planning teams. Having worked in the nonprofit world most of her career, Colette’s experience in program development, marketing and event planning was developed through her work at the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, and the Indiana State Museum. Early in her career, she traveled around the country for the Harlem Globetrotters, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Marlboro Country Music, and the 4-Wheel & Off-Road Jamboree. She also had the privilege of serving as the account executive for the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials. Outside of work, Colette loves to spend time riding bikes with her husband Bill. She is a member of East Palo Alto e-Unit 472 in California.

Stephanie Abisi

Stephanie Abisi, Events Manager

(317) 569-4553 | sabisi@ALAforVeterans.org

Stephanie’s relationship with The American Legion Family actually came long before her June 2000 start date at National Headquarters. With a grandfather who is a past department commander for Indiana and a father who is a past department adjutant for Indiana, Stephanie has never been far from The Legion Family and its mission at the grassroots level. In fact, Stephanie appeared on the January/February 1994 issue of National News with Helen Holcomb and is a former Hoosier Girls State citizen and government counselor. Currently, Stephanie is the events manager at National Headquarters, coordinating the National Convention and Washington DC Conference, and oversees the process for all other meetings and events. In her spare time, she enjoys being with her husband, Nick, their puggle, Sadie, and baking and cooking.

Nicole Chernish

Nicole Chernish, Meeting Logistics and Travel Coordinator

(317) 569-4554 | nchernish@ALAforVeterans.org

Nicole joined the Auxiliary events team in May 2011 after working inside sales for six years with a German manufacturing company. She has a deep respect and appreciation for those in the military because her grandfathers were both WWII Navy veterans, and she has several close friends and family members who currently serve. She brings her passion for people and travel into her role as Meeting Logistics and Travel Coordinator. Nicole is a Purdue Boilermaker, speaks German, and hopes to visit all 50 states and 7 continents in her lifetime. When she isn’t working or traveling with her husband Brian, she is a wine steward, plays the Irish field sport camogie, and loves watching movies.

Laura Casey

Laura Casey, Logistics Planner

(317) 569-4556 | lcasey@ALAforVeterans.org

Laura joined National Headquarters staff in October 2012. A year prior to that, she was a part of the American Legion Auxiliary Call to Service Corps as the Children & Youth Specialist AmeriCorps VISTA at National Headquarters. Having several friends and family members serving in the military, Laura is glad she can honor them in her work at ALA National Headquarters. Laura graduated from college in May 2011 and holds a bachelor of social work from Ball State University. Laura tries to live her life by one of Ghandi’s famous quotes: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” She has done this by participating in community service with the Boys and Girls Club, Habitat for Humanity, traveling to northern Ireland to work with youth, and giving a year of service as an AmeriCorps VISTA. In her spare time, Laura enjoys watching movies, reading in a hammock, and loves to be outside enjoying any warm Indiana weather by hiking or kayaking. Her goals in life are to get her master’s degree in not-for-profit management, travel around the world, go to all 50 states, and to keep making a difference in the lives of others.

Ariel Meyers

Ariel Meyers, Program Coordinator

(317) 569-4557 | meyersa@ALAforVeterans.org

Ariel joined National Headquarters in January 2012. She serves as program coordinator of the ALA Girls State/Girls Nation and National Security programs. Ariel also serves as liaison to the Youth Development Pod. She’s honored to work for an organization that serves veterans and military families and is excited to work on a program that impacts the lives of so many young women. Ariel received her bachelor’s degree in social studies education from Butler University. When not at work, you will most likely find Ariel working on crafts, sewing, spending time with her daughter, or cheering on the Butler Bulldogs.

Kristin Hinshaw

Kristin Hinshaw, Program Coordinator

(317) 569-4556 | khinshaw@ALAforVeterans.org

Kristin had a diverse background before joining National Headquarters. A graduate of Butler University, she has worked for a recording studio, for a video production company, in advertising, and for one of the top radio stations in Indianapolis. The American Legion Auxiliary and its mission are near and dear to Kristin’s heart. Her father is an Air Force veteran, her grandfather was in the Army Air Force during WWI, and her mother is a past unit president. Kristin has been an Auxiliary member since 1996. She and her daughters are members of Speedway Unit 500. Kristin and her husband Jeff are active volunteers at their daughters’ school. In her spare time, Kristin enjoys IndyCar racing, Butler Bulldogs basketball, and spoiling her daughters and dog.

Christine Hosp

Christine Hosp, Program Coordinator (PT)

(317) 569-4555 | chosp@ALAforVeterans.org

Christine grew up as a “military brat,” spending three years in Colorado Springs as a young child and then in Frankfurt, Germany, where her family was stationed for 10 years. Christine’s family did a lot of traveling all over Europe. One of the most memorable trips was to Berlin to chip away at the wall as it was coming down. The most beautiful spot from their European tour was one of several trips to the Neuschwanstein Castle, where she hopes to return with her own family which consists of husband John and their two children, Matthew and Isabelle. Christine’s connection to the military goes back generations, and she will be forever grateful for the opportunities the military has given to her and her extended family. Christine says she looks forward to helping give back to what formed the person she has become. She is a graduate of Marian University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration management and an associate’s degree in marketing.

Washington, D.C. Office

Promoting collaboration with organizations in our nation’s capital is the primary role of this division. Additional responsibility includes oversight of the American Legion Auxiliary Call to Service Corps VISTA Project.

Robert Reeg

Robert Reeg, Director of Government Relations/VISTA Project Director

(202) 265-7271 | rreeg@ALAforVeterans.org

Robert (Bob) Reeg is the director of government relations for the American Legion Auxiliary, and project director of the American Legion Auxiliary Call to Service Corps. In his government relations capacity, Bob is responsible for liaison with the federal legislative and executive branch. In his project director capacity, Bob is responsible for leading the Auxiliary’s AmeriCorps VISTA and AmeriCorps National projects to build and coordinate the capacity of military, veteran, and civilian organizations to support veterans, military servicemembers, and their families. Prior to joining the American Legion Auxiliary in 2008, Bob has held positions in advocacy, program development, and project management with organizations such as the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, National Network for Youth, National Coalition for the Homeless, and American Public Human Services Association. Bob holds a Master of Public Administration degree from The George Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Vanderbilt University.

Sharon Riegsecker

Sharon Riegsecker, D.C. Operations & AmeriCorps Grant Specialist

(202) 861-1351 | sriegsecker@ALAforVeterans.org

Sharon officially joined the Auxiliary's Washington, D.C. Office team as a staff member in May 2012, but served with National Headquarters through the ALA Call to Service Corps as an AmeriCorps VISTA in 2009-2010 and as an AmeriCorps VISTA Leader in 2011-2012. In her current role, she is helping to administer the ALA Call to Service Corps by working with its members before, during and after their service term. Sharon grew up in The American Legion Family and is most proud that her membership stems from her mother’s service in the Army. Since then, she has been an active member at her unit, attended the former Americanism Youth Conference, and both participated as a Citizen and served as a City Advisor of ALA Florida Girls State. Currently, Sharon is a member of Unit 57 in Fairbanks, Alaska. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, doing crafts and baking. Sharon has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Rollins College in Winter Park, Fla.