Cheryl Ing joined the Department of California staff in August 2015 and since then has worked hard to help advance the programs of The American Legion in the Golden State.
For Ing, much of her focus has been on youth programs.
“There is always something new to learn and every day is an adventure,” said Ing, programs & fundraising coordinator for Department headquarters in Sanger. “I look forward to being a part of our bright future and accomplishing all I can to make our Department of California a success for our veterans and for our programs that support the youth of tomorrow.”
Cheryl Ing
For Boys State, an American Legion program that puts high school juniors at the controls of a mock government for a week, Ing devotes herself for 10 months.
“I assist with the printing of the packets in preparation of mass mailing to the district chairpersons,” Ing said. “I assist with data entry for the 1,025-plus students who are enrolled, and I answer calls from parents, schools and posts.”
Deadlines are a huge necessity for Boys State and all of the organization’s programs.
“Please assist me with my job and turn your paperwork and checks in on time,” Ing said.
Ing also supports the baseball, oratorical and scouting programs, as well as the Four Chaplains service.
Fundraising is a daily task for Ing. She works on sweepstakes, spring labels, fall labels, veteran surveys, note pad/note cards, calendar and greeting cards. Ing also assists Victory 360, the Department of California’s partner fundraising company, with proofs and project deadlines.
“These important mailings have a huge impact on our VA&R fundraising,” Ing said. “Thank you all for your support and donations.”
In addition to supporting headquarters administratively, Ing is active in The American Legion Auxiliary and in the community.
Her brother’s 26 years of service in the Air Force earned Ing her membership eligibility and she hasn’t squandered it. Last year, Ing became a charter member of Auxiliary Unit 23 in Sanger.
She has been a committee member and volunteer for the Sanger Veterans Parade since 2015.
“It takes a village to make our communities great places to live and work,” Ing said. “We all need to find an organization we care about and give of ourselves to make our community better for our families and to better the future for our youth.”
Ing believes volunteer service is an important part of being an American.
“Volunteering is a necessity for our organizations to thrive, so find a place that fits your beliefs and give them a few hours a week,” Ing said. “You will be a better person for it.”
Author: Jared Morgan
Jared is the senior editor and web team lead for the Department of California and chair of its Media & Communications Commission. He became a member of the American Legion in 2014 when he joined Palisades Post 283 to find stories about veterans issues for a local newspaper while working as its news editor. He was soon brought in as 283's assistant adjutant and historian to help produce the post's award-winning community newspaper. Since then, Jared has used his media skills to help further the efforts of The American Legion in its advocacy of veterans and their families. Jared has also worked for several years to help revitalize the 100-year-old Santa Monica Post 123, formerly as its adjutant and as a member of its executive board, before transferring back to Post 283.
