AARP Idaho Executive Council Member Receives 2024 Spirit of Freedom: Idaho Veterans Service Award from U.S. Senator Mike Crapo

AARP Idaho Executive Council member Tom Ressler has received the 2024 Spirit of Freedom: Idaho Veterans Service Award. Senator Crapo created the award in 2002 to recognize Idaho veterans and volunteers for their outstanding service to our country and its veterans.

THOM JUUL

American Legion Post 113 of Meridian nominated Tom Ressler due to his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to veterans.

Lupe Wissel, state sirector of AARP Idaho, highlighted Tom Ressler’s role as a member of the AARP Executive Council where he leads all veterans’ work and noted, “He enjoys being around other veterans and strives to meet the needs of veterans and their families who need assistance. As a leader, he identifies needs, finds solutions and brings people together to meet those needs,” said Wissel.

Tom Ressler served decades in the U.S. Air Force, including his service as Command Chief Master Sergeant (the highest enlisted rank attainable) of the 49th Fighter Wing, Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. He earned a number of honors for his honorable service that include the Meritorious Service Medal with three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal and Air Force Achievement Medal to name just a few.

Following his retirement from the Air Force, Chief Ressler served as Idaho Division of Veterans Services Program Supervisor. In this capacity, he oversaw the Idaho Office of Veterans Advocacy that assists Idaho veterans and their families with obtaining their earned benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Governor Otter awarded Chief Ressler the Idaho Distinguished Service Medal for his service to Idaho’s military community.

Chief Ressler has been a staunch advocate for veterans, supporting veterans initiatives statewide for more than 40 years, including his co-founding of the Idaho Veterans Olympics that has had a 30-year lifespan and touched the lives of countless veterans and their families.