STRUTHERS, Ohio - The American Veterans organization or AMVETS was founded in 1944, and for the first time in the organization's history, they've elected a woman as their national commander.

Jan Brown of AMVETS Post 44 in Struthers was named the organization's national commander at their conference in Louisville, Kentucky on August 24th. 

"It's certainly a step forward for women veterans in the veteran's service organizations, said Brown. 

Brown has been a member of AMVETS since 1996 and has been involved with local veterans and veterans advocacy groups since. One of her goals as the national commander will be looking at a different way to address suicide prevention for veterans. 

"Whether it be a retreat of some yoga, meditation, or a number of treatments, but find a balance for each person," Brown said. 

Brown hopes that she can reach more people than the organization has in the past and hopes her election will continue to shine a light on the active veteran's community in the Valley. 

Brown isn't the first national commander from this area, in 2007 to 2008 her husband, John Brown served as national commander of AMVETS, making them the first husband and wife duo to be national commanders of AMVETS.