Mike Allen is a submarine veteran. His military service included four years in the Navy aboard a nuclear-powered missile submarine named the George Washington Carver during the Vietnam War. After his naval enlistment, he served 24 years in the Army Reserves during the Gulf War, Desert Storm, Desert Shield, and the Iranian hostage crisis. He is now retired from the military and volunteers with several veterans and troop support organizations, including the Southwestern Veterans Center, VA hospitals, and the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.

Rui Babilonia is a first-generation immigrant and the first member of her family to serve in the U.S. military. Her journey started when she joined the Army Reserves in high school, followed by a second enlistment as an active-duty Marine after graduating college. As a lifelong learner, she is dedicated to growing and evolving by continually seeking opportunities for self-improvement, despite setbacks or detours. The invaluable lessons she gained from her time in service continue to profoundly impact her life in ways that constantly challenge her to better herself.

Malvina D. Jackson is an United States Air Force Veteran who served her country from 1994-1996. She currently works for PNC Bank where she volunteers with “Grow Up Great,” which focuses on early development in children, and gives her time to various EBRG's. She obtained her Bachelor's of Science degree in Business Management from Carlow University and loves spending quality time with her family.

Sam Jefferies is an Army Veteran with a B.S. in Industrial Organizational Psychology from Marywood University. Her service in the Army National Guard has equipped her with leadership and resilience, fueling her entrepreneurial spirit. Sam is passionate about diverse ventures, from her current business endeavors to her dream of becoming a goat farmer. Among her many titles, she cherishes being an aunt, best friend, and trusted partner the most.

Daniel C. Merchant, MA, LCSW, received a B.A. degree in Psychology from Seton Hill University in 2013 and his Master of Social Work from California University of Pennsylvania in 2015. He then obtained his LCSW in 2021. Currently, he has 7 years working for the VA as a Social Worker specializing in Combat Trauma and Suicide Prevention. Daniel served on active duty from 1992-2012, retiring after 20 years from the United States Navy. He served on multiple deployments spanning the globe, holding various positions: Combat Search and Rescue, Naval Aircrew Sonar/Radar on P-3 aircraft, Mobile Field Communications, Instructor/Qualifier for P-3 Radar operators, and Auxiliary Security Force Anti-Terrorism Patrol Man. He retired a Petty Officer First Class as Sailor of the Year for Navy Operational Support Center Erie PA. Daniel’s military awards include: Navy Achievement Medal (7), Navy “E” Ribbon, Good Conduct Award (6), National Defense (2), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Coast Guard Special Operations Service Ribbon (3), Armed Forces Reserve Medal (2), Navy Rifle and Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon. Daniel was qualified to wear the following insignias: Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist, Naval Aircrewman. Qualifications: Master Training Specialist.

Lee Wagner served in the U.S. Marine Corps for eight years and is an Iraq War veteran. Lee’s professional and personal work focuses on helping veterans, active service members, and their families to become better connected with supportive services. Outside of this work, Lee regularly takes part in local social and physical activities, working to better connect Veterans to each other and their communities. Lee's military awards include Combat Action Ribbon, Iraq campaign medal with two bronze stars, Global War on Terror Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Lee holds a Bachelor's degree from Robert Morris University in Organizational Leadership and a Master's degree in Community Psychology from Point Park University. Lee is an RYT-200 Registered Yoga Alliance Teacher and a trained Death Doula through the University of Vermont.

Alma Wisniewski served in the US Marine Corps from October 1974 to October 1977, achieving the rank of Corporal E-4. Stationed at Camp Elmore in Norfolk, VA, she specialized as an Admin Clerk in G-2 Intelligence and Counterintelligence, despite confessing to not being the best typist. Post-military life saw her embark on a diverse career journey, from roles at the VA hospital to pursuing education at CCAC and the University of Pittsburgh, where she obtained an MSW and a Family Therapy Certificate. Alma's professional path included pivotal roles in various agencies, notably seven years at Mon Yough within the State Correctional Institution – Pittsburgh. Her last job, where she worked for 15 years, was as an Investigator for the Pennsylvania Sexual Offenders Assessment Board. Retiring in 2021, Alma now channels her energy into volunteering at the zoo, Cultural Trust, Humane Society, and League of Women Voters. Alma loves to travel, have new experiences, and spend time with her two cats and dog.