As the new commander of the Middleburg American Legion (AL) chapter, "IT Guy" Gary Nickelson has big 21st century plans for the organization. He is one of the youngest AL commanders in Virginia.

He sees his volunteer post as a way of solving issues and assisting and supporting local veterans. As he says himself, The military is a place where its members see a problem or an issue and "look to solve it."

Having taken over in July from the previous commander who was in the position for 20 years, he plans to stay in the role for two years. Already Nickelson has brought the chapter up to speed in terms of internet connectivity and communications.

The American Legion is many things. According to Nickelson, it is "a social club for veterans and (a base for) our Vets Helping Vets program that ,along with other local organizations, provide financial assistance, transportation, healthcare and housing assistance to needy veterans."

Aside from improving communications via internet, Gary plans to provide more accessibility to the chapter's members, and has already installed a ramp for those differently abled requiring an alternative to steps. This addition will serve not only the members, but the community at large who often attend meetings, seminars and events held in the building which is located at 111 The Plains Road across from Sporting Museum.

"We recently had a ramp installed on our side door for ease of access for all who visit our Post. Upcoming activities include the Christmas in Middleburg Parade using our back lot to stage participants. We will open our halls for hot chocolate and to get warm." Nickelson says."And in the coming weeks, Lt. Jones of the Middleburg Police Department will present a class on protecting yourself from online scams online."

Nickelson also plans to increase engagement for American Legion members. In the past, he says, the building was only open for monthly meetings and if members wanted to stop by to ask questions or join, they couldn't.

"I want to bring a presence back where stopping at the Legion becomes a weekly routine. I've installed WiFi and personally began working out of the Legion Hall once or twice a week. My wife and I will hold Tuesday morning breakfasts as our schedule permits. We hope to start a 'Sunday Brunch' activity that will be open to the entire community. We want to enlarge this effort to get-togethers for football games, Kentucky Derby and Preakness viewing parties and more. I want the Post to be the first choice where members and the community can meet to celebrate and get together."

Nickelson is originally from Oregon and met his wife during their basic training. They have a fourth-grade daughter. His daughter is one reason he is involved with another project designed to open the American Legion Boys State to young women/girls.

Traditionally this weeklong program admits young men (High School juniors) and teaches them the rights, privileges and responsibilities of franchised citizens and covers city, county and state government structures. Students are elected to various offices, activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, lawenforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, choruses and recreational programs. (https://www.legion.org/boysnation/about).

Because he has a daughter, Nickelson is especially sensitive to the fact that local girls cannot be admitted to the sister program (Girls State) in Middleburg because there was no such local program, yet. Through working with local schools' guidance counselors on the boys' program, he was always asked about Girls State.

"Girls State is put on by the American Legion Auxiliary and being a small Post, we did not have one. I made it my first mission to make Girls State available to our community, not only because I have a daughter, but I want this opportunity to be there for all girls."

"I have contacted the Virginia Department Auxiliary and am proud to offer Girls State along with Boys State this year. I have also acquired funding to sponsor at least two girls, perhaps more as sponsorships come in."

But the future of community involvement with the chapter is Nickelson's primary goal.

"Shortly after I accepted the position, I heard community members reminiscing about the Legion and their memories of dances, wedding receptions, bingo, or just guys hanging out all night and then having breakfast."

"So, last year we completed a kitchen renovation, bringing us in code compliance with our plumbing. We want the community to use our place for events again. Currently, we sponsor Boy Scout Troop 2950 who hold their meetings there and have begun a partnership with the Town and the Middleburg Business and Professional Associations.``

The doors are open and Commander Nickelson is there to welcome everyone. Come by and say hello.