Tom Goodin wrapped up his year as the American Legion Department of Missouri commander.
It is the highest leadership position in the state organization, reached after Goodin served in Post 5 and district-level offices, as well.
The last year has been brimming with travel and service, which Goodin has enjoyed. But he's looking forward to a rest and time with his grandchildren.
His attention to veterans issues and his service through the Legion will not end. In fact, the future may include the possibility of national posts.
Goodin is not motivated because of the titles, but rather the impact that the Legion has in the lives of veterans and servicemembers.
"I'm proud of being a veteran and I want to serve veterans," Goodin said. "Sometimes the community gives the Legion a bad wrap - that we're just old veterans drinking beer and swapping war stories."
The truth is veterans seldom discuss their combat experiences.
And the Legion hosts many programs for youth - such as Boys State, the Cadet Patrol, a national essay contest and baseball leagues - as well as veteran-specific initiatives.
Goodin praised the Legion for its involvement in the recent change in leadership at the U.S. Veterans Affairs. He also praised the Harry Truman Veterans Medical Center in Columbia for its positive reviews in comparison to many VA centers receiving poor ones.
During his term a department commander, Goodin has emphasized growing membership.
"Today's young veteran does not see himself as a veteran," he said.
"They tend to get involved when they want to give back."
The last year's membership drive welcomed women and young veterans in particular.
His fundraising project for the year supported the Legion's National Emergency fund, which has helped Missouri veterans' families during the 1993 and 1995 flooding and the Joplin tornado. Goodin hopes to send as much as $50,000 to the fund.
"I wanted to show our appreciation," he said.
As state commander, Goodin traveled to posts across the state for officer installations and other special events.
"I was going to cities I had never heard of," he said.
And Goodin's proudest achievement for veterans issues came when the federal government recently dedicated funding for veterans homes. He hopes the federal government might release funding for a sixth Missouri veterans home.
"We have the finest homes in the nation," he said.
At the post level, Goodin has remained involved with the annual special needs Christmas party and with the Jefferson City Veterans Council. And one of his lifetime accomplishments was organizing a commemoration 10 years after the end of the Vietnam War - more than 500 attended the 1985 event where only about 20 were expected, he said.
"Without the help of Post 5, I couldn't have been commander," Goodin said.
A Vietnam veteran, Goodin's Legion membership was opened by a Legion member during his overseas tour with the U.S. Marine Corps. When he returned, he got involved with the Post, which was established by an uncle and has since had several family members serve in post and auxiliary leadership.
"The World War I veterans were still here; I regret I didn't listen more," Goodin said. "When you've had your run, you mentor somebody to help move the organization forward."