7,800,000+
Veterans who served in the
Gulf War Era
2016
The first year Gulf War-era veterans accounted for the largest share of all US veterans
500+
Veterans served by Gulf War Era Veteran Inc. (and counting!)
OUR MISSION
When the United States entered into an era of conflict in the Gulf Region of the world on August 2, 1990, hundreds of thousands of military members from all branches of service entered a life-changing experience. The same region continued with year-to-year conflict until August 28, 2021. The long journey of conflict took a toll on several million military members both male and female, not to mention the profound effect it had on their family members.
Gulf War Era Veteran Inc. offers all Era Veterans and their families valuable and educational information designed to identify relevant resources and improve their quality of life.
Board of Directors
Jesse Almanza
USMC Retired
Co-Founder / President
Retired from the United States Marine Corps after serving 22 years. During my time in service, I participated in numerous overseas deployments. Early in my Marine Corps career I was a motor vehicle operator and was licensed to drive all types of military vehicles.
After completing Basic Training at MCRD in San Diego I was assigned to MCAS EL Toro where I went to Motor Transport School. Other duty stations were MCAS Futenma Air Base, Base Motors at Infantry Training School, 3rd Medical Bn Okinawa Japan. I was then assigned to Base Motor Transport in Camp Pendleton, 1st FSSG and Weapons Training Bn where I was a Marksmanship Instructor to over 30 Marine Corps Recruit Platoons of 40 to 60 recruits per platoon. I was awarded the Marine Distinguished Shooting Badge after competing with some of the best marksman shooters in the Marine Corps and other armed forces competitions as well.
In August 1990 through April 1991, I served in the theater of Kuwait and Iraq during Desert Shield / Storm with Brigade Service Support Group 5 (BSSG-5), Task Force Ripper. Assigned to a supply distribution convoy, I facilitated and used supply point distribution to provide MREs, repair parts, construction materials, water, fuel, dental and medical supplies to the 1st Marine Division front lines. While serving in this capacity I successfully completed hundreds of resupply missions to the front lines. My personal and unit awards include the Combat Action Medal, Navy Achievement Medal with three awards, Navy Unit Commendation (w/one star), Meritorious Mast awards.
My military service commitment extends to many other accomplishments during my 22 years of service. During my active service I completed my bachelor’s degree in behavioral science with emphasis in Chemical Dependency, and Master’s degree in Human Resources Management. Upon retirement I was involved in community development for many years. I worked in workforce development for a period of 14 years after I retired from the Marine Corps. I managed two Career Centers in the North County of San Diego and worked with the state of California Employment Development Department’s Veteran job program. I developed all training materials to prepare recently discharged military personnel that were transitioning to the civilian community in finding employment.
Upon relocating to North Carolina, I started attending local veteran meetings and quickly identified a missing link with the Gulf War Era Veterans. A couple of veteran friends and I started a veteran’s coffee for the Gulf War Era Group in March of 2020. Due to COVID restrictions we went to social media and were successful in reaching hundreds of veterans throughout the United States. In October of 2021 I applied and received our non-profit 501c3 status from North Carolina for Gulf War Era Veterans Inc. Currently I am the President of Gulf War Era Veteran Inc. I work diligently to assist veterans and their families when they reach out in need of our service.
Charles E. Prentice
Organization Chaplin
Sgt. Charles E Prentice served on active duty with the United States Air Force from Jan. 1984 until Dec. 1994 as an Aerospace Photographic Systems Repair Specialist AFCS 455XOB.
He served at several duty stations, including 388th Fighter Wing Hill AFB, Utah. Camera systems F16 Falcon, 20th Tactical Fighter Wing RAF Upper Heyford , United Kingdom camera systems the F111 Aardvark, and 9th Reconnaissance Wing Beale AFB, California camera systems on the SR-71 Blackbird and the U2 Dragon Lady.
During Desert Storm/Desert Shield, Sgt. Prentice served with the 1704 PRS at King Fahad Air Base, Taif, Saudi Arabia.
He currently serves as Chaplin for Gulf War Era Veteran Inc.
Sean Reeves
Board Member
Program Development
Sean Reeves joined the board of Gulf War Era Veterans in 2023, after first volunteering with the organization in 2020. Prior to his involvement with Gulf War Era Veterans, Sean attended Guilford College, where he earned a B.A. in Psychology. Throughout his volunteer work, Sean has been dedicated to combating veteran suicide and promoting mental wellbeing, also collaborating with organizations such as Irreverent Warriors and The Marine Corps League.
Sean's connection to the veteran community runs deep, as he served as an infantryman in the United States Marine Corps from 2008 to 2011. After sustaining injuries in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, Sean was medically retired with a Purple Heart. This personal experience has fueled his passion for advocating and supporting fellow veterans as they navigate their lives both during and after their service to our country.
In February of 2023, Sean joined Veterans Bridge Home, where he focuses on suicide prevention and improving veterans' social determinants of health. His work at Veterans Bridge Home provides invaluable experience in addressing the unique challenges faced by veterans, equipping him with the skills necessary to make a significant impact in their lives.
As a board member at Gulf War Era Veterans, Sean brings his extensive knowledge of mental health, commitment to the veteran community, and experience as an Intake Coordinator at Veterans Bridge Home to help guide the organization's mission and outreach efforts. Drawing from his own experiences and the skills he gained while working with many veteran nonprofits, Sean strives to ensure that Gulf War Era Veterans continues to provide vital support and resources to those who have served our nation.
Mildred Proctor
Board Member
Administration / Marketing
My name is Mildred Proctor. I am a Gold Star Spouse. After losing my husband that was killed in action in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. I feel that I want to serve those that have served our great nation. I am a graduate of Salem College and have dedicated my life to working with Veterans, including Gold Star Families. I feel that I have a lot to offer being a Gold Star Spouse myself.
While working with Trellis Supportive Care in Winston Salem NC for over a year, I was involved in coordinating events for veterans. I was able to connect with numerous organizations that provide services and resources to Veterans. It is my passion and desire to aid veterans and their families when they are in need.
I am currently volunteering with Gulf War Era Veteran Inc. in administration and marketing. I am also involved with the organization Veterans 4 Life.
Through my dedication in helping Veterans, I plan to continue serving and honoring my husband's sacrifice in knowing that he gave all to his country.
Lisa Doss
Board Member
My name is Lisa Doss. I am the granddaughter of Pvt. Andrew Slobodnik, Marine, who died in the Battle of Tarawa, in 1943, and the wife of MSGT Kevin Doss, RET., since 2006.
Call it fate or a miracle, a gift card to Six Sense Spa and Wellness arrived by mail as a thank-you from my former employer and publisher, Forsyth Woman magazine. At my appointment, I met the lyrical Nikki Roach, and soon after, we connected as military wives. Nike, her husband, started a Saturday coffee for veterans, and I thought it could be the solution Kevin needed. Retiring in October 2015 without closure due to a government shutdown, Kevin needed to find a familiar place of like-minded men and women. The gathering filled more than a void; it brought friendship, discussion, answers, a change of perspective, and new opportunities. As the need to address and meet the needs of Gulf War Era veterans, what began as a coffee grew to its current day status, a non-profit organization, determined to advocate for men, women, spouses, and parents of the Gulf War Era veterans and all conflicts!
I enjoy my role as spokesman, talking and advocating for veterans. In 2021, I attended a Saturday farmer’s market, offering visitors the chance to buy “KL Landing blueberry, wildflower honey, a few therapy salves, and balms made with local beeswax, and talk about a great non-profit organization for Gulf War Era veterans!
After a decade vocation as a middle school English and history teacher at predominately private schools, I traveled from my birth state of Maryland to New York, Colorado, and Texas before relocating to North Carolina in 2001. The opportunity in each location opened the door to coaching, large group public speaking, writing brochures, and soon welcomed as support staff in admissions and, advertising and development. Stepping outside the classroom in 2003, I was selected for the role of director of education to help develop curriculum for students, support parent’s needs, and provide a bridge between school, tutoring, and home.
One month after my daughter was born in 2010, I realized I had a greater calling than a ten-hour work week. My long-time friend, Denise Heidel contacted me, inviting me to become a staff writer for the local publication of Forsyth Family (10 years-2022) and Forsyth Woman (8 years-2020.) It was a humbling honor to be voted by the readers as one of the top four writers in 2015.
Additional:
- State-certified beekeeper, 2017 to present
- Stokes County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, 2019 to present
In March 2022, our woman and veterans’ business, KL Landing Garden & Apiary, became an LLC, and website, www.kl-landing.com, was live in June. With Kevin’s support, the family business, including our pre-teen daughter, emphasizes therapy products in the form of balms, facial cleansers, flower-wrapped candles, honey infusions, oils, salves, syrups, serums, teas, herbal extractions (tinctures,) and vinegar-infusions, was a therapeutic and empowering endeavor! Locally, I have the great title as the “Bee Lady.” Through social media, I remain an advocate of all-natural health and teach others what I am thoroughly enjoying- soap-making, candle-making, beekeeping, honey extracting, plant propagation, and working with medicinal herbs in a variety of ways.
At the VA Medical Center (Kernersville), Winston-Salem Fairgrounds, Jerry Long YMCA (Clemmons,) and other pop-up markets, and festivals, the collective farmer’s markets are one means I have to meet and advocate for the Gulf War Era and all veterans.
It’s a humbling honor to serve on the Board of Directors and extend my gifts to the organization!
Co-Founder/Co Chair Nike Roach US Army
Secretary - Nikki Roach US Army - Dependent Spouse
Communications – Kevin Doss USAF Retired
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