supporting combat veterans with PTSD
– Honoring the late MAJ brian Kavanagh –
The VetLinks.org Board of Directors unknowingly developed almost 30 years ago. Lifelong friends and classmates, LTC Kirk Duncan, MAJ Brian Kavanagh, Joe Fleming, and Pat McNally shared a bond and friendship few will ever experience. From a small town in Southeast Kansas, Brian touched the lives of many with his enthusiasm for life and contagious smile. After his passing in June 2016, his widow Jessica vowed to continue on his concept for VetLinks.org. Pat, Kirk, and Joe were familiar with the Kavanagh's struggle to get Brian the timely and appropriate treatment he needed for his PTSD and TBI diagnosis. They joined Jessica on her mission. Becky Duncan, Sara Huerter, John Purcell, and Mark Schremmer were recruited to help with marketing, legal, fundraising, and public relations – all Brian's friends and former classmates. Together, this group of friends and accomplished professionals continue to shape VetLinks.org into a resource for supplying caregivers, families, and Veterans with PTSD financial support and program referrals. The board of directors assess each case on an individual basis and a customized plan of action is created.
Jessica Kavanagh – Founder & President of VetLinks.org
Jessica and her late husband, Major Brian Kavanagh, conceptualized VetLinks.org while battling with their local Veteran's Affairs facility. In 2015, Jessica began advocating for the importance of VA mental health care reform, the need for alternative post traumatic stress & traumatic brain injury treatment, and the support of Caregivers affected by their Veteran's PTSD. Jessica copes with her difficult loss through caring for her two young daughters, spending time with close friends, and pouring her efforts into helping other families via VetLinks.org.
Becky Duncan – Vice President & Marketing Director
Becky is an 8 year Veteran in the United States Air Force Reserves and the Air National Guard. She is also a proud Army wife married to LTC Kirk Duncan. Parents of 4 children, they have weathered 5 deployments and 4 permanent change of duty stations together. Her perspective from both sides allow her to identify with the families we serve. Becky oversees the partnership development and strategic plan for VetLinks.org.
Sara Huerter, Esq. – Veteran Counsel & Legal Director
Sara Huerter has been an attorney at Carpenter Chartered in Topeka, Kansas since 2004. Carpenter Chartered primarily represents psychiatrically disabled veterans with service connection claims and veterans seeking total ratings based on unemployability. The firm also specializes in claims of clear and unmistakable error. Sara focuses on assessing and developing claims for service connection and total ratings at the VA administrative level. She helps VetLinks.org better understand VA processes and new legislature.
Katie Swezey – Event Coordinator
With an undergraduate degree in Family and Consumer Science and a Master’s in Education, Katie is drawn to supporting Veterans, their families, & Caregivers. Currently employed as a sales executive for Ryan Insurance, her work with Vetlinks draws momentum from her true passion and is focused on growing and maintaining partnerships in order to further fundraising efforts.
Lieutenant Colonel Kirk Duncan, MBA – Military Affairs Director
Kirk has served for 17 years an active duty Soldier in the United States Army. He understands the issues Combat Service Members face serving our country and the struggles with reintegration at home. He is passionate about helping Veterans & Families find the appropriate therapy and treatment needed to move past the affects of PTSD and TBI.
John Purcell, MBA – Strategic Growth & Development
As an award winning CEO of a quickly growing sales team, John is a seasoned leader with significant experience in growing small business. He assesses partnerships, analyzes fundraising, and identifies new opportunities for VetLinks.org to expand. John understands the importance of family life. He strives to ensure a better quality of life for veterans and families members affected by PTSD.
Pat McNally – Operations Director
Pat's business expertise and experience as a CEO managing multiple clients, projects, and employees helps VetLinks.org with growth decisions. Pat oversees where VetLinks.org invests time and efforts to maximize Veteran outreach and Caregiver support. As a true outdoorsmen, Pat is a believer in the therapeutic value of reconnecting mind and spirit through hiking, fishing, and traversing in nature.
Joe Fleming – Veteran Assistance Director
Joe's history and passion for working with those suffering from PTSD and TBI related symptoms makes him a valuable asset to VetLinks.org. His passion helps reassure that our veterans and their families receive the care they need at the times they need it.
Brig. Gen. Donald C. Bolduc
During his 32 year career, Brig. Gen. Bolduc spent more than 80 months deployed in support of military operations around the world. Bolduc is one of the few military officers, and the only active duty general officer on record, to openly discuss his own struggles with post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury. {photo credit: Andrew Harnik/AP}
READ MORE: A General’s New Mission: Leading a Charge Against PTSD
Mark Schremmer – Communications Director
Mark has been a professional journalist for 17 years, working as an editor and reporter. He currently works for Land Line Magazine, and as a freelance writer for The Kansas City Star. Mark's focus is to provide information about VetLinks.org events and services to local and national media.