Leadership Team

Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. Chairman of the Board General, USMC (Ret.) 19th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff 36th Commandant of the Marine Corps

General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. served as the 19th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the nation’s highest-ranking military officer, and the principal military advisor to the President, Secretary of Defense, and National Security Council from Oct. 1, 2015, through Sept. 30, 2019. Prior to becoming Chairman, General Dunford served as the 36th Commandant of the Marine Corps. He previously served as the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps from 2010 to 2012 and was Commander, International Security Assistance Force and United States Forces-Afghanistan from February 2013 to August 2014. A native of Boston, Massachusetts, General Dunford graduated from Saint Michael’s College and was commissioned in 1977. He has served as an infantry officer at all levels, to include command of 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines, and command of the 5th Marine Regiment during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. General Dunford also served as the Assistant Division Commander of the 1st Marine Division, Marine Corps Director of Operations, and Marine Corps Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies and Operations. He commanded I Marine Expeditionary Force and served as the Commander, Marine Forces U.S. Central Command. His Joint assignments include duty as the Executive Assistant to the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Chief of the Global and Multilateral Affairs Division (J-5), and Vice Director for Operations on the Joint Staff (J-3). A graduate of the U.S. Army Ranger School, Marine Corps Amphibious Warfare School, and the U.S. Army War College, General Dunford also earned master’s degrees in Government from Georgetown University and in International Relations from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.

Annette Conway Vice-Chair of the Board

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Mrs. Conway was raised in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. Her father, a postman, and mother raised six children. Following graduation from high school, Mrs. Conway attended Southeast Missouri State University where she majored in Elementary and Special Education and minored in History. Following graduation, she married her college sweetheart, James Conway, also of Missouri. Prior to his service in the Marine Corps, he and Mrs. Conway taught school for a year in Ste. Genevieve County.

Throughout her 40 years of service as a Marine wife, Mrs. Conway has taught middle school and special needs students in various public school systems. Her last nine years of teaching were in Prince William County, Virginia. Currently, she is active in volunteer work and serving as an advocate for all Marine families.

General and Mrs. Conway raised three children. Sons, Lieutenant Colonel J. Brandon Conway, USMC, and Lieutenant Colonel A. Scott Conway, USMC. Their daughter, Samantha, is married to Lieutenant Colonel David B. Moore, USMC, a Marine Cobra pilot.

Mrs. Conway has volunteered for the United Service Organization (USO) and the Armed Services YMCA, which is dedicated to providing support services to military service members and their families for more than 140 years, particularly focused on junior-enlisted men and women.

Mrs. Conway is a founder, and currently serves as Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Semper Fi Fund (SFF). SFF was founded on May 18, 2004, by a small group of concerned Marine Corps spouses to provide financial grants and other assistance to the Marines, Sailors, and families of those injured serving our Nation.

Mrs. Conway is the proud Gram to her seven grandchildren, Clara, Amelia, James, Leif, Will, Zach and Beckett.

Edward ‘Kim’ Foley III Treasurer of the Board Chairman of Foley, Inc U.S. Marine (1967–1971)

Kim Foley is Chairman of the Board of Foley, Incorporated, the Caterpillar dealership serving northern New Jersey, Staten Island, and Bermuda. Caterpillar is the world’s leading supplier of machines, engines, and support services for customers dedicated to building infrastructure and developing and transporting resources. Foley, Incorporated, sells, rents, and services the full line of Caterpillar construction equipment, power generation units, and on-highway and marine engines, as well as an extensive array of allied rental tools and equipment. In his current role, Kim provides the vision and future direction for the organization and is a board member of the corporation.

Under his leadership, Foley, Incorporated, has pioneered new initiatives to better serve its customers, including the recent deployment of 6 Sigma throughout the organization, and a new state-of-the-art computer-based transactional system. In 2003 Foley, Incorporated, was the recipient of Caterpillar’s prestigious Annual Quality Improvement Award. Kim also sponsored the development of Foley, Incorporated, Company Values, a code of conduct consisting of Trust, Mutual Respect, Communication, Excellence, and Success.

Kim is a graduate of the University of Denver and holds a bachelor’s degree. He also attended Harvard’s School of Business Administration, Smaller Company Management Program (now known as OMP).

Kim served in the United States Marine Corps as an officer from 1967 to 1971. While in Vietnam, he was a platoon commander, and company commander for various units of the 1st Marine Division.

In addition to Kim’s commitment to the success of Foley, Incorporated, he is very involved in the community. His positions have included: Board Member, Morristown Memorial Hospital Health Foundation; Past Board President, The Peck School; Past Board President, Morristown-Beard School; Young Presidents’ Organization, NJ Presidents’ Association; Board Member, NJ Chamber of Commerce; Director, NJ Alliance for Action; Director, Defense Orientation Conference; Director, Life Camp of the Newark Boys and Girls Club.

Kim and his wife, Noel, live in Morristown, New Jersey. They have two sons, one daughter, and four grandchildren. The two sons are the fourth generation of Foleys to have entered the management of the company. Jamie is the President of Foley, Incorporated, and Ryan is the VP of Foley Rents/Customer Relationships.

Outside of work, Kim’s interests include being an avid pilot, skier, and horseman.

Jason W. Aiken Executive Vice President, Technologies, General Dynamics

Robert M. ‘Bob’ Bowlin Former Chairman of Sony Music International CPA (Ret.)

Bob was born in Englewood, New Jersey. He attended Georgetown University, graduating with a BSBA in 1975. That same year, he began his career with Price Waterhouse & Co. in its New York office. During his more than 15 years with the firm, he served over 30 clients, including Chemical Bank, Nomura Securities, ADT, Phelps Dodge, Inspiration Resources, Westvaco, Viacom, MTV Networks, Showtime, Merv Griffin Productions, Columbia Pictures, and Group W Broadcasting. He was one of the firm’s industry experts in mining and in entertainment and was made a general partner in 1986.

In 1991, Bob resigned from Price Waterhouse to become Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Sony Music Entertainment, Inc. (SMEI). While CFO, he redesigned and implemented worldwide information and financial systems and instituted strategic planning disciplines. In 1992, he was made Executive Vice President of SMEI and in 1993 was also named Senior Executive Vice President of the company’s largest division, Sony Music International (SMI).

In 1994, Bob was named President of SMI. While its chief operating officer, he led SMI to year-on-year increases in revenue, profits, and market share, taking the division to the #1 market leader position. He saw to the establishment of Celine Dion, Ricky Martin, Mark Anthony, and Shakira as worldwide recording stars, and expanded the reach of the division by opening full-function music companies in Taiwan, the Philippines, India, Indonesia, China, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. In 2000, he was named Chairman of SMI and was also given responsibility over SMEI’s worldwide supply chain (sales, distribution, and manufacturing), human resources, and technology functions. Prior to retiring in 2004, Bob discovered the Jonas Brothers and signed them to their first recording contract. While Chairman of SMI, Bob served as a member of the board of the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry.

Bob is a CPA and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the New York State Society of CPAs. He is a member of the advisory board of Georgetown University’s Graduate School of Business. In 2000, he was made a Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre.

Bob has been a volunteer member of the Semper Fi Fund Investment Committee since 2007 and its Finance Committee since 2008. In 2009, he was elected to its Board of Directors and was named Treasurer of the Fund. In 2018, he was elected as the new Chairman of the Fund.

Forrest Faison III M.D., Sc.D (hon), FAAP Vice Admiral, USN (Ret.) 38th Surgeon General of the Navy

Vice Admiral Forrest Faison is a native of Norfolk, Virginia and Cleveland, Ohio, receiving his baccalaureate degree from Wake Forest University.  Faison earned his doctorate degree in medicine and surgery from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.  He completed post-graduate training in general pediatrics at Naval Hospital San Diego and fellowship training in neurodevelopmental pediatrics at the University of Washington.  Faison served as the 38th Surgeon General of the Navy from 2015 to 2019.  As Surgeon General (CEO), he was responsible for all medical care to the Navy, Marine Corps, and eligible beneficiaries, leading a global team of 63,000 caring for 2.6 million patients in 128 worldwide medical centers, hospitals, clinics, and two 1000 bed hospital ships with an annual operating budget of $9.6 billion and a global medical research enterprise with an annual research portfolio of $3.0 billion.  He also led a global medical education enterprise of over 140 graduate education programs training over 1000 physicians per year as well as over 5,000 nurses, paraprofessionals, and medical technicians.

Faison also served as Deputy Surgeon General (COO) from 2013-2015 and as Commander (CEO), Navy Medicine West and Naval Medical Center San Diego where he was responsible for medical care and support to over 850,000 eligible beneficiaries by a staff of 16,000 at 10 hospitals and over 30 clinics from the West Coast to the Indian Ocean.  He coordinated Navy’s medical support to the Government of Japan in response to the Fukushima earthquake and tsunami.  He served as deputy chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, for Current and Future Healthcare Operations; commanding officer Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton; commanding officer, U.S. Expeditionary Medical Facility; and U.S. Medical Task Force, Kuwait.  In that role, Faison led a tri-service task force of subordinate commands and was responsible for all combat support and healthcare operations in Kuwait, Qatar, and Southern Iraq, including all medical logistics support throughout U.S. Central Command.  Faison’s other assignments include Director of Department of Defense Telemedicine and Chief Information Officer (CIO) of Navy Medicine.

Faison is board certified and an associate clinical professor in pediatrics and a distinguished professor of military medicine at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.  He has several publications on neurodevelopmental outcomes of premature infants as well as other publications and book chapters on the topics of the future of Wounded Warrior, use of telemedicine and health informatics in healthcare, and implementing value-based care.  He is a senior member of the American Association for Physician Leadership and guest lecturer at the Harvard Business School as well as a member of the teaching faculty for the Masters in Health Care Leadership program at Wake Forest University.   He is currently the Senior Vice President for Research and Innovation and Chief of Health Strategy at Cleveland State University.   Cleveland State University is a large internationally renowned public urban research university with an enrollment of 17,000.  Faison is leading and creating programs that assist underserved urban minority students pursuing healthcare careers and also leading a regional initiative for Cleveland to improve urban health and disease management in the city and region as a national model.   Most recently, he is leading the university’s pandemic response and is a medical advisor to the Mayor of Cleveland for city pandemic response and planning for reopening.    He was also appointed to lead pandemic response coordination and planning for all public universities and colleges in the state of Ohio.

In addition to numerous unit and campaign awards, Faison’s personal awards include the Navy Distinguished Service Medal (three awards), Legion of Merit (six awards); Meritorious Service Medal (three awards); Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal; and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.  For an innovative partnership with San Diego county to improve chronic illness care coordination, he was awarded the California Medical Community’s Lighthouse Award for visionary leadership and inspiring health innovation, a first for the Department of Defense.  Additionally, the Government of Japan awarded him the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force Commendation Medal for his support and collaboration in medical education and research and for his service during the Fukushima earthquake and tsunami.

Michael X. Garrett General, USA (Ret.) Commanding General, U.S. Army Forces Command (2019-2022)

General Michael X. Garrett served as the commanding general of the United States Army Forces Command from 2019 to 2022. He previously served as the commanding general of United States Army Central, chief of staff of United States Central Command, and commanding general of United States Army Alaska.

Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Gen. Garrett attended high school in Germany. He completed Army ROTC at Xavier University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice. He was commissioned as an infantry officer in 1984.

During his service, Gen. Garrett served in multiple joint and operational tours and staff assignments at numerous levels in addition to several commands. Highlights of his service include commanding the 3rd Battalion, 325th Infantry (Airborne) and 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He deployed to Afghanistan as chief of current operations, Combined Task Force 180 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He then commanded the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division (Light), which deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Following brigade command, he served as the deputy commanding general of the United States Army Recruiting Command. Following his tour with Recruiting Command, Gen. Garrett returned to Fort Bragg where he served as the Chief of Staff, XVIII Airborne Corps. As the XVIII Airborne Corps chief of staff, he deployed to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn, where he served as the deputy chief of staff for United States Forces-Iraq.

Gen. Garrett’s awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal and Legion of Merit Medal, Bronze Star among several others.

Gen. Garrett and his wife Lorelei live in Charlotte, N.C., and enjoy spending time with their two children and grandchild.

Karen Guenther President, CEO, and Founder of Semper Fi & America's Fund

Karen Guenther is President, CEO, and Founder of Semper Fi & America’s Fund, a nonprofit that cares for our Nation’s critically wounded, ill, and injured service members, veterans, and military families from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.

In 2003, while a registered ICU nurse at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, Karen witnessed waves of wounded service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. The service members and their families were unprepared for the significant financial, emotional, and physical challenges ahead.

To address these needs, Karen and a small group of dedicated military spouses gathered around her kitchen table and began what would evolve into The Fund. They provided bedside support to the newly wounded and injured, and offered travel assistance, comfort items, and other aid to their loved ones. Efforts expanded from there, and The Fund was incorporated in 2004 as a national nonprofit.

What started as a grassroots organization has now become an internationally recognized charitable organization that has assisted 33,000 service members, veterans, and military families across the Nation.

Karen grew up on a farm in central California and received a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Fresno State University. She credits much of her success to what she learned as an ICU nurse and her many years of volunteer efforts to support U.S. military families. Karen loves spending quality time with her family and friends, traveling to new and exciting places, and taking long hikes with her dogs, Louie, Bella, and Harley.

She has received a number of prestigious awards for her leadership of The Fund including the 2022 National WII Museum’s American Spirit Award, the 2017 U.S. Special Operations Command Patriot Award, the 2014 Department of Defense Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Distinguished Humanitarian Award, and the 2013 Armed Forces Insurance USMC Spouse of the Year Award. The 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps also made Karen an Honorary Marine in 2014.

Awards/Recognitions

• American Spirit Award, The National WWII Museum- New Orleans, 2022
• Patriot Award from U.S. Special Operations Command, 2017
• Department of Defense Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Distinguished Humanitarian Award, 2014
• Honorary Marine Appointment by the 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps, 2014
• USMC Spouse of the Year from Armed Forces Insurance and Military Spouse of the Year, 2013
• Cookie Magazine for mothers who make a difference in the world, 2007
• S. Army Field Artillery Association Molly Pitcher Award, 2002
• Pediatric Nurse of the Year 1992-1993 from UCSD Medical Center

Carlton W. Kent Sergeant Major, USMC (Ret.) 16th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps

SgtMaj Kent completed recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina in March 1976 and was assigned to the 1st Marine Brigade.

In May 1978, SgtMaj Kent was transferred to Marine Security Guard Battalion where he served as a Marine Security Guard. He served at American Embassy, Kinshasa, Zaire and Panama.

In June 1981, SgtMaj Kent transferred to Fort Benning for Airborne School and Parachute Riggers School at Fort Lee, Virginia. In June 1982 he was assigned as 2nd Air Delivery Platoon Commander, and parachute rigger billets in various commands aboard Camp Lejeune.

In February 1983, SgtMaj Kent was transferred to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California for duty as a drill instructor, senior drill instructor and battalion drill master with First Battalion. In January 1985, he was meritoriously promoted to Gunnery Sergeant.

In May 1985, SgtMaj Kent transferred to 3d Air Delivery Platoon as a Platoon Sergeant. In June 1986 he transferred to Engineer Company, BSSG-1 1st Marine Brigade, Hawaii as Company Gunnery Sergeant and in March of 1988, SgtMaj Kent was assigned to Noncommissioned Officers School, 1st Marine Brigade as the NCOIC.

In February 1989, SgtMaj Kent transferred to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina as a student at Drill Instructor School. After completion of Drill Instructor School, SgtMaj Kent was assigned to Naval Aviation Officers Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida as a Drill Instructor, Chief Drill Instructor, and First Sergeant. In February 1990, SgtMaj Kent was promoted to First Sergeant and assigned as First Sergeant, MATSG, Pensacola, Florida.

In June 1992, he transferred to 4th Marine Regiment for duty. In June 1993, he transferred to the Army Sergeants Major Academy, Fort Bliss, Texas. After graduation, in February 1994 he was transferred and assigned as First Sergeant, Battery L, 3d Battalion, 12th Marines. In December 1994, he assumed the duties as SgtMaj, 3d Battalion, 12th Marines.

In August 1997, SgtMaj Kent was transferred to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California where he was assigned duties as Sergeant Major Second Recruit Training Battalion and in September 1999 as Sergeant Major Recruit Training Regiment.

In May 2001, he was transferred to Marine Forces Europe/FMF Europe, Stuttgart, Germany where he was assigned the duties as the Sergeant Major of Marine Forces Europe/FMF Europe.

In April 2004, he was transferred to I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California where he served as the Sergeant Major of the I Marine Expeditionary Force.

On April 25, 2007, SgtMaj Kent assumed office as the 16th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps.

His awards include the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with Gold Star in lieu of second award, a Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star in lieu of second award, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Gold Star in lieu of second award, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Gold Star in lieu of second award, and the Combat Action Ribbon. He is the recipient of the General Gerald C. Thomas Award for inspirational leadership.

Wendy Lethin Secretary of the Board 2004-2022

Wendy has been involved with the Semper Fi & America’s Fund since its inception in 2004, as a member of the operational team and Secretary of the Board of Directors. Wendy has worked in all areas of Fund operations through the years. Today, Wendy serves as Executive Vice President for which she oversees Major Gifts. Wendy and her teams have been instrumental in raising millions of dollars for The Fund.

As the wife of a Marine for 28 years, Wendy was always involved in helping her Marine Corps family through volunteering and teaching aboard Marine Corps Bases.  She worked to set up family readiness at MCB Kaneohe during Desert Storm and then helped to establish the Key Volunteer Network (KVN) for the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force in Camp Pendleton, California. She coordinated the KVN for Task Force‐58 during Operation Enduring Freedom and then became the Key Volunteer Coordinator for the 1st Marine Division during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Wendy was also a member of the USMC Headquarters Key Volunteer Network, where she earned the Bronze Award from the President’s Council. Wendy served as the Facilitator Trainor and overall Coordinator for the Leadership Education Seminar, a biannual, three‐day seminar on leadership for mid‐level military spouses.

Wendy earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Ecology from the University of California, Irvine. She holds a Certificate of Fundraising through the Center of Philanthropy at Indiana University.  She was recognized by Cookie Magazine, as a mother who make a difference in the world in their first annual “Smart Cookie” Awards.

Wendy has been married to her husband Clarke, (retired Marine Corps Colonel) for thirty-six years.  They have three sons; Jacob, who served in the Marine Corps, Macklen, who currently serves in the Navy, and Cullen. They now have three grandchildren who are being raised in the military family.

Laura Mitchell Executive Director for The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation

Laura Mitchell serves as the Executive Director for The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, a private grantmaking organization founded by serial entrepreneur Bob Parsons and his wife and business executive Renee Parsons. Since its inception 9 years ago, the Foundation has granted over $220 million to organizations with the hope to change the lives of our country’s critically wounded veterans and improve outcomes for individuals and families living in poverty.

Laura began her career in accounting and finance after graduating Summa Cum Laude from the University of Arizona in 1991. She joined the Big 4 accounting and auditing firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers and earned her CPA license in 1994. Laura served as a Manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers in the Audit & Business Advisory Services Group, serving both Fortune 500 and smaller business clients until she left the firm to form her own consulting practice.

As founder of Mitchell Consulting, Laura assisted both small and mid-sized clients with business acquisitions, profitability analysis, cost component reviews and developed recommendations for improving both profitability and business process efficiency.

After accomplishing many of her personal and professional goals, Laura and her husband decided to make a life change, leaving their professional positions for a time to travel around the world for a year, visiting Europe, Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region.

Upon returning to the United States, Laura was introduced, on a deeper level, to the non-profit sector. She served as the Chief Financial and Operations Officer for Make-A-Wish Arizona, the founding chapter of the international wish granting organization that grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.

After a combined eight years of service to Make-A-Wish Arizona, Laura left to join The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation as its Executive Director in June 2013. Since that time, she has led the foundation through over $200 million in awarded grants.

Laura has always valued diversity of people and culture as well as service to others. She has served on the board of directors for Hope for Haiti, Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS, UMOM New Day Centers and on advisory committees of the board of directors for Make-A-Wish Arizona and Circle the City.

Laura resides in Scottsdale with her husband and their two daughters, ages 16 and 18.

John M. Paxton, Jr. General, USMC (Ret.) 33rd Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps

General Paxton retired from active duty on September 30, 2016 after 42 years of continuous active service. He was promoted to General and assumed duties as the 33d Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps on December 15, 2012. A native of Pennsylvania, he graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor and Master of Science in Civil Engineering and was commissioned through Officer Candidate School in 1974.

General Paxton’s assignments in the operating forces included Rifle and Weapons Platoon Commander and Company Executive Officer, Co. B, 1stBattalion, 3d Marines; Training Officer, 4th Marine Regiment; Executive Officer, Co. G, 2d Battalion, 4th Marines; Company Commander, Co. L and Operations Officer, 3d Battalion, 5th Marines; GCE Operations Officer, II MEF, and Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3, 1st Marine Division. He commanded the 1st Battalion, 8th Marines in support of operations in Bosnia and Somalia with 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit and later the 1st Marine Regiment.

Other assignments include Company Commander, Co. B, Marine Barracks Washington and Commanding Officer of Marine Corps Recruiting Station, New York. He served as a Plans Division Officer, Plans, Policies and Operations, HQMC; as Executive Assistant to the Undersecretary of the Navy; and as Amphibious Operations Officer/ Crisis Action Team Executive Officer, Combined Forces Command, Republic of Korea.

As a general officer, he served as the Director, Programs Division, Programs and Resources, HQMC; the Commanding General of Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego/Western Recruiting Region; Commanding General, 1st Marine Division; Chief of Staff, Multi-National Forces – Iraq; Director for Operations, J-3, The Joint Staff; and Commanding General, II Marine Expeditionary Force and Commander Marine Forces Africa. He also served as Commander, Marine Corps Forces Command; Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Atlantic; and Commander, Marine Forces Europe.

General Paxton is a graduate of the U.S. Army Infantry Officer Advanced Course and Marine Corps Command and Staff College. He has also served as a Commandant’s Fellow at the Brookings Institute as well as at the Council on Foreign Relations.

James D. Weiskopf Colonel, USA (Ret.)

Jim Weiskopf, a retired U.S. Army Colonel, resides with his wife Kamay, in Beaufort, South Carolina.

He formerly served on active duty in the US Army from 1966 to 1992, and following his retirement, he was the Director of Public Relations, Development, and Marketing for the Women in Military Service for America Memorial for 4-1/2 years.  He then became the Executive Vice President, Communications for Fisher House Foundation, responsible for all public affairs, communications, and promotional activities for the not-for-profit organization supporting the network 94 Fisher Houses.  He retired from that position in 2010 and continued as Vice President of Fisher House Foundation in a consultant capacity until the end of 2020.

His last military assignment was as the Director of Public Affairs, U.S. Army Military District of Washington, Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., where he served from 1989 until his retirement in 1992.

Weiskopf graduated from Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in economics. He participated in the Army Reserve Officers Training Corps program at Dartmouth and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant, Adjutant Generals’ Corps, upon graduation in June 1966.

He earned a Master’s degree in Public Relations from The American University in Washington, D.C., and obtained additional masters degree credits by attending the Army’s advanced public affairs course at the College of Journalism and Mass Communications, University of South Carolina. His military education included the basic and advanced courses for officers of the Adjutant Generals’ Corps; the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; and the U.S. Army War College at Carlisle, PA.

Weiskopf is the recipient of numerous military awards and decorations including the Legion of Merit, six awards of the Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, and six awards of the Army Commendation Medal. From his Vietnam service, he received the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Air Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam’s Armed Forces Honor Medal (First Class), in addition to unit awards.

He serves on the Board of Directors of the Semper Fi & America’s Fund, is active at the local level in several service organizations like the Military Officers Association of America, Rotary International and USO. He most recently researched the history of the Fisher House program for publication in a 25th anniversary commemorative book.

In 2019, he was inducted into the Army Public Affairs Hall of Fame, as its 62nd member; and he is a member of the Class of 2022 of Leadership Beaufort.

Jim and Kamay have been married for 50 years.  They have three daughters and five grandchildren.

Richard Wells Managing Director, Insight Partners

Richard Wells has over 20 years of experience in investing and advising managers of high growth technology companies. He joined Insight in 2005 and focuses on investments in application software, infrastructure management, DevOps, and cybersecurity.

Richard has sponsored over 38 investments at Insight and has realized 15 acquisitions and 2 IPOs. He has sponsored investments across the United States, Europe, Israel and South America. He currently serves on the boards of directors of AMCS, CentralReach, Commercetools, Exclaimer, Jama Software, OneTrust and Sonarsource. He is also active with the boards of Eden Health, Perimeter81, Rebellion Defense and Sysdig.

Richard previously led investments in AirWatch (acquired by VMware), Beyondtrust (acquired by Veritas Capital), BMC (acquired by KKR), Buddy Media (acquired by Salesforce), Checkmarx (acquired by Hellman & Friedman), Cherwell (recapitalized by KKR), HealthcareSource (acquired by Francisco Partners), Kinnser Software (acquired by Mediware), Metalogix (acquired by Permira), Netsmart Technologies (acquired by Genstar Capital), PrecisionLender (acquired by Q2), Primavera (acquired by Oracle), Shopify (NYSE: SHOP), SmartBear Software (acquired by Francisco Partners), Storable (acquired by EQT), Tenable (NASDAQ: TENB) and TriTech (acquired by Bain Capital). He also served on the board of Anaqua (acquired by Astorg).

Prior to Insight, Richard worked in product management for enterprise data protection products at Veritas Software and in field sales for Paciolan Systems. He previously was with Technology Crossover Ventures (TCV) and began his career with Mercer Management Consulting.

Richard received a BS from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania (Phi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude) and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Richard serves on the board of directors of the Semper Fi Fund, a non-profit organization focused on assisting combat wounded, critically ill and catastrophically injured veterans and their families. He grew up in Southern California and resides in New York City with his wife, son, and daughter.

Alfred M. Gray Chairman Emeritus | General, USMC (Ret.) | 29th Commandant of the Marine Corps

General Alfred M. Gray is a former Commandant of the Marine Corps, Headquarters Marine Corps, Washington, D.C.

General Gray enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1950. He served overseas with FMF, Pacific, attaining the rank of sergeant before being commissioned a second lieutenant in April 1952. Early tours included service with 11th and 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, in Korea; the 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, at Camp Lejeune, N.C.; and Headquarters Marine Corps, Washington, D.C., during which he saw service in Guantanamo Bay and Vietnam.

As a major, General Gray joined the 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, Vietnam, in October 1965, serving concurrently as Regimental Communications Officer, Regimental Training Officer, and Artillery Aerial Observer. He took command of the Composite Artillery Battalion and U.S. Free World Forces at Gio Linh in April 1967. In September 1967, General Gray was reassigned to the III Marine Amphibious Force in Da Nang, where he commanded the 1st Radio Battalion elements throughout I Corps until February 1968. Following a brief tour in the United States, he returned to Vietnam from June to September 1969 in conjunction with surveillance and reconnaissance matters in the I Corps area.

After his Vietnam tour, General Gray served as Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines, Battalion Landing Team 1/2; the 2nd Marines; the 4th Marines; and Camp Commander of Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan. While commanding the 33rd Marine Amphibious Unit and Regimental Landing Team-4, and concurrently serving as Deputy Commander, 9th Marine Amphibious Brigade, General Gray directed the Southeast Asia evacuation operations in 1975.

Advanced to brigadier general in March 1976, General Gray served as Commanding General, Landing Force Training Command, Atlantic, and the 4th Marine Amphibious Brigade. Promoted to major general in February 1980, he assumed command of the 2nd Marine Division, FMF, Atlantic, Camp Lejeune, N.C., in June 1981. Following his promotion to lieutenant general on Aug. 29, 1984, he was reassigned as Commanding General, FMF; Atlantic/Commanding General, II MAF; and Commanding General, FMF, Europe. General Gray was promoted to general and became Commandant of the Marine Corps on July 1, 1987.

James T. Conway General, USMC (Ret.) 34th Commandant of the Marine Corps

General James T. Conway retired from active duty in 2010 after serving our nation for 40 years. Since then, he has joined and consulted for numerous corporate and non-profit boards, including Textron Inc., Colt Defense and General Dynamics. He also co-chairs the Energy Security Leadership Council (Securing America’s Future Energy), a non-partisan energy policy think tank.

Prior to his retirement, General Conway served as the 34th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps for four years. As Commandant, he served as the senior uniformed Marine responsible for the organization, training, and equipping of over 250,000 active duty, reserve, and civilian Marines throughout the United States and overseas, as well as the management of the $30-$40 billion annual Marine Corps budget.

Prior to becoming Commandant, General Conway served on the Joint Chiefs of Staff as Senior Operations Officer (J-3) in the U.S. military, where he oversaw the war efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. As a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Conway functioned as a military advisor to the Secretary of Defense, the National Security Council, and the President.

During his tenure, the Marine Corps experienced growth of 27,000 additional personnel, undertook major military construction efforts at bases and stations throughout the U.S., and integrated multiple next-generation weapons systems into its inventory. General Conway initiated new programs for the care of wounded warriors and brought Marine Corps family programs onto a war-time footing.

Among his numerous leadership positions, General Conway served as Commanding General of L’t Marine Division, and he was the commander of I Marine Expeditionary Force during two combat tours in Iraq. He initially led the invasion of Iraq in 2003 with 90,000 troops under his command, including Marines, soldiers, sailors, and British forces. During his second tour he oversaw the first Battle of Fa I I uja General Conway graduated with honors from The Basic School, the U.S. Army Infantry Officers Advanced Course, the Marine Corps Command and Staff College and the Air War College. He was born in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas and graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 1969. He was commissioned as an infantry officer in 1970.

General Conway is married to the former Annette Drury of Ste Genevieve, MO. They have three children, all currently serving or affiliated with the Marine Corps. LtCol J. Brandon Conway is currently stationed at NATO and LtCol A. Scott Conway is the Battalion Commander of 3′ Raider Battalion. Their daughter, Samantha, is married to LtCol David B. Moore, Commanding Officer of a Marine Cobra Squadron.

Gen Conway and his wife have seven grandchildren, Clara, Amelia, James, Leif, Will, Zach and Beckett.

Wallace ‘Chip’ Gregson, Jr. Lieutenant General USMC (Ret.) President, WC Gregson and Associates

Currently the Senior Director, China and the Pacific, at the Center for the National Interest, and Senior Advisor, Avascent Global Advisors.

Former Assistant Secretary of Defense, Asian and Pacific Security Affairs.

The Honorable Wallace “Chip” Gregson was sworn in as the Assistant Secretary of Defense, Asian and Pacific Security Affairs May 13, 2009. From 2006 until assuming the duties of Assistant Secretary of Defense, Lieutenant General Gregson (USMC, Retired) was owner and president of WCG & Associates International, a foreign policy and military affairs consulting organization.

Previously General Gregson served as Chief Operating Officer for the United States Olympic Committee. From 2003 to 2005, he was Commanding General of Marine Corps Forces Pacific and Marine Corps Forces Central Command, where he led and managed over 70,000 Marines and Sailors in the Middle East, Afghanistan, East Africa, Asia and the United States. From 2001 to 2003 he served as Commanding General of all Marine Corps forces in Japan, where he was awarded the Japanese Order of the Rising Sun – Gold and Silver Star, the Korean Order of National Security Merit Gukseon Medal, and the Republic of China Order of the Resplendent Banner with Yellow Sash.

Just prior to his service in Japan he was Director of Asia-Pacific Policy in the Office of the Secretary of Defense from 1998 to 2000. He served in the Marine Corps since his graduation from the United States Naval Academy in 1968. A combat veteran of the Vietnam conflict, he earned the Bronze Star with Combat “V” device for valor and heroism, and was also awarded the Purple Heart.

His professional and business activities include extensive involvement with Japanese policy and commercial interests. He serves as Executive Advisor to major Japanese corporations, and serves as a Director of Peace Winds America, a major humanitarian organization partnered with Peace Winds Japan. He enjoys close contacts with Japanese in business, academic institutions, and government. He visits Tokyo regularly for business and consultations. In the past, he served as an Honorary Director of an Okinawa Prefecture non-profit organization supporting the creation of the Amicus School, an international school operating in support of the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology. He maintains many contacts in Okinawa Prefecture and visits there at least quarterly.

General Gregson is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Additional board memberships include: the U.S. Naval Institute: The Japan America Society of Washington DC; and the Marine Corps University Foundation.

His civilian education includes a Bachelor’s degree from the U.S. Naval Academy, and Master’s degrees in Strategic Planning from the Naval War College and International Relations from Salve Regina College. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Public Service by the University of Maryland University College in Okinawa.

Richard R. Jeffries, D.O. Rear Admiral USN (Ret.) Family Physician, FAAFP

Dr. Jeffries began his naval career in 1976 through the Armed Forces Health Professional’s Scholarship Program. He previously earned a BA from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 1969 and completed graduate studies at the University of Colorado in secondary education in 1972. He earned a State of Colorado teaching certificate and coached multiple sports while teaching high school science. He moved to Iowa as a pharmaceutical representative for Bristol Myers before accepting admission to osteopathic medicine. He graduated from the College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery in Des Moines, Iowa in 1979 and was commissioned into the United States Navy. Dr. Jeffries completed an Internship and Family Medicine residency at Naval Hospital Pensacola in 1982 and immediately attained Board Certification from the American Board of Family Physicians. His first staff assignment was to Branch Naval Hospital Twenty-nine Palms, Calif. He received appointments as Head, Family Practice Department, Acting Director Clinical Services, and Chief, Medical Staff. In August 1984 Dr. Jeffries was transferred to the Department of Family Medicine at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton. He served as a Staff Family Physician, Residency Faculty, and Clinic Director. In 1986 he was promoted to Director, Residency Training. During this period, he attained Board Certification in Family Medicine from the American Osteopathic Board of General Practice and Fellow, American Academy of Family Physicians. In 1990 he passed Board Certification for Added Qualification in Geriatric Medicine. Dr. Jeffries is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, Association of Military Osteopathic Physicians, and Surgeons (Past President), Uniformed Services Academy of Family Physicians, American Osteopathic Association, and the Association of Military Surgeons of the United States. In 1990 he served in Operation Desert Shield with augmentation to the 1st Marine Division, Artillery Regimental Surgeon, 11th Marines. In theater, he was appointed deputy then acting Division Surgeon and in 1991 he was permanently assigned as Division Surgeon. In December 1992, he was appointed Marine Forces Central Command and I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) Force Surgeon for Operation Restore Hope in Somalia representing U.S. military healthcare to the Coalition. In the summer of 1993 Dr. Jeffries was re-assigned to Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton as Residency Program Director and Department Head, Family Medicine. In 1996 he was appointed Chairman, Executive Committee of the Medical Staff and completed his tour as Director, Medical Services. In 1998 he reported to Marine Forces Pacific, Camp Smith, Hawaii, as the Force Surgeon and served on the TRICARE Pacific Executive Council and as a military liaison to the Board of Directors, Hawaii State Chapter American Red Cross. In 2000 he assumed duties as Deputy Commander for Clinical Services, Tripler Army Medical Center until April 2003 when he took command of Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton.

Dr. Jeffries reported to the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery in 2005 as a newly nominated Flag Officer and as the first Deputy Chief for Future Plans and Strategies (M5). Soon after his arrival, Dr. Jeffries was deployed as the JFMCC Surgeon in support of Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. In November 2005 Rear Adm. Jeffries reported to Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps as the Medical Officer of the Marine Corps serving into 2007 when he received orders to report as Commander, National Naval Medical Center and Regional Commander, Navy Medicine National Capital Area, plus Component Surgeon to JTF CAPMED.

Receiving his second star, Rear Adm. (Upper Half) Jeffries was sent back to the Marine Corps in 2008 as the Commandant and Marine Corps’ Senior Medical Officer and Healthcare Advisor. In January 2011, Rear Adm. Jeffries reached a mandatory age requirement for active service and retired on 1 February 2011.

Dr. Jeffries became an Independent Healthcare Consultant and worked with Cambia Health Solutions on a total fitness and wellness program BaseFit, Rutgers-Cleveland Clinic Consortium for AFIRM 1, TriWest on successful bid for USMC Distress Line, William Carey University on Strategic Planning for new Osteopathic Medical School and Rocky Vista University teaching military medical students. He is currently Chief Medical Officer for Grace and Associates, Inc.; CEO/President RRJ Heath; oversees healthcare operations of LPL Onsight/Sterling Clinic, San Diego; and is an advisor/board member for the Defense Strategies Institute -DoD/VA Healthcare Summits and Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, Honorary. Rear Adm. Jeffries’ personal decorations included the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with four Gold Stars, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with one Gold Star, Combat Action Award, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation with one Bronze Star, Army Order of Military Medical Merit, and Artillery Order of Saint Barbara.

Dr. Jeffries’s wife since June 1970, the former Carol Burkhardt, is a native of Minneapolis, Minnesota. They have two daughters Cherie Jeffries of Anaheim, CA, a Family and Marriage Psychologist, and Marcia Earnest, a Kindergarten teacher living in Simi Valley, CA with husband Robb, in the movie industry, and two wonderful grandsons Owen and Tyler Earnest.

David J. McIntyre, Jr. President & Chief Executive Officer, TriWest Healthcare Alliance

James M. ‘Mike’ Myatt Major General, USMC (Ret.) Board Chairman, San Francisco Fleet Week Association

Major General Myatt was commissioned as a Marine Corps second lieutenant after graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. He holds a Masters Degree in Engineering Electronics from the Naval Post Graduate School.

General Myatt served two combat tours in the Republic of Vietnam. He commanded the 1st Marine Division during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990-91. His Division defeated seven Iraqi Army divisions in the zone, seized Kuwait International Airport, and liberated Kuwait City. His personal medals and decorations include: two Distinguished Service Medals; the Silver Star Medal for gallantry in action; the Defense Superior Service Medal with Gold Star; the Legion of Merit; the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” for heroism, and the Republic of Korea Distinguished Service Medal and the Vietnamese Honor Medal, 1st Class.

General Myatt retired from the U.S. Marine Corps in 1995 to work for Bechtel Corporation. While working for Bechtel, he managed the $22 billion construction project to build the Korean High Speed Rail from Seoul to Pusan.

In September 2001, General Myatt was selected to be President and CEO of the Marines’ Memorial Association. He served in that position until November 2017.

General Myatt has continued to serve in a variety of public positions including as a Commissioner in the San Francisco Telecommunications Commission, serving as President of that Commission in 2003 and 2004. He was responsible for a Mayoral Conference on Public Security and Safety in July 2003, held in San Francisco, with over 25 Mayors and their offices of emergency services in attendance. He sponsored a Table-Top Exercise with DOD Office of Homeland Defense and the City and County of San Francisco and piloted a conference on Biometric Technologies for Homeland Security with the US Naval Institute. He was appointed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to the Base Closure and Relocation Commission Council in October 2004, completing the report in April 2005. In January 2007, he organized and sponsored a conference on Communications Interoperability for the greater Bay Area. In May 2007, he was appointed as a Trustee to the San Francisco War Memorial Board of Trustees and in January 2010, the San Francisco Mayor asked him to become the Chairman of the San Francisco Fleet Week Committee, which he continues to do each year.

Lynne Pace Wife of General Peter Pace, USMC (Ret.) Advocate for Military Families

Lynne Pace’s service to the country as a Marine Corps spouse spans more than 40 years, and more than two dozen household moves. Lynne has visited all over the world, to include living in South Korea and Japan. At each duty station, she worked with a number of organizations designed to support service members and their families.

Lynne remains involved in volunteer work, focused on improving the quality of life of military families. In addition to the Semper Fi Fund, she is an honorary board member for USO of Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore, which provides USO services to nearly 450,000 service members living in or traveling through Washington D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia. Lynne is on the Board of Trustees for the Fisher House Foundation, and frequently volunteers during Invictus Games and the DOD Warrior Games, supporting wounded, injured or sick military athletes and their families.

She is an Honorary Board Member for the Sentinels of Freedom Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing life-changing opportunities for severely wounded service personnel. Lynne is also on the advisory board for Our Military Kids, an organization that supports children of deployed Guard and Reserve personnel with tutoring and enrichment activities.

Lynne is the proud Ship Sponsor of the USS AMERICA, (LHA-6) commissioned in October, 2014. She remains involved with the ship, her crew, and the Ombudsman/Family Support organizations that help care for the families of all who serve aboard her.

Peter Pace General, USMC (Ret.) 16th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

General Peter Pace retired after more than 40 years of active service in the United States Marine Corps.  During his distinguished career, he held command at virtually every level, beginning as a Rifle Platoon Leader in Vietnam.

As the sixteenth Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (2005-2007), General Pace served as the principal military advisor to the President, the Secretary of Defense, the National Security Council and the Homeland Security Council.  He also served as Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (2001-2005), the first Marine to serve in either of these positions.   

A 1967 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, he holds a Master of Science Degree in Administration from George Washington University, attended the Harvard University Senior Executives in National and International Security program, and graduated from the National War College. 

In 2008, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor a President can bestow.    

General Pace serves on the Board of Directors of several corporate entities involved in management consulting, private equity, and cybersecurity. In addition to affiliations with graduate school and military education programs, General Pace is associated with a number of charities focused on supporting the troops and their families.

Suzie Schwartz President, Military Spouse Programs, Military Spouse Magazine

Barbara Woodbury President and Trustee of The Navy & Marine Association

Ms. Woodbury serves as President and Trustee of The Navy & Marine Association, a 501 (C) (3) non-profit organization, whose mission is to provide leadership awards to the Commanders of the U.S. Naval Air Forces, U.S. Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Atlantic and Pacific, and the Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy for presentation to outstanding service members within their commands; and to provide support to the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Coast Guard communities throughout the world. NMA is an all-volunteer force, whose Officers and Trustees serve without compensation.

Since 1 978, Ms. Woodbury has served as Managing Director of Trans World Assurance Company, an insurance underwriter specializing in life insurance designed for U. S. military personnel around the world. Trans World is an underwriter of the SGLI program covering all military members.

Ms. Woodbury has worked extensively with the wounded and the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for this country.

She is a director of a financial holding company with subsidiaries in life insurance underwriting and commercial real estate development.

Following graduation from the University of Mississippi with a Bachelor of Arts degree in education, Ms. Woodbury began her business career in commercial banking. In her early twenties, at the height of the Vietnam War, she managed a branch bank on a naval air facility in Pensacola.

Upon moving to San Diego in the early 1 970’s, Ms. Woodbury became Director of Advertising for San Diego’s largest locally owned commercial bank.

The daughter of two U.S. Marine Corps officers, who served in WWII, she has spent a good deal of time with military personnel around the world….which has included a practice bombing mission in an F-14; an in-flight refueling and tail hook in an S-3; at-sea visits aboard aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers and submarines; and in the field with Marines.

Ms. Woodbury has been an active participant at the Current Strategy Forum at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, She is an Honorary Frogman and also is a proud member of the Tailhook Association, an organization comprised of those who have landed in an aircraft aboard an aircraft carrier. In 2001 , she received the first Honorary Tailhooker of the Year award.

In 2002, General James L. Jones, Jr., the Commandant of the Marine Corps officially conferred upon her the title of “Honorary Marine”; and in 2005, the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, SgtMaj John Estrada, and his enlisted Marines honored Ms. Woodbury with a parade at the lwo Jima Memorial in Washington, DC.

Ms. Woodbury also serves on the National Honorary Advisory Board of the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund and is a former member of the Board of Directors of the San Diego Humane Society, the President’s Council of Scripp’s Clinic and

Research Foundation, a former member of the Board of the Friends of the Home Commandants, the AIRPAC Historical Foundation, the Tailhook Education Foundation, the Advisory Board of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Command Museum Foundation, the National Advisory Board of the Flying Leathernecks Historical Foundation, and the Board of Directors of the National Naval Avjatlon Museum Foundation in Pensacola, Florida. She was instrumental in forming San Diego’s first Fleet Week and is also a member of The Marine Corps Aviation Association, The Naval Order of the United States, Southwest Commandery, and is a lifetime member of the Naval War College Foundation.

She is passionate about photography and about supporting all those who defend and protect America.

Seamus Ahern Senior Consultant Deloitte Consulting, LLP

Seamus Ahern is currently a Manager with Deloitte Consulting in the Government & Public Services practice serving within the National Security sector. Ahern has over a decade of experience working in the Department of Defense and the Department of the Navy. Ahern served as the Director for Wounded Warrior Policy for the Department of the Navy from 2013-2015 responsible for the policy and analysis of non-medical care and transition for wounded, ill and injured service members. Prior to this position, Seamus served as the Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Navy advisory panel focusing on critical improvements and advances in Energy policies for the Department. In addition, he served in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, advising on legislative priorities and programs for the Defense Department for the Installations & Environment portfolio and the Nuclear, Chemical & Biological Programs. Ahern is a Marine Corps Veteran, hails from Western Illinois, and received his B.A. from Loras College and Masters in Global Security Studies from Johns Hopkins University.

Donald C. Bolduc Brigadier General, USA (Ret.)

After 33 years of active duty service to his country in which he received 2 awards for valor, 5 Bronze Star medals, 2 Purple Hearts, led ten deployments, and survived both a bomb blast, numerous fire fights, and a helicopter crash, General Donald C. Bolduc, former Commander, Special Operations Command Africa, has hung up his fatigues to take on perhaps his most important and challenging mission of advocating for veterans and their families, the treatment and shedding the stigma of PTS, TBI, pain management, sleep disorders, and neurotoxicity both from within the US military as well as the general public. His second passion is teaching, and he is serving an Adjunct Professor at Southern New Hampshire University, and coaching, and mentoring leadership from entry level to the senior executive level, through his Truth to Power (LLC).

The General started his career as Private Bolduc on June 29, 1981, exactly 36 years before his final change of command. After the terrorist attacks of 9/11, then-Major Bolduc led one of the first groups into Afghanistan to take control of the southern Afghanistan region from Taliban rule. One of the few survivors of a 2,000-pound bomb that was inadvertently targeted on their own position by friendly fire in December 2001, and despite his injuries Bolduc refused to leave the battlefield and continued to take on his next objective. He was later awarded his first of several combat valor awards and a Purple Heart for his injuries.

As the Battalion Commander of 1st Battalion 3rd Special Forces Group (Desert Eagles) Bolduc’s unit was credited with the success of Operation Medusa and awarded the Canadian Commander-in-Chief Unit Commendation for actions by the “Desert Eagles” that were considered an extraordinary deed or activity, of a rare high standard, in extremely hazardous circumstances, beyond the demands of normal duty in combat. This was the first time a foreign military unit received this distinction from the Canadian government and military. From 2010 through 2011 and 2012-2013 he served as Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force commander and then as Commander, Combined Joint Special Operations Component Commander in Afghanistan and was credited with the creation and establishment of the “Village Stability Operations” the only successful bottom-up stability effort in rural areas and villages in Afghanistan. The program achieved unprecedented security gains and was considered by Mullah Omar the most dangerous program to the Taliban. This program undermined insurgent influence and control by the Taliban and ensured the stabilization of large areas of the war-torn country through Afghan Local Police between 2010-2013.

In his role as the Deputy Director for US U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) from 2013-2015, Brigadier General (BG) Bolduc was responsible to the US AFRICOM commander for the full spectrum of operations and activities across the African continent. In his role as the Special Operations Command-Africa commander (COMSOCAFRICA) from 2015-2017 BG Bolduc was responsible for 96 missions and more than 2000 U.S. military, interagency and international military personnel operating in 28 countries throughout Africa and Europe. SOCAFRICA is designated as U.S. Africa Command’s lead counter-Violent Extremist Organizations (VEO) operations component. Prior to this, he served on the Joint Staff in the Office of Secretary of Defense and as the Aide to the Secretary of the Army at the Pentagon.

His other awards and decorations include the Defense Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, 5 Bronze Star Medals with Valor Device, Army Commendation Medal with Valor Device, numerous foreign awards including Canadian Commander-in-Chief Unit Commendation, Ordre Du Merite Nationale from Mauritania, Ordre Du Lion from Senegal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Special Forces Tab, and Ranger Tab.

Beyond his various positions and awards, nothing brings more meaning to Bolduc’s service than his latest mission with the support of his wife Sharon to combat the stigmas around post-traumatic stress (PTS), speak on leadership, and provide advice on Special Operations Forces. As one of the few senior military officers, and, at the time, the only active duty general officer on record, to openly discuss his own struggles with PTS, Bolduc has used his

leadership position to change the conversation to one of understanding and acceptance through his own experiences. Dubbed “Captain America” and “Everyone’s General” by his fellow officers and soldiers, Bolduc always put country first, and now looks to continue his service off the battlefield sharing his leadership mantra of “People, Family, Mission” and his personal experiences with mental health to continue his leadership journey and help educate others.

In his younger years, Bolduc’s work ethic was shaped by working on his Grandfathers farm, paper routes, working as a grounds keeper at a resort, working at Piche’s Ski Shop, and working as a Police Cadet and then a Special (part-time) Police Officer on the Laconia Police Department. At the time, Bolduc was the youngest and only high school student to work as a part-time police officer in New Hampshire.

Bolduc is the recipient of a Medical Service Dog from Guardian Angels Medical Dog Service Inc. based in Williston, FL. Northrop Grumman sponsored the care and training of “Victor”. Bolduc paired in February 2018 with Victor and is now enjoying the benefits of a medical service dog.

Bolduc is the recipient of the Doctor of Humane Letters from New England College presented on 15 January 2019. The degree was conferred in honor of his distinguished contributions in public service and the United States Military. He credits this honor to the efforts and support of his Mom and Dad, His wife Sharon, his family and friends, teachers, coaches, and to the men and women he had the honor to serve with during his 33 years of service. He dedicates this honor to the 72 service members he commanded that he did not bring home.

Bolduc is the recipient of the United States Army War College Distinguished Research Award presented on 6 June 2009.

Bolduc is the recipient of the Salem State University Marilyn E. Flaherty Distinguished Alumnus Award presented on 31 May 2015.

Bolduc is the recipient of the Dean College Distinguished Alumnus Award presented on 20 March 2019.

Bolduc has an A.S. in Criminal Justice from Dean College, B.S. in Sociology from Salem State University, M.A. in Business Technology/Human Resource Development from Webster University, and a M.S. in Strategic Studies from the Army War College. Bolduc is currently enrolled in Grand Canyon University as a Doctoral Candidate in Education with an emphasis in Leadership Development and Organizational Development.

Bolduc is currently involved with the following Boards, organizations, and Academic institutions:

Boards and Academic Institutions

1. Appointed by the Governor of New Hampshire to serve as member of the Juvenile Parole Board-Gov. Sununu and Elliot Gault

2. Adjunct Professor, Southern New Hampshire University-Joanne Normand, Steve Johnson, Will Zemp

3. Doctoral Candidate at Grand canyon University in Education with an emphasis in Leadership Development and Organizational development.

Advisor Positions

4. Advisor of Operation Sea Daddy a Military Coaching and Social Networking to support transitioning service member to civilian life

5. Senior Advisor for the Center of Naval Analysis that provides cutting-edge, expert analysis and high quality, and impart information for effective decision making-Jon Schroden

6. Advisor to Spirit of America an organization dedicated to directly supporting the safety and success of deployed US troops and diplomats-Jim Hake

7. Board member of IDS International a leader in training and support for complex operations-Nick Dowling

8. Board of Advisors to Smitz Laboratories-Kyle Smitz

9. Advisor for Mission Readiness, Council for a Strong America consisting of retired admirals and generals strengthening national security by ensuring kids stay in school, stay fit, and stay out of trouble-Ben Goodman

10. A supporter of the morning show, New Hampshire Today, with, on Veteran Issues in New Hampshire- Jack Heath

11. Primex NH Public Risk Management: Provide Leadership, Training, Advising, and Coaching -Ty Gagne and Robert Barry

12. Medicus Health Solutions: Provide Leadership, Training, Advising, and Coaching-Joseph Matarese, Grant Smith, Chris Mader

13. Member of Outspoken Agency for public speaking-Tori Mara and Caitie Bradley

Veteran Organizations

14. Active supporter of NH Veterans Count a program of Easter Seals to support Veterans-Greg Whalen, Rick Courtemanche, Jeff Hyatt, Kathy Flynn

15. Advisor to Vet Links that educates and empowers veterans and their families by linking them to services, support, and programs to enrich their quality of life-Jessica Kavanaugh

16. Advisor to Guardian Angels Inc. a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that specializes in training and pairing service dogs-Carol Borden

17. Former Advisor to Trauma and Resiliency Resources, Inc. they provide multi-faceted, focused, trauma interventions to first responders and warriors who develop symptoms of PTS and combat-related PTS because of executing line of duty/service responsibilities-Eva Usadi

18. Board Advisor for Warriors Heart Foundation a PTS and addiction treatment center for active military, veterans, and first responders- Josh Lannon, Lisa Lannon, Tom Spooner

19. Advisor for the Semper FI Fund is a non-profit 501 organization that provides a variety of programs to assist wounded veterans in all branches of the United States Armed Forces-Karen Guenther and Wendy Lethin

20. A supporter of Pease Greeters a group of patriotic Americans who welcome men and women in our Armed Forces who pass through Pease International Airport-JoAnne Schottler

21. Advisor to the Green Alert System designed to provide alerts to law enforcement and public on missing service members and veterans-Mimi Bradley

Bolduc resides in Stratham, NH and has been married to Sharon M. Bolduc for 30 years. They have three sons Joshua, Zachary, and Matthew, as well as three grandchildren Little “J “, Hurricane Hadley, and Hannah Banana.

Jeffrey B. Clark Major General, USA (Ret.) MD, MPH, MSS, FAAFP

MG Clark retired from active duty in June 2019 after 35 years of military service. He was born in LaGrange, North Carolina and is a graduate of Davidson College and East Carolina University School of Medicine and earned a Master of Public Health at the University of Washington and a Master of Strategic Studies at the Army War College. He is board certified in Family Medicine.

During his career, he was privileged to serve as a Family Physician in numerous clinical, operational, and academic assignments; 82d Airborne Division Surgeon; Commander at the battalion, combat support hospital, and medical brigade levels; Commander, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center; Commander, Europe Regional Medical Command; Director, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center; Director, National Capitol Region Medical Directorate; Chief of Health Care Operations and Chief Medical Officer, Defense Health Agency; and Deputy Commanding General for Operations and Chief of the Medical Corps, US Army Medical Command. His deployments include Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm; Kosovo; Hurricane Katrina Relief Operation; and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

His service awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal (2 OLC), Legion of Merit (2 OLC), Bronze Star (1OLC), Meritorious Service Medal (7OLC), Combat Medical Badge, Expert Field Medical Badge, Flight Surgeon Badge, and the Parachutist’s Badge. He is a member of the Order of Military Medical Merit and recipient of the Republic of Korea Order of National Security Merit, Samil Medal.

Sue and Jeff Clark have been married for 37 years and have four children: Anna and Andrew Kraus, Warren and John Clark; a granddaughter Enna Sue Kraus; two golden retrievers: Molly and Max; and a golden-doodle: Juniper. During their military career, Sue moved her Family over 20 times providing the Clarks the opportunity to live in Germany, Korea, and multiple stateside assignments.

Sue and Jeff retired in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Jeff volunteers with Feeding Santa Fe, Kitchen Angels and the New Mexico Department of Human Services. He serves on the Board of RENESAN Institute of Lifelong Learning and as a Reviewer for the Journal of Military Medicine.

Christopher Cole Rear Admiral, USN (Ret.)

Upon graduation from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Mr. Cole served in the U.S. Navy for more than 32 years, retiring in 2004 as a Rear Admiral (O-8). A Naval Aviator during his career, he commanded two helicopter squadrons and two amphibious ships, the USS El Paso (LKA 117) and USS Kearsarge (LHD 3). As a Flag Officer, Mr. Cole was the commander of two Navy Regions, one in the Republic of Korea and one in Norfolk, Va. His final Navy assignment was as Director of Ashore Readiness for the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV N46). Mr. Cole currently serves as the Executive Director of the Association of the United States Navy and President of the Navy Safe Harbor Foundation which provides direct support to our wounded, ill, and injured sailors and Coast Guardsmen and their families. Mr. Cole and his wife Kathy reside in Vienna, Va. They are the parents of three daughters, Elizabeth, Emily and Sarah.

Tony Crescenzo President, Intelligent Waves, LLC

Tony serves as President of Intelligent Waves, LLC. In this role, he directs strategic planning, marketing, bid and proposal, alliance management, new service development, quality assurance and client operations. He has extensive experience introducing and growing service capabilities to established markets and new territories, all with measured success.

As a Partner at the consulting firm Achievence, Tony was known for his ability to align teams from demand creation to opportunity closure, positioning organizations for impressive growth. His clients included Harris Corporation, MorganFranklin, RSM McGladrey, Idea Integration, Northrop Grumman and SAIC.

In his 25-year career in the private sector, Tony has held Senior Executive positions at IMTS, Initiate Systems, and Software AG. He was the founder and CEO of Analysis Frameworks, CEO of Illumitek, Inc, and CEO of Inline Software. In each of these organizations, Tony is credited with the development and delivery of strategy and operations that resulted in consistent measurable growth. He currently sits on the board of directors for CCP Partners and Ulytix. Crescenzo serves as the Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Semper Fi Fund.

Patrick Gough CEO, Poseidon Consulting LLC Colonel, USMC (Ret.)

Colonel Gough was born in Waterford, Ireland on 7 January 1956 and immigrated to the United States in 1960.  Settling in Whittier, California he attended St. Paul High School before moving on to college.  He graduated from California State University Fullerton in January 1980 with a Bachelor’s Degree in History and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.  Upon completion of The Basic School, he attended Naval Flight Training at Pensacola, Florida.  He was named to the “Commodore’s List with Distinction” and designated a Naval Aviator in October 1981.

Second Lieutenant Gough reported to Marine Aircraft Group-39 (MAG-39) at Camp Pendleton, California and was assigned to the Aviation Maintenance Department of Marine Attack Helicopter Squadron-169 (HMA-169) as an AH-IT Cobra attack helicopter pilot.  In January 1984 First Lieutenant Gough deployed (1^st deployment) to the Western Pacific aboard USS Belleau Wood (LHA-3) with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265 (Composite), 13th Marine Amphibious Unit (MAU) serving as the Aviation Ordnance Officer.  Returning to HMA-169 in July 1984, he was assigned to the Operations Department, concurrently fulfilling collateral duties as a Forward Air Controller/Air Officer with the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment.

In July 1985 Captain Gough deployed again (2^nd deployment) to the Western Pacific aboard the USS Okinawa (LPH-3) with HMM(C)-164 and the 31st MAU.  Returning to HMA-169 in January 1986, he was assigned as the Logistics Department Head until February 1987, when he attended the Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) Course (Marine Corps equivalent of the Navy’s “Top Gun” School).  During the summer of 1987, he was among the initial cadre of aviators to transition to the new AH-IW “Super Cobra” attack helicopter.

Late in 1987, with less than 72 hours’ notice, Marine Light/Attack Helicopter Squadron-169 (HMLA-169) and Captain Gough deployed (3^rd deployment) aboard the USS Okinawa to the Persian Gulf as part of Contingency Marine Air Ground Task Force (CMAGTF) 1-88 taking part in Operation Earnest Will. There he served as the Squadron Tactics Department Head, AH-1W combat mission Flight Leader, and a CMAGTF 1-88 aviation operations mission planner until returning to Camp Pendleton in April 1988. Later that year he was nominated for the Association of Naval Aviation’s “Outstanding Achievement Award for Helicopter Aviation.”

In July 1988, he was reassigned to MAWTS-1 in Yuma, Arizona as an AH-1 Weapons and Tactics Instructor and Cobra Attack Helicopter Division Head.   Taking a leave of absence from MAWTS-1, Major Gough deployed (4^th deployment) to the Persian Gulf in November 1990 with HMLA-169 aboard the USS Tarawa (LHA-1) as a Plans Officer for the 4^th and 5^th Marine Expeditionary Brigades (MEB) during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.  He also flew combat missions in the Kuwaiti Theater of Operations as an AH- IW Flight Leader.

Upon returning stateside, he rejoined MAWTS-1 and was designated as the Project Officer for the Chief of Naval Operations’ classified project “Stadium Clock.”  Major Gough was transferred from MAWTS-1 to HMLA-169 at Camp Pendleton in June 1992 and served sequentially as the Logistics, Administrative, and Tactics Department Heads until May 1993 when he deployed overseas (5^th deployment) as the HMLA-169 Detachment Officer-In-Charge to HMM(C)-262 and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) aboard the USS Belleau Wood (LHA-3).  He was assigned as the Composite Squadron Aviation Maintenance Officer and assumed collateral duties as a MEU aviation operations mission planner.  For his service he was nominated for the Marine Corps Association’s 1993 “General Holland Smith Award.”  Returning to HMLA-169, he was assigned as the Squadron Operations Officer until May 1994.

Major Gough attended the United States Air Force, Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama during the 1994-1995 academic year.  In July 1995, he reported to the Joint Command and Control Warfare Center, Kelly Air Force Base, Texas, as a US Special Operations Command Team Member.  In August 1996, he was assigned as the US Special Operations Command Team Chief, responsible for managing numerous classified programs addressing Information Operations, Information Warfare, and Command and Control Warfare in support of special operations training and “real world” requirements. Concurrently, he founded, developed, published, and edited the first of its kind periodical on Joint Information Operations called “Cyber Sword.”

In May 1998, Lieutenant Colonel Gough reported to Camp Pendleton and assumed the duties as MAG-39 Executive Officer.  On 9 April 1999, Lieutenant Colonel Gough assumed command of Marine Light/Attack Helicopter Squadron-169.  Having provided a detachment to the 11^th MEU(SOC), in June 1999, HMLA-169 deployed to Okinawa, Japan (6^th deployment) as part of the Unit Deployment Program for seven months whereupon the Squadron assigned a detachment to the 31^st MEU(SOC). On 17 November 2000, Lieutenant Colonel Gough relinquished command of the Squadron.  The Squadron was subsequently awarded the Marine Corps Aviation Association Mike Yunck Award for Operational Excellence and the Chief of Naval Operations Safety Award as a result of their achievements.  Lieutenant Colonel Gough was nominated for the “General John A. Lejuene Award for Inspirational Leadership.”  Following post-command leave, Lieutenant Colonel Gough reported to the 3^rd Marine Aircraft Wing serving as the G-3 (Operations Officer) until June 2001, when he detached from 3^rd MAW to attend the Naval War College.

Lieutenant Colonel Gough was the first Marine to be named to the prestigious Mahan Scholars Program at the Naval War College.  As such, he was tasked with developing the “Marine Corps’ Component of the Maritime Strategy in the Global War on Terrorism in 2015” for the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) and the Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC).  In June 2002, he graduated “with Distinction” from the Naval War College receiving a Master of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies and reported for duty to the First Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF) as the Air Officer within the Operations Department and subsequently assumed the duties as the Deputy G-3 (Deputy Operations Officer).  He was promoted to Colonel on 1 July 2002.  Colonel Gough deployed to Kuwait (7^th deployment) in November 2002 with the I MEF Command Element where he served as the Deputy G-3 during pre-combat exercises as part of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) combat operations.  Subsequent to OIF, he served as I MEF G-3 (Operations Officer) in support of OIF II.  In June 2005, Colonel Gough assumed command of Marine Aircraft Group 39 at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton.  In the fall of 2006, he deployed (8^th deployment) to the Al Anbar province in Iraq, flying daily combat sorties with his deployed squadrons.  Colonel Gough relinquished command of MAG-39 in June 2007.  During his tenure in command of MAG-39, the HMLA Squadron of the Year Award was bestowed on a MAG-39 squadron twice, the Pete Ross Aviation Safety Award was awarded to two MAG-39 squadrons, the HMM Squadron of the Year Award was presented to a MAG-39 squadron, the Chief of Naval Operations Safety Excellence Award was given to a MAG-39 Squadron, and eight Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Awards were awarded to MAG-39 squadrons.  Four squadrons per year and five Marine Expeditionary Units’ HMLA Detachments from one MAG-39 squadron were constantly deployed forward, in combat operations during Colonel Gough’s command tour.  Following relinquishment of Group command, he served as the Deputy Commander for Marine Corps Installations West, overseeing all Marine bases west of the Mississippi River.

Colonel Gough has achieved over 3,800 flight hours, and has been awarded the Legion of Merit with two Gold Stars, the Bronze Star, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star, the Air Medal with the Numeral 2, the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two Gold Stars, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon and numerous other unit and personal awards.

In November 2008, Colonel Gough retired from the Marine Corps with 30 years of active duty service and assumed the position as Executive Director of Human Resources and Organizational Development for the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA).  At OCTA, his Division contained the following departments:  Human Resources; Health, Safety, and Environmental Compliance; Risk Management; Labor and Employment Relations; Training and Development; and Management Services (Strategic Plan Development).  He served as the Acting CEO during June/July 2009 and Acting Deputy CEO during August 2012.  Some of his additional responsibilities included:  OCTA liaison to the Transportation Corridor Agency for toll road construction; OCTA Budget Review Committee; Chairman of the Contractor Drug and Alcohol Compliance Committee; Responsible for OCTA Strategic Plan development; Lead negotiator with Teamsters Union and the Transportation Communication International Union for six Collective Bargaining Agreements; Chairman of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Labor Relations Subcommittee of the HR Committee; Chairman of the National Academy of Science Transportation Research Board Expert Safety Culture Panel; Member of the Eno Center for Transportation Leadership Board of Advisors for the National Transit Fellows Program; Member of the APTA Marketing Committee’s Military Initiative Task Force.

As of August 2014, Colonel Gough resigned from OCTA and accepted a position as Vice President of Human Resources with PKL Services, Inc. in Poway, California.  PKL Services, Inc. is a leading aerospace maintenance, training, and logistics company specializing in domestic and international service support contracts for military and commercial aviation enterprises.  He was responsible for all workforce-related activities, retaining full management authority for the Company’s Human Resources functions to include health and welfare benefits, state and federal compliance, risk management/insurance, legal oversight, compensation, recruitment and retention, workforce development, labor and employee relations, Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Plan requirements, leave management, and HR Information Systems.  Additionally, served as a partner with The Callan Course, a leadership development program for organizations that focuses on the workforce, at all levels, by providing a foundation of leadership tenets and cultivates the leaders of the future, establishes sound succession planning practices, and provides coaching/mentorship for employees from the entry level through the executives.

On August 1, 2015, Colonel Gough was promoted to Chief Operating Officer at PKL Services, Inc.  PKL Services, Inc. was recently ranked by Bloomberg Government in the Top 20 worldwide for Defense Training & Simulation Opportunities and attained over $85 million in annual revenue. In 2016, along with the Owner and CEO, he became the Secretary on the PKL Services, Inc. Board of Directors.  Reporting directly to the CEO and working as a key member of the Company’s leadership team, the Colonel Gough is responsible for building, executing, and overseeing all of the Company’s systems, processes, workflows, and procedures. He retains responsibility for the daily operations and executing the strategic vision of the Company in a dynamic international marketplace with nearly $750 Million in current contracts, both domestically and internationally.  During 2016, the Company doubled profits to near $20 Million.  He is responsible for oversight of his Direct Reports which include the Human Resources Department, Compliance Department, Finance Department, Accounting Department, Contracts and Program Management Department, Marketing and Communications Department, and the Business Development Department.  He was instrumental in developing new business opportunities in foreign military sales contracts throughout Asia and the Middle East, recently resulting in the awarding of a $495 Million foreign military sales contract in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  Currently, PKL has foreign military sales contracts in Singapore and Thailand as an aviation maintenance and training services company and has expanded the training element by trademarking a full spectrum training system known as OmniSpec.  He also assisted in expanding the diversity of the corporate portfolio through innovative approaches to new business initiatives domestically and overseas through investments in manufacturing and product development.  Critical in this endeavor was the formulation of Aerospace Integrated Manufacturing Solutions LLC, as a subsidiary of PKL Services, Inc., to develop the manufacturing aspect of the expanded business portfolio.  The product development contribution included becoming a major investor in Opticallock, an innovative global tracking system for all manner of shipping containers.  He continues to focus on sustaining the core business of the Company while building new relationships and nurturing relationships with global partners and customers.  In 2017, PKL Services, Inc. was recognized by the San Diego Chamber of Commerce as the 2017 Member of the Year for the Veterans Honor Roll for hiring veterans.  Over 90% of the PKL employee workforce are veterans.

From 2016 to 2018, Colonel Gough served as the Chairman of the “A Million Thanks” Foundation Board of Directors, a non-profit veterans support initiative that assists the American populace in sending letters of gratitude to deployed members of the U.S. military, providing betterment of life gifts and educational scholarships to the members of the military and their family members.  Additionally, he has served as a member of the VetNet Business Network Board of Governors and the Marine Executives Association (MEA) Board of Directors fostering employment opportunities for veterans.  Colonel Gough also serves as an Advisory Board Member to the Center for Oral and Public History at California State University Fullerton and was the President of the California State University Fullerton Alumni Association.  In 2018, he became a Member of the Chief Operating Officers’ Forum, San Diego Chapter.  He is currently a member of the Advisory Board of the Semper Fi Fund, UBIQ Security Inc., and Drone Aviator, Inc.  He recently agreed to serve as a Client Advisory Board Member to The Rayburn Wetsel Group, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc. and the Marine Corps Aviation Association Board of Advisors.  He was appointed to the Advisory Council of The Semper Fi Fund in 2018 and serves as a Tribute to Veterans Committee Member for the Semper Fi Fund.

In 2018, Colonel Gough founded Poseidon Consulting LLC where he serves as Chief Executive Officer providing expert consulting on all manner of aerospace, training, and leadership development to other companies throughout the United States.

Commencing on February 1, 2020, Colonel Gough became the Chief Executive Officer of PKL Services, Inc. with a focus on continuing the growth of the Company while adhering to the mantra of uncompromising integrity in everything the Company does.

Residing in Carlsbad, California, he has been married to the former Karen L. Chute of Orange, California for 42 years, and they are the proud parents of son Kyle, age 34, and daughter Tara, age 33 as well as the grandfather to Logan, Aiden, and Parker.

Regan Jones Director of Military and Veterans Affairs, University of Notre Dame

Regan Jones was named Notre Dame’s director for military and veterans affairs in 2017. In this capacity, he heads the Office of Military & Veterans Affairs (OMVA) and provides strategic direction on behalf of the provost for the University’s veteran and military-related programs. This includes working closely with faculty, administrators, and staff to create, manage, and coordinate initiatives in support of military-connected students and their families.

Prior to his appointment in the OMVA, Jones was a senior project manager on the Department of Development’s academic advancement team, leading task forces for emerging projects that required organizational and operational change in order to advance new innovative initiatives across campus units. Jones came to Notre Dame in 2014, when he joined the ROTC Department as an assistant professor of naval science with a secondary appointment in the First Year of Studies. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he was the director of operations for Notre Dame’s ROTC departments and managed a number of programs that focused on academics, leadership, physical fitness, and community involvement.

As a member of the United States Marine Corps, Jones completed combat deployments to Iraq and non-combat deployments to the Pacific theater of operations (Japan, Thailand, and Philippines). When not deployed overseas, he was involved in all aspects of Marine Corps training and education, including the development and execution of both tactical and technical curricula.

Jones received numerous awards and honors for his military service, most notably the Purple Heart Medal, the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and the General John A. Lejeune Award for inspirational leadership.

A former Division I athlete, Jones holds an undergraduate degree in political science from the University at Albany, an M.B.A. from Florida State University, and is a graduate of the President George W. Bush Institute Leadership Program.

He and his wife, Mary, along with their three children, reside in the South Bend area, where he is a member of the board of directors for the YMCA of Michiana.

Brian E. Kaveney Partner, Armstrong Teasdale

A former U.S. Marine Corps infantry captain and member of the Secretary of the Navy’s staff, Brian Kaveney is a now an attorney and partner who serves as general counsel for clients across the U.S.  He focuses on preventing issues and ensuring compliance for trusted clients, and has significant trial experience. Additionally, Brian founded and leads one of the most trusted Industrial Security practices in the U.S.  This practice supports clients, including research labs and universities, around the world. He has earned a national reputation in issue prevention, industrial security, government contracts (i.e., federal contract issues), investigations and trials. Brian aims to apply those lessons learned from supporting clients across various industries to serve The Fund and the members of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families from a legal perspective. Brian and his wife, Becky, have four children and live in St. Louis.

Administrative/Regulatory Industrial Security Law
(Security and Facility Clearance Law)
Brian’s experience includes legal compliance, internal investigations and defense of government actions before certain agencies of the DoD such as the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA). When possible, he employs a collaborative approach with the U.S. Government, focusing on cost-effective solutions to save clients time, money and reputational harm. Brian has established strong compliance and industrial security programs for government contractors, universities and other facilities. He and his team conduct extensive review of candidates and screen certain employees for employers to reduce risk exposure. In the facility clearance (FCL) context, concerns relating to Foreign Ownership, Control or Influence (FOCI) often arise due to the global market. Brian anticipates, negotiates and implements the appropriate structures to mitigate and comply with the FOCI issues under the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM). Brian and his team of former Defense Security Service (DSS) officials guide cleared companies to address regulations and prevent undue influence from foreign entities, while enabling companies to successfully perform in a FOCI environment. Individual Clearance Cases
If a key, trustworthy employee faces a security clearance revocation or denial, Brian and his team analyze the allegations and then mitigate or explain the security concerns to obtain favorable decisions for the individual at the earliest opportunity.

Brian has extensive experience winning matters already in dispute before various tribunals, including DOHA and other U.S. agencies. He has prevailed in cases before these agencies on behalf of executives and key trustworthy employees by presenting the appropriate mitigating evidence. Numerous legal journals and industry periodicals have published Brian’s articles. He has served as an expert witness in this context in litigation matters. Further, national publications such as Reuters and Bloomberg have interviewed and quoted Brian as a source for industrial security matters.

Government Contract Challenges
Brian and his team of lawyers and non-lawyers (including retired government contractor professionals) work to ensure clients anticipate changing policies and procedures within the U.S. Government, particularly the DoD. The team helps privately held entities, foreign-owned entities and publicly traded companies maintain and adhere to the appropriate rules, regulations and unique procedures. For example, the team has coordinated several successful novations under significant time constraints that required coordination across multiple agencies.

Outside General Counsel
In his role as outside general counsel, Brian uses his Marine Corps and legal training to consider the structure, vulnerabilities and efficiencies of the business’ operations. Brian and his team implement strategies using lessons learned from other situations to enable businesses to plan for problems. Additionally, Brian ensures that companies are ready to deal with challenges quickly and efficiently so that they may remain focused on growth and other objectives. The team learns the business and focuses on issues such as mergers and acquisitions, employment issues, financial transactions, and patents and trademarks.

Litigation
In the corporate area, Brian provides counsel on business law and governance matters, joint ventures involving multinational entities and transactions. He implements plans and preventative measures to reduce risks and avoid litigation. However, if litigation cannot be avoided, Brian represents clients in a wide range of matters, including breach of contract, noncompete agreements, trade secrets, confidentiality and fiduciary duty matters, shareholder disputes and employment matters. He has served as trial counsel in state and federal courts in Missouri and Illinois as well as administrative hearings across the U.S., such as before DOHA.

Honors & Awards
Brian was selected as one of 163 attorneys under the age of 40 to be a National Law360 Rising Star in the aerospace and defense field. In addition, he received the Society Award from the Society of Industrial Security Clearance Professionals (NCMS) and was recognized as a “40 under 40” honoree by the St. Louis Business Journal. He was named an “Up and Coming Lawyer” by Missouri Lawyers Weekly and a Missouri/Kansas Super Lawyer®.

Community Involvement
Brian uses his legal knowledge, particularly with respect to compliance and corporate governance, to counsel charities. For example, he has performed pro bono work for charitable organizations that serve veterans suffering from PTSD and those that help veterans and their families, particularly during challenging, long deployments.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
One of 163 attorneys under 40 selected for the Law360 national Rising Star list in Aerospace and Defense (2014)

Missouri/Kansas Super Lawyers®, Rising Star (2013-2016); Super Lawyers®, Business Edition Received 2013 Society Award from the Society of Industrial Security Professionals (NCMS) Recognized as a 40 Under 40 honoree by the St. Louis Business Journal (2013) Named an “Up and Coming Lawyer” by Missouri Lawyers Weekly (2008) Board of Governors of the Marine Corps Association Award, Captain and Honor Graduate
(1998)

PRESENTATIONS & PUBLICATIONS
Brian is a frequent speaker and author on a variety of legal topics and he has been quoted by major national publications on industrial security law. Brian has also focused on legal topics in Missouri and Illinois. For example, Brian has published extensive articles on tort reform and the common interest rule. His articles have been cited by judges in their opinions.

Father Bjorn Lundberg Pastor, Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Winchester, VA Son of retired Army Colonel

Fr. Bjorn Lundberg is the Pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Winchester, Virginia.

He was born Nov. 26, 1974, in Nurnberg, Germany, to John and Marlene Lundberg. He spent his childhood as a self-described “Army brat,” traveling with his family from post to post. Military moves brought the Lundberg family to Texas, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington State. Father received a Bachelor of Arts in History, with a double minor in Theology and Philosophy from Christendom College in 1997.

Upon graduation, he interned in Rome for the English Language Section of Vatican Radio. His professional work continued at the Eternal Word Television Network in October 1997. For two years he was an Associate Television Producer, where he produced a number of television series. Late in 1999, Father returned to northern Virginia to study for the LSAT and was accepted to Law School in 2000. At the same time, he applied to Diocese of Arlington to begin studies for the priesthood. He attended Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from 2000 until 2006. He received a Master of Arts in Moral Theology and a Master of Divinity. His first parish assignment was at the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More, in Arlington, Virginia. In 2009 he began his second assignment as Parochial Vicar at the Parish of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Beginning in 2012, he became Chaplain at Saint John Paul the Great. Since 2015 he has been the Thursday morning “Godly Counsel” on Morning Glory Radio Show on EWTN Global Catholic Radio, broadcast out of Washington, D.C. He served as Chaplain and Assistant Principal at Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School in Dumfries from August, 2012 until June, 2017.

He was installed as Pastor of Sacred Heart in Winchester, Virginia, by His Excellency, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge in July 2017.

Cody McGregor Managing Director, FTI Consulting Officer, The Barrington Family Foundation

Mr. McGregor is a Managing Director at FTI Consulting inside the firm’s Strategic Communications Practice. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1999 and served in the 3^rd Infantry Brigade of the 82nd Airborne Division. While with the 82^nd, he served in an infantry platoon and then as a sniper in a scout reconnaissance platoon. During his time in service, Mr. McGregor ascended to the rank of sergeant and took part in deployments to Egypt in support of the Multinational Force and Observers peacekeeping mission and Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom where he earned the Combat Infantryman’s badge.

Following his service, Mr. McGregor graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and went on to work for a member of the Texas House of Representatives, the Texas Commissioner of Agriculture and managed two statewide campaigns.

In 2014 Mr. McGregor founded the Texas chapter of Concerned Veterans of America, a statewide veterans advocacy coalition made up hundreds of volunteers and staff. He went on to serve as the National Outreach Director serving as the organization’s spokesperson and helped build a national network of veterans and military family members responsible for advocating for veterans at the federal and state levels.

Mr. McGregor serves as an officer on the board of The Barrington Family Foundation whose mission is, in part, to support our country’s active duty troops, veterans, and their families.  He also sits on U.S. Senator Ted Cruz’s Military Academy Nominations Committee and is an active member of his community in Houston, Texas.

Reverend Christopher Merris CAPT, CHC, USN (Ret.)

Fr. Christopher Merris is a Roman Catholic priest of the Diocese of San Diego, California. He retired from the Navy in September 2018 after 21 years as a chaplain. He is a native of San Diego.His educational background includes a Masters degree in theology from the University of Louvain, Belgium, and a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego. He is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. Prior to the military, he worked in private practice focusing principally in areas of child development. He also co-authored a book on troubled marriages entitled If Only You Would Change: What to do When Your Marriage Isn’t What You Thought It Would Be. Fr. Merris was board certified as a clinical pastoral counselor in 2012. While on Active Duty, Fr. Merris deployed on multiple occasions with the Navy and Marine Corps to Afghanistan and Iraq. He served aboard USNS Mercy for Pacific Partnership 2010, which took them to countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia and Timor Este. He retired from Camp Pendleton as the Marine Corps Installations West Chaplain.Fr. Merris brings the spiritual component to the Semper Fi family. His extensive experience both from being “boots on the ground,” as well as his clinical and pastoral background convinces him of the important role hope plays in not just recovery but in thriving in life.Fr. Merris enjoys cooking, gardening, playing guitar, riding motorcycles and studying languages.

Ben Saylor CEO, Destiny Alliance Consulting, LLC. Colonel, USMC (Ret.)

Ben Saylor is the owner and CEO of Destiny Alliance Consulting which is a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business formally verified by the Department of Veterans Affairs and member of the Veterans First Contracting Program. Destiny Alliance Consulting specializes in marketing, sales, and procurement support to clients who do business with the US federal government.

In 2014, the General Services Administration (GSA) recognized Ben’s expertise in government procurement and small business ownership by inviting him to serve as a Board Member on the Quality Partnership Council (QPC) representing the flooring industry. The QPC is comprised of representatives from GSA’s Integrated Workplace Acquisition Center, Federal Agencies, and Industry Partners and works to resolve issues affecting procurement within the federal government. Ben continues to serve as a QPC Board Member and was recently affirmed for an additional two-year term.

Ben is a retired Marine and combat veteran who served on active duty from October 1976 to February 2004. During his career, he was privileged to command at every level in the Marine artillery from platoon to regiment. He was equally privileged to serve in combat as Chief of Staff, 1st Marine Division during the “March-up” to Baghdad in 2003.

Ben is a 1997 graduate of the National War College (MS, National Security Strategy) and 1976 graduate of Michigan State University (BS, Criminal Justice).

Ben and his spouse Sondria (VP, Case Management, Western Region, Semper Fi Fund | America’s Fund) reside in Oceanside, CA. They are the proud parents of two adult sons Joshua and Christopher and were blessed with the addition of Joshua’s spouse Carolyn to their family in 2013.

Melissa Stockwell American Two-Time Paralympian Former U.S. Army Officer

In 2002, Melissa graduated from the University of Colorado and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army as part of the Transportation Corps. Two year later she deployed with the 1st Cavalry Division to Baghdad, Iraq. On April 13, 2004, she was on a routine convoy when her HUMVEE was hit by a roadside bomb. The blast resulted in the amputation of her left leg above the knee and she became the first female to ever lose a limb in active combat.After a year of rehab at Walter Reed Army Medical Center she was medically retired with a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. She quickly adapted into a life of sports and went on to swim in the 2008 Beijing Paralympics before turning to the sport of triathlon in 2009. She is a 3x Paratriathlon World Champion and a recent bronze medalist from the 2016 Rio Paralympics. Melissa loves giving back to the multisport community and is the co-founder of the Chicago based Dare2tri Paratriathlon club where she helps get other athletes with disabilities into the sport of triathlon. She currently serves as chair of the USAT Womens Committee and is a trustee with the USAT Foundation.

Melissa currently travels the nation for her career as a motivational speaker. Companies such as General Motors, BP, the Chicago Bears, Coldwell Banking, Deloitte and many more, have praised Melissa’s speech as “inspirational, unforgettable and leaving the audience wanting to better every aspect of their life.” In 2015 Melissa gave a TEDx talk in Vail and brought the crowd to their feet.

Melissa is a proud above the knee amputee, a proud American and proudly live s a life of sport. She feels she has done more in her life with one leg than she ever would have done with two. She is married to her husband Brian and together they have two young children, Dallas Patrick and Millie Lynn. She hopes to continue her athletic career with dreams of competing in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic games.

Gary Zegley Lieutenant Colonel, USMCR