NINE LINE: CLICK TO GET HELP NOW

UPCOMING FUNDRAISER: War on the Greens Huntsville • June 16th

Board of Directors

Chris Montz

President
Sr. Loan Officer
Edge Home Finance

About Chris
I have served on the board of Alabama Veteran since the beginning in 2017.  I have learned a lot and learn new things every day.  I come from a family of veterans, my father retired Air Force 2 grandfathers that were WW2 veterans and an uncle who has all now passed. So it is an honor and privilege to help serve those who have served us. I am a seasoned mortgage professional and dedicated veteran advocate based in Birmingham, Alabama. With over two decades of experience in the mortgage industry specializing in VA home loans. 

Jason M. Clark

Vice President
Sr. Manager & Director of Construction for Gov. Services, Horne, LLP

About Jason
Jason M. Clark is a Senior Manager and Director of Construction for Government Services at Horne, LLP. A proud US Army Veteran, Jason excels in real estate development and construction. He leads teams dedicated to serving communities in need, particularly in the aftermath of disasters and emergencies. Together, they implement programs for government agencies aimed at rebuilding homes, revitalizing communities, and restoring lives to a state of normalcy.

Jesse Elders

Secretary
Insurance & Operations
Nucor Steel

About Jesse
Jesse is an Insurance and Operations professional with a background in Claims. Navy Seabee Veteran, currently still in operation in Naval Reserves.

Blake Sanders

Treasurer
Director of Business Development
Microf

About Blake
Contribute to the business aspect of running a 501 (c) 3 non profit to help more veterans in the state of Alabama

Dylan Angeline

Parliamentarian
Attorney
Hall, Booth, Smith, PC

About Dylan
An Air Force veteran, Dylan Angeline practices as an attorney specializing in business litigation, health care advisory services, and medical malpractice defense at the Birmingham office of Hall, Booth, Smith, PC.

Dylan has also served as a senior health policy analyst in Washington, DC, where he led development for national health care practitioner scopes of practice and pandemic responses. Additionally, he also served on the UAB Strategic Planning Council, advising on and collaborating with the office of general counsel to navigate state certificate of need requests, telehealth implementation, and other regulatory matters.

Dylan earned his Juris Doctor from Samford University, and has two Masters from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He also received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. A veteran of the United States Air Force, Dylan acts as director for the non-profit organization Alabama Veteran and Dovetail Landing, which provide behavioral health counseling, skills training, and targeted financial assistance to recently discharged service members and veterans.

Greg Blake

Board Member
MBA, CSP, OHST • Safety & Health Manager, Southern Company

About Greg
Greg Blake’s experience includes over 20 years of experience in the utility industry with over 11 years in safety and health. He currently serves as the Safety & Health Manager for Southern Company, based in Birmingham, Alabama where he helps to develop the overall company strategy for Safety & Health and leads a team of Safety Professionals that support multiple generation sites and technologies across 14 states. Greg is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) as well as an Occupational Hygiene and Safety Technician (OHST). He holds a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety & Health Technology from Jacksonville State University (JSU) and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Alabama in Birmingham (UAB). Greg is a US Army Veteran and serves on the Southern Company Services VETNET Employee Resource Group Leadership team, as President. In addition, he also serves as Chair of the Jacksonville State University, Department of Applied Engineering, Advisory Committee.

Keith Mitchell

Board Member
Owner
AlphaGraphics Birmingham Downtown

About Keith
Keith Mitchell brings a diverse background in business leadership, community service, and personal development coaching. A dedicated professional with over 35 years in business management, Keith owns AlphaGraphics Birmingham, a full-service printing and promotional
products company.

A proud veteran, Keith served in the Alabama Army National Guard from 1990 to 1996, where he developed a deep commitment to leadership and excellence. His military career was distinguished by his completion of Airborne, Air Assault, B-NOC, and Officer Candidate Scholar (OCS), equipping him with robust skills in tactical operations and strategic planning.

Keith also has a rich history of pastoral work, having served as the President and Senior Pastor at Restoration Ministries, where he led a large team of volunteers and staff in variou community and spiritual programs. His pastoral experience has seamlessly translated into his current passion for marriage and family coaching, where he helps families strengthen their relationships and navigate life’s challenges.

Under Keith’s leadership, his businesses have thrived through his strategic vision and dedication to improving operations. His focus on team building and efficiency has not on propelled his companies forward but also fostered a culture of growth and development among
his teams.

In the community, Keith is deeply involved in various leadership roles. He is a member of the Steering Committee for the Jefferson County Republican Executive Committee, Executive Committee Member of Alabama Republican, and he founded and led the Trinity School Board, and the Teamworx Networking Group, further demonstrating his commitment to service and leadership.

Chris "Elroy" Striklin

Chris ‘Elroy’ Stricklin

Board Member
Air Force Colonel (ret)
Business Executive & Motivational Speaker

About Elroy

Retired Air Force Colonel Chris ‘Elroy’ Stricklin is a business executive and three-time bestselling leadership author as well as a highly sought after motivational keynote speaker. He is a passionate veteran advocate focusing on the mental health of those who served and their families. During his 23-year military career, his assignments ranged from the F-15C, AF Thunderbird Solo, DARPA, White House to the Pentagon with air combat in Iraq and Ground Combat in Afghanistan. A native of Alabama, he is married to his high school sweetheart, Terri, and together they have four children.

 

James “Mike” Oakley

Board Member
Mayor
Centreville, AL

About Mike
Mike Oakley is the current Mayor of Centreville, Alabama, having been elected in 2020. His election followed legislative changes that granted municipal officials a five-year term. A Centreville native, Oakley has lived in Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, and Virginia and served three years on active military duty.

Key Achievements:

Military Service: Oakley served nearly 40 years in the Alabama Army National Guard, including three years on active duty with three deployments, and retired as Command Sergeant Major, the highest enlisted rank in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Education and Career: Oakley graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in journalism/public relations and was a letterman in Track and Field. His career spans journalism, public relations, economic development, athletic administration at the University of Montevallo, and public relations with Alabama Power, where he later became a liaison for government relations.

Public Service in Education: Elected to the Bibb County Board of Education in 1998, Oakley served as president for most of his 23 years. He advocated for education policies at the state and national levels and held leadership roles in the Alabama Association of School Boards, including as District Director and State President-Elect.

Military Advocacy: As State President of the Enlisted Association of the Alabama National Guard, Oakley spent six years advocating for military benefits and worked with policymakers in Montgomery and Washington, D.C.

Mayoral Leadership: Since being elected Mayor in 2020, Oakley has embraced the opportunity to serve his community. During his tenure, he has relied on his extensive network to guide the development of Centreville.

Municipal Leadership & Awards: Oakley has been active in various organizations, including the Alabama League of Municipalities, the West Alabama Planning Agency, and others. He participated in the prestigious Phillip Morris Mayor’s Design Summit and was awarded the Advanced Municipal Officers award by the Alabama League of Municipalities. He was elected to the board of the Alabama City-County Managers Association in 2021 and became Vice President of the West Alabama Mayors Association and the League of Municipalities Board of Directors in 2023.

Current Leadership Roles: In 2024, Oakley joined the Alabama Power Eneregizers (Retirees) Board and was recently elected President of the West Alabama Mayors Association.

Mike Oakley’s distinguished career in military service, education, business, and local government reflects his unwavering commitment to public service and leadership.

Let's take a moment to thank our corporate sponsors.