'Exciting time to be a member of NALPA'

Michael Hjelmstad served 16 years in the U.S. Marine Corps where he performed various jobs in radio communications, print journalism and broadcast. His last deployment was to Iraq in 2008.

Hjelmstad is a nine-year member of American Legion Hollywood Post 43 and currently serves as the National American Legion Press Association’s Area 4 vice president. 

David Wallace: What positions have you held at The American Legion post, district and department levels?

Hjelmstad: I’m currently the second vice commander of Hollywood Post 43, the first vice commander of District 24, the Los Angeles County Council Historian, and a technical adviser on the Department of California’s Media and Communications Commission. And I’m on the National Media & Communications council. 

Wallace: What do you like most about being a NALPA member and what inspires you to continue serving?

Hjelmstad: It’s an exciting time to be a member of NALPA, and I’m enthusiastic about the direction it’s going. What I like most are the people. I’m lucky in Area 4 to have Connie Jo Popham as director who is motivated and willing to teach me what she knows about being an effective leader of NALPA. This is just one example of living the devotion of mutual helpfulness that we recite in (The American Legion) preamble. 

Wallace: Tell me something unique about your post.

Hjelmstad: Hollywood Post 43 is unique in so many ways that I can’t possibly start to name them all. The historic building is one thing that really sets us apart, and we are so proud of it. We are in the process of a major upgrade to our theater space that will make it a state-of-the-art digital cinema by this time next year.

Wallace: What words of advice do you have for the younger generation of Legion members?

Hjelmstad: Be a part of the legacy and share the vision! Yes, I believe the recruiting posters. This organization has such an amazing history to be proud of, but the relevance is not in the past. If younger veterans are utilizing the GI Bill they should be aware that it was The American Legion that not only got the bill originally passed through Congress, but we also spearheaded the effort to modernize, improve and develop it into the amazing benefit that it is today. We are also very active in protecting veterans rights and helping them transition from the military to civilian life when that time comes. 
I say to the younger generation to get involved; there are so many ways at all levels. The Legion Family is yours, so find your place in it.