OUTREACH COORDINATOR

Jill Layton is a 65-year paid-up-for-life American Legion Auxiliary member of Liberty Unit 289 in Strasburg, IL (19th District). Her eligibility is through her father, an Army World War II Veteran, her brother Larry, an Army Vietnam Veteran, and her son Josh, a Marine Veteran currently in the Marine Reserves.  

Jill has been married to Steve Layton for over 40 years. Their children are Chuck (wife Brenda), Josh (wife Jenna) and Hannah (husband Levi). They have eight grandchildren.  

Jill retired after 42 years of being a court reporter for the Fifth Judicial Circuit in the State of Illinois. She served as the Fifth Circuit Court Reporter Supervisor for the last several years.  During her tenure as a court reporter, Jill served on the Illinois Court Reporter Association’s board and served two years as the Illinois Court Reporter Association’s President.  She was also very active in the Veterans’ History Project, combining both loves of court reporting and Veterans. 

Not only is Jill active in her Unit, but she served as District President in 2011 and has been District Secretary for over 25 years. She has served as Department Junior Activities Chairman, Centennial Chairman (for two years), National Security Chairman, and Legislative Chairman. Jill was the only member to win first place in the Unit History, District History, and Division History in the same year! Her nominations for National President’s Award for Excellence has won four years in a row. She has been instrumental in creating a Community Service sheet used by many Units in Illinois as well as updated policies and procedures.

Steve & Jill were very active in their kids’ activities – even serving the football team dinner on Thursday nights before a football game for 10 years!  Jill spends her time now enjoying and spoiling her grandkids!!!

SOCIAL MEDIA / WEBSITE COORDINATOR

Based in Kansas City, MO, Jalen Romero works full-time at Christ in Youth on their Church Relations team while her husband, Jacob, finishes Optometry school. Jalen has worked in marketing since 2020, with a focus on helping organizations tell their stories in authentic and impactful ways. She is passionate about using her skills to support nonprofits that make a difference in people’s lives.

VOLUNTEER / MERCHANDISE COORDINATOR

Jami McIntyre will be assisting in recruiting volunteers for our events and programs once we get the property and get things up and running.  Jami is also going to be coordinating our online store once we start getting merchandise available for purchase.  Jami works as a paraprofessional, working with children with Autism.

Jami has been a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for 20 years and has held offices and chairmanships at the local, district and State levels.  She has been a partner of the 8 and 40 Organization, where she holds the office of Chapeau in the State of Illinois.  This organization aids in raising funds for children with lung or other respiratory diseases.  Jami has a heart for serving children and Veterans.  She volunteers with the Illini Girls State program and is a member of their State planning committee.  

"It will be an honor to volunteer at an amazing place ran by 2 of the best people I know."