In a series of Q&A’s, IAVA is sharing what #VetsRising means, and is, to our members. Meet Jeremiah Fisher a U.S. Army veteran who resides in Pleasant Hill, Missouri.

What brought you to IAVA?
I really wanted to get connected to other veterans in my area and start helping my community. I looked at the regular VFW, AMVets and American Legion options but none of them really seemed to fit what I was wanting to do. Also, 99% of them were not Iraq or Afghanistan veterans. So I went on a search to find a home where the members understood where I was coming from. I found IAVA!

As a burgeoning local community leader, what do you hope to see this year as you build up IAVA’s presence in the St. Louis area?
I really want to get our VetTogethers going once a month and increase participation with other local leaders to encourage them to host their own VetTogethers. I would love to look at the VetTogether map and see Missouri filled with little black pins every month!

What’s the best thing you’ve heard from someone since you’ve been involved with IAVA?
I was talking to a veteran of Desert Storm and OIF who was telling me that he was so glad we hosted a VetTogether. He and his wife had not been out in while and finally he felt like this was something he could come to and feel welcome, safe and be around like-minded people. I was highly encouraged by this, knowing exactly where he was coming from. I knew right then that if these community events can help just one veteran each time, they are completely worth my time and effort and I will keep driving on to make sure they happen regularly.