Joan - Co-Founder / President
Labs for Liberty co-founder, Joan, was raised serving her community. One of eight children, her family was comprised of first responders. As a neonatologist, she cares for the sickest and smallest of newborns. As an Honorary Commander with the 388th Fighter Wing, Hill AFB, she supports the individuals of the US Air Force and their efforts to protect our nation. When Joan’s older son joined the military, Joan was compelled to serve our nation’s military and first responders. Choosing to exploit her gift with animals and interpersonal skills, Joan established a revolutionary service dog program; hand selecting, custom training, and personally gifting each dog to Veterans and first responders. While the custom training of each dog is integral to the success of the Veteran/dog team, the personal relationships formed between the dog recipients and Labs for Liberty volunteers result in the quintessential family. Just as their service dog is their battle buddy and best friend, Labs for Liberty becomes their extended family. Not only is Joan the mother to two accomplished sons, one of whom is the CEO for Labs for Liberty, the other a police officer and reservist, she is also considered by many to be “Mamma #2”. As a Mamma to so many, Joan believes in commitment, trust, empowerment, love and respect – attributes found in our extended Labs for Liberty family.
anthony - V.P. / First Service dog Recipient
Anthony joined the Army in 2006 during his senior year at Drury University. Following basic training and special warfare school, Anthony was assigned to a special operations unit that conducted psychological operations. Anthony served as a Psychological Operation Sergeant with the US Army for 7 years. Anthony was assigned to a Tactical PSYOP Team (TPT) and deployed to Iraq in September 2007. Anthony’s role was vital to Navy Special Warfare and Marine Corps operations during the Battle for Al Anbar. Outside his duties as a Psychological Operation team member, he assisted with counterintelligence and counter-insurgency operations.
While stationed stateside in 2008, Anthony graduated from Drury University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and Chemistry and a minor in Global Studies. Anthony decided to forego his plans for Pharmacy School in favor of deploying to Afghanistan in January 2010, prioritizing his responsibilities as a soldier, and answering the call to serve his country in a time of need. He served as the Assistant Team Leader in Helmand Province, again supporting the Marine Corps and conducting psychological operations in complex and challenging environments. His deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan placed him on the front lines, where he worked tirelessly, learning the local language to influence and persuade local populations while supporting Marine Corps and Navy Special Warfare operations.
Traumatic events on July 23, 2010, marked a significant turning point in Anthony's life. Despite sustaining serious injuries from an IED blast carrying shrapnel through his body, Anthony's commitment to his team and his love for his fellow warriors kept him resilient and in-country for the remainder of the deployment. As a result of the IED blast, Anthony suffers from PTSD, TBI, and some chronic physical injuries/pain. He was honorably discharged and medically retired for his injuries in 2014. Even after his medical retirement, his decision to continue serving his community speaks volumes about his character and dedication to others.
Anthony has a Master’s Degree in Social Work and is awaiting testing for his LCSW licensing. This reflects his desire to continue making a positive impact on the lives of fellow veterans. He spends much of his time serving other warriors through organizations such as Battle Dawgs, where he leads other veterans in hunting and outdoor activities for rehabilitation.
Anthony was the first Warrior to receive a service dog from Labs for Liberty. Penny, a registered pointing lab pup, was given to Anthony on July 5, 2014. Since that time, Penny and Anthony have become an inseparable pair. While Penny’s primary job is to serve Anthony’s needs regarding his IED-related injuries, she has also become his tireless hunting companion. As an extension of Anthony, Penny also serves those veterans with whom he interacts through Battle Dawgs and Labs for Liberty. His bond with Penny symbolizes their inseparable partnership and the profound impact that service animals can have on the lives of wounded warriors, which is what we wish to be able to achieve with each one of our pups. This is a true testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of companionship in overcoming adversity and finding strength in unity.
Roger - Co-Founder / Treasurer
Roger, the co-founder of Labs for Liberty, has a journey with the organization deeply rooted in personal experiences and a profound commitment to supporting veterans. Roger's family history of military service has further shaped his dedication to the cause. His firsthand experience with the challenges veterans face transitioning to civilian life fueled his passion to make a tangible difference.
As the son of a veterinarian in a farm and ranch community, his upbringing in an agricultural setting instilled in him a deep understanding of animal disposition and behavior at an early age. This foundational knowledge has been pivotal in his role at Labs for Liberty, where he applies his expertise to shape and train service dogs to meet the specific needs of veterans effectively.
Roger's background and commitment to excellence in home remodeling improved the functionality and aesthetics of Liberty Outpost and contributed to shaping its overall atmosphere. Early on, he recognized the impact of physical environments on rehabilitation and training; Roger saw an opportunity to leverage his expertise to transform spaces that could profoundly benefit veterans and their service dogs. This transformation enhanced the outpost's physical infrastructure and aimed to create a nurturing environment where veterans could reconnect with their families and rekindle a sense of purpose.
Roger's journey exemplifies how personal experiences, skills, and a genuine passion for serving others can combine to create a profound impact. His efforts with Labs for Liberty have not only transformed physical spaces and produced highly trained service dogs but have also enriched the lives of countless veterans and their families, offering hope and support as they navigate the challenges of post-military life. His journey with Labs for Liberty stands as a testament to the positive impact that individuals can have when they channel their skills and experiences toward a noble cause.
Rick - secretary
Rick is the youngest of 10 children from San Antonio, Texas. His father was a World War II Veteran who flew B25’s and C47’s. Rick has never served in the military however he is the youngest of eight boys many of whom served in the military. Having several of his siblings in the military allowed Rick to see the highs and lows of their time in service and post service. Due to his upbringing and close connections with military service members, Rick is inherently patriotic. Participating on the board of Labs for Liberty has given Rick an opportunity to give back in a way he never imagined. Rick currently resides with his wife and two children in Rapid City, South Dakota, the home of Ellsworth Air Force Base.
will - lieutenant colonel (ret) / advisor
Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) William (Will) is a 20-year veteran of the United States Air Force. He graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1993 and became a career intelligence officer, with assignments in Texas, Korea, the United Kingdom, Alaska, Virginia, Nebraska, Alabama, and Florida. He deployed in support of Operation(s) PROVIDE COMFORT, NORTHERN WATCH, JOINT GUARDIAN/DELIBERATE FORGE, SOUTHERN, WATCH ENDURING FREEDOM, IRAQI FREEDOM, and NOBLE EAGLE. Upon retirement, Will returned to school to begin a new career within the oil and gas industry. After graduating in June 2015, Will was hired as a Facility Operator for BP Exploration Alaska. He and his family live near Anchorage, Alaska, with Will working two weeks each month on the North Slope of Alaska. William resides in Eagle River, Alaska, with his wife (USAF Veteran) and his two sons.
RONNIE – SERGEANT MAJOR (RET) / ADVISOR
Sergeant Major (Ret) Ron (Ronnie) is an Army veteran with 30 years of service. Ronnie served in several units: Long Range Surveillance Detachment (LRSD), Special Operations Europe (SOCEUR), and in Northern Virginia. During his time in service, Ronnie worked with the DEA and Border Control, and participated in several operations, from evacuating U.S. citizens, training local military, and humanitarian efforts throughout Africa, to the conflict in Yugoslavia/Kosovo/Bosnia, and the Global War on Terrorism. In 2010 while deployed to Afghanistan, Ronnie suffered a TBI from several IEDs during a fire fight. After several years of rehab and therapy, Ronnie was medically retired in 2018. Due to the TBI, Ronnie suffered epileptic-type seizures that were not able to be controlled with medicines. Ronnie’s SOCOM Care Coalition case manager reached out to Labs for Liberty for a dog that might be able to help with this condition. Labs for Liberty trained Loki to help with the seizures and improve life overall. Loki has been an amazing addition to the family, and with the support of his wife, Ronnie is enjoying his new life. Ronnie is happily retired and currently lives in Northern Virginia with his awesome wife, Laura, who is a scientist at U.S. Geological Survey.
CORI - LIEUTENANT COLONEL / ADVISOR
Cori was born and raised in Rock Springs, WY. On July 6, 2000, she enlisted in the Utah National Guard as a Combat Medic (91B). She attended the University of Utah’s ROTC program, graduating with honors as a Distinguished Military Graduate in December 2002, receiving her Active Duty Commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Medical Service Corps.
In April 2003, she reported to the 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, NC. In August 2003, she deployed to Al Taqaddum, Iraq, as the 782nd Ambulance Platoon Leader in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). She was individually selected in December 2003 to be the Executive Officer for the elite 82nd Forward Surgical Team (FST) and moved to Fallujah, Iraq, for the remainder of the deployment. On March 20, 2004, four days before redeploying, the FST’s medical clinic was directly hit by two mortar rounds, and one of their surgeons and a medic were subsequently KIA. Witnessing the loss of her brother-in-arms and a lack of medical knowledge drove her to pursue further education and training as a medical provider.
In August 2006, she attended the Interservice Physician Assistant Program (IPAP) and graduated in September 2008 with her Masters in Physician Assistant (PA) Studies. She was then assigned to the 2nd Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, CO, and immediately deployed to Diwaniyah, Iraq, where she hit the ground running as a new PA. She was reassigned to Basrah, Iraq, for the last 6 months of her deployment, where she spearheaded the medical transition between US Coalition Forces and the British Army, subsequently working with her old 82nd FST unit again.
In January 2011, Cori was assigned to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, KY, and immediately deployed to support Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) to Jalalabad, Afghanistan. She left Active Duty in December 2012 and joined the US Army Reserves with the 7239th Installation Medical Support Unit in Chattanooga, TN. In March 2015, she mobilized for 9 months to Fort Drum, NY, with the 10th Mountain Division. Finally, in October 2016, she transferred to the Colorado National Guard (CONG), where she is still serving as the Deputy Commander of Clinical Services.
In her civilian life, Cori works as an Urgent Care Physician Assistant for the University of Colorado Health. Cori's commitment to serving veterans extends beyond her professional career. In addition to her work with Labs for Liberty, she generously volunteers her time with organizations like Battle Dawgs, where she plays an active role in leading therapeutic outdoor rehabilitation camps in Alaska designed explicitly for combat veterans to bond with fellow servicemembers and find healing and camaraderie in nature.
Alongside her husband, Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Wesley Wilkerson, Cori resides in Colorado Springs, CO, at "FOB Wilkerson," with her two L4L service dogs, Woobie and Reveille. They both remain deeply involved in supporting our mission through events organized in Colorado, where we have paired 15 Service Dogs. Their dedication to this cause has led to the establishment of "Front Range Labs 4 Liberty," an extension of Labs for Liberty, which has already significantly impacted the lives of veterans and their Service Dog companions.