New ADSO: Meet the new ADSO

For the many of you who do not know me, my name is Jason Storm. I was hired six months ago as the American Legion’s assistant department service officer (aka ADSO) for the Department of Minnesota.

I am an Operation Iraqi Freedom combat veteran (2009-10) with A Battery, 1st Battalion, 151st Field Artillery of the Minnesota National Guard.

I am a husband of 16 years to my wife, Sarah, and father of two, Elijah and Olivia. Prior to The American Legion, I was a corrections officer for the state of Minnesota for six years, and my last six years were spent working at the Isanti County Jail.

For many years, I lived the majority of my days with sex offenders, murderers, thieves and addicts. I have been spat on, kicked and threatened. My mental health was anything but good. I have always been a firm believer of the saying, “If you don’t like it, change it!”

I started to look for a new career after 12 years of corrections. I was terrified and excited for the new possible adventure I was about to have. One thing was for sure — I needed a change.

I started to look into becoming a veterans service officer, and my first line of knowledge was going to come from the nation’s largest veteran’s organization, The American Legion. Like many, I knew that The American Legion had something to do with my claims, and when I was younger, the Legion had a nice restaurant and bar in my hometown.

So I jumped online and became a member! I found some contact information for department and reached out to current Department Service Officer Janet Lorenzo. After a half-hour conversation, a couple of interviews, I was hired as the new assistant department service officer.

The last six months have been extremely fast-paced. With a large amount of Fund 85 requests, events to table, phone calls, conventions, conferences, veterans in crisis and so much more. It has been a huge eye-opener on what the Legion has done and continues to do as an organization for veterans.

I didn’t realize how much I needed this sense of community back in my life. Now everyday (often at night), I get to help other veterans is need. Whether it’s a referral to the right person, or keeping the lights on for a veteran and their family, I get to be the person veterans contact when they need help.

I am still learning my position, and from what I can tell, there is so much more to go! I am excited to be here, humbled and very proud to hold this position as the ADSO.

Jason Storm is the assistant department service officer for The American Legion Department of Minnesota. His email is [email protected].