I Am The American Legion: Walter Ivie
Walter Ivie walked into his first meeting at Travis Post 76 in Austin, Texas, as a new American Legion member. He walked out as the post’s finance officer. The role was ideal for Ivie, who has a master’s in business administration, passed the CPA exam and worked professionally in finance for years.
Under Ivie’s stewardship, the historic post home underwent a renovation and now brings in money from hosting weddings and other events.
The American Legion, too, proved a good fit for the former infantry officer.
“The real reason I joined was that as a platoon leader in Vietnam I took care of my guys – I looked after them, felt responsibility for them,” Ivie says. “When I was asked to join The American Legion, it was another opportunity for me to stand up for those veterans. I think about those guys frequently and wonder how some of them are doing. I’m dedicated to working for all veterans to see that they get what they deserve.”
After 30 years of fighting for veterans’ rights, Ivie embraces the role of leading the next generation of Legionnaires. “When
I joined, I helped build this post. At this point in time I would like to relax a little, but you get invested in the post, and you have to keep it going. We must transition from our Vietnam veterans to the Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.”
Branch of service Army (1963-1967)
Rank First lieutenant
Military job Infantry operations/intelligence specialist
American Legion post Travis Post 76, Austin, Texas
Years in The Legion 30
Legion activities
- National Media & Communications Commission chairman (2015-present)
- National Revenue Enhancement Committee chairman (2012-2015)
- Department commander (2016-2017)
- District commander (2008-2010)
- Post commander (1995-1996)
- Post adjutant (2007-2012, 2017-present)