Our Story

Rick Stover, MS, CPPS - Board President is a US Air Force Veteran who served 4 years as a Fire Protection Specialist. Rick has recently retired from the US Department of Defense/Logistics after working for the VA Medical Center in Battle Creek, Michigan. He is actively involved in several Veteran service groups/organizations to include the Calhoun County Veterans Affairs Committee, Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and several VA Medical Center committees. 

Michele Pascoe, Co-Chair, LBSW, CADC, QMHP

U.S. Navy veteran served as an Aviation Electrician.  She is a proud Western Michigan University School of Social Work graduate.  She has been a licensed Social Worker for 26 years and a Certified Drug Counselor for 3 years.  She has been employed by Summit Pointe-Calhoun counties Community Mental Health for 22 years and is currently the Veteran Navigator for the last 3 ½ years.  

David Sutton is a former Army Aviator and commissioned officer, having flown Apache helicopters during his military service. He served in multiple leadership roles during his two combat deployments to Afghanistan, gaining invaluable experience in teamwork, decision-making, and strategic operations. David is co-owner of Smith Metal, a contract manufacturer based in Augusta, Michigan. 

Larry Bales, is Co-Founder and President of Veterans Helping Veterans SWMI Foundation. Larry served in the US Army for 24 Years ending his military career as a 1stSg – E8 after serving in Vietnam, Korea, Germany and the United States. Along with his responsibilities with Veterans Helping Veterans (since 2014), he is the Commander for Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 7 Calhoun County and a member of American Legion Post 298. 

Juan Gonzalez, is the Veteran Navigator for Integrated Services of Kalamazoo (ISK).  He is active in veteran programs such as the Battle Creek VA Family Advocacy Council (co-chairperson), Suicide Prevention and Lethal Means, Gryphon Place Community Engagement, and other organizations.  He is also certified as a Mental Health First Aid Trainer (MHFA) with emphasis on Military Service Members & Veteran MHFA and Higher Education MHFA.  Master Sergeant Gonzalez retired from the Michigan Air National Guard / United States Air Force on 31 July 2018 

John Sullivan, has been a Private Practice Attorney in the city of Marshall, MI since 1998. Prior to that, John was the Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Calhoun County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. He graduated from Thomas M. Cooley Law School with his Juris Doctorate in 1985 and is a member of the Michigan Bar Association as well as the Calhoun County Bar Association. 

Melissa Hill, is the Member Center Manager at HONOR Credit Union in Battle Creek.

Cindy Dawson, USAF Veteran - Board Treasurer active member of "Women Veteran Strong" Active member of American Association University Women- Treasurer