THE MVA BOARD OF DIRECTORS IS KNOWN AS THE MANAGEMENT COUNCIL
ALL MVA BOARD POSITIONS ARE UNPAID VOLUNTEERS
ALL MVA BOARD POSITIONS ARE UNPAID VOLUNTEERS
Chairman of the Board -- Commander John B. Wells (U.S. Navy Retired)
(also serves as Treasurer)
John.Wells@mvadvocacy.org
Attorney John B. Wells is a retired Navy Commander (Surface Warfare) and a disabled veteran, who served from 1972 until 1994. He was assigned to six ships and several shore commands. He is qualified in all aspects of surface warfare including command at sea. He is a graduate of the Surface Warfare Officers School Department Head and PXO schools. Mr. Wells served as a Special-Court Martial convening authority, member, senior member, and witness before administrative boards and courts-martial. He has administered non-judicial punishment under Art. 15 of the UCMJ.
Mr. Wells attended law school at night while still on active duty. He was a member of the Law Review Staff and contributed to several law school publications. Upon retirement from the military, Mr. Wells settled in Slidell, Louisiana and opened a general law practice that emphasizes military and veterans law. Mr. Wells has represented military members and veterans throughout the country. He is at home in both state and federal courts and travels often to Washington, D.C. for cases there.
Commander Wells was admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania in November of 1994, the Supreme Court of Louisiana in October of 1995, and the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia in April of 1996. He is also admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States. In addition, Mr. Wells is admitted to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth, Federal, and District of Columbia Circuits. He is also a member of the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces and all service courts. He is admitted to practice before the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims and the United States Court of Federal Claims. Mr. Wells is also admitted to many federal district courts including the District of Columbia.
Mr. Wells is married to Janice Burton Wells of Perth Australia and has two daughters, five grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. He has spoken before numerous groups on military and veterans issues. He is also a frequent guest on the Fox News Channel.
(also serves as Treasurer)
John.Wells@mvadvocacy.org
Attorney John B. Wells is a retired Navy Commander (Surface Warfare) and a disabled veteran, who served from 1972 until 1994. He was assigned to six ships and several shore commands. He is qualified in all aspects of surface warfare including command at sea. He is a graduate of the Surface Warfare Officers School Department Head and PXO schools. Mr. Wells served as a Special-Court Martial convening authority, member, senior member, and witness before administrative boards and courts-martial. He has administered non-judicial punishment under Art. 15 of the UCMJ.
Mr. Wells attended law school at night while still on active duty. He was a member of the Law Review Staff and contributed to several law school publications. Upon retirement from the military, Mr. Wells settled in Slidell, Louisiana and opened a general law practice that emphasizes military and veterans law. Mr. Wells has represented military members and veterans throughout the country. He is at home in both state and federal courts and travels often to Washington, D.C. for cases there.
Commander Wells was admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania in November of 1994, the Supreme Court of Louisiana in October of 1995, and the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia in April of 1996. He is also admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States. In addition, Mr. Wells is admitted to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth, Federal, and District of Columbia Circuits. He is also a member of the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces and all service courts. He is admitted to practice before the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims and the United States Court of Federal Claims. Mr. Wells is also admitted to many federal district courts including the District of Columbia.
Mr. Wells is married to Janice Burton Wells of Perth Australia and has two daughters, five grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. He has spoken before numerous groups on military and veterans issues. He is also a frequent guest on the Fox News Channel.
Vice-Chairman -- Sgt. Major Jim Kuiken, (USMC - Retired)
Jim.Kuiken@mvadvocacy.org
Jim Kuiken is a highly successful former business executive, political candidate, international diplomat, law enforcement officer/agent, Director with Homeland Security, and retired multi-war combat wounded Marine. His long and distinguished career in national service and private industry exemplifies his commitment to this country, it's security, and the free-market economic engine it was founded on.
Now, as an Author and Public Speaker, his experiences as a young combat ‘grunt’ who moved up the ladder to become one of the most senior enlisted leaders in the Marine Corps, as a state and local law enforcement officer, a firefighter/EMT, a Border Patrol Agent, a federal Special Agent, and ultimately a Director with the Department of Homeland Security give him the ‘boots on the ground’ real-world perspective.
As an internationally recognized authority in law enforcement/first responder, homeland security, military and intelligence operations, Jim’s first-hand subject matter expertise is evident as an author with his knowledgeable down-to-earth writing; as well as making him a highly sought after speaker with his relaxed, personable but effective public speaking style.
Jim.Kuiken@mvadvocacy.org
Jim Kuiken is a highly successful former business executive, political candidate, international diplomat, law enforcement officer/agent, Director with Homeland Security, and retired multi-war combat wounded Marine. His long and distinguished career in national service and private industry exemplifies his commitment to this country, it's security, and the free-market economic engine it was founded on.
Now, as an Author and Public Speaker, his experiences as a young combat ‘grunt’ who moved up the ladder to become one of the most senior enlisted leaders in the Marine Corps, as a state and local law enforcement officer, a firefighter/EMT, a Border Patrol Agent, a federal Special Agent, and ultimately a Director with the Department of Homeland Security give him the ‘boots on the ground’ real-world perspective.
As an internationally recognized authority in law enforcement/first responder, homeland security, military and intelligence operations, Jim’s first-hand subject matter expertise is evident as an author with his knowledgeable down-to-earth writing; as well as making him a highly sought after speaker with his relaxed, personable but effective public speaking style.
Executive Director -- Colonel Rob Maness (USAF Retired)
Rob.Maness@mvadvocacy.org
Rob has been working with MVA since 2019. Rob is the owner and CEO of Iron Liberty Group LLC, a retired Air Force Colonel, a former Utility executive, a former US Senate candidate, and GatorPAC Chairman. He is also active in grassroots policy advocacy, including criminal justice reform, and veteran policies.
Rob enlisted in the Air Force at 17 and served in three assignments countering terrorist bomb makers before being selected for officer and flight training. During his career he served on the Joint Staff, commanded the oldest bomber squadron in the Air Force, and the sixth largest installation in the world before retiring from active duty with more than 32 years of military service.
Colonel Maness led numerous combat flying operations, including Operations Just Cause, Desert Storm, and as a bomber squadron commander in Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. He was also on duty in the National Military Command Center during the September 11, 2001 attack on the Pentagon. Colonel Maness became one of twelve handpicked members of the Future Operations Group created in response and directly assisted the United States national security team with creating, synchronizing, and executing the campaign plan for the global war on terrorism. His combat decorations include the Bronze Star and Air Medal.
After retiring from the Air Force, Rob served as the Director of Safety and Training for Entergy Corp. overseeing utility operations safety operations and five training centers in five states. In this position he was responsible for system safety during national emergencies such as hurricane recovery operations.
After leaving Entergy Corp., Rob started Iron Liberty Group LLC, a digital publishing and consulting company. In addition to publishing, the Group provides consulting services in organizational leadership, physical and personal security, safety, and human performance areas of expertise. Rob is a Contributor and Television Host at LifeZette.com and Red Voice News. He has appeared on Fox News, Fox Business, CNN, NewsMAX, OANN, and Real America’s Voice. As an author, he is published in The Washington Times, Breitbart News, OpsLens, Human Events, Morning Consult, American Military News, and Global Security Review.
Colonel Maness is a founding Board Member at Military Advocacy Project of Louisiana, Inc., committed to preventing veteran suicides and ensuring military families have equal access to benefits. He also serves as a Board Advisor to the New York City - based school literacy non-profit, WGI, Inc.
Colonel Maness is a graduate of the University of Tampa, Cum Laude, and holds master’s degrees from Harvard University's Kennedy School, Air Command and Staff College, and the U.S. College of Naval Warfare.
Rob.Maness@mvadvocacy.org
Rob has been working with MVA since 2019. Rob is the owner and CEO of Iron Liberty Group LLC, a retired Air Force Colonel, a former Utility executive, a former US Senate candidate, and GatorPAC Chairman. He is also active in grassroots policy advocacy, including criminal justice reform, and veteran policies.
Rob enlisted in the Air Force at 17 and served in three assignments countering terrorist bomb makers before being selected for officer and flight training. During his career he served on the Joint Staff, commanded the oldest bomber squadron in the Air Force, and the sixth largest installation in the world before retiring from active duty with more than 32 years of military service.
Colonel Maness led numerous combat flying operations, including Operations Just Cause, Desert Storm, and as a bomber squadron commander in Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. He was also on duty in the National Military Command Center during the September 11, 2001 attack on the Pentagon. Colonel Maness became one of twelve handpicked members of the Future Operations Group created in response and directly assisted the United States national security team with creating, synchronizing, and executing the campaign plan for the global war on terrorism. His combat decorations include the Bronze Star and Air Medal.
After retiring from the Air Force, Rob served as the Director of Safety and Training for Entergy Corp. overseeing utility operations safety operations and five training centers in five states. In this position he was responsible for system safety during national emergencies such as hurricane recovery operations.
After leaving Entergy Corp., Rob started Iron Liberty Group LLC, a digital publishing and consulting company. In addition to publishing, the Group provides consulting services in organizational leadership, physical and personal security, safety, and human performance areas of expertise. Rob is a Contributor and Television Host at LifeZette.com and Red Voice News. He has appeared on Fox News, Fox Business, CNN, NewsMAX, OANN, and Real America’s Voice. As an author, he is published in The Washington Times, Breitbart News, OpsLens, Human Events, Morning Consult, American Military News, and Global Security Review.
Colonel Maness is a founding Board Member at Military Advocacy Project of Louisiana, Inc., committed to preventing veteran suicides and ensuring military families have equal access to benefits. He also serves as a Board Advisor to the New York City - based school literacy non-profit, WGI, Inc.
Colonel Maness is a graduate of the University of Tampa, Cum Laude, and holds master’s degrees from Harvard University's Kennedy School, Air Command and Staff College, and the U.S. College of Naval Warfare.
Director, Blue Water Navy -- Mike Yates
Mike.Yates@mvadvocacy.org
Mike Yates is a former Navy petty officer is the Blue Water Navy Section Chief. He also served as Executive Director, National Commander of the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Association and has been active in the movement to gain benefits for Blue Water sailors. Mike suffers from diseases associated with exposure to herbicides.
Mike.Yates@mvadvocacy.org
Mike Yates is a former Navy petty officer is the Blue Water Navy Section Chief. He also served as Executive Director, National Commander of the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Association and has been active in the movement to gain benefits for Blue Water sailors. Mike suffers from diseases associated with exposure to herbicides.
Director of Litigation -- Brian Lewis
Brian.Lewis@franciswhitelaw.com
Brian Lewis served in the United States Navy from 1997-2001 as a Fire Control Technician Third Class. During his time in the Navy, he served in Orlando, Florida; Groton, Connecticut; Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; Apra Harbor, Guam, and San Diego, California. He was privileged to serve aboard both submarines and surface ships.
After being discharged from the Navy, Mr. Lewis attended Anne Arundel Community College, Stevenson University, and Mitchell Hamline School of Law. Mr. Lewis holds an Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies, a Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies, a Master of Science in Forensics, and a Juris Doctor.
Mr. Lewis currently is a partner at a general practice firm. His practice centers primarily around military law and veterans claims appeals. He is licensed to practice law in the State of Minnesota. Mr. Lewis is admitted to the Supreme Court of the United States. Mr. Lewis is also admitted to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, the D.C. Circuit, the Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Circuit. He is a member of the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces and all service courts. Mr. Lewis is an accredited attorney with the Department of Veterans Affairs and admitted to practice before the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. He is admitted to the United States Court of Federal Claims. He is admitted to practice before many federal district courts including the District of Columbia.
Brian.Lewis@franciswhitelaw.com
Brian Lewis served in the United States Navy from 1997-2001 as a Fire Control Technician Third Class. During his time in the Navy, he served in Orlando, Florida; Groton, Connecticut; Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; Apra Harbor, Guam, and San Diego, California. He was privileged to serve aboard both submarines and surface ships.
After being discharged from the Navy, Mr. Lewis attended Anne Arundel Community College, Stevenson University, and Mitchell Hamline School of Law. Mr. Lewis holds an Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies, a Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies, a Master of Science in Forensics, and a Juris Doctor.
Mr. Lewis currently is a partner at a general practice firm. His practice centers primarily around military law and veterans claims appeals. He is licensed to practice law in the State of Minnesota. Mr. Lewis is admitted to the Supreme Court of the United States. Mr. Lewis is also admitted to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, the D.C. Circuit, the Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Circuit. He is a member of the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces and all service courts. Mr. Lewis is an accredited attorney with the Department of Veterans Affairs and admitted to practice before the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. He is admitted to the United States Court of Federal Claims. He is admitted to practice before many federal district courts including the District of Columbia.
Director of Research -- Richard Elliott
Richard.Elliott@mvadvocacy.org
Richard served in the United States Naval Submarine force. He qualified in submarines while off the coast of Vietnam during the war. He is a member of the Holland Club, which is for Submariners with over 50 years of qualifications in submarines.
Richard and his wife Linda live in Arkansas and Texas. They enjoy travel and spending time with family and friends.
Richard.Elliott@mvadvocacy.org
Richard served in the United States Naval Submarine force. He qualified in submarines while off the coast of Vietnam during the war. He is a member of the Holland Club, which is for Submariners with over 50 years of qualifications in submarines.
Richard and his wife Linda live in Arkansas and Texas. They enjoy travel and spending time with family and friends.
Director of Marketing and Communications -- Master Sergeant Donna Christian Stratford (USAFR Retired)
Donna.stratford@mvadvocacy.org
She has more than 40 years of experience in media relations, stakeholder involvement, marketing and strategic communications planning. She is an Air Force Veteran and retired from the AF Reserve.
Prior to joining the MVA Board, she worked at the Department of Veterans Affairs and retired in 2022. While at VA, she was the Director of Communications for the Veterans Health Administration, Office of Quality and Patient Safety. Prior to joining VHA, she worked in Office of Strategic Engagement at Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA). While at VBA, she focused on Veteran outreach for toxic exposure benefits including Camp Lejeune and Blue Water Navy. While at VBA, she received certification as a Veterans Service Representative – Rater to better understand and communicate about VA compensation programs.
Donna served as a Air Force journalist and newspaper editor. She continued her public affairs career in civil service, holding management positions from the unit to major command level where she specialized in environmental (toxic exposure) communications and outreach before moving to the private sector. Throughout her career she specialized in strategic communications, business development and marketing for military and defense related reprograms.
Ms. Stratford’s undergraduate studies were in education and mass communications, and she has a Master of Business Administration with Marketing concentration from Rollins College, Winter Park, Fla. She is Accredited in Public Relations by the Public Relations Society of America.
Donna.stratford@mvadvocacy.org
She has more than 40 years of experience in media relations, stakeholder involvement, marketing and strategic communications planning. She is an Air Force Veteran and retired from the AF Reserve.
Prior to joining the MVA Board, she worked at the Department of Veterans Affairs and retired in 2022. While at VA, she was the Director of Communications for the Veterans Health Administration, Office of Quality and Patient Safety. Prior to joining VHA, she worked in Office of Strategic Engagement at Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA). While at VBA, she focused on Veteran outreach for toxic exposure benefits including Camp Lejeune and Blue Water Navy. While at VBA, she received certification as a Veterans Service Representative – Rater to better understand and communicate about VA compensation programs.
Donna served as a Air Force journalist and newspaper editor. She continued her public affairs career in civil service, holding management positions from the unit to major command level where she specialized in environmental (toxic exposure) communications and outreach before moving to the private sector. Throughout her career she specialized in strategic communications, business development and marketing for military and defense related reprograms.
Ms. Stratford’s undergraduate studies were in education and mass communications, and she has a Master of Business Administration with Marketing concentration from Rollins College, Winter Park, Fla. She is Accredited in Public Relations by the Public Relations Society of America.
Chief of Staff -- Michael Kvintus
Mike.Kvintus@mvadvocacy.org
Mike is a disabled former Navy Petty Officer and serves as Chief of Staff. He is vice-Chief of the BWN section.
Mike.Kvintus@mvadvocacy.org
Mike is a disabled former Navy Petty Officer and serves as Chief of Staff. He is vice-Chief of the BWN section.
Legislative Director -- Brian Moyer
moyer_brian@yahoo.com
Brian Moyer enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1973 and after Basic recruit Training at MCRD, San Diego, California was sent to Infantry Training School at San Onofre, Camp Pendleton, California. Then it was on to Sea Duty Indoctrination School for more training with regards to living aboard ship and other responsibilities, which was a two year duty assignment. Brian was assigned to Marine Detachment USS Proteus AS-19 which was a Submarine Tender. He arrived on Guam in February 1974 and departed in February 1976.
The USS Proteus was homeported at Polaris Point, Apra Harbor, Guam. In 1975, all military personnel stationed on Guam were involved in Operation New Life which was part of the "Evacuation of Vietnam." Brian personally witnessed herbicide spraying take place on many occasions at Polaris Point where he and fellow Marines and Sailors of the Proteus trained, played baseball, football and other activities at the above location.
Brian also drank contaminated water from a water cooler while at the Andersen Air Force Base Fire Fighting School with Sgt. Major James Kuiken in June of 1974. He discharged from the Marine Corps in 1977. Brian and his family moved to Florida after his retirement from law enforcement. After arriving in Florida in 2015, Brian found out about the use of Agent Orange on Guam and the rest is history. He returned to Guam in October 2019 at the request of the US and Guam EPA which resulted in dramatic soil test results! Brian was honored to attend the ceremony at the White House when President Biden signed the PACT Act into law on August 10, 2022.
moyer_brian@yahoo.com
Brian Moyer enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1973 and after Basic recruit Training at MCRD, San Diego, California was sent to Infantry Training School at San Onofre, Camp Pendleton, California. Then it was on to Sea Duty Indoctrination School for more training with regards to living aboard ship and other responsibilities, which was a two year duty assignment. Brian was assigned to Marine Detachment USS Proteus AS-19 which was a Submarine Tender. He arrived on Guam in February 1974 and departed in February 1976.
The USS Proteus was homeported at Polaris Point, Apra Harbor, Guam. In 1975, all military personnel stationed on Guam were involved in Operation New Life which was part of the "Evacuation of Vietnam." Brian personally witnessed herbicide spraying take place on many occasions at Polaris Point where he and fellow Marines and Sailors of the Proteus trained, played baseball, football and other activities at the above location.
Brian also drank contaminated water from a water cooler while at the Andersen Air Force Base Fire Fighting School with Sgt. Major James Kuiken in June of 1974. He discharged from the Marine Corps in 1977. Brian and his family moved to Florida after his retirement from law enforcement. After arriving in Florida in 2015, Brian found out about the use of Agent Orange on Guam and the rest is history. He returned to Guam in October 2019 at the request of the US and Guam EPA which resulted in dramatic soil test results! Brian was honored to attend the ceremony at the White House when President Biden signed the PACT Act into law on August 10, 2022.
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Director of Social Media -- Tom Walden
Tom.Walden@mvadvocacy.org
Tom is a 100% disabled former Navy sailor and a retired Merchant Marine Captain. Tom is the interim Director of the Panama Canal Zone Section.
Tom.Walden@mvadvocacy.org
Tom is a 100% disabled former Navy sailor and a retired Merchant Marine Captain. Tom is the interim Director of the Panama Canal Zone Section.
Director, Veterans of Okinawa -- Jerry Balmes
Jerry.Balmes@mvadvocacy.org
Jerry is a former Marine who served on Okinawa in 1971. He is the Director of the Veterans of Okinawa section. Jerry has been married to his wife, Vivian, since 1975 and they have 3 children. He lives in a Military Veterans Community in Northern Michigan called Camp Curnalia. He spends his winters near Port Charlotte, Florida.
Jerry.Balmes@mvadvocacy.org
Jerry is a former Marine who served on Okinawa in 1971. He is the Director of the Veterans of Okinawa section. Jerry has been married to his wife, Vivian, since 1975 and they have 3 children. He lives in a Military Veterans Community in Northern Michigan called Camp Curnalia. He spends his winters near Port Charlotte, Florida.
Director, Agent Orange Survivors of Guam -- George Coolbaugh, Commander (U.S. Navy Retired)
From 1969 through 1971, George was stationed at the Naval Communications Station (CAMS) Guam. He did not learn of his exposure until decades later, but he and thousands of boots-on-the-ground Guam shipmates were routinely exposed to toxic herbicides throughout their service as areas of NCS were routinely sprayed with Agent Orange to control vegetation.
George left active duty in March 1971, and changed designator to Special Duty Officer (Cryptology) in 1973. Through his retirement from the Navy, he commanded active reserve cryptologic units supporting NAVSECGRU activities at Homestead FL, Rota Spain, and Edzell, Scotland, UK. He retired from the Naval Reserve as a Commander (O-5) in October 1988.
In a parallel civilian career in the commercial banking industry, George worked in various postings on the retail and commercial sides of a regional bank and a New York City-based international financial institution. With a career focus on strategic planning and implementation, he retired at the end of 2001.
George earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature from Bucknell University, and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Rochester Institute of Technology. He and his spouse live in southwestern Florida, while summering in Ohio to be near those grandchildren.
In 2017, while researching Agent Orange on behalf of his late brother, a career naval officer who was exposed in 1972 while serving in the Republic of Vietnam, George discovered Brian Moyer’s Agent Orange Survivors of Guam Facebook group. The rest is history.
From 1969 through 1971, George was stationed at the Naval Communications Station (CAMS) Guam. He did not learn of his exposure until decades later, but he and thousands of boots-on-the-ground Guam shipmates were routinely exposed to toxic herbicides throughout their service as areas of NCS were routinely sprayed with Agent Orange to control vegetation.
George left active duty in March 1971, and changed designator to Special Duty Officer (Cryptology) in 1973. Through his retirement from the Navy, he commanded active reserve cryptologic units supporting NAVSECGRU activities at Homestead FL, Rota Spain, and Edzell, Scotland, UK. He retired from the Naval Reserve as a Commander (O-5) in October 1988.
In a parallel civilian career in the commercial banking industry, George worked in various postings on the retail and commercial sides of a regional bank and a New York City-based international financial institution. With a career focus on strategic planning and implementation, he retired at the end of 2001.
George earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature from Bucknell University, and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Rochester Institute of Technology. He and his spouse live in southwestern Florida, while summering in Ohio to be near those grandchildren.
In 2017, while researching Agent Orange on behalf of his late brother, a career naval officer who was exposed in 1972 while serving in the Republic of Vietnam, George discovered Brian Moyer’s Agent Orange Survivors of Guam Facebook group. The rest is history.
Director, Veterans of Southeast Asia -- Jim Haislip
Jim Haislip enlisted in the Marine Corps in June of 1970. After boot camp he was stationed at Camp Lejeune until August of 1971 when he was transferred to Barracks/A. Co, Marine Barracks, Naval Station, Guam until May of 1973. He was transferred to Camp Pendleton for the remainder of his four years. He reenlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in 1980 and became a Recruiter in 1981. He was discharged in 1988 at the rank of Staff Sergeant.
While working and raising his family and going to school Jim complete his Bachelor of Science at Kent State University in 2005.
Jim is a disabled Veteran and has filed additional claims with the VA for his exposure to the water at Camp Lejeune and Agent Orange on Guam. Jim and his wife Linda were snowbirds for several years from Ohio but moved to Florida in 2013.
Jim joined MVA after seeing a report about Agent Orange Survivors of Guam on his local TV station. Jim contacted Brian Moyer thru Facebook getting help and guidance in his fight with the VA.
Jim Haislip enlisted in the Marine Corps in June of 1970. After boot camp he was stationed at Camp Lejeune until August of 1971 when he was transferred to Barracks/A. Co, Marine Barracks, Naval Station, Guam until May of 1973. He was transferred to Camp Pendleton for the remainder of his four years. He reenlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in 1980 and became a Recruiter in 1981. He was discharged in 1988 at the rank of Staff Sergeant.
While working and raising his family and going to school Jim complete his Bachelor of Science at Kent State University in 2005.
Jim is a disabled Veteran and has filed additional claims with the VA for his exposure to the water at Camp Lejeune and Agent Orange on Guam. Jim and his wife Linda were snowbirds for several years from Ohio but moved to Florida in 2013.
Jim joined MVA after seeing a report about Agent Orange Survivors of Guam on his local TV station. Jim contacted Brian Moyer thru Facebook getting help and guidance in his fight with the VA.
Board Member at Large -- Susie Belanger
susie.belanger@mvadvocacy.org
I am the wife of a US Navy Vietnam Veteran, mother of three children, grandmother of four and great grandmother of one. I come from a strong military family. In addition to my husband, my dad and uncle both served in the Coast Guard during WW2 and during Vietnam my brother served in the Army. Two of my cousins served during the Vietnam War and my nephew graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy last year. These military connections are what drive me to advocate for Veterans.
I began my journey as a Veteran's advocate in 2002, when my husband was denied disability benefits related to Agent Orange exposure and I discovered our Blue Water Navy Veterans were stripped of these presumptive benefits. I helped him fight for those benefits and after two years he was approved. What about the rest of his shipmates? I had no choice but to continue the fight.
I started a grass roots movement and recruited many great people including Veterans, wives and widows. This movement became known as Blue Water Navy Association where I served as the special projects director. Between the passage of the Blue Water Navy (BWN) Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 (PL 116-23) and the court case Procopio VS. the Secretary of the DVA, our Blue Water Navy Veterans were finally granted the benefits they earned and deserve.
The photo that I provided was taken the day HR 299 passed on the House Floor. Congressman Valadao gave me a shout out on the floor. It moved me to tears. We merged with Military -Veterans Advocacy, Inc. Our mission is to continue moving forward to ensure all Veterans exposed to toxic substances receive the benefits they are entitled to in a timely manner.
Yes, it is possible for one person to make a difference, but not alone. It takes a TEAM or a village. Remember there is no "I" in “TEAM”. Veteran's issues are my passion and will continue to advocate as long as I am able.
susie.belanger@mvadvocacy.org
I am the wife of a US Navy Vietnam Veteran, mother of three children, grandmother of four and great grandmother of one. I come from a strong military family. In addition to my husband, my dad and uncle both served in the Coast Guard during WW2 and during Vietnam my brother served in the Army. Two of my cousins served during the Vietnam War and my nephew graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy last year. These military connections are what drive me to advocate for Veterans.
I began my journey as a Veteran's advocate in 2002, when my husband was denied disability benefits related to Agent Orange exposure and I discovered our Blue Water Navy Veterans were stripped of these presumptive benefits. I helped him fight for those benefits and after two years he was approved. What about the rest of his shipmates? I had no choice but to continue the fight.
I started a grass roots movement and recruited many great people including Veterans, wives and widows. This movement became known as Blue Water Navy Association where I served as the special projects director. Between the passage of the Blue Water Navy (BWN) Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 (PL 116-23) and the court case Procopio VS. the Secretary of the DVA, our Blue Water Navy Veterans were finally granted the benefits they earned and deserve.
The photo that I provided was taken the day HR 299 passed on the House Floor. Congressman Valadao gave me a shout out on the floor. It moved me to tears. We merged with Military -Veterans Advocacy, Inc. Our mission is to continue moving forward to ensure all Veterans exposed to toxic substances receive the benefits they are entitled to in a timely manner.
Yes, it is possible for one person to make a difference, but not alone. It takes a TEAM or a village. Remember there is no "I" in “TEAM”. Veteran's issues are my passion and will continue to advocate as long as I am able.
