Local Veteran Lacey Szekely Joins Nation’s Finest Board

Former Army medevac pilot Lacey Szekely has been appointed Secretary of the Board of Directors for Nation’s Finest, a nonprofit organization focused on supporting veterans across California, Arizona, and Nevada. Her appointment, announced last month, positions Szekely to enhance the organization’s efforts in providing vital services to veterans, including housing, mental health support, and employment resources, reaching more than 3,500 individuals annually.

From Service to Support

Szekely, a native of the Columbia Gorge, has dedicated her life to helping others, a commitment that began during her time as a medical evacuation pilot in the Army. Over her eight years of service, which included two years in Afghanistan, she developed a strong sense of responsibility for her fellow soldiers, embodying a “leave-nobody-behind” mentality. “We picked up everyone, even those who didn’t make it,” she remarked, highlighting the emotional challenges of her role.

After separating from the military in 2012, Szekely faced personal hurdles transitioning to civilian life. “I expected it to be rainbows and butterflies — this dream that I built up in my mind,” she explained. Instead, she encountered difficulties reconciling her military experiences with her new reality. Turning to her passion for fitness, she became a personal trainer and opened her gym, Swët Fitness, in Reno, Nevada, in 2019.

Expanding Outreach and Support

Now, with her new role at Nation’s Finest, Szekely aims to broaden her impact on veteran communities. The organization’s primary goal is to provide a comprehensive support system, offering various forms of emergency aid, including housing, hot meals, hygiene products, and clothing. “It starts with accountability,” Szekely emphasized, noting the importance of strategic planning to ensure effective service delivery.

One key initiative under her leadership is the expansion of a mobile service unit designed to reach veterans in rural areas, where resources are often scarce. This unit will offer vital services such as substance abuse treatment and mental health resources, addressing the needs of underserved populations. “Purpose is everything,” Szekely stated, underlining the significance of helping veterans find direction in their lives.

Looking ahead, Nation’s Finest plans to extend its services into more states, including Oregon and Washington. Szekely encourages public support for nonprofits aiding veterans, stressing the importance of recognizing their sacrifices. “If they are willing to sacrifice everything, people should be willing to help get them back on track,” she urged.

Szekely’s journey from a military pilot to an advocate for veterans illustrates her unwavering dedication to service and community support. As she embarks on this new chapter with Nation’s Finest, her commitment to helping others remains a driving force in her life.