Meet the RHS team

Ms. Brower is in her 10th year in the role of Chair and Executive Director of RHS, a 501c3 non-profit. RHS is recognized for its commitment in honoring the 9/11 tragedy throughout the Greater Tampa Bay area. RHS serves our post 9/11 First Responders, Veteran and Families of the Fallen.

In recognition of extraordinary advocacy in recognizing our military and first responders Jo Anne Brower has received the Distinguished Public Service Award given by General Joseph Dunford, Jr. USMC, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Ms. Brower serves on the St. Petersburg College Student Veterans Advisory Board. Ms. Brower prides herself in being a patriot and is dedicated in giving back to those that have served, continues to serve our country in keeping from harms way. Ms. Brower resides in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Jim Rudolph grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida. In 1976, he graduated from Dixie Hollins High School in St. Petersburg. In 1980 he graduated from Gupton Jones College in Atlanta.

After graduation from the Gupton Jones College, Jim worked with several prominent local funeral homes for many years.

In 2001 Jim founded Veterans Funeral Care, the nation’s first funeral home designed & built to serve veterans, retired military and their families exclusively. When not working, Jim is an avid backcountry hiker. Favorite hikes are the Bright Angel Trail at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Longs Peak, Estes Park, Colorado and the Lost Dutchman trail in Apache Junction, Arizona. He also is a huge fan of the HBO miniseries, “Band of Brothers.” He built and maintains the web site for one of the stars of that series www.JoeToye.com Jim is the founder of www.OperationToySoldier.com which provides toys for the children of Tampa Bay area military families. He is a board member of Clearwater First Assembly of God, and the Tampa Bay Veterans Alliance. He is a member of the Marine Corps League, Detachment 54, Largo and the American Legion, Post 7, Clearwater.

Jim has been married to the former Kim Nelson of Clearwater, Florid for forty-one years. Jim & Kim have two grown children, Jimmy and Joel and their daughtersin-law, Jordan & Abigail.

“My life has been all about honoring veterans and retired military. So many first responders are also veterans. But civilian first responders also put our safety above their own. 911 was proof of that. So, remembering, honoring and supporting police, firefighters, EMT’s is something we all should do every day."

Adam Curtis is the Senior Vice President and Team Leader for the Pinellas County Commercial Banking division of Seacoast Bank. Most recently serving as the Executive Vice President of Freedom Bank, a community bank headquartered in St. Petersburg, FL. Adam is responsible for overseeing the banks commercial lending division. This includes providing the leadership, management and vision necessary to ensure that the company has proper operational controls, supervise lending production, operations, marketing and client development initiatives, and to assess and manage portfolio risk in various asset classes.

Adam started his financial career in banking while studying International Business at Florida State University. Upon graduation, Adam furthered his education by graduating from both the Florida School of Banking at the University of Florida, as well as, the Graduate School of Baking at, Louisiana State University. He also spent a portion of his career in New York City working as a stock broker for a boutique investment firm. Adam resides in Clearwater, FL with his wife of 17 years and two young children. He is an avid sportsman who loves fishing, football, baseball, hockey, and golf. He enjoys watching his kids play sports along with international travel as well as trying to perfect his skills behind the BBQ.

Although Adam did not serve in the military, his roots in the service run deep. Adam’s father was in the Air Force from 1971-1992, retiring as a Senior Master Sargent, specializing in Civil Engineering. Additionally, both his grandfathers served in the Navy, defending our country in both WWII and Korea. Serving on the board of directors of RHS has been a true honor to give back to our community of service men and women, as well as our first responders.

Assistant Chief of Police Michael J. Kovacsev is a 26-year veteran of the St. Petersburg Police Department. He is currently assigned as Commander of the Uniform Services Bureau. He joined the Department in 1994, where he began his career as a Cadet.

In March 2010, Mike was promoted to Major, in charge of the Crimes Against Persons Division of the Investigative Services Bureau. He was promoted to Assistant Chief in March 2016. He spent three years overseeing the construction of the new $78.3 million Police Headquarters/EOC Project. Earlier this year he was transferred to the Uniform Services Bureau and currently supervises over 350 employees, mostly related to patrol functions.

Mike attained the rank of Sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserves and served from 1989 to 1997. He is also a graduate of the FBI-National Academy.

Mike and his wife, Cheri, have three children – Holly, Chloe, and Ryan.

Mike’s lengthy service as a law enforcement officer, and previous service in the military, allows him to bring a unique perspective to the RHS Board. He provides the resources and guidance needed for a successful annual event and other fundraisers throughout the year. He is proud to keep the memory alive of those who lost their lives on that fateful day nearly 20 years ago and to assist those in need today.

John Alvarez is an aerospace business development executive for Leidos - Airborne Solutions. He previously served as a Business Development Director at Leonardo DRS (DRS Technologies) and Director of Special Operations and Missions for Commuter Air Technology. He has over 30 years of industry and joint military experience in Special Operations, Diplomacy, Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), joint and coalition contingency operations, command, aerospace engineering design, program management, and business development.

From 2010 through 2013, he served as a resident senior fellow leading research for the Joint Special Operations University (JSOU) at US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) in Tampa, Florida. He continues to serve as senior adjunct faculty since April 2013. He was responsible for developing the Special Operations Forces Reference Manual Third and Fourth Editions and led initiatives on research, lessons learned, and conferences on a wide range of topics such as combating terrorism, and the Office of Special Services (OSS).

Mr. Alvarez has a BS in Architectural Engineering from the University of Miami, Florida and a MS in Aeronautical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School. His military education includes an International Fellowship at the Argentine National Defense School, Joint Forces Staff College, Air Command and Staff College, and the Joint Military Attaché School. Mr. Alvarez also served as an Air Force Regional Affairs Strategist for Latin America and is fluent in Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese, and proficient in Italian.

John is a native of South Florida and was commissioned into the US Navy in 1987. He earned designation as a Naval Aviator, US Air Force Special Operations Pilot and Combat Aviation Advisor (CAA). He was the Navy’s first pilot to be selected for the personal exchange program with USSOCOM and completed an interservice transfer to the US Air Force in 1998. He is a graduate of the Kremenchug Air College, Ukraine and has qualified and flown in over 30 military and civilian aircraft primarily flying the MH-53E, MH 53J/M “Pave Low”, UH-1H/N “Huey” and Russian built Mi-8/17 helicopters. Mr. Alvarez has served as joint mission commander and flown the MH-53 J/M Pave Low in combat and SOF missions with elite SOF units in Operations JOINT ENDEAVOR, ASSURED RESPONSE, and ALLIED FORCE. As a CAA he led counter narco-terrorism missions throughout Latin America and in Plan Colombia. He has led CAA missions in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Pakistan, Yemen, Colombia, the African Pan Sahel and Philippines. During Operation IRAQI FREEDOM he stood up and commanded the first combat direct-assistance aviation advisory mission since Vietnam rebuilding the new Iraqi Air Force. He served on NATO Allied Forces South staff where he was responsible for special operations aviation and personnel recovery in the Balkans and the Mediterranean. He also served as an advisor to the Hungarian Air staff and advised Bosnian, Bulgarian, Croatian, and Romanian aviation and rescue forces.

Colonel Alvarez served as deputy commander of the 1st Special Operations Group and as operations officer and commander of the 6th Special Operations Squadron (SOS). As operations officer and commander of the 6th SOS he established the CAA qualification course and established the U.S. Air Force’s first aviation advisor training course. He was assigned to the US Embassy, Buenos Aires, Argentina and his last assignment on active duty was as the Defense and Air Attaché to Bolivia. Mr. Alvarez retired as a colonel in September 2010.

Community Service: John is currently serving as an executive board member of Remember, Honor and Support in Saint Petersburg, Florida since 2013. He served as president and vice president of the Tampa Chapter of the Air Commando Association (ACA) and is a 2014 Hall of Fame (HOF) inductee. He continues to serve ACA on the HOF Selection Committee. From 2014 to 2017 John also served on US Representative David Jolly’s Veterans Advisory Council and Military Service Academy Section Committee.

John and his wife Shelley volunteer as peer mentors (trained) and advocates for SOF and military severely wounded and their families through the USSOCOM Care Coalition, Wounded Warrior Project, Amputee Coalition of America, the Elk Foundation, and the Road Warrior Foundation.

I volunteered to serve on the Board to continuing honoring the memory of our loss and sacrifices made since 9/11 that changed our Nation and the world. Never Forget!

Born in Middleton Ohio, moved to Tampa FL in 1965. Currently serves as the project director of the Legacy Center and Executive Director for the Anona Family Life Counseling Center. Anona United Methodist Church is a 7500 member Church in Largo FL.

I am a consultant with Indaba Behavioral Wellness Corporation, and past Vice President at Advance Wellness Services.

I Specialize in conflict resolution and safety in the occupational workplace, with an emphasis in crisis, trauma and grief. Higher rates of illness, divorce, suicide, and lawsuits are just a few areas that can raise the risk of a person and the corporation. Public speaker at special events, fund raisers, and seminars. Financial advancement and strategist with several non-profit corporations that focus on veterans, domestic violence, life skills, third world countries, and education.

I am very proud and honored to serve on this board, RHS represents all the values and passion I have for our veterans and first responders. My doctoral research and current counseling practice is focused on PTSD and the emotional impact on the families that have experienced crises while serving and protecting our country. To preserve this piece of our History is paramount.

Dick was significant in helping to put Channel 10 on the air in 1965 as the stations first weatherman. In 1966, he became Sports Director. (He also met his wife Penny who was working at the station.) He stayed in that position doing the 6 & 11pm newscasts until 1981 when he was hired for the same position with WFLA-TV. His last sports show for Channel 8 was New Year’s Eve of 1999 (a Friday night). On the following Monday morning he started with the then Tampa Bay Devil Rays and served 21 years as a Senior Adviser working extensively with the military and also doing a number of speeches and such for the now Rays. He sits on 6 board of directors or advisory boards for non-profits. He does extensive work within the world of charity fundraising.

He was on the broadcast team for the Bucs for 17 years and was stadium announcer for the Tampa Bay Rowdies for their first eight years. He also has worked for NBC, ESPN, NASCAR’s Motor Racing Network, Speed Channel and did several syndicated shows during some 49 years that he was involved in boats and boat racing.

In early 2021 Dick retired and resides with his wife Penny in St. Petersburg, FL.

I believe in the mission of RHS and its support of charities in the Tampa Bay Community that meet its criteria. I have been a longtime supporter of the military community RHS has maintained that portion of their mission and added first responders. I have always tried to make the community aware of the military with MacDill AFB within our boundaries. RHS is a solid platform to inform the citizenry.

James D. Large is Fire Chief of St. Petersburg Fire & Rescue. Chief Large was promoted to Fire Chief in February of 2006, after serving as the Fire Marshal for the City for 11 years. He was first promoted to Assistant Chief of Operations in 1991 and has served in a management/leadership role since. He joined the department in 1974, rising through the ranks to his current position. He is a Florida State Certified Firefighter, Emergency Medical Technician, Fire Instructor, and Fire Inspector. His education includes associate’s degrees in Fire Prevention and in Fire Suppression, a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Studies and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. He holds Chief Fire Officer Designation from the Commission on Professional Credentialing as well as Certified Fire Protection Specialist from NFPA.

Chief Large has served on the Board of Directors for the St. Petersburg Municipal Employees Credit Union and the Police Athletic League. He is a graduate of Leadership St. Pete, served four years on its planning committee and one year as the Chair. He served two terms as president of the Tampa Bay Area Fire Marshal’s Association. He was appointed to three terms on the Pinellas County Construction and Licensing Board as well as the Life Safety Board of Appeals. Chief Large is Past President of the Florida Fire Chiefs Association.

The reason I support RHS is the magnitude of and impact that (!! Had on the fire service and me as a Leader. At the time of the Twin Towers SPFR had around 350 members. The FDNY lost 343 on that day. As I considered our whole department, all the spouses, children, parents and such, I was overwhelmed by the thought. I never want people to forget the magnitude of the loss.

Greg Martin served for over 30 years in the US Army as a career Armor Cavalry officer and Army strategist. In his final assignment, he served as the Deputy Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the statutory senior military adviser to the President of the United States. He currently serves as a senior veteran member of the US Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC) where senior military officers join diplomats and business leaders in support of the diplomacy and development efforts of the US government. Greg is an Iraq combat veteran who has extensive senior level experience on the Army Staff, the Joint Staff, the Army War College and the State Department.

From 1998-2001, Greg was the Training Branch Chief for the Consequence Management Program Integration Office (CoMPIO) at the Pentagon where he led efforts to prepare special military units and the nation’s top first responders in America’s 120 largest cities to build capabilities to respond to possible weapons of mass destruction attacks on the homeland. To accomplish this ambitious congressionally mandated program, he benchmarked best practices by assembling an advisory team of some of the nation’s top first responders, to include the fire and HAZMAT chiefs of the fire departments of New York City, Chicago, Orlando and Los Angeles. On September 11, 2001, Greg stood up the Army Reserve desk on the Crisis Action Team of the Army Operations Center in the Pentagon while the building was burning. He lost close friends at the Pentagon and in New York City including Pete Ganci, the fire chief of FDNY, and Jack Fanning, the HAZMAT chief of FDNY.

After practicing for 7 years in the areas of family law and personal injury litigation, Kathryn joined Englander Fischer’s litigation team and practices primarily in commercial litigation, real estate litigation, and creditor’s debt collection.

Kathryn graduated from Stetson University College of Law in 2012. Prior to attending Stetson, Kathryn worked as a legal assistant for several years in the Tampa Bay area.

Kathryn is a native Floridian who lives in St. Petersburg with her husband, Derek, and their rescue dog, Max.

I am interested in the secretary position in Remember Honor Support as a way to support our local community while utilizing some of my personal strengths. As a St. Petersburg resident, I desire to be more active in my local community. RHS specifically is a great way for me to become more involved because of its mission in supporting first responders and veterans, as I have firemen, former law enforcement, and military veterans in my family. As an attorney, I have excellent organization skills and extensive experience in taking notes and maintaining documents/files, all of which would be valuable as RHS secretary. My career and prior volunteer activities have also afforded me substantial involvement with all types of persons from our community, which I believe would also be beneficial to RHS.

Medical Service Corps, U.S. Navy (retired)

Commander Miller, a native of Stony Brook New York, graduated from Ward Melville High School in June 1973. After completing 1 year of general studies at Suffolk Community College, he enlisted in the Navy as a Hospital Corpsman, and completed Field Medical Service School at Camp Pendleton California. Completing his first active duty assignment with the USMC 1st Force Services Support Group, he finished his first active tour in Okinawa, Japan with BAS 3/4 USMC.

After graduating from The State University of New York at Stony Brook in August 1985 with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Physician Assistant Studies, he was Board Certified as a Physician Assistant. CDR Miller attended The Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center Post Graduate Surgical Internship for Physician Assistants in General and Special Surgery. Completing this program in October 1986, he continued for an additional year in Vascular Surgery under Frank Vieth MD, Chief of Vascular Surgery.

His first commissioned assignment as a USCG Reserve CWO1/2 in 1986 was at Air Station Clearwater Florida as the Medical Department Head, and later OIC of the Medical Unit. He was promoted to LTJG in place of CWO4. After his inter-service transfer back to the U.S. Navy in 1995, he was assigned to U.S. Navy Hospital Jacksonville, Florida, serving as Training Officer, and Administrative Officer. September 01, 2001 he was transferred to NRCOMUSNAVCENT (Navy Central Command) in Tampa, Florida as the Medical Department Head. He completed his Master’s Degree in Emergency Medicine in 2003 from the University of Nebraska, and practiced Emergency Medicine in Tampa Florida. Since September 11th, 2001 he has deployed to the CENTCOM AOR multiple times in support of OIF/OEF and participated in many multi nation exercises in the Middle East, and battle field planning in Iraq and Afghanistan.

CDR Miller completed 8 years, 6 months on Presidential Recall to Active Duty orders ending June 4th, 2014. He was first recalled for 3 ½ years as the Officer in Charge, Senior Medical Officer, Wounded Warrior Regiment, USMCR Medical Review Team Manager, at the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Washington, DC. He then completed a 5-year tour as Deputy Force Surgeon, Marine Corps Forces, Central Command starting June of 2009 and completed numerous Middle East Deployments. He was promoted to rank of Commander 01 August 2007 and retired July 1st, 2014. He currently is employed at the Tampa VA Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation working with mTBI SOCOM patients (PREP Program).

CDR Miller’s awards include: The Legion of Merit, Two Meritorious Service Medals, Joint Services Achievement Medal, Three Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and The Global War on Terrorism and Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medals. SUNY Stony Brook 2009 Distinguished Alumni Award.

I support and desire to help RHS accomplish it's mission to promote our men and women in uniform, and the memory of the horrific events on 911. I also strongly support RHS initiatives for our first responders.

Craig Chown has over 30 years of accomplished experience in the government and private sectors. Craig served as a policy and budget advisor for Florida Governor's Lawton Chiles and Jeb Bush, and served as a policy analyst in the Florida Legislature, Office of the Auditor General. Additionally, he served as a Statewide Chief in Administration for the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) and was responsible for management and oversight of statewide agency motor vehicle fleet, purchasing, inventory, insurance, records management, telecommunications, mailroom, headquarters security, and DJJ facility new construction and maintenance.

Craig currently works with the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) in partnership with the Florida Association of Counties and Florida Fire Chiefs Association to manage their statewide bid process and contracts. This streamlines the administrative process and maximizes purchasing value for sheriffs, police, counites, local municipalities, school districts, special districts, and other entities. Items in the contracts include but are not limited to a wide range of police rated vehicles, other cars and trucks, fire trucks, ambulances and other emergency response vehicles, public works vehicles and equipment, and tires.

Since 1996, Craig Chown also successfully performed consulting work activities in areas including business development; contracts and procurement, public relations and communications; marketing; media and social networking and promotion; strategic planning and performance reviews; community development; environmental planning, permitting, mitigation, and construction project management.

Tony Salvarezza is the General Manager of Duke Energy’s Regional Services Florida. He received his BSM from University of Phoenix in 2001. AA in Electronic Engineering, Pasco Hernando in 1998. Blackbelt in Lean Six Sigma Processes.

He joined Florida Power (Duke Energy) in 1978, over the past 43+ years his jobs have evolved from 17 years in various craft operations and maintenance roles, and DCS engineering to Superintendent of Operations, Maintenance and Shift Operations Manager, General Manager at multiple large generating sites involving various combustion technologies (Oil, coal, gas & steam,) and now Regional General Manager are some of the positions he has held all with continuously highlighted accomplishments in plant performance, capital management, budget reduction and overall site management. Each position with increasing leadership responsibilities for Duke Energy. Experienced leader with a demonstrated history of working in the utility industry. Skilled in Leadership, Team Building, Safety Improvement, Power Plants, Continuous Improvement, and Operational Excellence. Successful track record of running projects, service organizations, plant maintenance and operations. Key skills include commercial negotiations, strategic thinking, labor relations, change management, continuous improvement/LEAN/Six Sigma, and relationship building.

Tony and his wife Mariela reside in St. Petersburg Florida. They enjoy boating, traveling the world and spending time with family.

I am proud to be a member of the RHS board (formerly VP) and afforded the opportunity to give back. Supporting our first responders in all areas of our community, not only for the honoring of those who lost their lives in the tragic 9/11 events but also supporting those who have fought for this great country. I can live this life because of the sacrifice others have made. I am fortunate to be able to remember, honor and support others. I thank you for the opportunity to serve.

Born in Munich, Germany, and raised mostly in Fayetteville, NC, USCG AETC (Ret.) David Caras entered the U.S. Coast Guard in 1984 at Training Center Cape May, NJ. He was a rescue surf boat crew member until he graduated from Aviation Electronics School. He is qualified as Avionicsman Radio Navigator Instructor on HH-3F helicopters, Flight Mechanic Crew Chief Instructor on HH-60J helicopters, HU-25A/B Falcon jets, and Radio Operator on HC-130 Hercules aircraft. He deployed to the Caribbean with USCG and DEA antinarcotics operations and is a member of a USCG pistol and high-power rifle team. He retired in 2004 with twenty years of service as an Aviation Electronics Chief.

He attended North Carolina State University, Polymer Chemistry and is a graduate of the University of Phoenix, earning a Bachelor of Science of Business Management. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree and is a member of the Delta Mu Delta Honor Society.

In David Caras’ spare time he competes in triathlons, Nordic Biathlons, is an Area Coordinator raising guide dog puppies, a Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentor, camp counselor for Faces of Courage Kids Cancer and Blood Disorders camp, a Peer Mentor for Amputee Coalition, and camp counselor for Camp No Limits for young people with limb loss and families, a member of Stetson University Disruptive Leadership Advisory Board, and National Society of Leadership and Success member.

Dr. Robinson was born and raised in Red Bluff, a rural town in northern California. When she entered undergrad at California State University at Long Beach, she only knew that she had a deeply ingrained need to care for people. After she realized that medicine was her calling, she attended Tulane University School of Medicine on an Air Force scholarship, graduating at the top of her class in 1996.

She completed her residency at Travis Air Force Base. Being a part of the Air Force was one of the best experiences of her life. She proudly served in the Air Force from 1996-2003, serving as medical director of the MacDill Primary Care Clinic, caring for our troops, their families, and retired service members.

After her service, she worked in various practice types, all pressuring doctors to attain quantity over quality. Over those years, she came to the sad realization of the futile way in which she was practicing medicine – not enough time with patients leading to more medications and less true healing.

In 2008, she opened Robinson MD so she could care for patients in a more thorough, individualized way with the goal of empowering and inspiring people to achieve their best health possible. She is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), International Society of Environmentally Acquired Illness (ISEAI), and International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS).

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, riding her Harley, playing softball and basketball, and cooking delicious and nutritious food.

Active duty service members, veterans, and first responders hold a very special place my heart. I stand with and support RHS to honor and remember these courageous, strong, patriotic individuals who have dedicated their lives and put their own lives on the line in order to protect our fellow Americans and the United States flag. Never forget!

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and raised in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Lieutenant General Martin R. Steele enlisted in the Marine Corps in January 1965. He rose from private to three-star general, culminating his military career as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans, Policies, and Operations at Headquarters, US Marine Corps, in Washington, DC in August of 1999. A decorated combat veteran with 34-1/2 years of service, he is a recognized expert in the integration of all elements of national power (diplomatic, economic, informational, and military) with strategic military war plans and has served as an executive strategic planner/policy director in multiple theaters across Asia. His extraordinary career was chronicled as one of three principles in the award winning military biography Boys of ’67 by Charles Jones.

Upon his retirement from active duty in 1999, he served as President & CEO of the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum in New York City. Under his leadership, they adopted the mission statement of “Honor our heroes, educate the public, and inspire our youth about the price of freedom”. This creative branding strategy resonated with all audiences and was the early catalyst for the transformation of the Intrepid from just another New York City destination location to the near icon status it enjoys today among educators, historians, international visitors, and military veterans. Shortly after the attacks on September 11, 2001, General Steele invited the FBI to use the Intrepid to conduct their investigations. Within 48 hours, Intrepid was once again in service as the temporary headquarters for over 750 FBI agents.

General Steele also served as the Associate Vice President for Veterans Partnerships, the Executive Director of Military Partnerships, and Co-Chair of the Veterans Reintegration Steering Committee at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida. Additionally, General Steele was the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Steele Partners, Inc., a strategic advisory and leadership consulting company. He has led a philanthropic transition program assisting exiting Marines into private sector jobs throughout the country, at no cost to the Marine participants, the Marine Corps or to the companies that provide employment opportunities. In 2014, he was appointed to the Board of Directors of Florida is for Veterans, Inc., a not for profit, state legislated organization designed to assist both Veterans and businesses throughout Florida in not only hiring Veterans but also developing entrepreneurship programs designed for veterans.

In 2015, he was appointed to the Congressionally mandated Commission on Care to undertake a comprehensive evaluation and assessment of access of veterans to health care from the Department of Veteran Affairs and strategically examine how best to organize the Veterans Health Administration, locate health care resources, and deliver healthcare to veterans during the next 20 years. The Commission was made up of 15 voting members selected by Congress and the President.

General Steele is a graduate of the University of Arkansas where he obtained a BA degree in History (’74) and was recognized as a Distinguished Graduate of the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. He is a recipient of the 2013 Arkansas Alumni Award Citation of Distinguished Alumni which recognizes exceptional professional and personal achievement and extraordinary distinction in a chosen field. He also holds three Masters Degrees from Central Michigan University, Salve Regina College, and the Naval War College.

Married to the former Cynthia Bayliss of Little Rock, Arkansas, they are the parents of three adult children, and have three grandchildren. Their son, David, is a Colonel in the US Marine Corps and currently serves as the Chief of Staff 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Miramar, CA after three tours of combat in Afghanistan. General Steele serves proudly on several boards across the country to include: Fisher House Foundation, the Advisory Committee for the Call of Duty Endowment, Advisory Board for Veterans Advantage, and the University of Arkansas Veterans Resource and Information Center Board. He is also a Chairman Emeritus of the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation and a member of the Board of Advisors. He and Cindy reside in Tampa, Florida.