Board of Directors 3

Shannon B Blake, MS

Major, U.S. Army, Retired

Shannon B. Blake, a Major in the US Army, deployed to Afghanistan in 2003.  Shannon sustained psychological and physical injuries due to combat operations. Shannon has over 20 years of professional management and leadership experience in Criminal and Evidence Law as a Police Officer, Training in Writing and Analysis Law, Litigation, Business Law, Evidence Law and Employment Law.  He is a FAA commercial helicopter pilot and has a private fixed wing certification. 

His medals include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (4th), National Defense Service Medal (2nd), Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Army Achievement Medal (2nd), Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (6th), Armed Forces Reserve Medal (Hourglass and “M” device) Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Overseas Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Expert Marksmanship Badge with Pistol Bar, Aviator Badge, 10th Mountain Combat Badge.

Major Blake is now retired, living in Vermont.  Future goals include becoming a better skier and increasing participation in physical indoor and outdoor activities.   

Major Blake is the current President and Founder of WARRIORS SOAR. Major Blake knew more had to be done for our veterans, after losing friends in combat and suicide he broke away from the norm and formed WARRIORS SOAR. During Major Blakes recovery, he found activity-based programs to be a motivating factor in the healing process. Having the ability to interact with other veterans, share experiences, mentorship, activities and assist in the healing and reintegration of our wounded heroes became the right recipe for providing a better life for our veterans and their families.

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Ken Tisdel

CEO
U.S. Air Force (Veteran)
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Ken is a Disabled Veteran who served in the United State Air Force and Air Force Reserves for 8 years as a KC-135 Flight Combat Crew Member. Ken followed his military with a career in law enforcement in both Arizona and Vermont.

After being promoted to Detective, Ken was assigned to the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force where his division had the highest number of arrests in New England and the US. Ken worked in the Secret Service/FBI Computer Crimes Joint Task Force and then transitioned out of law enforcement into civilian life in 2005. Ken founded LCG Discovery Experts in 2008, where he currently is employed as the CEO, operating in Richmond, Conroe, and Dallas, Texas and Newport Beach, California, providing computer forensic, cybersecurity and complex investigations services throughout the world. Ken has been married for 30 years and has two adult daughters and a son in law who is a US Naval Aviator.

Joe Gilmond

Vice President
U.S. Navy (Ret.)
Desert Shield/Desert Storm Veteran

Fictitious Bio

Joe Gilmond is a retired Army veteran who served in the Gulf War during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Born and raised in a small town in Indiana, Joe joined the military at the age of 18 and served for 20 years.

During his military career, Joe was deployed to various locations around the world, including Germany, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia. In 1990, he was deployed to Saudi Arabia as part of Operation Desert Shield. As a Combat Engineer, Joe’s job was to clear the way for advancing troops by removing mines and other obstacles.

When Operation Desert Storm began in 1991, Joe’s unit was among the first to cross the Kuwaiti border. He participated in several combat operations, including the liberation of Kuwait City. For his bravery and service, Joe was awarded the Bronze Star.

After his service in the Gulf War, Joe continued his military career and eventually retired as a Master Sergeant. He settled in his hometown in Indiana and became involved in several veteran support organizations, including the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Joe is now retired and spends his time volunteering at local veterans’ hospitals and participating in veteran honor ceremonies. He enjoys spending time with his wife and children, fishing, and traveling. Joe is proud of his service to his country and remains dedicated to supporting his fellow veterans.

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Angie Haag

Treasurer
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Fictitious Bio

Angie Haag is a dedicated member of the board of directors for a veteran reintegration non-profit organization, where she serves as the treasurer. Angie has always been passionate about supporting veterans and their families, and her work on the board allows her to make a real difference in the lives of those who have served their country.

Angie has a background in finance, having worked in the banking industry for over 20 years. She brings her expertise in financial management to the board, where she is responsible for overseeing the organization’s budget and ensuring that financial resources are used effectively.

In addition to her work on the board, Angie is actively involved in the non-profit’s programs and initiatives. She volunteers her time at the organization’s events and fundraisers, and she also serves as a mentor to veterans who are transitioning back to civilian life.

Angie is deeply committed to the non-profit’s mission of helping veterans and their families successfully reintegrate into their communities. She believes that by providing education, training, and support, veterans can overcome the challenges they face and build new lives for themselves and their families.

In her free time, Angie enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with her family. She is proud to be a part of the veteran reintegration non-profit and is dedicated to continuing her work on the board for years to come.

Mark Grant

Secretary
SFC, U.S. Army (Retired)
Afghanistan War Veteran

Mark served in the full time Vermont Army National Guard for 21 years and retired SFC. His MOS 13B4H, Artillery Gunnery Sergeant. During his career he was a Basic Non Commissioned Officer Training Instructor with the 124th Regional Training Regiment. He was also a Human Resources Manager in his full time employment with the VTNG. Mark did a tour of duty in Afghanistan in 2003. His therapy is selling quality used cars. Mark & his wife, Chris has added to their family by just purchasing a Campground in Leicester Vermont where they plan on making our Veterans a priority.

William McLaughlin

Board Member
Strategic Planning
Director – Cape Cod Golf Classic

Fictitious Bio

William McLaughlin is a dedicated member of the board of directors for a non-profit organization dedicated to helping wounded veterans reintegrate back into society. As the organization’s strategic planning lead, William is responsible for developing and implementing strategic plans that drive the organization’s mission forward.

William has a background in business and management, having spent over 30 years working in the corporate world. He brings his expertise in strategic planning, finance, and management to the board, where he helps guide the organization’s growth and development.

In addition to his work on the board, William is an active volunteer in the non-profit’s programs and initiatives. He has worked closely with wounded veterans, helping them with job placement, career development, and mental health support.

William is passionate about the non-profit’s mission of helping wounded veterans successfully reintegrate back into society. He believes that by providing support and resources, wounded veterans can overcome the challenges they face and lead fulfilling lives.

In his free time, William enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with his family. He is proud to be a part of the non-profit organization and is dedicated to continuing his work on the board to support wounded veterans in the community.

John Kipp

Board Member
Captain, U.S. Army (Retired)
Iraq War Veteran

Fictitious Bio

John Kipp is a dedicated member of the board of directors for Warriors SOAR, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping wounded veterans reintegrate back into society. As a retired Captain who served in the US army, John brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the organization.

During his military career, John was deployed to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He served as a Platoon Leader and was responsible for leading his unit through some of the most dangerous areas of the country. During his deployment, John was injured in an IED explosion, which left him with a severe leg injury and PTSD.

After retiring from the military, John struggled with the challenges of reintegrating back into civilian life. It was through his own experience that he became passionate about helping other veterans facing similar challenges.

In addition to his work on the board, John is an active volunteer in the non-profit’s programs and initiatives. He has worked closely with wounded veterans, providing mentorship and support as they navigate the challenges of physical disabilities, mental health issues, and reintegration.

John is dedicated to the non-profit’s mission of helping wounded veterans successfully reintegrate back into society. He believes that by providing access to resources, support, and community, veterans can overcome the challenges they face and lead fulfilling lives.

In his free time, John enjoys hiking, camping, and spending time with his family. He is proud to be a part of Warriors SOAR and is dedicated to continuing his work on the board to support wounded veterans in the community.

Marty Slone

Executive Director
Commander, U.S. Navy (Retired)
[email protected]

Marty served in the United States Navy and Navy Reserves for 21 years an Intelligence Analyst (Enlisted) and a Naval Intelligence Officer (Retired as a Commander). In his civilian career he spent 32 years with Sprint in operations, and sales, and retired in October of 2021.

Marty is a graduate of Assumption College in Worcester MA, with a degree in accounting, and a 4-year member of the Assumption Greyhound Hockey team.

Marty has experience in coaching and leading adaptive sports and remains an active member in the Atlanta Sparks special needs and adaptive Ice Hockey Program. He is married, resides in Atlanta and has 2 adult boys. He and his wife Beth enjoy spending their free time on the water and exploring the mountains and lakes in the Carolinas.