Air Force Reservist (individual mobilization augmentee)

I joined VFW Post 3063 in 2016 so I could connect with veterans in my local community. Since joining I've volunteered in various positions and a bulk of the work focused on internal and external communications. This allowed me to understand the benefits of the VFW and the profound challenges we currently face.During my tenure as Post Commander, I've been focused on improving the membership experience and also integrating with the community. The civil-military divide is real, especially in Seattle, and getting out in the community helps bridge the gap. We have massive potential to create an attractive space for veterans to gather in North Seattle. Our building is aging and we'll need to pursue redevelopment at some point in the near future. In the meantime we need to improve the experience and outcomes so that we can demonstrate our value to veterans, the community, stakeholders and potential donors.

- Planned, coordinated and directed Public Affairs activities/programs involving traditional and social media for WA ANG.- Key liaison/event coordinator between media, civic leaders, wings, HQ WA ANG, HQ WAARNG and JFHQ-WA.- Was responsible for preparing & editing stories and social media posts; served as WA ANG spokesperson to the public.- Directly supported and advised senior leaders, commanders, wing PAOs on media/community relations and command info.- Regular participant in the Bersama Warrior exercise in Malaysia as part of the State Partnership Program.

- Responsible for managing wing's complaints resolution program (CRP) and planning, organizing, and executing the wide range of activities for the Commander's Inspection Program (CCIP). - Leads as “eyes and ears” of the commander and helps commanders prevent, detect, and correct fraud, waste and abuse, and mismanagement. - Orients the CCCIP to focus on commander's objectives, and incorporates lessons learned into the inspection plan. - Establishes, develops, and maintains effective working relationships with installation and headquarters' leadership at all levels on matters concerning inspections and complaints resolution.- Part-time (weekend/month + two weeks/year).

- Ombudsman for 1,000 Airmen; primary adviser to the commander and staff. - Tracks fraud, waste, and abuse; reprisal; and restriction to ensure safe workplace.- Coordinates with leadership at all levels and educates Airmen on whistleblower rights.- Part-time (weekend/month + two weeks/year).

Directed all public relations matters for 900-person 129th Rescue Wing and managed staff of eight. Served as primary spokesperson and provides trusted counsel to leadership. Supervised operation of website, social media outreach, newsletter production, and planning of public events. Wrote releases and articles directed at external and internal audiences. - Deployed to respond to the 2008 California wildfires emergency. Wrote articles posted on Department of Defense websites and provided interviews to regional and national media, including Good Morning America and the New York Times. - Planned and expertly executed eight large-scale media events during unit deployments and homecomings. Regional TV, radio, print and blogs provided positive coverage in nation’s 6th largest media market. Recruiting numbers climbed.- Coordinated with regional media to cover the search and rescue mission of a dying Canadian fisherman 500 miles off the coast of California. Embedded San Jose Mercury News reporter and photographer on mission and received positive above-the-fold front page coverage that led to Canadian coverage and dramatic Reader’s Digest story.- Pioneered the military’s new media efforts. Among the first in the Air National Guard to utilize YouTube, Twitter and Facebook. During Hurricane Ike in 2008, posted timely and dramatic first-person helicopter rescue footage viewed by thousands on YouTube. Efforts praised by Air Force leadership as PR success story. - Created electronic unit newsletter and shut down the mailed print version. Shifted focus to streamlined communications via email, unit website and social media sites, which saved the unit $12,000 per year and 20 man hours per month.

- Educated local community about the unit's rescue mission. Represented wing at quarterly Santa Clara County National Guard and Veteran's Affairs Committee meeting. Interfaced with ESGR rep to provide advice to deployers during every AEF pre-deployment mass training session. Provided quarterly base tours to community groups. Coordinated aerial event requests with WG/CC, JFHQ/PA and Air Division. Fulfilled event requests by maintaining Speaker's Bureau populated with a variety of wing personnel. - Wing spokesman to local, state and national news media. Composed news releases for unit deployments, operational missions, and state emergency responses and coordinated approval higher headquarters. Approved releases were disseminated to the news media and local civic leaders, and posted on the wing Web site and social media sites. Coordinated media visits at the unit with command, wing agencies and NASA security. - Collected wing's mission accomplishment data for wing level award packages and yearly wing history report. Created and managed database for tracking wing-level award deadlines and requirements. Unit received two national-level awards due to award writing and attention to detail: Air Force Outstanding Unit Award and NGAUS Spaatz Trophy. - Functioned as wing's Sexual Assault Response Coordinator ensuring that victims received immediate care. On call 24/7, conducted annual wing-wide ancillary training once a year, managed Victim Advocates, and coordinated Sexual Assault Case Management Board.

- Assisted constituents with federal issues as Senator Patty Murray’s military caseworker.- Wrote correspondence to federal agencies and constituents on behalf of the senator.- Helped constituents with sensitive issues, such as Military Sexual Trauma and PTSD. - Escalated trends in the state to the senator, leading to changes in national policy.- Developed relationships with government, non-profit, and veterans stakeholders.- Uncovered discrepancies in medical diagnoses at Madigan Army Medical Center, which led to a 2012 review of all Department of Defense behavioral health records.- Resigned position in order to stay home with young children (childcare costs are too damn high).

- Led research of editorial, award and speaking opportunities for tech companies. - Expertly crafted releases, status reports and pitches, and performed editorial and analyst outreach. - Provided support for client events such as media tours, tradeshows and press events. - Investigated market trends and developed top-tier influencer base for client accounts.

- Oversaw and revised strategic communication plans to manage potential U.S. Air Force public relations issues as part of the 7th Information Warfare Flight. - Advised U.S. and South Korean leaders on external and internal communication strategies. - Analyzed media content to detect negative themes and develop timely responses. - Served as training manager for 25 employees and created and implemented top-notch training program. - Received Superior Performer Award following inspection; awarded to top five of 2,000 employees.

- Served as a spokesperson for 105,000-person Air Combat Command, and provided media training to leadership and subject matter experts. - Responded to national media requests and coordinated interviews and responses. - Crafted time-sensitive press releases and Q&A in response to crisis events. - Approved and coordinated government, media and public requests for flying events. - Wrote, edited, and distributed articles to 10,000+ readers via organization’s email news service.

- Provided assistance to account managers and clients of successful public relations firm. - Wrote public relations materials and learned the industry from the ground up. - Collaborated with clients to produce quality publicity products that reflected their needs and requests.