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announcements meet the team

Meet the Team: Paul Mazurek

Paul Alan Mazurek serves as the Judge Advocate for DAV Chapter 55. Fun facts about Paul:

  • Retired Staff Sergeant from the Kentucky Army National Guard, dedicating 21 years of service with the 2123rd Transportation Company.
  • Deployed to Saudi Arabia for Desert Shield/Desert Storm during his military career.
  • Beyond his duties at DAV Chapter 55, he is the Chairman of the Madison County Veterans Committee and the coordinator and cook for the Friday Veterans Breakfast.
  • Enjoys photography, video games, and spending quality time with his granddaughter.
  • Passionate about working with the DAV to give back to his community and support fellow veterans.
  • Treasures the camaraderie and sense of family within the chapter.

Learn more about Paul and our team on the Staff page.

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announcements meet the team

Meet the Team: Ben Thomas

Certainly! Here’s a revised “Meet the Team” post for Ben Thomas:


🌟 Meet Ben Thomas! 🌟

Ben Thomas is the current Chapter 55 Treasurer. Fun facts about Ben:

  • A retired USAF veteran with over 8000 hours of flying time on various manned reconnaissance platforms, with combat experience in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, and Kosovo.
  • Served as a subject matter expert and force manager in the A2 and A3 branches at the Pentagon.
  • Held senior executive roles at the Office of the Director for National Intelligence before transitioning to the private sector.
  • Dedicated a decade to small business consulting before focusing on volunteer work, particularly with veterans and outdoor activities.
  • Plays a vital role as treasurer and support driver for Chapter 55, providing crucial support to fellow veterans.
  • Volunteers alongside his wife at the Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery.

Learn more about Ben and our team on the Staff page.

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announcements meet the team

Meet the Team: Travis Martin

Dr. Travis Martin serves as the Adjutant for the Madison County, Kentucky chapter of Disabled American Veterans. Fun facts about Dr. Martin:

  • Handles administrative duties and record-keeping with meticulous attention to detail.
  • Coordinates communications and newsletters, ensuring our members stay informed and connected.
  • Manages chapter documentation and correspondence, maintaining our records efficiently.
  • Enjoys spending time with his dogs, Bartleby and Glori, his cat, Journey, and his school of fishes.
  • Passionate about plants and gardening, as well as playing video games.
  • Always ready to assist veterans, family members, and students, offering support and guidance.

Learn more about Dr. Martin and our team on the Staff page.

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announcements meet the team

Meet the Team: Mark Ledkins

Mark A. Ledkins is a seasoned professional with an impressive career spanning 28 years in the USAF Security Forces, where he has honed his skills and leadership as a Jr. Adjunct CC. Fun facts about Mark:

  • Supports the commander in chapter leadership, bringing his extensive experience to the team.
  • Actively engages with members, offering support and fostering a strong community spirit.
  • Enjoys cycling, participating in MMA, and attending concerts, reflecting his active lifestyle and passion for both physical fitness and cultural enrichment.

Learn more about Mark and our team on the Staff page.

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announcements meet the team

Meet the Team: Theresa Wilson

Theresa Wilson serves as a dedicated advocate and service officer for DAV Chapter 55, bringing with her over 20 years of experience in the United States Air Force, where she achieved the rank of E-6. Fun facts about Theresa:

  • Since retiring, she has committed herself to assisting veterans in Kentucky, dedicating thousands of hours to helping them navigate the complexities of their benefits.
  • Holds leadership roles in the American Legion and serves as Senior Vice Commander for DAV Chapter 55.
  • Earned recognition as “Service Officer of the Year” from the state DAV for her outstanding contributions.
  • Operates a rescue kennel business, caring for dogs and cats, demonstrating her compassion and dedication to improving the lives of all community members.
  • Passionate about advocacy and support for veteran benefits, leadership in veteran support programs, coordination with the state-level DAV, member recruitment and retention, and assisting in event planning.

Veterans and family members are encouraged to reach out to her for assistance.

Learn more about Theresa and our team on the Staff page.

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Meet the Team: Cris Thompson

Cris S. Thompson serves as our Career Pathways guide within the DAV chapter, leveraging her expertise as an Organizational Psychologist and Consultant. Fun facts about Cris:

  • A veteran spouse dedicated to helping veterans build career pathways and obtain meaningful employment that promotes their overall quality of life.
  • Holds an MS in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and a BS in Human Services, and is currently a Doctoral Candidate in Industrial-Organizational Psychology.
  • Assists veterans with career planning and job placement, providing one-on-one career counseling to ensure personalized support.
  • Organizes career workshops and training sessions, helping veterans gain the skills needed for successful employment.
  • Acts as a liaison with local businesses and organizations, creating employment opportunities for veterans.
  • In her free time, enjoys spending time with her family on the lake, target shooting, taking pictures, and playing music.

Veterans and family members can reach her at cris@cstnavigation.com or 859-200-6524, with virtual meetings available by appointment.

Learn more about Cris and our team on the Staff page.

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meet the team members

Meet the Team: Brianna Jurosic

Brianna Jurosic serves as the Trauma and Suicide Prevention Clinic Coordinator at Eastern Kentucky University. Fun facts about Brianna:

  • A third-year Clinical Psychology doctoral student specializing in working with veterans, adolescents, and young adults impacted by trauma and suicidal thoughts.
  • Certified in several key intervention training programs, including Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), Trauma-Informed Care, and QPR gatekeeper training.
  • Actively involved with the Kentucky Suicide Prevention Group, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to her role.
  • Gained practical experience at a state inpatient psychiatric hospital, equipping her with the tools to effectively train others in suicide and trauma intervention.
  • Strongly believes in the power of education and training to equip individuals with the necessary skills to intervene in suicide and trauma cases.
  • Passionate about coordinating trauma and suicide prevention/intervention programs, training others in suicide intervention techniques, and implementing trauma-informed care practices.

Learn more about Brianna and our team on the Staff page.

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announcements meet the team

Meet the Team: Kris Morlen

Kris Morlen serves as the Commander and Service Officer for DAV Chapter 55. Fun facts about Kris:

  • A retired Lieutenant Colonel with multiple deployments in support of the Global War on Terrorism, bringing a wealth of experience and leadership to our chapter.
  • Holds a B.A. in Economics from Indiana University Southeast, utilizing his educational background to enhance our chapter’s strategic initiatives.
  • Dedicated to connecting veterans and their families with much-needed resources, including navigating VA benefits and seeking community support. Kris is always ready for a friendly chat and offers a helping hand.
  • Actively engages in event planning and coordination, ensuring our events run smoothly and effectively.
  • Passionate about community outreach and engagement, fostering strong connections between our chapter and the broader community.
  • Maintains open communication with the national DAV organization to ensure our chapter aligns with national goals and policies.
  • In his free time, Kris enjoys golfing, gardening, and spending quality time with his dogs.

Learn more about Kris and our team on the Staff page.