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Nevadans 4 Vets
Management Team

We are a 100% volunteer based organization.

Meet our team! 

Interested in becoming more involved in our organization? 

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Tony Martinez

Founder/CEO

Served in Military for (2) two year. Forty two after my tour I was awarded Bronze, Purple Heart, Air Medal, CIB, National Defense Service Medal ,Republic Medal, Vietnam S of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal / 3 Bronze Service Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, Expert:  M-16, M-14, Pistol Bar & Motor and attended Sniper School. Presented to me by U. S. Senator John Ensign.

- Member of "Honor Guard" at Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery

- Member of the Purple Heart Chapter 719

- Vice- Commander "VP"

- Northern Nevada State Veterans Home Director 

Since 2017 became Founder of “Nevadans 4 Vets”.

Diane Martinez

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Co-Founder/Volunteer Chair

Native Reno, Nevadan, Business owner and Co-Founder for “Nevadans 4 Vets” in 2017 and Director of Volunteers for Nevadans 4 Vets.

I recall immediately, was when I personally accepted a flag for 24 soldiers during the cross over ceremony at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley, who had no one to receive the flag for them. It was an honor, yet truly sorrowful moment. 

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Valerie Larrison

Secretary

Valerie is a retired educator, having served her community in Peoria Arizona as a teacher, Instructional Specialist and Principal. She also has over twenty years of management experience in Corporate America. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from The University of California at San Francisco and a Masters in Educational Technology from Arizona State University.

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Mike Branson 

President

Mark Bailey

Treasurer

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Col. Chris Buescher

V.P. Operations

Christopher “Shrub” Buescher is a retired U.S. Marine Corps Colonel with a background flying the All-Weather Medium Attack A-6E Intruder.  He is a graduate of Oregon State University where he earned a Business degree in Marketing and a Minor in Psychology.  Upon graduation, he was Commissioned in the U.S. Marine Corps and after earning his Wings of Gold, he was assigned to a West Coast Marine Intruder squadron where the squadron did a Carrier deploymentto the Indian Ocean flying off the USS Ranger.  His other assignments included a tour as a A-6E Intruder Instructor Pilot, he completed Army Airborne School and was a Forward Air Controller and Executive Officer of 3D ANGLICO, he participated in the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom as the Air Officer for the Civil Affairs Group and finished up his 30-year career as the Senior Marine Liaison Officer to FEMA Region IX and Marine Forces Pacific.  He is also a recently Retired B-787 International Commercial Pilot for American Airlines

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Tracey Buescher

Sponsorship Chair

Originally from the Bay Area, I was Co-Chairman of the Pleasanton Military Families since its inception in 2003. This organization is a support group to those who have loved ones serving in the Military, organizing care package events 4 times a year to those serving overseas, homecomings for returning military on deployment and monthly meetings for families to update us on their loved ones.  

 

I was also Team Member for "Sentinels of Freedom" an organization providing  support for returning wounded veterans, mentoring them and helping them set goals and prepare them to enter the job market, continue their education and assisting them with housing and support as they return to civilian life. 

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Justin Hoch

Director Veterans Outreach

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Kelsey Kibbe

Director Media Services

I am a 5th generation Nevadan and I have huge spot in my heart for non-profits, especially those supporting Veterans. I began my non-profit love with The Fern 45 - a non-profit based in Fernley, NV with my dad as the president and I as the secretary. Nevadans 4 Vets and The Fern 45 have a friendly competition going on who can raise the most for our Veterans. Now I am playing on both sides and wish we all succeed! I believe our Veterans deserve the up-most respect. I look forward to being a part of this team and helping support our Veterans. 

Purple Heart Committee

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Colonel Michael Hudson 
USMC (ret)

Purple Heart Committee

Michael retired as a Colonel, after 30 years as a Unites States Marine Corps Aviator. He commanded a Helicopter Squadron and a Marine Expeditionary Unit in support of combat and contingency operation in Africa, Central and Pacific Commands, with both commands receiving unit awards for excellence and safety.  Michael has over 3,600 hours of flight time in Helicopters and Fixed Wing aircraft. He has an extensive background in operations, intelligence, and national security. His personal combat and contingency awards include one Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars and twelve Air Medals. Michael has served as a flight instructor, M1A1 tank Forward Air Controller, Marine Air Group Executive officer in combat and for Michael’s last assignment he was hand selected by the Commandant of the Marine Corps to reset the USMC Sexual Assault Prevention Response (SAPR) program, and to work closely with the larger behavioral health and suicide prevention team.  In two years, his team took the Marine Corps from the lowest of the service to the best SAPR program in DoD. By integrating evidenced based risk drivers that correlated with increased risk for suicide. He supported researched informed new processes, data analytics and leadership engagement to help commanders recognize, mitigate and better support struggling Marines. Michael now works as their Vice President for Strategic Accounts at ClearForce. He also supports non-profit organizations focused on helping veterans and their families prevent suicide and support resiliency. He holds a bachelor’s Degree from San Jose State University in Aeronautics, a Master’s Degree from Troy State University in Management and a Master’s Degree from the Naval War College in National Security and Strategic Studies.  Michael resided in Reno Nevada with his wife Nichelle. 

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Terry Brodt

Purple Heart Committee

Terry had a long career in the corporate travel business and was also a Professional TV Wrestling and Boxing Announcer for over 30 years with World Wrestling Entertainment. He was featured in the TV hit series “The Fall Guy” with Lee Majors and in a comedy movie with Ruth Buzzy. 
Additionally, Terry writes a monthly wine column for Stroll Arrow and Stroll Mount Rose magazines, as well as develops stories for the ArrowCreek View magazine. One of his most recent ventures is being President of the Arrowcreek Wine Lovers, the largest active social club in ArrowCreek. 

Terry is most proud of being a Veteran in the U.S. Air Force with some 18 months in Vietnam and 2 years in Spain. 
Over the years, Terry has emceed many events, but he says the three greatest individuals he ever introduced were Joe Lewis, world heavyweight champion, James Lovell, the Apollo 13 Commander, and Buzz Aldrin, who was the second man to step on to the Moon.

 

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Don Overly

Purple Heart Committee

Extensive global business experience in supply chain management as a business development executive implementing logistics solutions for Fortune 500 companies. 

* Have enjoyed a lifetime of all various outdoor activities, travel, and sports.

* Oldest son of a retired Air Force pilot and married with three college graduated kids.
 

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