Staff

Travis Martin serves as the Adjutant for the Madison County, Kentucky chapter of Disabled American Veterans. Dr. Martin enjoys spending time with his dogs, Bartleby and Glori, his cat, Journey, and his school of fishes. He also has a passion for plants and gardening, as well as playing video games. Veterans, family members, and students are encouraged to reach out to him for assistance.

• Administrative duties and record-keeping
  
• Coordination of communications and newsletters
  
• Managing chapter documentation and correspondence

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. His commitment to service and expertise in security operations exemplify his dedication to safeguarding and protecting. Outside of his military duties, Mark finds joy in cycling, participating in MMA, and attending concerts. These pursuits reflect his active lifestyle and passion for both physical fitness and cultural enrichment.

• Supporting the commander in chapter leadership
• Assisting in event planning and execution
• Member engagement and support

Ben Thomas is the current Chapter 55 Treasurer. He is a retired USAF veteran with over 8000 hours of flying time on a variety of manned reconnaissance platforms. His combat experience spans multiple conflicts, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, and Kosovo. At the Pentagon, Ben served as a subject matter expert and force manager in the A2 and A3 branches. After retiring from the USAF, he joined the Office of the Director for National Intelligence, where he held various positions, culminating in a senior executive role before transitioning to the private sector. Following a decade as a small business consultant, Ben now dedicates his time to volunteering, particularly with veterans and outdoor activities. As the treasurer and support driver for Chapter 55, Ben plays a vital role in supporting fellow veterans. Additionally, he and his wife volunteer at the Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery.

• Financial management and oversight
  
• Budget planning and monitoring
  
• Fundraising and donation tracking
  
• Financial reporting to the chapter and national organization
  
• Ensuring compliance with financial policies

Paul Alan Mazurek serves as the Judge Advocate for DAV Chapter 55. He is a Retired Staff Sergeant from the Kentucky Army National Guard, where he dedicated 21 years of service with the 2123rd Transportation Company. During his military career, Paul was deployed to Saudi Arabia for Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Beyond his duties at DAV Chapter 55, Paul is the Chairman of the Madison County Veterans Committee and the coordinator and cook for the Friday Veterans Breakfast. His hobbies include photography, video games, and spending quality time with his granddaughter. Paul is passionate about working with the DAV to give back to his community and support fellow veterans. He treasures the camaraderie and sense of family within the chapter.

• Advising on legal matters and chapter bylaws
• Ensuring chapter activities comply with national regulations
• Reviewing and interpreting chapter policies

Theresa Wilson serves as a dedicated advocate and service officer for the DAV chapter, bringing with her over 20 years of experience in the United States Air Force, where she achieved the rank of E-6. Since retiring, she has committed herself to assisting veterans in Kentucky, dedicating thousands of hours to helping them navigate the complexities of their benefits. Her leadership extends to roles in the American Legion and as Senior Vice Commander for DAV Chapter 55, earning her recognition as “Service Officer of the Year” from the state DAV. Beyond her advocacy for veterans, Theresa operates a rescue kennel business, caring for dogs and cats, demonstrating her compassion and dedication to improving the lives of all community members. Veterans and family members are encouraged to reach out to her for assistance.

• Advocacy and support for veteran benefits
  
• Leadership in veteran support programs
  
• Coordination with the state-level DAV
• Member recruitment and retention
  
• Assisting in event planning

Cris S. Thompson serves as our Career Pathways guide within the DAV chapter, leveraging her expertise as an Organizational Psychologist and Consultant. As a veteran spouse, she is dedicated to helping veterans build career pathways and obtain meaningful employment that promotes their overall quality of life. Cris holds an MS in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and a BS in Human Services, and she is currently a Doctoral Candidate in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. In her free time, she 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.

• Assisting veterans with career planning and job placement
• Organizing career workshops and training sessions
• Providing one-on-one career counseling
• Liaison with local businesses and organizations for employment opportunities

Brianna Jurosic serves as the Trauma and Suicide Prevention Clinic Coordinator at Eastern Kentucky University. A third-year Clinical Psychology doctoral student, she specializes in working with veterans, adolescents, and young adults impacted by trauma and suicidal thoughts. Brianna is certified in several key intervention training programs, including Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), Trauma-Informed Care, and QPR gatekeeper training. Her involvement with the Kentucky Suicide Prevention Group and practical experience at a state inpatient psychiatric hospital equip her with the tools and knowledge to effectively train others in these critical areas. Brianna believes strongly in the power of education and training to equip individuals with the necessary skills to intervene in suicide and trauma cases.

• Coordinating trauma and suicide prevention/intervention programs
• Training others in suicide intervention techniques
• Implementing trauma-informed care practices
• Providing practical experience and education on mental health issues