Founder, Managing Director 2009-2021, Board of Directors

Lauren Price, YN1, USN, (Ret.) January 13, 1965-March 30, 2021

· Born January 13, 1965, in Providence, Rhode Island. Raised in Seattle, Washington

· Graduated from Pemberton High School, (Pemberton, NJ) 1986

· Graduated from Omega Institute, (Cinnaminson, NJ) with Paralegal Certification 1987

· Graduated from Saint Leo University, B.S. Criminal Justice, A.S. in Psychology

· Twenty (20) years in the legal profession

· Enlisted in the U.S. Navy January 3, 2005. Served at a Shore Command until deployment to Iraq, ultimately returning to Shore duty upon her return.

· Served as a Convoy Driver and Public Affairs Officer for a year in Baghdad, Iraq – February 2007 – March 2008)

· Served as Intel and Logistics Lead Petty Officer at Defense Logistics Agency, U.S. Central Command

· Awards: Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal –(with star), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Naval Reserve Meritorious Service, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Navy Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Driver Badge

· Medically retired from the U.S. Navy January 2015

· Married to James Price, Senior Chief, USN, (Ret.), five (5) adult sons, (3 veterans – 1 Air Force and 2 Army). Resides in New Port Richey, FL since 2004

· Community Service:

· Guardian Ad Litem, Sixth Judicial District, October 2004 – October 2011.

· Pro Bono Child Support Assistance – 1987 – Present

· Founder and Managing Director of Veteran Warriors (national veterans advocacy and federal lobbyist)

· March 30, 2021, New Port Richey, FL, Lauren lost her battle with illnesses related to toxic exposure from burn pits during her deployment to Iraq.

Executive Director, Board of Directors Member

Holly Ferrell, Post 9/11 Caregiver

Holly serves as Veteran Warriors’ Executive Director, she oversees all day to day operations and remains involved with all matters related to veterans, caregivers, families, and survivors.

In her previous role as National Appeals Director, she handled cases of various natures: those who have had their applications denied; those who have been discharged; those who are attempting to resolve issues with the VA staff; those veterans and their caregiver who are attempting to decide whether to apply and whether they meet eligibility; those veterans who require assistance with applying; those who are looking for other resources or possibly that their veteran requires more care; and any other related matters.

With her clinical background, the majority of her time is spent assisting veterans with navigating the VA system to obtain healthcare or assisting veterans whose Caregiver Program applications have been denied and those that have been discharged from the program with properly drafting their appeals, including assisting the veteran and caregiver with gathering the proper documentation and medical records to prove they were wrongfully denied. On a case by case basis, Holly will represent a veteran and their caregiver with their appeals either onsite or via teleconference. There are often times where she is required to help open the dialog between the veteran and the VA to discuss potential administrative errors on a Veteran’s Eligibility Assessment, misconduct, or other wrongdoing by VA. She has oversight of all the organization’s cases regarding the public law’s clinical and administrative eligibility for the Caregiver Program, requiring her to spend a lot of time discussing options with veterans or caregivers regarding Program eligibility and whether there may be other more suitable programs.

When Holly is not assisting other veteran families, she enjoys spending time with her family. Holly’s husband is a post 9/11 Army veteran, which allows her to relate closely with the veteran caregiver community. Daniel and Holly have four children, three boys and a little princess, and one four-legged fur-child. With two of their four children knowing life before the military discharge and two only knowing the veteran lifestyle, she has strived to ensure her children are well rounded, compassionate, and understand that their lifestyle is not typical for many of the peers. She and her family frequently help other families who are attempting to transition out of the military to navigate the veteran family lifestyle, particularly with navigating the VA and adapting to a new way of life.

Deputy Director

Steff Smith, Post 9/11 Caregiver

Steff Smith serves at Veteran Warriors' Deputy Director, she is involved with day to day operations and remains involved with all matters related to veterans, caregivers, families, and survivors.

is the caregiver for her husband, Tom. He is a veteran of both the Marine Corps and United States Army with 23 years of distinguished service. He was medically retired in 2011 after being injured in Iraq and suffers from chronic PTSD, TBI, shoulder, neck and back injuries, as well as toxic exposures causing lung function issues and a chronic skin disorder. She has been his caregiver for 12 years.

Steff is an advocate, writer, historian, caregiver, mom to three grown children and Gigi to a five-year-old. She is pursuing a PhD in American History and currently authoring two books.

In 2014, Steff was selected as a Fellow for the ElizabethDole Foundation and remains actively supporting caregivers as an Alumni. She is a member of the Caregiver Advisory Board at PsychArmor Institute, contributing to educational course development for their online programs and advising on caregiver needs. She is currently a Certified Peer Mentor at MVCN (the Red Cross's Military and Veteran Caregiver Network), and facilitator of an in-person caregiver support group at Ft. Benning, GA. She also co-facilitates an online support group for caregivers who are at risk of divorce or have already divorced their care recipient, some of whom are continuing to assist with care and co-parenting post-divorce. She previously served as the Staff Coordinator and as a case manager at Family of a Vet. Steff has been a guest speaker and panelist at America’s Warrior Partnership, Gallant Few’s VetExpo and Veteran Warriors Burn Pit Conference.

Steff advocates for caregivers of all eras, with a current special interest in advocacy for Wounded Warrior families with special needs children and for Wounded Warrior blended families. As a result of experiences with her husband’s children, she would like to bring more attention to the parenting challenges faced when one parent is severely injured and/or suffers from cognitive injuries that prevent them from taking a more active role with children.

Toxic Exposure & Transition Legislative Advisor

Tori Seals, Gold Star wife of Sgt. Jay Seals

Cheryl “Tori” Seals is the wife of the late Sgt Jeremy” Jay” Seals. Sgt. Seals served in the Army where he was exposed to Toxins in Afghanistan 2010-2011. Sgt Seals passed because of a combination of Toxic Exposure (Burn Pits) and Military Medical Malpractice/Neglect. Documents have been found that indicate that a mass was found in 2012 but was not treated in any way or reported to him. This neglect resulted in a stage 4 stomach cancer diagnoses in late 2016. From the time of his diagnosis, Tori was his full-time caregiver, till his death October 31, 2018. His death has changed her life in many ways. She now has a desire and drive to make changes to how our warriors, Active duty and Veterans, along with their families and survivors are treated, in Honor of Sgt Jay Seals. Tori has and will continue to advocate for issues such as Toxic Exposure prevention & care, Military Medical Accountability & Documentation, Feres Doctrine Amendment/repeal, Caregiver programs for DOD & VA, and Survivor care & benefits.

Prior to being an Advocate, she has had a variety of careers, Including but not limited to Information Technology Specialist for a Defense Contractor, Designer and Sales Representative for a Promotions Company, Federal Compliance Officer for a Home Loan Company, Artist and Creative designer/sales for a couple of Renaissance Festivals, Personal Assistant to an Executive Sales Representative and Talent/Celebrity Handler, Physical Security, Logistics and Operations Specialist for many Conventions and Festivals across many genres and locations throughout the US. She is also the mother of 2 children that have now ventured out on adventures of their own.

"Do good things" - Sgt. Jay Seals

Whole-istic Health Specialist

Jennifer Breeden

Motivated Herbalist with four years of research into Herbal Medicine and Holistic approaches to achieving balance within the body. Proficient at researching necessary information about Herbal applications for creating homeostasis within the body. Understands the necessity of Medical intervention while still applying a Holistic approach.

EDUCATION

American College of Healthcare Sciences

Associate of Applied Science Complementary Alternative Medicine (Herbal Medicine)

Graduated 2019

WORK EXPERIENCE

United States Navy (Master At Arms – Petty Officer Second Class)

June 2002–June 2008

Honorably Discharged

Core Qualifications

· Prepared and submitted written and verbal reports concerning police activities and investigations.

· Confronted and resolved emergency and non-emergency situations.

· Protected life and property through the enforcement of regulations and laws.

· Provided crime prevention suggestions and recommendations.

· Created and implemented Standard Operating Procedures for Security at Naval Hospital Lemoore.

· Created and implemented training for Hostile patients in a hospital environment.

· Responded to building emergencies and managed repairs.

· Investigated problems and determined appropriate remedies.

· Controlled expenses to meet budget requirements.

· Performed start-up functions on systems based on project plans, specifications, and contract documents.

· As Barracks Petty Officer increased moral and pass rate for room inspections and cleanliness in common areas.

Military Awards

Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal

Meritorious Unit Commendation (2)

Navy Good Conduct Medal (2)

National Defense Service Medal

Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon

Navy Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon

Navy Pistol Sharpshooter Ribbon

Colonel D.J Reyes, M.A., J.D. U.S. Army (Ret.)

DJ Reyes is a retired US Army Colonel with over 33 years of faithful service to our great Nation. Earning his bachelors, masters, and juris doctor degrees from the University of Notre Dame, the US Naval War College, and Temple University School of Law, DJ also commanded or served in primary staff positions in special forces / operations, military intelligence, infantry, airborne, air as-sault, Joint/Interagency, and Multi-National organizations. His combat and contingency deployments included tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, North Africa, Bosnia, Kosovo and Haiti. In addition to providing independent consulting for organizations supporting veterans, military families with special needs, and victims of human trafficking, DJ previously served as a DoD contractor assisting local FL veterans and their spouses with employment opportunities. DJ currently sits on advisory boards supporting US Congresswoman Kathy Castor (D-FL 12th), US Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL 14th), and FL Department of the VA Executive Director Danny Burgess’ “Forward March” Veteran Program Legal Sub-Committee. Finally, DJ devotes significant time and energy in his community service role as senior military advisor and mentor to the 13th Judicial Circuit’s Veterans Treatment Court, or VTC. The VTC identifies those veterans in trouble with the law resulting from some disorder or disability incurred during military service, gets them the necessary medical treatment and therapies, helps in the rehabilitation process, and assists in successful reintegration back into the veterans’’ local communities.

DJ Reyes, Colonel, US Army (retired)

DJ Reyes: Senior Mentor and Program Coordinator

Dr. Thomas Pearson

THOMAS O. PEARSON, MD NEUROLOGY & SLEEP DISORDERS

Office: PENN-TAMPA NEUROLOGY & SLEEP MEDICINE 35111 US HWY 19 N SUITE 207 PALM HARBOR, FL 34684

PHONE (727) 771-1818

SPECIALTY CERTIFICATIONS:

AMERICAN BOARD OF NEUROLOGY & PSYCHIATRY CERTIFIED 11-1992 #036632

AMERICAN BOARD OF SLEEP MEDICINE CERTIFIED 05-2005 A

MERICAN BOARD OF MEDICAL SPECIALTIES, SLEEP MEDICINE CERTIFIED 01-2008

FELLOWSHIP TRAINED IN TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION COMPLETD 10-2019

SPECIALTY PROCEDURES:

ELECTROMYOGRAPHY/NERVE CONDUCTION (EMG/NCS)

ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAM (EEG)

POLYSOMNOGRAM (SLEEP STUDIES)

TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION (TMS)

EDUCATION: RESIDENCY TRAINING:

The Pennsylvania State University Milton S. Hershey Medical Center Hershey, Pennsylvania Neurology 1987 – 1990

Sleep Disorders Fellowship 2001 INTERNSHIP: Polyclinic Medical Center Cooperative Program with Penn State University Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 1986 – 1987

MEDICAL SCHOOL: The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine Hershey, Pennsylvania Medical Degree May, 1986

PRE-MEDICAL EDUCATION: The Pennsylvania State University State College, Pennsylvania Bachelor of Science Degree Premedical Sciences Graduated with High Distinction 1982

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS:

North Pinellas Hospital, Advent Health System 1395 Pinellas Avenue Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

Neurology Consulting Largo Medical Center, Largo FL Neurology Staff 2012 - 2016

Complex Care Hospital at Ridgelake 6150 Edgelake Drive, Sarasota FL

Neurology, Electrophysiology J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital Huntingdon, PA 16652

Director of Sleep, Neurophysiology, Cardiopulmonary Department 1995 to 7-2012

Staff Neurology 1995 to 7-2012

Chief of Department of Medicine 1998

Hospital Board of Directors 1998 Executive Staff Committee 1998 to 1999

Lewistown Hospital 400 Highland Avenue Lewistown PA 17044

Staff Neurology 1990-1995, 2001-2005 Medical Executive Committee Consulting 2009 to 7-2012 Lewistown, Pennsylvania

WORK HISTORY:

11-2016 - present Private Practice in Neurology and Sleep Medicine Penn-Tampa Neurology & Sleep Medicine, 35111 US Hwy 19 N. Suite 207, Palm Harbor, Florida 34684

07-2012 to 11-2016 The Diagnostic Clinic, Largo FL Staff Neurology, Sleep Medicine, Balance Clinic 08-

2010 to 07-12 JC Blair Hospital Medical Services Director of Sleep Medicine Juniata Valley Neurology & Sleep Medicine Huntingdon, Lewistown Pennsylvania

1995-1997 FAME Emergency Medical Services, Lewistown PA Medical Director

1990 - 1995 Geisinger Medical Group, Lewistown, Pennsylvania Staff Neurology

1993 - 2000 EHG National Health Services, Inc. Pennsylvania Department of Corrections State Correctional Institute at Smithfield Director of Medicine and Neurology, consulting

1993 - 1999 Pennsylvania Department of Corrections State Correctional Institute at Huntingdon Consultant in Neurology

1988 - 1990 Hyman S. Kaplan Pavilion Lebanon, Pennsylvania Emergency Physician

SPECIAL PROFESSIONAL INTERESTS/PRESENTATIONS:

2017 - current Community Outreach speaker , Advent Health

2015 - current EEG consultant SleepMed/Digitrace

2016 - current Merck Pharmaceutical Faculty Insomnia & circadian rhythm disorders

2017 – current Florida Hospital/Adventist Health Community Outreach Lecturer

2016 Pinellas County Medical Society Sleep Medicine Lecturer

2015 ICD 10 Transition Committee, Diagnostic Clinic Largo

2015-2017 Actavis Pharmaceutical Faculty / Alzheimer’s Disease 5/2013 Cardiovascular Consequences of Sleep Apnea, St. Petersburg College

4/2012 The Apnea Syndromes, PA Respiratory Society, Pittsburgh PA

2008-2011 Boehringer-Ingelhiem Faculty Restless Legs Syndrome Stroke prevention Parkinsons treatment

2006-2014 Forest Pharmaceuticals Faculty / Alzheimers Disease 2007-2008, Altoona Hospital Resident Neurology Faculty

1999-2008 Merck Pharmaceuticals Faculty / Migraine 2007-2008 Ortho Mcneil Pharmaceuticals Faculty / Restless Legs

2004-2005 Ortho-Mcneil, Consultant and Principal Investigator AIMS Study/Migraine

1999 Parkinsons disease consultant for Novartis Pharmaceuticals

1999 Migraine Consultant and National Speaker Panel for Zeneca Pharmaceuticals

1998 Movement Disorders Consultant for Roche Pharmaceuticals

1999 Migraine Consultant for Glaxo Wellcome Pharmaceuticals

1999 Multiple Sclerosis consultant for Biogen Pharmaceuticals 1996-1998 Linguistics Consultant for NCC, Inc, Developers of Digital Speech Recognition Technology

1996-1997 Cognex Clinical Research Trial principal investigator

1992-1993 Ticlopidine Clinical Stroke Investigator

AWARDS:

2014 Patients Choice Award

2014 Compassionate Doctor Recognition

2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 Top 10 Doctor – Tampa Bay Area Neurology

JP Marzullo

JP Marzullo retired from the Healthcare industry as an employee of Fortune 500 companies for over 35 years. He has worked closely with V.A. Hospitals regarding their Diagnostic Imaging equipment needs throughout the United States. He has seen improvement in the facilities of the V.A.’s but not in their ability to treat and care for Veterans in a timely manner. It is time for professionals both within the V.A. system and private industry to put a plan together to make certain that all of our Veterans including those presently serving our country have the best health care there is to offer.

While living in Annapolis, MD he and his wife Donna, became involved with the United States Naval Academy sponsorship program of Midshipman. The program has been in place for over 75 years. “While we lived in Annapolis, we sponsored over 12 midshipman, they had a place to call home and visit whenever they wanted to. It was a mentoring program and we were there parents away from home.” JP continues to support our military although never having the honor to serve in that capacity.

He is well known for his activism as a political operative and advocate for Veterans. He was a Candidate for State Senate in 2014 and the former Vice Chair of the Republican State Committee of New Hampshire. He has served his community as a two term Selectman and currently serve’s in the NH House of Representatives on the State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs Committee. In his capacity as a State Representative he also is a member of the State Veterans Advisory Committee. Currently he works for General Donald Bolduc as an advisor for his campaign for US Senate.

His passion for our Veterans is best exemplified as the Chairman of the Board of Directors at Liberty House in Manchester, NH. Liberty House is a transitional home for homeless Veterans and takes no Federal or State funding. In his capacity he has raised a significant amount of money for the organization but more importantly has raised the profile of the needs of our Veterans throughout New Hampshire and the Country. Liberty House has 10 Residents but services over 150 homeless Veterans a month with a Clothing and Food Pantry. He is a proud SAL “Sons of American Legion” of the Philbrick-Clement American Legion Post 65 in Weare, NH

Dave Waldmann

Veteran Warriors Advisory Board Member

Dave Waldmann

Following a fifteen-year career in the golf industry (as Professional player, teacher, published writer and Director of Golf at a Boston Country Club), Waldmann began work in the defense industry immediately following the terrorist attacks on 9/11, having lost many friends in the Twin Towers.

Through this work, he specialized in supporting US Special Forces with the development and integration of crucial technologies and systems needed to support the fight in Afghanistan and Iraq. Projects included integrating Mine Resistant/Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, weapon systems, power systems, aviation systems, tagging-tracking-locating technology, energy saving technology, camouflage technology, environmental technology and more. Waldmann is currently the Managing Partner of Cypress Partners Limited, a Philadelphia based business development company that supports US Military, commercial and industrial projects. Waldmann is an active member of the US Coast Guard Museum’s Capital Committee along with prestigious leaders in the US military and government. He is active with St. Patrick Parish in Malvern and involved with charitable causes that support Veteran causes such as Task Force Dagger Foundation and Links-to-Freedom. Waldmann also provides logistical consulting to former Delta Force Operator and now Adventurer/Veteran Advocate, Josh Collins.

Waldmann graduated from Stetson University, DeLand, Florida, where he was President of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity and a member of the Division I golf team. Waldmann was also a member of Stetson’s Army ROTC program. He graduated from Delone Catholic High School in McSherrystown, Pennsylvania.

Major Ronald “Rocky” Roodhouse USAF (Ret.), J.D, LL.M

Veteran Warriors Advisory Board Member

Rocky Roodhouse is an advocate for veterans suffering from deployment-related toxic exposures.

Mr. Roodhouse retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2015 after thirteen duty assignments and five overseas tours as a personnel officer and a judge advocate. As a judge advocate, he directly prosecuted or defended over 50 trials by court-martial and supervised the prosecution or defense of 190 others. Mr. Roodhouse also practiced operations law and international law during deployments in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM. His duties involved reviewing the detention of suspected Iraqi insurgents at Camp Bucca, Iraq, and reviewing the lawfulness of targeting hostile combatants and facilities at the Air Operations Center at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar.

After retiring, Mr. Roodhouse earned a Masters of Law degree at Stetson Law School with the GI Bill while establishing himself in the field of veterans law. He went on to serve as a staff attorney at Stetson's Veterans Advocacy Clinic, where he taught law students the practice of law through representing veterans on disability compensation appeals before the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Mr. Roodhouse is admitted to the Florida Bar, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. He now lives in St. Petersburg, where he is a member of the National Organization of Veterans’ Advocates, St. Petersburg Bar Association, and the Rotary Club of St. Petersburg Sunset.

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CALL TO ACTION!

Nonprofit 501c3 EIN: 83-3442134

Founder, Managing Director 2009-2021, Board of Directors

Lauren Price, YN1, USN, (Ret.) January 13, 1965-March 30, 2021

Founder, Chief Logistics Officer, Board of Directors Member

MMCS Jim Price, B.S.A.N.E, US Navy, (Ret.) - 21 yr Combat Veteran