Board of Directors

Travis Burns

Chair – Army Veteran (Korea Service & Gulf War) AVHOF-2019

Travis Burns enlisted in the US Army Infantry in 1987, serving on the Korean Demilitarized Zone and in the Gulf War. His civilian career included operations and sales in the transportation and rental equipment industries. An author, veteran peer support and resource navigator, Travis Burns focuses on moral injury and veteran suicide.

His journey in the veteran service space began after his return from the 2014 Operation Freedom Bird Healing Journey to Washington, D.C. In 2015 he began working with the Unified Arizona Veterans and serving on the working group for Be Connected, a statewide initiative for preventing veteran suicide. Travis is the Chair of the Phoenix VA Veteran Family Advisory Council, and serves on the Phoenix VA Hospital Mental Health Advocacy Council.

Glenn Hohman

Vice-Chair – Army Veteran, Iraq & Afghanistan, AVHOF 2018

Born in Dunedin, Florida in 1974, Glenn Hohman served over twenty years in the US Army including service in Iraq and Afghanistan; and retired as a First Sergeant in 2013. Starting out as a DAV volunteer driver, Glenn soon transitioned to helping veterans file claims for earned benefits. Glenn soon mastered all the leadership positions in both the DAV and the VFW. Some of the initiatives Glenn accomplished are the annual back to school event providing food and school supplies to students, free dinners which honor veterans’ wartime service, and major fundraising initiatives for DAV and VFW while increasing membership. Glenn obtained grants to transport veterans to medical appointments, and to provide emergency aid to veterans. Glenn provides mentorship to young professionals individually and within various organizations encouraging volunteerism in the communities throughout Cochise County.

Gene Crego

Immediate Past Chair – U.S. Marine Corps Veteran (Vietnam) & AVHOF-2017 

Carol Culbertson

Secretary – Navy Veteran (Vietnam Era) & AVHOF-2007

Born Honolulu, Hawaii in 1943.  Enlisted in Navy Reserve at Pearl Harbor in 1962.  Commissioned Ensign in 1967.  Active duty in San Diego supporting antisubmarine warfare training.  Retired as Navy Captain, Reserve Intelligence, in 2003, 36 years of service.  Civil Service employee for 33 years with US Navy in Japan, US Army in Kansas, Forest Service and Internal Revenue Service in California, Arizona, Colorado.

She provides business training programs to working women, and educational history programs open to the public.  Leader in Federally Employed Women, Retired Federal Employees, Naval Reserve Association, Cactus WAVES, Naval Order of the U.S.  Active in Big Brothers Big Sisters and Cross Roads Methodist Church.  As Big Sister, has mentored three young women.  As Church Team Leader, serves meals to the homeless in Phoenix.

Gerald (Jerry) Bernard 

Treasurer – Army Veteran 

After reaching the rank of Specialist /E-5, in the U.S. Army, Jerry received an honorable discharge in November, 1969.  He enrolled in the University of Maryland and was awarded a BS in accounting in 1973.  He was employed by the IRS as a revenue agent for five years and in 1978 went into public accounting. After taking on a business partner together they operated a firm in Phoenix for over thirty years. Earning his CPA certificate in 1979, he also obtained his Personal Financial Specialist certificate from the AICPA in 2010. He was a member of the Arizona State Society of CPAS and served on their Board as well as chairing the Arizona Tax Legislation committee.

Jerry is a published author and has co – authored a six book series, IRS Audit Protection and Survival Guide, which contains advice and guidance for effective communication with the IRS on a broad range of accounting and tax subjects.  In 2020 Jerry resigned his CPA certificate leaving behind the corporate world of accounting and now operates a post retirement consulting business. A member of the VFW, Jerry’s volunteer service is an important part of his contribution to the community.  He currently serves on the board of three nonprofit organizations. His favorite, Success4Kids (S4K), provides guidance, inspiration and positive role models to inner city youth interested in organized handball competition. S4K also coordinates with the ASU handball club to provide scholarship assistance for selected students. As a coach and mentor, Jerry shares his experiences to teach leadership and life skills to the city’s youth.

Jhennicea Morrow

Communications Director – Navy Veteran (Vietnam Era)

Jhenni is the President of the Central/Northern Regional Group of the Blinded Veterans Association (BVA).  She also serves as a Volunteer Service Officer (VSO), and as Director of District Four of the Blinded Veterans Association.

Jhenni is a graduate of the Mobility & Orientation Training Program and the Computer & Technology Program of the Southwest Blind Rehabilitation Center, Tucson, AZ.  She participates in yearly 5K Vision Walk fundraisers to raise awareness and funds for retinal diseases.  Jhenni participates in Low Vision Support Group meetings and communicates regularly with VA leaders regarding the needs of blinded veterans.

Jhenni is a lifetime member of The American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and the Paralyzed Veterans of America.  She was the driving force behind the successful quest of the BVA joining the UAV.

Ben Headen

Director (American Legion)

Johnny Stewart

Director (DAV) – Air Force Veteran (Desert Shield/Storm) & AVHOF-2016

Born in Guntersville, Alabama in 1949, Johnny Stewart served 24 years in the US Air Force retiring as a Master Sergeant. Johnny then worked 18 years in fuels logistics at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson.

Johnny joined the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 2 in Tucson, and served two years as Department Commander, DAV. In 1995 Johnny founded the Touch of Class community service organization to raise funds for underprivileged children. Over $90,000 was raised for college tuition and donated to 50 children in low income families.  Johnny is a certified Veteran Service Officer and has volunteered over 700 hours helping veterans file VA claims. Johnny is also the Co-Founder of the DAV Arizona Legal Clinics program which has resolved the legal issues of over 1,000 veterans. In 2016, Johnny was inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame.

Atlas Reginald “Reggie” Yates

Director (VFW) – Army Veteran (Vietnam), Past UAV Chair (2016-2017) & AVHOF-2013

Born in Loris, South Carolina in 1945.  Major, US Army, Airborne, retired in 1990 with 25 years of service.  Vietnam veteran, participated in the only combat jump in the war on 22 February 1967.  Also served with the 3rd Infantry (Old Guard) where he was assigned as a White House Aide.  Resident of Phoenix, Arizona.

From 1990 to 1991, Reggie served as a volunteer teacher for the Arizona Department of Youth Rehabilitation and Correction.  Beginning in 1991, Reggie has mentored students, veterans, and seniors to better their lives and livelihoods.  From 1996-1998, he led a group of veterans at Unity Church Phoenix who raised 2.5 million dollars to assist other veterans. From 2002 – 2008, while employed at Grubb Automotive, Inc., he referred over 90 veterans to VA Phoenix and other support facilities for veterans benefits assistance; and also coordinated a program which recognized the achievements of veterans in the community.  Reggie regularly volunteers at the annual Arizona StandDown and other outreach services for veterans.

Chuck Byers  

Director (Legislative Chair) – Army Veteran (Vietnam) & AVHOF-2018

Born in Houston, Texas in 1948, Chuck Byers served in the US Army for 6 years, including service as a combat medic in Vietnam. Chuck, a retired registered nurse, was a staff member in Congresswoman Debbie Lesko’s office. Chuck is a lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Order of the Purple Heart, and VVA/Vietnam Veterans of America. Chuck trains veterans to become Veterans Service Officers to assist veterans to file claims for VA benefits. Chuck conducts town hall meetings addressing Agent Orange/Toxic Exposure Awareness, Hepatitis C, Post Traumatic Stress, Suicide Prevention, and Contaminated Drinking Water at Camp Lejeune. As a National Board Member of VVA, Chuck educates VVA members on VA programs and legislation written to help veterans; he also meets with members of Congress to advocate for legislation related to veterans’ benefits, and women veterans.

Vacant

Director

Richard “Rick” Palmatier

Statutory Agent – Army Veteran 

Richard “Rick” Palmatier, Jr., retired as a Colonel with over 29 years of service in the Army, Army Reserves, and National Guard (21 years active, 8 years reserve & Guard).  He is a University of Arizona graduate (BA 1977, JD 1980), serving as a Judge Advocate throughout his military career.  He also held assignments as the Human Resources Officer and Chief of Staff for the Arizona National Guard.  He is currently in private practice representing Veterans in the VA disability claims process.