Jannal Milich Becomes First Female Commander of VFW Post 8071

Jannal Milich Becomes First Female Commander of VFW Post 8071
Jannal Milich - Photo by Melody Hoover

When Jannal Milich joined the Army Reserve at just 17 years old, she had no idea her service journey would one day lead to a historic first in Virginia City. This summer, Milich became the first woman to take the helm as commander of VFW Post 8071, marking a major milestone for the local chapter.

“I never aspired to be commander,” Milich said with a laugh. “It’s not something I ever would have seen myself doing in a million years.”

Growing up surrounded by family members who served, from an aunt in the Women’s Army Corps to a Vietnam veteran uncle and brothers in the Army, Milich knew early on that military service was part of her heritage. But it wasn’t just tradition that pulled her in.

“When I was 17, I went to my brother’s graduation and heard him calling cadence—the yelling, the screaming—it got into me,” Milich recalled. “I wanted to be part of that, to get in over my head, to be yelled at. It was a patriotic feeling. I just really wanted to serve, so I did the very first chance I got.”

Milich served nearly 16 years in the U.S. Army Reserve, primarily in maintenance, working in motor pools. She deployed to Kuwait from 2003 to 2005 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, a pivotal experience that deepened her understanding of service and sacrifice.

After leaving the military, she and one of her brothers, also a veteran, moved to the Virginia City area from South Reno around 2016. They were looking to reconnect with the veteran community but weren’t sure where to start.

“We didn’t really know what all the different veterans’ organizations were or what they did,” Milich said. “I just saw a sign in the window at the Washoe Club that said they met the first Saturday of the month. I called my brother and said, ‘Get up here on Saturday, we’re going.’ We went to the meeting, and we were voted in right then and there.”

She’s been a dedicated member ever since.

Milich didn’t jump into leadership immediately, but her knack for organization and a willingness to pitch in didn’t go unnoticed.

“One of the former commanders, Brian Staples, asked me for help one day because he liked my handwriting,” she joked. That small favor turned into a bigger role. Milich became adjutant of the post, a position she’s held for the past seven years.

It wasn’t until years of working closely with past commanders Brian Staples and Phil Greaves that the idea of stepping into the commander role began to take shape.

“Phil and I, our visions are just so in line,” Milich said. “We worked together on so many things, and when he approached me and said, ‘I think you should do it,’ I started thinking maybe I could. I worked really hard, and I think a lot of our members saw that.”

Greaves, who served as commander before Milich, echoed her sentiments about their close working relationship.

“I became the commander for four years. Jannal stayed as my adjutant; she was my right hand, my left hand. I could not survive without her. She’s amazing, always on top of things,” Greaves said. “When I decided to step down, I knew I wanted the focus more on veteran programs, but that requires a commander who can take charge. Jannal was already handling a lot of paperwork, auditing, and managing the core support. We were always on the same page, especially about what our ideals and goals were for the post’s future.”

As commander, Milich hopes to continue building on the post’s strong sense of camaraderie while opening more doors for younger veterans to get involved.

Looking Forward

Now in her new role, Milich is focused on building stability for the post and its presence in the community. A major goal is to secure a permanent building for VFW Post 8071, which currently does not have a dedicated facility.

She’s also deeply committed to reaching younger generations through civics and patriotic education.

“I really want to be able to work with the schools,” Milich said. “Just so the kids have some type of understanding of what we do and why it’s important to be proud of their country, and to be inquisitive about our civics.”

Her passion for veteran-centered programming and community outreach has been shaped, in large part, by former commander Greaves, someone she calls both a mentor and one of her best friends.

“We believe in service to the community, but our main focus is service to veterans,” Greaves said. “We’re not interested in climbing the ladder or chasing promotions to state or national levels. Jannal shares this vision completely. She’s dedicated to keeping the post focused on what really matters, helping veterans and supporting the community.”

Milich echoed Greaves’ perspective and shared how his mentorship helped shape her approach.

“He just really gave me this outlook that always focuses on the veteran,” Milich said. “When we decide what programs we're going to do or who to donate to… if it isn't for the good of the veteran, and of course, we add kids and seniors to that, then it's not as important to us. That is our main goal.”

She credits Greaves with helping her clarify and focus her own leadership approach.

“He’s really helped me see and keep this vision in mind, that you always have to strive for that and always be looking for ways to help. I had the vision, I just didn’t really know how to define it yet. He’s so passionate about this mission, and I’ve really connected with that. I’m just really grateful for him,” she said.

For Milich, leading Post 8071 is less about breaking barriers and more about building something lasting for her fellow veterans, the community, and for those who will one day follow in her footsteps.

When asked what service means to her today, Milich reflected on both her family’s military history and her current role in the VFW.

“At first it meant that I had the honor to swear into the same fighting force that many of my family members served and fought in (both males and females),” she said. “Now that I volunteer in the VFW, I work with some of the most amazing veterans. It’s such an honor for me to help our community members alongside some pretty awesome people.”

She added with pride, “To include Andy LePeilbet, who we believe to be the most highly decorated veteran in Nevada!”