Wasilla-based, Anchorage veteran elected National Vice Commander of the American Legion

WASILLA— Post 35 is one of two American Legion posts in the Valley and of James “Jim” Pisa’s current but one of many across the state. He’s served as just about very title at Post 35 and the others and shows no signs of slowing down according to his friends at 35, like the set of Cheers. The bar is just the face f a family oriented group with four core pillars across the world: Veterans, Americanism, youth, and strong defense for the nation.

“It’s where everybody knows your name,” Ron Travis, Post 35 Commander said on Friday, almost two weeks after Pisa was elected as the National Commander of the American Legion.

After years of services, Pisa’s retirement is busily filled with bringing all brother of the U.S military together, from the long retied, WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam vets, WWII vets to active duty soldiers in this modern day of war and service to one’s country.

“He’s mister American Legion,” Travis said.

Post 35 is one of the most active stations in the state and the only one in the Valley with a Honor Guard. It looks and acts like many of its cousins, a full bar, restaurant, games, and so on for members. American Legion is one of many active military groups I the Valley, with many at home celebrations and hands helping in community events.

“Those guys have some pretty good stories to tell,” Travis said.

The ultimate goal is to give out as much money as they fundraise each year to their surrounding community. Pisa is a veteran of the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard. He was elected as national vice commander of the American Legion during its 100th National Convention in Minneapolis on Aug. 30.

“I loved it but I had to retire,” he laughed.

Post 35 distributes about $100,000 to the Valley is common each year and 2018 should be no exception, according to Travis. They work with a variety of non-profits, schools, and groups like the boy scouts, who’ve helped manage their annual American Flag Retirement Ceremony, where old, unusable flags from the Legion and donated by the Valley are burned after official military procedures. The public is always welcome and has historically been a part of the past ceremonies.

“We’re all vets, no matter what branch of service you were in,” Pisa said.

The only requirement to become an American Legion member under the brand of times of war or official combat. There are two other ways to join, have a father or grandfather that served in a time of combat, or be a spouse or other immediate relative of the active or inactive veteran. The word “karma” floats around, in the literal an symbolic sense in these places. The members often oversee several aspects, be it a holiday bash or fundraiser, throughout the year, only with the intent of comradery in mind.

Pisa has been a legionnaire since 1974. He’s served many positions across the state, including state commander of the Alaska American Legion from 2007 to 2008. He is one of 12 national officers in the U.S. overseeing the Western region that includes presences in foreign places like Japan, alongside Alaska and other Western States.

Post 35 has a lot going on, throughout the year, from weekly dinner specials to holiday get-togethers. Their soonest event is this Tuesday, Sept. 11, at 6 p.m. at their main location off the Parks Highway, as a 9/11 remembrance and flag retirement ceremony.

“We have a lot of flags!” Travis laughed.

The public is welcome to bring yet another donated flag and join Post 35, the boy scouts, and several other military driven community members to burn the flag in a funeral style fashion.