‘Making sure our service isn’t forgotten’

Members of Indiana’s only all-women’s American Legion post take advantage of every opportunity they can when it comes to community events. "We want women veterans and the community to know that we are here for them," said Indianapolis Post 438 Commander Christylee Vickers.

"When I got elected (as commander in July 2015) I wanted us to become more active in the community because that’s what the Legion’s Four Pillars are about," she added. "Women are so often forgotten about in the service so I’m passionate about making sure our service isn’t forgotten; making sure our service is acknowledged; and making sure that people know we are here in the community."

Post 438 had a booth at the April 15 Indiana Women Veteran's Conference, which was hosted by the state Department of Veterans Affairs. At the event, post members handed out brochures on how the Legion helps veterans, families and community members, showed copies of The American Legion Magazine to highlight membership benefits, and recruited new members. They members also made posters for their table display that read "Post 438 supports women veterans of all eras" and raffled off a free year of Legion membership.

"I love hearing, ‘I didn’t know there is a women’s (American Legion) post.’ Yes, we are here," Vickers said.

Other ways the post supports its community is by collecting clothing and toiletries for Hoosier Veterans Assistance Foundation; attending hearings at the state Capitol on legislation affecting veterans; and participating in homeless veterans stand down events. Their involvement in the community hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Vickers received a phone call from the NCAA asking her to bring women veterans to the 2016 NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship game on April 4 at Bankers Life Field House in Indianapolis to be recognized. Besides Post 438 members, women Legion members from St. Louis, Cincinnati and Michigan came to the event for their service and sacrifice to be honored.

"Our military service has built who we are; it’s shaped who we are," Vickers said. "I’m proud to be a Legionnaire. I’m proud of my service, and my family’s service."