HillVets LEAD Protégés
Mark Ewachiw
Mark Ewachiw
LCDR Mark Ewachiw earned his commission through the Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps
program in 2005. His tours of service include three ships and duty stations around the globe. He
served onboard USS PORTER as their Communications and Public Affairs Officer, USS
GEORGE WASHINGTON as a Reactor Division Officer, and most recently USS NIMITZ as
the Reactor Electrical Assistant. Ashore his assignments have included regional Anti-Terrorism/
Force Protection Officer in Naples, Italy, and Project Manager at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard in
Hawaii. Mark holds advanced degrees from MIT in Naval Architecture/Marine Engineering and
Electrical Engineering/Computer Science. His personal awards include the Navy Commendation
and Navy Achieve Medals in addition to various unit and campaign awards. He currently serves
as a Defense Fellow on the personal staff of Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia.
Keegan Korpela
Keegan Korpela
A native of Sheridan, Wyoming, Keegan Korpela earned his commission from the United States
Naval Academy in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in English. Following his graduation, he
served in various locations with multiple responsibilities as a support officer.
After he transitioned to the civilian sector, he worked in the sales industry until September 2017
when he decided to pursue an M.A. in Violence, Terrorism, and Security at Queen's University
in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Upon graduating, he served as the National Security Fellow for
Representative Andy Kim (NJ-3), helping in various capacities and working on different
portfolios to include: national security, foreign policy, and veteran’s issues. Currently, he works
at the Pentagon supporting the Department of Navy’s Service Integration & Policy office as an
analyst on Irregular Warfare.
Angel Rich
Angel Rich
Creating an algorithm for the stock market to win Goldman Sachs Portfolio Challenge, selling her first marketing plan to Prudential, becoming a founding employee of FINRA, authoring the first ever African American Financial Experience study, inventing the top financial literacy product in the world, and being named the “Next Steve Jobs” by Forbes – all by age 30, Angel Rich has earned the title Wealth Pioneer.
In 2009, Rich became a Global Market Research Analyst for Prudential Financial. While there she conducted over 70 financial behavior studies including the Obama’s Veterans Initiative. During her final year at Prudential, she helped the company’s Annuities division grow from #16 in Service to #4, helping the company save $6 billlion.
After leaving, Rich founded The Wealth Factory with a mission to provide equal access to financial literacy across the world. Today her company designs WealthyLife financial literacy education technology games, curriculum, and fintech products.
The first game released is titled CreditStacker. This match-three game, like Candy Crush, allows users to swap colored pieces representing the 5 major credit types, to pay off debt, achieve a high credit score, and learn from the multiple-choice questions. It has been named the best financial literacy product in the country by The White House, Department of Education, and JP Morgan Chase.
In August 2017, the company launched the full product version of CreditStacker, exceeding 200,000 downloads in 60 countries in 21 languages in two weeks. Google named it one of the Top 10 Apps in the world of 2017.
The Wealth Factory’s goal is to transform financial marketing to financial education while reducing poverty, increasing financially savvy citizens, raising financial product ownership and building better financial ecosystems.
That year, Rich also released her first book – The History of the Black Dollar – with the foreword written by Dr. Maya Rockeymoore. The book takes readers on an economic journey through history to depict the major milestones, historic figures and upcoming leaders.
She was also named Hamptonian of the Year and became a proud member of the 2016 HBCU 30 Under 30, Hampton 40 Under 40 and Google Top 30 Black Female Founders.
In 2018, the United Nations named her one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in the African Diaspora and one of five Icons. In 2019, she released her second book, Black Woman Politics, and was honored as a historic figure at the Sandy Spring Slave Museum. She is most proud to be Vice Chair of the financial literacy council after appointment from the Mayor of DC, designing the financial literacy recommendations for the city.
Chris Kieszek
Chris Kieszek
A native of San Jose, California, LCDR Kieszek graduated from Vanderbilt University with a
degree in Biology/Pre-Med and was commissioned in the U.S. Navy. She earned the designation
of Naval Aviator in July 2004 alongside her identical twin sister, LCDR Deborah Kieszek. After
completing initial SH-60B training in San Diego, CA, she reported to HSL-51 in Atsugi, Japan
from 2005 to 2008. While at HSL-51, LCDR Kieszek earned her qualification of Level 300
Airborne Tactics Officer and Helicopter Aircraft Commander.
After a tour as an ROTC instructor at the University of San Diego, CA, LCDR Kieszek served as
the Officer in Charge of the Forward Operating Location Kasenyi in Entebbe, Uganda for 15
months. She then transferred to Full Time Support as a Fleet Logistics (VR) pilot and flew for
VR-53 at Andrews Airbase from 2014 to 2017. She then transitioned to OPNAV N814 as a
Manpower Analyst. During this tour she applied for and was accepted for a Defense Fellowship
through the Office of Legislative Affairs. As a fellow, she reviewed and prepared defense
legislation for Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI). LCDR Kieszek now serves as a Congressional
Liaison for the Chief of Naval Reserve. LCDR Kieszek’s personal awards include the Korea
Defense Service Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (2), Navy Commendation Medal (2), and
Joint Service Commendation Medal.
JJ Johnson
JJ Johnson
Lt Col Jason “JJ” Johnson is currently serving as a Brookings Legislative Fellow for the House
Foreign Affairs Committee, Europe, Eurasia, Energy, and the Environment Subcommittee. Prior
to his current assignment, he served as Chief, Legislative Liaison, Appropriations for the U.S.
Central Command’s DC-based Legislative Affairs office.
Lt Col Johnson was born and raised in Newark, NJ and received his commission in April 2003
from the Air Force Officer Training School. That December, he graduated from the Air Force
Intelligence Officer Training School. During his career, he has led at the national, interagency,
joint, operational, and tactical levels, serving as an Intelligence Flight Commander in numerous
locations, deployed as an Intelligence Chief, served as an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Mission
Operations Commander, served on the HQ Air Staff, and was Aide de Camp to Vice
Commander, 3 rd Air Force, with duty at RAF Mildenhall, UK. Lt Col Johnson has also served as
the deployed Deputy Chief for the AFCENT Commander’s Action Group and served aboard the
USS Mount Whitney as the Executive Aide for the Joint Task Force Deputy Commander for
Operation ODYSSEY DAWN. He was also a member of the ISIS Counterterrorism Cyber Strategy
Team and Head of Private Sector Engagements at the National Counter Terrorism Center in
Washington, D.C. In this capacity, he led efforts with private sector, academic, and technology
partners to develop innovative and dynamic solutions to counter violent extremist
organizations’ radicalization and violent activities online.
Kaitlynne Hetrick
Kaitlynne Hetrick
An Ohio native and mother of two, Kaitlynne Hetrick currently works as a Government Affairs
Associate for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA). At IAVA, Kaitlynne supports the
organization’s efforts to bring veterans’ issues out of the beltway and into the consciousness of
the American public. While she dives into all of IAVA's policy priorities, her real focus in on the
issues that face our nation’s women veterans, their gaps in healthcare compared to their male
counterparts, and the sexual assault and harassment problems within our current military
system.
Before IAVA, Kaitlynne served 4 years in the United States Navy as an Aviation Electronics
Technician. Following her service, she attended Baldwin Wallace University (BW) and obtained
her bachelor’s in public Relations. At BW, Kaitlynne served as the President of the University’s
Student Veteran Organization, helping her fellow veteran students through their transition
from servicemember to veteran. She also simultaneously served as a Public Relations Intern for
Challenge America, a non-profit that connects service members, veterans, and their families to
resources and solutions that build community and give purpose to their lives.
Kiona Harvey
Kiona Harvey
Kiona Harvey is a U.S. Army Veteran and Active Duty Spouse, Health Educator,
Community Builder, and Transformational Faith-Based Leader.
Her primary professional focus involves policy advocacy respective to Veterans, Military
Families, Maternal and Child Health, Disability Awareness, and Education.
Ever committed to her community and service members and she was also a nominee
for Military Spouse of the Year 2018.
As a candidate for Richland 2 School Board, she was one of the youngest and first
currently serving Active Duty Spouses to campaign in the district.
She expressed her concern with Military Children in Public Education Systems and
provided professional and person insight to parents on navigating this course as a
parent of a student with disabilities. She went on to consult for several organizations
with the mission of serving Military students and families.
Kiona has contributed to the Executive Committee for the Arthritis Foundation Center of
Excellence working with researchers from around the country to transform Arthritis Care
for Veterans. Kiona also provides Advocacy and Health Coaching with the faith-based
organization Proverbial Health & Wellness and had the opportunity to join Mayor Muriel
Bowsers addressing Child and Maternal health disparities among women of color. Most
recently, Kiona has worked to educate communities affected by COVID-19.
Above all, Kay (as she is known by her friends) is a person of deep faith as exhibited by
over 25 years of dedicated service to the United Methodist Church where she serves as
a commissioned Health Minister.
She and her husband, LTC Christopher Harvey reside in Fairfax County, Virginia and
have an amazing 10th grader, Christopher Jr.
Mrs. Harvey is completing her master’s degree in health education with plans to pursue
doctoral work in due course. She hopes to continue service to her country as a Public
Servant in the area of Healthcare and Politics in the near future.
Karla Langham
Karla Langham
A native of Houston, TX, Karla Langham is a field representative and caseworker in California’s
51 st congressional district, a seat held by Congressman Juan Vargas. Mrs. Langham received her
Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Houston and her Master’s in Public
Administration degree from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, at Monterey, CA.
Shortly after graduating from the University of Houston, Mrs. Langham moved to Kaneohe, HI
to be with her husband, LCDR Ryan Langham. As a military spouse of 12 years, Karla has lived,
traveled, and worked in various sectors across the United States and internationally. She has
moved 11 times, lived in 8 different cities, one other country, and endured multiple
deployments making her well-versed in the trials military families face. She has positioned
herself as an advocate and ally to the military and veteran community.
Prior to her position in Congressman Juan Vargas’ office, Mrs. Langham worked as a researcher
and policy analyst for Northrop Grumman on projects dedicated to reforming and improving
the security of Department of Defense classified networks. While working as a researcher, Mrs.
Langham volunteered with the American Red Cross (ARC) in Yokosuka, Japan during the
community response to the USS Fitzgerald collision at sea. She provided operational support,
quickly streamlining the intake process of injured sailors to facilitate access to immediate
recovery assistance. She continued to volunteer with ARC (Service to the Armed Forces) in San
Diego, speaking at pre-deployment events to ensure families were aware of Red Cross
procedures surrounding emergency messaging. Additionally, she worked as an independent
contractor for United States University, a veteran friendly university, supporting the Family
Nurse Practitioner immersion program. Mrs. Langham is also a regular contributor to Military
Spouse Magazine where she sheds light on a multitude of topics that impact her community.
Maureen Elias
Maureen Elias
A native of Puyallup, Washington, Maureen Elias served in the United States Army from 2001-
2006 as a counterintelligence agent. After leaving the service, she spent 12 years raising three
children and supporting her active duty Army husband, Dustin Elias. She graduated from Bowie
State University with a masters in mental health counseling in 2017 and began working as the
Assistant Director of The Veterans Health Council of Vietnam Veterans of America. Maureen
was recognized as a HillVets100 Class of 2017 for her advocacy work. In December of 2019, she
started serving as an Associate Legislative Director at Paralyzed Veterans of America where her
portfolio includes veteran benefits, women veterans, and mental health. She also serves as a
Director of the High Ground Veteran Advocacy Fellowship. Maureen enjoys spending time
mentoring veterans on personal statements and interview skills, geocaching, and going on
adventures with her family and friends.
Mike Kilbane
Mike Kilbane
A native of Houston, Texas, Mike Kilbane graduated from the University of Maryland, College
Park in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. He has served as the Defense Fellow for
Senator Baldwin of Wisconsin since January 2020. Prior to his current assignment, he served as
a civilian contracting officer at Naval Sea Systems Command at the Washington Navy Yard.
Mike was commissioned as a Naval Reserve Supply Corps Officer in 2011. He has deployed and
lived throughout the world, to include deployments to Japan, Afghanistan and most recently
Korea, as the Executive Officer of a Provincial Reconstruction Team. He served in the Pentagon,
in Bahrain, in the U.S. Embassy, Dakar, Senegal, and on senior personal staffs.
Mike is currently pursuing an MMA in National Security Studies, Sub-Saharan Africa
concentration from the Naval War College.
Nathan Pool
Nathan Pool
Nathan enlisted in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard in 2010 and earned his commission in
2014 from Shippensburg University’s ROTC program in Pennsylvania. Upon graduating with a
degree in Business Management, Nathan began his career as an Intelligence Officer with the
28th Infantry Division. Throughout his 9 years of service to Pennsylvania, his
assignments included, Platoon Leader, Battalion Intelligence Officer, and most recently as an
Executive Officer for a Military Intelligence Company in Philadelphia, PA. He also served on
Active Duty Operational Support orders with the National Guard Bureau and the Defense
Intelligence Agency in Washington, DC. Nathan is a current HillVets Fellow for Senator Sinema
of Arizona, his portfolio includes Defense Policy, Foreign and Veterans Affairs.
Larry Provost
Larry Provost
Larry Provost is the Outreach Officer for the National Cemetery Administration, a position he
has held since 2017. Mr. Provost has been in the Army, currently in the Virginia National
Guard, for over 21 years and recently commissioned as a Chaplain Candidate (Second
Lieutenant) after 20 years enlisted, topping out as a Sergeant First Class/E-7. He currently
volunteers to provide military funeral honors for the National Guard. Mr. Provost previously
served in Army Civil Affairs, as well as an Army Paralegal and Army Mortuary Affairs
Sergeant. He has deployed twice to Afghanistan, once to Iraq, and once to Kuwait. Mr. Provost
holds a Masters degree in Legislative Affairs from the George Washington University, a Masters
degree in Government from Regent University, a Masters degree in History from Liberty
University, and will shortly complete his Masters of Divinity from Liberty University. He has
completed additional study at the International School for Holocaust Studies at Yad Vashem in
Israel and plans to pursue a PhD in Holocaust Studies in the future.
Ryan Peterman
Ryan Peterman
Lieutenant Ryan Peterman is an active duty Naval Officer, currently serving as the Defense
Fellow for Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire. A native of Bettendorf, Iowa, he earned
his commission from the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in History in
May 2013. Following commissioning, Ryan reported to Pensacola, Florida for initial aviation
training, and was designated a Naval Aviator in January of 2016. After earning his Wings of
Gold as a helicopter pilot, he reported to the HSM-73 Battlecats at Naval Air Station North
Island. During his time with the Battlecats he deployed on both the USS Halsey (DDG-97) and
the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) throughout the Fifth and Seventh Fleet Areas of
Responsibility, participating in Freedom of Navigation operations in the South China Sea and
conducting missions throughout the Arabian Gulf in support of Operations Inherent Resolve and
Freedom Sentinel. He currently resides in Washington, D.C.
Sam Rogers
Sam Rogers
A Milwaukee, Wisconsin native, Sam Rogers served in the United States Army for eight years as
an Interrogator and then Human Intelligence Collector. During that time, he deployed to
southern Afghanistan twice, leading field intelligence teams to provide tactical targeting to a
variety of U.S. and joint military units, supporting COCOM strategic objectives, and
collaborating with various agencies to enable their operational success. Following separation,
Sam entered undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee studying Political
Science and U.S. Law Studies, ran a student veteran advocacy organization, and built campus-
to-capital coalitions to engage in legislative policy solutions to remove barriers to veteran
success in transition.
Sam returned to Afghanistan for a third year-long tour between freshman and sophomore
years, serving as an Operations Intelligence Officer in an Army special mission unit. Upon
return, Sam and his wife, Danielle, traded places as she departed for training in the U.S Navy
and he experienced first-hand the challenges of a newly minted military spouse, raising their
three children while working and completing his degree.
Sam now serves as the Coalitions Director of Concerned Veterans for America – Wisconsin,
where he builds coalitions to support a variety of national policy outcomes in foreign policy, VA
healthcare, and the national debt while empowering state and local legislators and non-profit
leaders to address the needs of their veteran communities. Sam’s awards include the Combat
Action Badge, Superior Civilian Service Award, and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with four
campaign stars.
Seamus Murphy
Seamus Murphy
Originally from Binghamton, NY, Seamus Murphy enlisted in the United States Army in 2005. He was
assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Georgia. He then deployed in support of Operation
Iraqi Freedom to Ramadi, Iraq for 15 months in 2007 and Baghdad, Iraq in 2010 for 12 months. During
his six years of service, he earned the rank of Staff Sergeant. His awards include Combat Infantryman’s
Badge and Expert Infantryman’s Badge.
Seamus exited the military in 2012 and went on to earn a B.S. in International Agriculture and Rural
Development from Cornell University. He spent the summer of 2016 abroad, working to help empower
smallholder farmers in western Kenya. Additionally, during his time in university, he founded the CornellUndergraduate Veterans Association.
Upon graduation, Mr. Murphy joined Accenture and currently serves as a Management Consultant for
the firm, based in New York City. He continues to be actively involved in Veteran’s advocacy at his alma
mater and is a founding member of Big Red Vets, Inc, a non-profit supporting its ROTC programs and
Veteran students.
Valerie Foy
Valerie Foy
Valerie Foy serves as Legislative Counsel and Policy Advisor to Congressman Don Bacon from Nebraska
(NE-02). A native New Yorker, she has over 15 years of combined professional experience in the legal,
policy, financial, defense and compliance arenas in both domestic and international environments. Prior
to her current role, Valerie served as a Vice President in the Financial Intelligence (Anti-Money
Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Department of a global financial institution and is a former United
States Air Force Intelligence Officer. Valerie has a B.A. in Political Science, an M.S. in International
Affairs, a Juris Doctor with a Certificate in National Security and Counter-Terrorism Law and an L.L.M. in Tax Law.
John “Dusty” Rhodes
John Rhodes
John Rhodes is a native of Vancouver, Washington, and is a
graduate of the United States Naval Academy, earning a Bachelor
of Science degree in Political Science in May of 2000. He also
holds a Master of Business Administration from the University
of Maryland, College Park, Maryland. John spent 9 years on
active duty in the U.S. Navy serving as a pilot (E-6B Mercury)
and in various other staff and leadership positions. Upon
separation from active duty, John joined Alion Science and
Technology as a program analyst providing direct support to the
Technology Director for the Littoral Combat Ship Program
Office (PMS 501). After working at Alion Science John then
accepted a position as a Navy civilian serving first as a program
analyst within PMS 501 and later transitioning to Assistant
Program Manager for rotating radars within Program Executive
Office (PEO) Integrated Warfare Systems (IWS) 2.0. Within IWS 2.0 he led the procurement of
multiple rotating radars for various surface Navy and Coast Guard ships.
Currently, John serves as the Navy Defense Fellow to Senator Angus King of Maine.
Additionally, John serves in the U.S. Navy Reserve where he previously flew the C-130T
Hercules and was the Commanding Officer of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron SIX FOUR
(VR-64) and later as an International Engagements Desk Officer (OPNAV N3/N5). He is
currently assigned to the staff of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security
Affairs.
Kate Logan
Kate Logan
Kate Logan is a twelve year U.S. Army veteran. During active duty she deployed with 1st Infantry Division in 2007-08 for surge operations in Baghdad, Iraq, as mechanic and security detachment task force for 4th Brigade Combat Team. It was during this 15 months overseas her unit began recognizing her talents for writing. Initially constructing informational letters for Family Readiness Groups evolved to in-detail reporting for Brigade headquarters and media reporting with the combat camera team. Her work was published in numerous DOD platforms and she went on to earn two Army Achievement Medals and the Army Commendation Medal. Her brigade was awarded the Valorous Unit Award and the Meritorious Unit Commendation. Upon returning home she joined the Army Reserves as a Public Affairs Specialist and then finished her military career in logistics with the Michigan National Guard.
She holds a Master of Science degree in Healthcare Administration, as well as a Bachelors in Public Administration and Community Development from Central Michigan University. While pursuing her education, Kate was an appointed member of the Oakland County Women’s Advisory Board, a non-partisan group that coordinated resources for at-risk populations of women, and was the founding President of two Student Veterans of America chapters. In 2016 she was recognized as one of Oakland County’s “Elite 40 under 40”, and in 2018 she was elected as a councilwoman in her hometown.
She currently works as the Strategic Communications Specialist for the United States Vietnam War Commemoration, under the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Previous to this role she served as Regional Coordinator for the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, administering veteran policies, programs, and building community and government partnerships across southeast Michigan.