Veterans Memorial Park Foundation Of Pensacola
BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
Rob Doss,
Maj. USMC Ret.
Foundation President
Major Rob Doss (retired) enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the age of 17 in February 1975. He rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6), having served as an infantryman in the 2nd, 8th, and 9th Marine Regiments. In May 1983, he graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and was commissioned as a Marine Second Lieutenant.
In March 1985, he was designated a Naval Aviator and received orders to fly the CH-46E assault helicopter with HMM-365 at New River, NC where he deployed to the Mediterranean as part of the 24th and 26th Marine Expeditionary Units (SOC). He then joined HMM-263 in July 1990 and flew missions in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm and flew a nighttime raid to rescue diplomats from the US Embassy in Mogadishu, Somalia during Operation Eastern Exit.
After the war, he was assigned to HT-8 at Whiting Field, FL to serve as a helicopter flight instructor. In 1992, he was selected as the HT-8 Bell Jet Ranger Flight Instructor of the Year while also pursuing an off-duty Master of Science degree in Management from Troy University.
After completing his tour as a flight instructor, he returned to New River where he was promoted to Major in November 1994 and deployed again, this time with HMM-162 and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (SOC). He flew missions during Operation Decisive Endeavor in Bosnia-Herzegovina and served as the Aviation Mission Commander during the reinforcement and noncombatant evacuation of the besieged American Embassy in Monrovia, Liberia where he later flew dozens of additional missions in support of Operation Assured Response.
In August 1996, he became the first commanding officer of Aviation Maintenance Squadron 1 in Pensacola, FL. He retired from the Marine Corps in December 1998 after nearly 24 years of service and after accumulating more than 4,000 flight hours.
After his retirement from the Marine Corps, he owned, operated, and managed businesses and flew helicopters offshore out of Louisiana. He later taught history, sociology, honors economics, honors American government, and entrepreneurship as well as coached baseball for two years at West Florida High School before accepting a position as director of transportation for the Escambia County School District for nine years.
He retired from the school district in 2018 and now resides in Cantonment, FL with his wife Christina, managing director and shareholder with Saltmarsh Financial Advisors in Pensacola. They have two children, Rob and Bryan. Rob is a Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel who served two tours in Iraq and is stationed in Camp Pendleton, CA. Bryan is a Major in the Marine Corps Reserve who served two tours in Afghanistan. He resides in Washington, DC where he is a senior director with Markon Solutions.
FOUNDATION PRESIDENT
-MAJOR EVENTS COORDINATOR-
Paul Entrekin,
Maj. USMC Ret.
Immediate Past President
FINANCE COMMITTEE CHAIR
Paul graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1976. As a football letterman he was a member of Coach Shug Jordan’s 1972 “Amazins” – one of the Auburn Tigers most memorable teams. He was commissioned as a Marine Corps officer in 1977 and then designated a Naval Aviator in 1980.
During his military career he attended the Naval Postgraduate School, was carrier qualified and flew both rotary wing and fixed wing aircraft. He was an instructor pilot until leaving active duty in 1986 and then retained reserve status with the Defense Intelligence Agency until retiring after Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm in 1991.
Also in 1986, he started Entrekin Aviation and became the first civilian in the world to own and operate a Russian MiG aircraft. As a full time airshow pilot, Paul performed flight demonstrations across North America and entertained millions of spectators while also participating in motion picture, television and government contracts.
In 1989 Paul accepted a position with Delta Air Lines. He has flown more than 20,000 hours in 38 types of rotary and fixed wing aircraft ranging from the BD-5J micro jet to the Boeing 777. He holds multiple U.S. and World Airspeed Records and is recognized on the National Aviation and Space Exploration Wall of Honor. He is a member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots, the National Football Foundation and has received numerous civilian and military awards. Paul also has a Master of Education degree from the University of West Florida. Paul is an Eagle Scout, Scottish Rite Mason, past President of the Pensacola North Rotary Club, Deacon with First Baptist Church of Pensacola, a leader in the Gulf Coast Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and other civic service organizations serving on several boards of directors. He is the author of two books, Mighty Hands and Mr. MiG, as well as various articles and technical papers. An avid outdoorsman, Paul has hunted deer, moose, elk, caribou, black bear, brown bear, and a World Slam of the North American Wild Turkey. His lovely wife is the former Lisa Goeller. He has four children and four grandchildren.
VICE PRESIDENT & SECRETARY
-FINANCE COMMITTEE CHAIR-
Pete Frano,
Capt. USN Ret.
Treasurer
BUDGET COMMITTEE CHAIR
Pete Frano retired as a Captain from the US Navy after 30 honorable and distinguished years. He is a graduate of The State University of New York at Stony Brook and the National War College. Pete was the Commanding Officer of NAS Pensacola from 2005 to 2008 where he played a significant leadership role in the rebuilding of NAS Pensacola post Hurricane Ivan. While in command, he was an active supporter of numerous charitable organizations throughout the military and civilian communities in Pensacola. Pete has been a Veterans Memorial Park board member since 2016.
TREASURER
-BUDGET COMMITTEE CHAIR-
Stan Barnard,
Veteran, U.S. Marine Corps
Director of Facilities Operations
FRIENDS OF THE PARK PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Stan Barnard is a Pensacola native who graduated from Pensacola High School in 1969, enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served in Vietnam. After returning from Vietnam, he worked for the Department of Defense, retiring after a total of 25 years. He has since built a successful Pensacola based business (Bellview Site Contractors).
He currently serves on the Veterans Memorial Park Foundation Board of Directors working with fundraising and community relations. He has been married to his wife, Debbie, for 40 years.
DIRECTOR OF FACILITIES OPERATIONS
-FRIENDS OF THE PARK PROGRAM COORDINATOR-
Niels Andersen,
Veteran, USN.
Secretary
I.T. & MEDIA COORDINATOR
A U.S Navy Veteran, having served as a Corpsman, 1980 - 1986. Niels served at Naval Hospital Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, CA, Naval Hospital Okinawa-Japan, and Balboa Naval Hospital, San Diego, CA. During his last tour at Balboa, he was the Leading Petty Officer of the emergency Medicine Department. He is a recipient of two Navy Achievement medals and served on President Ronald Regan's, and Vice President George Bush's details and their medic during their 1984 re-election campaign stumps in San Diego.
Niels Andersen is an accomplished top executive with over 40 years of experience in business development and implementation, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) technology, management consulting specializing in healthcare administration, physician recruitment and retention, software design, business intelligence, and finance.
He is the President & CEO of KAMedData and, as a serial entrepreneur, he also leads its subsidiary companies--KontactIntelligence, VeritasHealthCare, MedCV and VetCV. His significant passion for helping others, particularly Veterans and their families, is what led to his involvement in The Veterans Memorial Park Foundation as well as the creation of VetCV.
His company, KAMedData, has been on the Inc. Magazine 5000 Fastest Growing Companies list three times and was named a Top 100 Health Company on the 2010 Inc. 500.
A published industry writer and sought-after speaker in healthcare and in tech entrepreneurship, Niels serves on many non-profit organization Boards and co-chairs the Workforce Development Committee of the West Florida Defense Alliance. At the request of the Chair of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, Niels participated with other select national leaders in two industry round table events in DC to share his thoughts on improving the VA claims process and the issues relating to the lack of interoperability between Vista and ALTA.
Niels began college at the University of Maryland while in the Navy and graduated Magna Cum Laude in his BBA with an emphasis in Marketing at National University San Diego. After graduating, he immediately continued his studies there pursuing an MBA with a double emphasis in Finance and International Business.
A Danish immigrant, Niels is also proud father of two grown successful sons and two perfect granddaughters.
BOARD MEMBER
-MARKETING & MEDIA COORDINATOR-
Ted Brobst,
Veteran, US Navy
TRIBUTE BANNER COORDINATOR
Ted Brobst grew up in Pennsylvania and has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Geography. He was commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy and was Designated as a Naval Aviator.
Stationed at N.A.S. Barbers Point in Hawaii and Attached to Patrol Squadron Four (VP-4), he flew Anti-Submarine Warfare missions in the P-3 Orion as a Plane Commander and a Mission Commander of a Combat Air crew. During his time in VP-4 the squadron made three successful deployments to: Adak, Alaska, Cubi Point in the Republic of the Philippines, and again to Adak, Alaska.
Ted’s second tour was to Training Squadron Two (VT-2) as an instructor pilot at N.A.S. Whiting Field, where he flew the T-34C Tubomentor.
Upon completion of active service in the Navy, Ted was hired by Delta Air Lines, Inc. as a pilot, and completed Initial Training as a Second Officer on the Boing 727. Forced by a downturn in the economy, Delta was compelled to layoff pilots. During this period, Ted found employment with Auto Shred Recycling as a Division Supervisor, and subsequently was hired to fly for Federal Express. After three years with Federal Express, Ted returned to Delta Air Lines and is currently a Captain on the Boing 767.
Ted has been a long-time member of the VFW, the American Legion and the Elks.
BOARD MEMBER
-TRIBUTE BANNER COORDINATOR-
Terri Craney
Wall South Rubbing Coordinator
Terri Craney is a Marine daughter who was blessed to be primarily raised in Pensacola, visiting her Dad aboard NAS-Pensacola at MATSG-21.
As the daughter of a Vietnam veteran, it’s her honor to encourage education on our nation’s military history and foster patriotism in Pensacola. Terri is the proud mother of 2 daughters and a son.
“To whom much is given, much is expected.”
BOARD MEMBER
-PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER & WALL SOUTH RUBBING COORDINATOR-
Rob Gregg
ICC SW/AW, USN Ret.
Public Relations Coordinator
A retired U.S. Navy Veteran, Rob Gregg served as an Interior Communication Electrician from 1982 to 2006. Rob served on the USS White Plains (AFS-4) forward deployed out of Yokosuka, Japan 1983-1985, USS Richmond K. Turner (CG-23) Charleston South Carolina 1985-1987, USS Fairfax County (LST 1193) Little Creek Virginia 1987-1988, Navy Recruit Exhibit Center (NREC) Washington, D.C. 1988-1991, USS Coral Sea (CV-43)1991-1994, Mine Counter Measure (MCM) Bravo Crew Ingleside, Texas 1994-1997, Trident Training Facility (TTF) Kings Bay, Georgia 1997-2000, USS Kitty Hawk (CV-43) forward deployed Yokosuka, Japan 2000-2003 and Navy Education and Professional Development (NETPDC) Pensacola, Florida 2003-2006. Rob is a Navy Enlisted Classification Instructor with a Master Training Specialist (MTS) Certification.
After leaving the Navy, Rob was employed as a Curriculum Designer for an online education company in Pensacola, Florida. He is currently the Director of Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) a Department of Education grant-funded program designed to motivate and assist veterans in the development of academic and other requisite skills necessary for acceptance and success in a program of postsecondary education. The primary goal of the program is to increase the rate at which participants enroll in and complete postsecondary education programs.
Rob is also the Past-President of the National Association of Veterans Upward Bound (NAVUB), as well as the Co-Chair of the Gulf Coast Veterans Advocacy Council (GCVAC) and Co-Chair of the Pensacola Veterans Service Organization Network (PVSON), Longtime Paid Up for Life (PUFL) and 2-time Past-Commander of Hanniton Watts American Legion Post #193, Past-Chapter President Association of Florida Colleges (AFC) Pensacola State College and a member of the Workforce Development Committee of the West Florida Defense Alliance. Rob is also the recipient of the George Everette “Bud” Day Award for service to veterans in the Gulf Coast community.
Rob attended Excelsior College while in the Navy, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in general studies with an emphasis on education psychology from Excelsior College. He has a master's degree in higher education with a specialization in higher education leadership and administration from Capella University as well as a Post Graduate Certificate in institutional research from Florida State University.
A native o Darlington, South Carolina, Rob is the proud father of two adult daughters.
BOARD MEMBER
-MERCHANDISE COORDINATOR-
Cissy Witt,
SPECIAL EVENTS COORDINATOR
Isabella (Cissy) Witt has lived in Pensacola most of her young life! Cissy is a proud graduate of Escambia High School and Pensacola State College. She is better known as the “Delta girl”. Cissy is the Operations Manager at Delta Air Lines in Pensacola and has been with Delta for 33 years. Prior to her employment with Delta, Cissy lived in Atlanta where she worked for Constangy, Brooks, and Smith, LLP as a finance specialist. During her career with Delta, Cissy was awarded the prestigious Chairman’s Club Award. This achievement is especially significant because Chairman’s Club is a peer-to-peer program, recognized by their colleagues as embodying the best of Delta. She has been awarded many Leadership awards during her career with Delta, in addition to creating a 3,000 foot Christmas Card that was delivered by Bob Hope to our troops during the Gulf War.
Cissy organized the Suzi Beane Charity Golf Classic, a 22 year annual event, that raised funds for many charities on the Gulf Coast. In addition, she has chaired many organizations including Relay for Life, Habitat for Humanity, and the Emily Harris Head Injured Children Foundation. She is currently involved with the New Beginnings Thrift Center at the Warrington Methodist Church, which assists in helping anyone in need on the Gulf Coast.
Cissy was blessed with two awesome boys, Chris and Conner. If you ask Cissy what is the one word that would explain her drive – it would be “Compassion.” When she was asked to join the Veteran’s Memorial Park Board, she jumped in and said wherever you need me. Cissy's work with The Park is motivated by a desire to honor her two silent heroes--her father, Donald J. Beane, (USN) and William H. Hoff, Lt Col (USMC) who served 2 deployments to Vietnam.
“A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal…Reach down and lift someone up!”
BOARD MEMBER
- PATRIOT PARTNERS PROGRAM COORDINATOR-
John Maddox,
Veteran, U.S. Navy
BOARD MEMBER
John Maddox served in the Navy as an Operation Specialist during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is a long time resident of Pensacola and graduated from Woodham High School and Pensacola State College. He is the owner of a home improvement business and is able to utilize his talents assisting with facilities around the park. Dedicated to excellence in both his military and civilian endeavors, John brings leadership, integrity, and a commitment to service to all he undertakes.
BOARD MEMBER
Guy Miller,
Veteran, U.S. Marine Corps
BOARD MEMBER
Guy Miller is a St. Louis native who comes from a long line of military veterans. After his family moved to various cities in Texas, New Jersey and Missouri, Guy returned to Houston, Texas where he graduated from Rice University in 1978. He attended college on a Marine Corps scholarship.
During his time as a Midshipman, Guy earned many commendations and awards. During his 2nd Class (junior) year, he was made a Squad Leader on the Drill Team and promoted to Midshipman Petty Officer First Class, a rank usually assigned only to Ist Class Midshipmen (seniors). As a 1st Class, Guy was promoted to Lieutenant and made a Company Commander. Under his leadership, Guy's company won that year's drill competition- the first time in the Unit's history that the competition was not won by the Drill Team company.
While on deployment for aviation training, an in-flight accident resulted in Guy's inhalation of toxic smoke. Subsequent chronic medical conditions eventually derailed Guy's intended Marine Corps career. Evaluating his new options, he chose a career in the telecommunications industry. Promoted to many varied leadership roles in several companies in the Midwest and South, he eventually gained the knowledge to be deemed an expert on federal and state telecom law and regulation. After 40 years in the industry, Guy retired in 2018. Guy and his wife Nancy made what they intend to be their last move to Pensacola in 2019.
Guy has been involved in community and 501 (c) (3) volunteerism throughout his adult life. He has served in many leadership roles including Chamber of Commerce President, assorted executive positions with the Boy Scouts, State President of his employer's Veterans Resource Group and Co-Chair of the Board for the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum. Currently, he juggles multiple roles for the Satori Foundation; which provides sailing, Marine Biology and fishing opportunities to under-served youth. He also serves as Treasurer for his Neighborhood Association and continues to work with the Chennault Museum in an Emeritus status. Guy joined the Veterans Memorial Park Foundation Board in February 2024.
Guy is an Eagle Scout and a Master Mason. He and his wife attend First United Methodist Church of Pensacola. His hobbies include Living History and reenacting, reading and riding his Harley. Guy and Nancy have been married since 1984 and have two exceptional grown children and four adorable grandchildren.
BOARD MEMBER
Ex-Officio Members
Butch Hansen,
Capt. USN Ret.
Vice President
Walk of Honor Coordinator
W. A. “Butch” Hansen retired from the Navy after a 30-year career as a Navy Captain and Submariner who once commanded Submarine Squadron 20, and the fast attack submarine USS Bergall (SSN667).
In his follow-on duties at the Pentagon, he was a principal author of the 2007 Secretary of Defense Joint Defense Capability Study. Butch worked as a consultant for the federal government as a Senior Fellow with LMI of McLean, VA--a not-for-profit strategic consulting firm. Here he has directed a myriad of complex and ground-breaking efforts for the DOD and several other governmental agencies, focusing on strategic planning and cost-effective resource allocation.
He is a founding member of the Veterans Memorial Park Foundation and served as the Board President for 3 years. He has also served as President of the Pensacola Chapter of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and is currently the Treasurer of the General Daniel “Chappie” James Memorial Foundation. He is married to Lee Hansen, also a retired Navy Captain and former commander of Training Air Wing 6 in Pensacola. They have 5 children and 15 grandchildren.
EX-OFFICIO MEMBER
-PAST PRESIDENT-
Jack Brown
Capt. USMC Ret.
Past Foundation Board President Since 2012
Coming soon.
EX-OFFICIO MEMBER
-PAST PRESIDENT-
Lawrence Powell,
Maj. USA Ret.
City of Pensacola Representative
Lawrence Powell served in the U.S. Army, with 20 years of active duty service including deployment to Baghdad and a stateside assignment to the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. before retiring as a Major and returning home to Pensacola.
A Pensacola native, Powell graduated from Troy University with a master’s degree in educational leadership, the University of West Florida with a bachelor’s degree in social work and from Pensacola Junior College with an associate’s degree in liberal arts.
Powell co-founded Iron Sharpens Iron Academy, where he serves as an instructor and administrator. The academy focuses on saving young men from the judicial system through education and intervention. He also serves as the pastor of C.O.R.E. Ministries and is a minister at Good Hope A.M.E. Church in Pensacola, as well as Rivers of Life Ministries.
In his role as the Neighborhoods Administrator, Powell’s responsibilities include serving as a liaison between the City of Pensacola, nonprofit agencies, neighborhood groups and other community stakeholders, along with providing recommendations for long-rage community development programs.
Powell stays very active in the community, serving or having served in numerous capacities including vice president of Council of Neighborhood Association Presidents of Pensacola, president of Collaboration of Community Organizations, president of Future Leaders of Warrington, and chaplain for Movement for Change.
Powell is married to Charletha Powell, Ph. D., who supports him in his community service endeavors. He is the father of a blended family, which includes Korana, Dimitri, Kiersten, and Christian, and he is also the grandfather of Amir Smith.
EX-OFFICIO MEMBER
-CITY OF PENSACOLA REPRESENTATIVE-
Ed Holt
Legal Counsel
Attorney Edmund W. Holt is a locally renowned last will attorney, estate planning attorney, living trust attorney, probate law attorney, will dispute attorney, real estate lawyer, mediator, and negotiator. Specializing in civil litigation, Attorney Holt provides professional legal services to the greater Pensacola, FL area.
Attorney Holt serves on the board of directors for several local community and charity organizations. He has given numerous hours of legal representation to such groups for the benefit of our community. He teaches from time-to-time as an adjunct professor in business law, government regulations, real estate litigation, probate, and corporate and business enterprises at Pensacola Junior College and the University of West Florida.
Additionally, Attorney Holt has lectured for the local Small Business Development Center and for various estate planning seminars. He has served as a volunteer teaching contributor for Junior Achievement. Attorney Holt is dedicated to our local community and to helping his clients to best understand the law and how it affects their personal situation.
EX-OFFICIO MEMBER
-LEGAL COUNSEL-
Associate Members
Warren Palmer,
Veteran, US Navy &
MSG. US Army Ret.
MERCHANDISE COORDINATOR
Having served six years In the U.S. Navy and fifteen in the U.S. Army, Warren Palmer is a Veteran of two branches. Those twenty-one years of Active Service included deployments to Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
After transitioning to civilian life, Warren worked for six years in Italy as a Private Contractor for the U.S. Navy.
ASSOCIATE MEMBER
The Veterans Memorial Park continues to depend on the donations of those who love and support it, and who revere the memory of those honored there. Contributions can be made electronically by clicking Here or with checks made out to Veterans Memorial Park Foundation of Pensacola and mailed to:
PO Box 12984
Pensacola, FL 32591-2984
For copies of Board Meeting Minutes or other Public Record Foundation Documents, please contact the City of Pensacola.
To learn more about Membership to The Foundation Board, click the link below and/or download and submit your Board Application.
GET INVOLVED.
COME VISIT US AT THE PARK.
On the Downtown Pensacola Bayfront Shoreline.
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COME VISIT US AT THE PARK.
On the Downtown Pensacola Bayfront Shoreline.