The Team

Scott is a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel. He enlisted in 1986 as a 98G Korean Linguist and was stationed at Fort Ord, CA. He attended Officer Candidate School in Fort Benning, GA in 1989 and was commissioned a 2LT, Engineer. He held various leadership positions in Germany, Georgia, Hawaii, Kuwait, Iraq, and South Dakota. In addition to his deployments to the first Gulf War (1991) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003), he was also at the Pentagon on 9-11. He retired from active duty in 2010. He has been married to Tina for 25 years and have 4 kids and 6 grandkids between them. Scott is a member of the American Legion, VFW and the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA).

Michelle was a member of the 74th Transportation Company, South Dakota Army National Guard from 1987 – 1996. She started her military service as an 88M (Truck Driver) and switched to an 88A (Transportation Officer) in May 1990. She continued her service until June 1996 when she was honorably discharged as a 1LT. After getting out, she has worked for Sanford Health. Michelle is a member of the American Legion.

Chris was a member of the 323 Chemical Company, Army Reserve 1987-1995. He deployed to Desert Shield/Desert Storm in November of 1990 and was in country until May of 1991. He continued his service until June of 1995 when he was honorably discharged as a Specialist /E-4. He started his military service as a 31V (Radio Repair) and switched to a 54B (Chemical Decon). After getting out, he worked for his parents in a small family business, Fonders Sewing. He learned how to repair and sell sewing machines from his grandfather and parents. He is now partners with his brother and sister as co-owners of a very successful business of 80 years. Chris joined both the American Legion and VFW Honor Guard as a life member because he feels it is his duty and honor to be there as fallen heroes are laid to rest.

CHRIS REISER

AMBASSADOR

Casey Hatch enlisted in the US Army straight out of high school, joining the 325th Airborne Combat Team as a part of the 82nd Airborne Division in Vicenza, Italy. He served in the Gulf War in 1991 on an M-60 machine gun team as a part of the Southern European Task Force. He later trained in various European countries, Panama, and Ft Bragg, North Carolina. After active duty, Casey joined the Colorado Army National Guard in Field Artillery while attending the University of Northern Colorado. Casey is currently a Realtor in the Sioux Falls area and has been in the real estate business for over 20 years. He continues to serve the community having served as the chair of the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee of the Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce as well as other volunteer organizations in the area.

Anna Arnold

Ambassador

From February 2002 to February 2006, Anna served as a Communication Specialist (MOS 31R) in the military, achieving the rank of E4. Following her service, Anna spent two years volunteering and became an active member of VFW, DAV, and the American Legion. Transitioning to civilian life, she took on the role of Quartermaster and Adjutant for the South Dakota Department of Veterans of Foreign Wars. Here dedication to veterans continues through their leadership and involvement in these military organizations.

Veteran: Army - Sioux Falls, SD

Phone: 314-435-5772 Email: anna@vfwdeptsd.com

Mike Fuller

Ambassador

Mike Fuller served in the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Reserve from November 1968 to July 1972, and then again from July 1978 to August 1996. During his time in service, he worked both as an aircraft electrician and a dentist, eventually rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Since retiring from the military, he has dedicated 2 1/2 years to volunteer work. In his civilian career, Mike continues to serve his community as a dentist, applying the same dedication and care he demonstrated during his military service.

Veteran: Air Force, Sioux Falls, SD

Phone: 907-244-8099 Email: mfullerdds@gmail.com

Misti Brovold

Ambassador

Misti Brovold served in the U.S. Army National Guard from March 1993 to August 1995, and again from September 1997 to May 2006. During her service, she held roles as a Flute Band Member (02G) and Motor Transport Operator (88M), achieving the rank of E-5. After her military career, Misti dedicated a year to volunteer work and became an active member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and Women of the Armed Forces. In her civilian role, she now works as a Customer Care Account Manager for Tyler Technologies, Inc., continuing to apply her strong leadership and service skills.

Veteran: Army NG, Sioux Falls, SD

Phone: 605-310-8313 Email: mistie.brovold@gmail.com

Heather Borman

Ambassador

Heather Borman served in the U.S. Marine Corps from June 2003 to June 2007 as a Field Radio Operator (0621), reaching the rank of Sergeant (E5). After her military service, she dedicated a year to volunteer work and became a member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and Women of the Armed Forces. Currently, Heather works at U.S. Bank as an Operations Administrative Specialist, continuing to contribute her skills and dedication to helping others.

Veteran: Marine, Sioux Falls, SD

Phone: 605-261-0125 Email: hlborman@gmail.com

Landon Nelson served in the U.S. Army from 2005 until his retirement in December 2014, where he held the rank of Specialist and worked as a Motor Transport Operator (88M). A proud Purple Heart recipient, Landon is actively involved in several military organizations, including American Legion Post 45, DAV, VFW Sioux Falls, Hero Haven, and Casting for Vets. After his military career, he transitioned to a civilian role as a FedEx driver while continuing to support veterans through his involvement in these organizations.

Landon Nelson

Ambassador

Veteran: Army, Harrisburg, SD

Phone: 605-595-8127 Email: landon.nelson@hotmail.com

Courtney Steffen

Honorary Ambassador

Veteran: Marines, Brookings, SD

Phone: 605-270-3437 Email: csteffen@brookingscountysd.gov

Marvin Merrill

Ambassador

Marvin Merrill served in both the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Army Reserve from 1985 to 2008, holding roles as an Infantryman (0311) and Motor Transport Operator (88M). He achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant (E6) before retiring from the military. With over four years of volunteer work, Marvin is also a life member of the American Legion. In his civilian career, he works as the Supervisor of Maintenance Operations for the U.S. Postal Service, continuing to apply his leadership and operational skills.

Veteran: Marine & Army Reserve, Sioux Falls, SD

Phone: 605-254-3569 Email: marvmerrill35@gmail.com

Phillip Krabbe

Ambassador

Phil Krabbe served in the U.S. Marine Corps from November 2002 to November 2010 as an Anti-Tank Assaultman (0351), achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant (E6). After his military career, he dedicated three years to volunteer work and remains an active member of the Marine Corps Association. While not currently in a civilian job, Phil focuses his time on helping fellow veterans in any way he can, continuing his commitment to service and support.

Veteran: Marines, Detroit Lakes, MN

Phone: 218-841-7026 Email: krabbepj@yahoo.com