Executive Board Members:
Bob Theal, Navy Retired, extremely active in the American Legion and is also a member of the VFW. He is a real go-getter and has always supported the Veterans Forum - actually getting a Legion Post to pay for two V.F. programs!
Paul Young, retired Navy, joined the Navy right after the Korean Conflict and served nearly 30 years as a Storekeeper. He is the Chaplain at Post 68, active in the American Legion, and also with the Disabled American Veterans.
Charles Blair is a recent Navy Veteran and youngest member of the VF Board. He is a member of both American Legion & Disabled American Veterans. He will be a future host and, or produce the Veterans Forum.
Douglas Gellert is a member of Sons of American Legion and Legion Riders and has been instumental in increasing the marketing communications and station / audience growth of Veterans Forum. Doug has served in a number of business development, marketing, and management positions in the new media, telecommunications, and advertising industries.
Dennis Mannick is a long time member of American Legion and an Army Viet Nam Vet. Dennis has long been on staff with Workforce, helping Vets find jobs. Dennis is also a member of the Kitsap Co Advisory Board & the Port Orchard Military Affairs Committee.
Darrell Heaton is a long time member of American Legion and an Army Viet Nam Combat Vet, 101st Airborne, three tours of duty in country.
Veterans Forum is very pleased to have Professional Web Master Creator, Darrell Heaton, as our Veterans Forum Web Master! Darrell is a Paid up for Life member of the American Legion & a Life member of VFW. He has served many levels at Post 68 as an Officer & District 3 Officer to include District Commander.
Veterans Forum is happy to add Patricia Mathias to the Veterans Forum Executive Board. Patricia is a Founding Member of West Sound Community TV, as well, as a Producer & Camera-man. While Patricia, herself is not a Vet, she is the daughter of a WWII Army Vet, who saw action in France & Germany. Patricia's husband was an Army Vet in Germany in the early 60's & their son also joined the Army & served during the early 90's. Patricia's, son-in-law, recently retired from the Navy SeeBees & previously spent time in both Afghanistan & Iraq.
In Veterans Forum early years, it was Patricia who filmed Veterans Forum. Patricia's knowledge of Community TV makes her a very welcome addition to the Veterans Forum Executive Board.
Past Board Members:
Fern Burkholder was a WAC during WWII and she has been a long time Adjutant of Post 68 in Bremerton.
Harley McCabe is an Air Force Veteran and a member of the Blind Veterans Assosciation. He served in the Air Force between WWII & the Korean War.
George Bieda served 29 years as a Navy Captain and has always had a interest in art. He currently serves as the staff artist for the Bremerton Naval Museum. For more on this talented Veterans Past Board Member visit his web page at: www.windjammer-arts.com
Dr Roger Meyer, Retired Army Colonel, is very active in many museums in WA State. Dr Meyers has an interest in Military History and frequently gives an oral history of Vets' lives and military experiences.
Board Members In Memoriam:
Bob Gardner, WWII Navy Veteran, who found himself with The Armed Guard defending Merchant Ships. Bob has been very active with the American Legion earning him the title, Mr. Post 30." He has generously opened the Posts door for West Sound Community TV to tape Veterans Forum in its infancy days and never charged rent!
Robert W. Gardner, 85 of Port Orchard, WA, Departed to the Post EverLasting onSunday, June 20, 2010.
Bob served in the US Navy during WWII as an Armed Guard Gunners Mate aboard Liberty Ships and always up front in the Pacific Island areas, reaching Tokyo 3 days after surrender.
Bob was active with the Kitsap County Veterans Advisory Committee for many years and was given the title of Mr. Post 30, American Legion, as he held the office of Commander five times.
Bob was also a Pillar as a Founding Executive Board Member of PJ Scotts, Veterans Forum TV Programs.
Dick Burkholder was in Korea during and immediately after the war in the 1950's - Army Combat. Dick joined the Army Reserves and later would be activated for Vietnam. Dick had previously been very involved in the American Legion as POst 68 Commander & District 3 Commander in WA.
Richard Burkholder of Bremerton Jan. 1, 1931 to July 23, 2008
Richard I. (Dick) Burkholder Departed to the Post EverLasting on July 23, 2008, in Bremerton.
Dick Burkholder served as an Army combat Veteran in Korea & Viet Nam, Retiring at the Rank of Major.