By Heidi Stahl, Engel & Volkers Western Frontier, Stevensville
Let me introduce myself. I am a local real estate broker based here in Stevensville. I am also a VA recognized caregiver for my husband: A combat Marine who served two tours in Iraq. The Bitterroot veteran population Ed Sperry mentioned in his latest letter to the editor on my real estate brokerage – it’s me and my family. We are a military family, and we were both born in Montana. Besides being a full-time caregiver, I am also a sounding board and a local resource to countless caregivers on navigating the VA system. When I’m not with my family, I am helping Veterans in “our” military community buy and sell real estate. Nothing is transactional for me as I guide them through all of the benefits and amazing things Montana can offer them. I have fought a VA appraisal when I was told it couldn’t be done and to give up. I couldn’t give up – I had a double amputee veteran who needed this handicap accessible home and his appraisal was unjust. I have guided and directed so many Veterans that I guarantee you do not speak for them in the invaluable level of service that was provided. When I am not helping a service connected veteran find housing, I am donating to K9 Care Montana, which I have over the years – adding into the thousands. Why? Because my husband has had a service dog and I understand and appreciate what a service dog can do for the mental and physical aspects of life. I’ve donated to Hero Sound Project because music heals. I have taught a first time VA home buyers class because education and knowledge is power. I have donated to Xsports4 Vets who offer adrenaline based activities to mimic the level of adrenaline that was required for survival during war. I have been a board member for a non-profit here in our valley that provided veterans with all expense paid hunting and fishing trips.
You are correct, our brokerage’s brand is based out of Hamburg, Germany. Budweiser is headquartered in Belgium, Purina dog food is headquartered in Switzerland, 7-Eleven is based out of Japan (oh, so is Toyota and Sony), Nike and Adidas both manufacture out of Vietnam…
I would love an opportunity for the American Legion and any community member to come into our brokerage. Meet the amazing woman Dawn, who has brought this global franchise to Western Montana. She continues to pave the way for successful local women and men. Our real estate agents based out of this brokerage are all working parents, they live here and they work here. They have supported our community in unmeasurable ways.
In the words of the American Legion Code of Ethics, the organization is to promote an environment that values fairness and has a commitment to the organizationʼs founding principles and demonstrates RESPECT for others.
Let’s lift each other up and focus on how we can continue to be our best selves while serving our community.
Dawn Geiger says
Just read your letter. Kudos for you for what you do but….it is a shame that your office painted over the mural which has become a part of the legion park with an advertisement. When I was in your office I was told the owner of this building said and I quote, “she said we could do anything we wanted.” Not so fast….she did not say that. In fact she was bullied when she went into the office and left quickly.. You talk of respect? Your office did not respect the legions wishes to NOT cover their mural and please do not put the air conditioner in the wall but on the roof. So excuse me I do not think there is any lifting up between the legion and your office. You defaced that mural. Period. Lots of veterans are not happy nor are citizens. Good luck getting referrals from them and many citizens.