RIVER FALLS – Melissa “Missy” Hildebrandt has been elected to serve as Commander of River Falls American Legion Post 121, assuming the top role in the 550-plus member organization.

An Army veteran, Hildebrandt’s military service spanned 2002 to 2008, first as a Corrections Specialist at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., and then with the Minnesota National Guard’s 34th Military Police Company. She now works with the Ramsey County, Minn., Sheriff’s Department in the Adult Detention Center, is the mother of teenage daughters Madison and Makenna, and is married to Jeff, a rural Prescott dairy farmer.

Hildebrandt has been a member of Post 121 for 13 years.

“I was hesitant attending my first meeting,” she admits, “not knowing how or if I would fit in. From the minute I walked in the door and was introduced, I knew that this was a very special group of people who welcomed me with open arms. As a younger female veteran, I continue to be impressed by the support and encouragement of fellow members as we continue to grow and develop new ways of attracting and serving younger veterans. The connection that members from all branches and eras have with one another through the American Legion is truly something very different and something that is very special.”

While expressing appreciation for the confidence Post members have shown by naming her Commander, Hildebrandt is quick to point out, “I’m just one of the more than 550 members of River Falls Post 121 who are making a difference in the lives of veterans, military families, youth and so many others.”

Submitted by Bill Gnatzig