Earlier this summer, Tyra Nelson was hired as the new American Legion Auxiliary Washington, D.C. site director.

She spent her first week in D.C., putting the office into working order and getting acquainted with The American Legion staff. Her second week was spent receiving briefings at ALA National Headquarters in Indianapolis.

We caught up with Tyra to get to know her a little more. Read on!

From left, Lisa Williamson, 2018-2019 Education National Chairman, D.C. Director Tyra Nelson, and Chrystal Daulton, program manager at ALA National Headquarters.

1) Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a very outgoing, friendly, kind, loving, understanding, funny, empowering, self-starter, resilient, dynamic, and spiritual woman.

2) Can you share some of your previous work experience?
I’ve worked in the human service field for over 20 years. In my most recent position, I worked as regional coordinator for the Army Reserves Yellow Ribbon Program. I had the opportunity to provide services to soldiers and their family members that were either pre or post-deployment. My job was to make sure resources were available to access with deployment and that returning back from deployment was successful.

3) What are you most excited about when it comes to working for the American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters?
I’m excited to continue working with the military and their families as well as learning more about Auxiliary resources.

4) Do you come from a military background/family? If so, please explain.
My brother/best friend was in the Army Reserves about 35 years ago. What I enjoyed most were the letters I would receive, gifts, and when they came home. Since at that time I was his only sister, I would imagine myself traveling to all the different states that he was in after reading his letters.

5) What do our veterans, military, and their families mean to you?
They bring a sense of hope and safety that one day we will all be better people toward one another, knowing that they put their life on the line for this to be a wonderful place to live.

Nelson and Daulton were vendors for the military spouses at the Heroes to Hire Career Fair.

7) Do you think it’s important we have an office/presence in D.C.?
Not only do I think the presence of the Auxiliary is important in D.C., but I believe with hard work, we can get new members that would help the Auxiliary change lives one at a time.

8) What are some goals you hope to accomplish as D.C. director?
My goal is to become a subject matter expert (SME) in all the services we have for our military and their family members and to help continue informing the world about how much our veterans, military, and their families mean to the Auxiliary.

9) Share a fun fact about yourself.
In my next life, I would like to be the world’s greatest race car driver.

10) Is there anything else you want people to know about you?
I’ve always dreamed about living in the D.C./Virginia/Maryland area, I just didn’t know how I was going to make that dream a reality. My dream has now become a reality. I strongly believe that the best dream for your life will come true. Just never stop dreaming!

The Washington, D.C. office of The American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary.