VFW Officer Bio – Junior Vice Commander

1. Name & Position
Crystal Wiggins – Junior Vice Commander, VFW Post 280
As Junior Vice Commander, Crystal supports the leadership team in advancing the mission of the post, assists with membership and community engagement, organizes the Post’s Buddy Poppy events, and helps plan and execute programs that honor and serve veterans.

2. Military Background & Service
Crystal served in the United States Air Force from 2008–2016. She began her career in Electronic Warfare Avionics Backshop Maintenance (2008–2011) before advancing to Programs Manager for her Flight (2011–2013). During that time, her team was recognized as an Outstanding Team during the 35th Fighter Wing Consolidated Unit Inspection, an achievement formally acknowledged and presented by the PACAF Inspector General. Her continued work and leadership support led to her earning the Pacific Air Force Command Airmen Maintainer of the Year 2012 Award, the second-highest individual award in her career field.

In 2013, Crystal cross-trained into Weather Operations, serving as a Zone Supervisor for military installations across nine states while stationed at the 25th Operational Weather Squadron. She separated in 2016 with the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-5).

3. Connection to the VFW & Motivation
Crystal joined the VFW to carry the torch forward as a millennial veteran, ensuring that the legacy of service, advocacy, camaraderie, and support continues now and for future generations. For her, the VFW represents both remembrance and renewal — a space to honor those who came before while building opportunities and community for today’s veterans.

4. Leadership & Experience
Beyond her military service, Crystal has continued her leadership and advocacy for veterans. She served as President of the Mizzou Student Veterans Association (2021–2022), where she helped rebuild the organization and worked with Student Services to update and rebrand the MSVA, increasing engagement with the student body. She reconnected the group to ROTC, created a Women Veterans subgroup to provide inclusive spaces for connection, partnered with the Tiger Pantry to stock emergency food kits in the Veterans Center, and collaborated with the Veterans Urban Farm to provide free fresh produce for student veterans.

Today, Crystal serves as the Veterans Program Manager at Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture’s Veterans Urban Farm, overseeing multiple veteran-focused workforce training and wellness programs. Her work has been recognized by several local news outlets and VA News. In the past year, she directly supported 15 veterans through challenging life transitions, while also helping provide 17,000 pounds of fresh organic produce to local veterans and families. Her leadership connects people to nature, health, wellness, compassion, and a safe place to grow and heal.

5. Goals & Vision for the Post
Crystal’s vision is to strengthen Post 280 as a welcoming and engaged space for all generations of veterans while expanding its role in the broader community. She believes that while the post may be small, its heart and mission remain strong. She hopes to grow membership, foster deeper connections among veterans, and build more family-friendly, community-centered programs. She invites fellow veterans: "Come and join us — our mission is strong, and together we carry it forward.”

6. Personal Interests & Community Engagement
Crystal has two dogs and a cat at home, along with immediate family in town. She enjoys spending time in nature, exploring entrepreneurial endeavors, practicing and learning about holistic health, and traveling to experience other cultures and try new things. She remains active in local veteran networks and collaborates with organizations across mid-Missouri to improve veteran wellness, education, and empowerment.