Transforming the Veteran Community: Jess Makin Continues Her Passion with HW American Legion Post 419
Honoring Jess as a 2024 Who’s Who of Horizon West Award Winner
Some say home is not a place, but a state of belonging. Though a newcomer to Horizon West herself, Jess Makin has found belonging by creating it for others.
Horizon West Magazine is honored to recognize Jess Makin as one of the winners of the Who’s Who of Horizon West Award for 2024. Presented annually, this award acknowledges local community leaders who have followed their passions, going above and beyond, to create incredible things for the Horizon West community. And Jess has done exactly that!
When she arrived in May of 2022, Jess joined the Horizon West Veterans social group and immediately asked, “How can I help?” She quickly became a moderator for their online group and stepped up as one of the first to volunteer to establish a new American Legion Post for our community.
With much determination and grit, Jess and her fellow Horizon West Veterans worked tirelessly to charter the local post, meet the American Legion’s requirements and recruit members and officers to make the dream a reality. Chartered in June of 2023 and recently approved and recognized as a permanent Post, American Legion, Horizon West Post 419 is actively serving our local Veterans and the community at large.
The American Legion’s mission statement is “To enhance the well-being of America’s veterans, their families, our military, and our communities by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.”
Post 419 is fulfilling the mission by offering a variety of resources and support services to veterans, their families, and the community. These services are designed to honor the commitment and sacrifices of U.S. military veterans while fostering community spirit.
Under Jess's leadership, the post has offered support like navigating Veterans Affairs benefits and career counseling. These are crucial for the well-being of veterans and their families. And through her efforts to organize social gatherings and community service events, camaraderie and long-lasting friendships are being built in Horizon West.
Creating Community & Fostering Connection
As a founder member for the newest American Legion, Horizon West Post 419. Jess also took on the roles of Second Vice Commander and Public Relations Representative and becoming the post’s social coordinator. Members say she’s the "social glue," creating a sense of belonging for Horizon West’s veterans.
Her leadership in establishing and growing the American Legion Post 419 has turned it into a cornerstone of community support for local veterans. By organizing social functions and community experiences, Jess helps build strong relationships among veterans and between veterans and the broader community.
Jess's engagement with the American Legion Post 419 fulfills her personal desire to give back to a community that reflects her own military background. Her story aligns perfectly with the Who's Who Award mission to bring forward residents who fill community needs and make life happy in Horizon West.
Additional Accolades
In her roles at Post 419, Jess forwards the American Legion's mission locally, but her efforts and talent have also been recognized far beyond Horizon West.
In June 2024, at The American Legion Department of Florida's 105th Annual Convention, she was awarded Runner-Up for Best Post Public Relations Program out of the 280+ posts from across the state of Florida.
Even more impressively, she was presented with the highest honor an individual can get during the year, The Legionnaire of the Year award. Her work within Post 419 on her duties as Second Vice Commander and Public Relations Officer, establishing the post with the Wreaths Across America program, and her work at Hire Heroes USA made her a deserving winner for the year.
Congratulations, Jess!
Jess Makin is just getting started as a volunteer. The Horizon West American Legion Post 419 and the Horizon West community itself have given her the impetus to serve in the capacity that she loves. Her efforts and leadership are not only transforming our local veteran community, but are also setting a strong foundation for future generations to continue building upon.
Join us in congratulating Jess and the other 2024 Who’s Who of Horizon West Award recipients. Learn more about the honorees and nominate someone for next year's awards at HorizonWestMagazine.com/WhosWho
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