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John joe

STEVEN "PYRO" APPLEGATE

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

 

Allow me to introduce Steven, our esteemed Chief Executive Officer at AVMA. Steven leads our organization with a steadfast commitment to our mission and vision. Read More
Steven’s journey began in 2009 when he enlisted in the Army as a Nodel Network Systems Operator. Assigned to the prestigious “Big Red One” at Fort Knox, KY, his military career took a pivotal turn in 2011 when he was deployed to Afghanistan during the OIF/OEF conflict. There, he was part of an elite team of 11 responsible for managing communications for over 3,000 soldiers at their Forward Operating Base. It was in this challenging environment that Steven honed his leadership skills and developed an aptitude for problem-solving under pressure.

After concluding his service in 2013, Steven embarked on a new chapter, dedicating himself to family life with his beloved wife and their two children, alongside our DSS Katherine. Despite facing disabilities that challenged his career continuity, Steven embraced the opportunity to devote his full attention to his family and to contribute significantly to AVMA.

Steven is eager to engage with each member of the AVMA community, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. He is passionate about leveraging collective strengths to achieve remarkable outcomes for the organization.

 

 

 

John joe

MEMORY "RADAR" WEIS

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

 

Memory “Radar” Weis, our dynamic Chief Operating Officer, brings a unique blend of passion and expertise to our organization. Read More

 

As the wife of our CFO and the daughter of a Marine Corps Veteran, she embodies dedication and resilience.

 

By day, Memory serves as a Surgical First Assistant, demonstrating precision and commitment in the operating room. Beyond her clinical role, she is an unwavering advocate for veterans, channeling her energy into fundraising efforts and event planning. Over the last four years, Memory has played a pivotal role in coordinating successful events, even amidst the chaos of high-pressure situations.

 

Her impact extends far beyond the balance sheets. Memory’s uplifting spirit inspires everyone around her, making her a shining example of our support members. With her at the helm, we’re confidently headed in the right direction.

 

John joe

KATHERINE "FIRECRACKER" APPLEGATE

DIRECTOR OF SAFETY AND SECURITY

 

Introducing Katherine, our Director of Safety and Security (DSS) at AVMA. As the partner of our CEO Steven, Katherine brings her exceptional organizational skills and a strong sense of order to our team. Read More


As the partner of our CEO Steven, Katherine brings her exceptional organizational skills and a strong sense of order to our team. She balances her professional role with her responsibilities as a devoted mother to their two children.


Katherine’s story with Steven began in 2011, blossoming from an online connection into a supportive partnership throughout Steven’s deployment. Their commitment culminated in marriage in September 2012, marking the start of their journey together outside the Army. Elected as our first DSS, Katherine excels understanding regulations and maintaining order within AVMA. Her current role as an insurance agent complements her position at AVMA, as she expertly navigates daily interactions with clients, safeguarding their families and assets.


Katherine is dedicated to ensuring adherence to AVMA’s bylaws and resolving organizational challenges. She eagerly anticipates collaborating with the AVMA family to uphold our standards and contribute to our collective success.

 

John joe

TRISTAN "D.C." WEIS

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

 

Tristan Weis is a master of strategic communication, championing organizational objectives with precision and passion. Read More

At the Department of the Interior, he expertly prepares officials for critical hearings and crafts key communications that shape policy and advance the agency's goals. From advocating for veterans as a VA and military caseworker in former Speaker John Boehner's office, serving as a veterans museum board president to navigating the complexities of Congress, Tristan's leadership is marked by a trail of inspiration and tangible achievements. His academic foundation—a Master of Science in Marketing and Communication, enriched by doctoral research in a Doctorate of Business Administration program—provides a robust framework for his innovative approaches to business strategy. As a former Army combat medic during OIF/OEF, Tristan's military service has ingrained a disciplined, team-centric ethos that permeates his professional endeavors. Tristan's zeal for motorcycling reflects his professional ethos—constantly pursuing excellence, embracing the journey, and navigating challenges with agility. Dedicated to the art of public engagement and leadership, Tristan is committed to mentoring the next wave of strategic communicators and shaping the future of the field. He looks forward to assisting the AVMA in advancing its mission and vision.

 

 

 

John joe

JUSTIN "TOO FLY" WEIS

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

 

Allow us to introduce you to our money man, Justin! As AVMA's chief finance officer, he adeptly manages the day-to-day funds entrusted to us by our gracious donors, including individuals like yourself. Read More

Justin’s journey began in July 2001 when he joined the U.S. Marine Corps as an infantry rifleman with MP Co. ‘C’ in Dayton, Ohio. Later, he assumed the role of a mortuary affairs specialist, working alongside fellow infantrymen.

In 2003, Justin’s unit was activated in support of the Global War on Terrorism, specifically during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). His dedication and actions during the recovery of remains en route to Baghdad, Iraq, earned him the prestigious Navy Achievement Medal. Unfortunately, in 2005, Justin was medically retired from the Marine Corps.

Since 2019, Justin has been passionately raising funds to support veterans and veteran organizations. His efforts have yielded remarkable success, including the installation of handicap ramps and leading fundraising campaigns that generated over $75,000 for veterans’ causes. As a co-founder of the American Valor Motorcycle Association®, Justin remains committed to the motto "Strength and Spirit through continued service."

 

John joe

JUSTIN "GHOST" BROTHERS

ROAD CAPTAIN

 

Justin’s distinguished military career began in February 2002 when he joined the Air Force Reserves as a C-141 Loadmaster. Read More

By 2006, he had completed C-5 Loadmaster training and advanced to the instructor role. In 2012, Justin transitioned to the C-17, where he continues to serve with dedication.

In 2015, Justin expanded his commitment to the Air Force by becoming a civil servant Loadmaster. With over 6,500 flight hours and extensive global experience, he has flown over 100 combat missions in and out of Iraq and Afghanistan during Operations Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Iraqi Freedom (OIF). His exceptional performance in combat has earned him four Air Medals.

With 22 years of service and counting, Justin remains unwavering in his dedication to serving his country.