Board of Directors
Shannon B Blake, MS
President, Founder
Major, U.S. Army (Retired), 1986-2006
Afghanistan War Veteran
Bio
Shannon B Blake is a retired Major in the United States Army, with over 20 years of service to his country. During his time in the military, he served in various leadership positions and played a critical role in several important missions.
Shannon began his military career in 1986, shortly after graduating from West Point Military Academy. He was deployed to Afghanistan in 2001 as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, where he served as a Company Commander. During his time in Afghanistan, he led his unit through a number of successful missions and earned several commendations for his leadership and bravery.
In 2003, Shannon was promoted to the rank of Major and was assigned to a new unit, where he served as a Battalion Executive Officer. In this role, he oversaw the day-to-day operations of the unit and played a key role in planning and executing a number of missions.
After his deployment to Afghanistan ended in 2006, Shannon retired from the military and returned home to his family in the United States. Since then, he has worked as a consultant for various defense contractors and has been active in veteran support organizations. He is a frequent speaker at military events and is passionate about helping other veterans navigate the challenges of transitioning to civilian life.
In his free time, Shannon enjoys hiking, camping, and spending time with his wife and two children. He is also an avid reader and enjoys studying military history and strategy.
Ken Tisdel
CEO
U.S. Air Force (Veteran)
[email protected]
Bio
Ken Tisdel is a retired Air Force veteran who served for 25 years in various roles, including as a pilot and aircraft maintenance officer. Ken grew up in a small town in Texas, where he developed a love of aviation from an early age.
After graduating from college, Ken joined the Air Force and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. He completed his pilot training and was assigned to fly F-16 fighter jets. During his military career, he was deployed to various locations around the world, including South Korea and Iraq.
In 2003, Ken was deployed to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He flew numerous combat missions and was responsible for providing air support to ground troops. For his bravery and service, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
After his service in Iraq, Ken continued his military career and eventually retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. He settled in Texas with his wife and children and became involved in several community organizations, including the local Rotary Club and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Ken now enjoys spending time with his grandchildren, fishing, and working on his classic car collection. He is passionate about supporting his fellow veterans and is involved in several organizations that provide assistance to veterans and their families. He also speaks at local schools about his experiences in the military, hoping to inspire the next generation of service members.
Joe Gilmond
Vice President
U.S. Navy (Ret.)
Desert Shield/Desert Storm Veteran
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.
Angie Haag
Treasurer
[email protected]
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
Bio
Mark Grant is a valued member of the board of directors for a non-profit organization dedicated to helping veterans reintegrate into civilian life. As the organization’s Secretary, Mark is responsible for taking minutes at board meetings, maintaining records, and ensuring that the board operates smoothly and effectively.
Mark has always been passionate about supporting veterans, having grown up in a military family. His father served in the Army and his grandfather served in the Navy during World War II. Mark’s own experience working in the corporate world has given him valuable skills in communication, organization, and management that he brings to his work on the board.
In addition to his role as Secretary, Mark is also an active volunteer in the non-profit’s programs and initiatives. He has worked closely with veterans in the community, helping them with job searches, resume writing, and interview skills.
Mark is committed to the non-profit’s mission of helping veterans successfully transition back into civilian life. He believes that by providing access to education, job training, and support, veterans can overcome the challenges they face and build new lives for themselves and their families.
In his free time, Mark enjoys hiking, traveling, 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 veterans in the community.
William McLaughlin
Board Member
Strategic Planning
Director – Cape Cod Golf Classic
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
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.
Brian Decatur
Board Member
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Afghanistan War Veteran
Director- Sailing Program
[email protected]
Bio
Brian Decatur is a proud member of the board of directors for Warriors SOAR, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping wounded veterans reintegrate back into society. As the Director of the Sailing Program, Brian oversees the organization’s sailing initiatives, providing wounded veterans with an opportunity to enjoy the freedom and exhilaration of sailing.
Brian served in the US army during the Afghanistan war, where he was deployed as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. As a combat engineer, he was responsible for leading his unit through some of the most dangerous areas of the country. During his deployment, Brian sustained injuries that left him with physical disabilities and PTSD.
After retiring from the military, Brian discovered a love for sailing, which helped him overcome his physical and mental challenges. He became passionate about sharing this experience with other veterans, leading him to his work with Warriors SOAR.
In addition to his work with the sailing program, Brian 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 reintegration.
Brian is dedicated to the non-profit’s mission of helping wounded veterans successfully reintegrate back into society. He believes that by providing access to new experiences and a sense of community, veterans can overcome the challenges they face and lead fulfilling lives.
In his free time, Brian enjoys sailing, hiking, 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]
Bio
Marty Slone is a respected member of the board of directors for Warriors SOAR, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping wounded veterans reintegrate back into society. As the Executive Director, Marty is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the organization’s operations and ensuring that it fulfills its mission.
Marty served in the US Navy for over 20 years, rising to the rank of Commander. During his military career, he was deployed to various locations around the world, including the Persian Gulf and Somalia. He also served as an instructor at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.
After retiring from the Navy, Marty became passionate about supporting wounded veterans and their families. He joined Warriors SOAR as a board member, and eventually became the Executive Director.
In addition to his work with Warriors SOAR, Marty is involved in several veteran support organizations, including the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He is dedicated to advocating for veterans’ rights and ensuring that they receive the support they need.
Marty is committed to the non-profit’s mission of helping wounded veterans successfully reintegrate back into society. He believes that by providing access to resources, education, and community, veterans can overcome the challenges they face and lead fulfilling lives.
In his free time, Marty enjoys hiking, traveling, 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.
Michael Remlinger
Board Member
Major League Baseball Liason
Bio
Michael Remlinger is a 1984 graduate of Plymouth Carver High School in Plymouth, MA and a graduate of Dartmouth College. He was drafted in the 1st round of the 1987 MLB draft, with the 16th overall pick, by the San Francisco Giants. Remlinger threw a 3 hit shutout in his major league debut vs the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1991 and he went on to play professionally for 20 years, spending parts of 14 seasons in the Major Leagues including being a member of the 1999 National League Champion Atlanta Braves and the 2002 National League All Star Team. Remlinger has a deep respect for our military and has visited troops in several locales including Iraq and Afghanistan and he is now happy to be working with veterans group Warrior Soar.