As the driving force behind the True Top 1% Foundation, J.R. is fueled by a profound sense of duty and an unwavering commitment to supporting military veterans. With a lineage rooted in military service dating back to the Revolutionary War, J.R.’s connection to the armed forces is deeply ingrained, despite not being a veteran himself. The inspiration to start the foundation came in 2015 when a family member returned from service and began struggling with alcohol, smoking, and gambling. While physical art was not his family member’s cup of tea, he found solace in culinary arts and became an exceptional cook. Witnessing these struggles ignited J.R.’s passion for change and a desire to address the overlooked mental health challenges confronting veterans. Transitioning from a corporate sales role, J.R. delved into psychology, particularly behavioral psychology, further fueling his determination to make a difference. Drawing on his background as a career artist and personal experiences within a military family, J.R. has pioneered innovative approaches to address these issues, leveraging the transformative power of art therapy alongside traditional psychological assessments. Through tireless dedication, J.R. continues to lead the foundation in its mission to honor, empower, and uplift our True Top 1%ers — the brave men and women who have served and sacrificed for our nation. As J.R. often says, “The more Veterans we can reach, the more we can help.”
As of October 2024, J.R. has adopted Ruby and begun her training as the foundation’s traveling "Field Support Officer."
Ruby is undergoing specialized training to ensure she remains calm and content in large, loud, and often overwhelming environments. The goal is to make her "unbreakable," capable of bringing support to veterans in high-stress situations.
As part of her training, Ruby is learning to lick the hands of individuals experiencing a panic attack. This behavior serves as an alert to her handler, ensuring they are aware of the situation and can address it promptly. Additionally, she is being trained to pick up items, further assisting veterans who may need physical support.
Originally from South Dakota and an Army Veteran in the 147th Field Artillery Brigade, April has always held a deep connection for her military family. Now residing in Indiana, Grateful to be part of True Top 1%, where she actively contributes to supporting and assisting as many veterans as possible.
As of April 2024, a certified service animal named Ayra S. has been adopted and commenced training to serve as our Foundation's Support Officer. Ayra is being trained to provide comfort to individuals dealing with a spectrum of mental health symptoms and emotional concerns, including depression, anxiety, and loneliness through our programs and used with our Veteran Outreaches.
Brie is the heart of our art classes program, bringing unmatched talent and a diverse range of skills to every class she leads. Her ability to infuse vibrancy and variety into our sessions has elevated the program to new heights in a remarkably short time.
J.R., the foundation's founder, often says, “Without Brie, our classes would fall flat.” Her creative energy and dedication ensure that each participant experiences the healing power of art in fresh and meaningful ways. We are incredibly fortunate to have Brie at the helm, inspiring others and continually expanding the program's potential.
Her unique role will include identifying elevated stress levels in veterans, providing comfort, and acting as a bridge to initiate meaningful conversations about mental health. Ruby will serve as a vital part of our outreach, helping veterans feel at ease while participating in our programs and activities.
Her presence will not only bring immediate comfort but also enhance the foundation's ability to connect with and support those who need it most.
Mark S. joins us as our Major Gifts Officer, bringing a wealth of experience in relationship building and sales. As a 10 year US Marine Veteran and former Territory Development Manager in the medical device and insurance industry, Mark has demonstrated expertise in event management, team building, public speaking, management, and account management. We are thrilled to have such a multifaceted professional on our team.
Retired Air Force E6 with over 20 years of service to his country, Kris Wilson now serves as an Advisor to the True Top 1% Foundation, leveraging his extensive military network and connections to support veterans in need and advance the foundation's mission of empowering military communities through art therapy."
Marcus M., our National Volunteer Logistics Officer, brings over 20 years of experience in the non-profit sector, having worked with both large and small organizations. Raised in a military family, Marcus has a deep personal connection to the military community, which drives his dedication to our mission. He is an expert in volunteer coordination, using his extensive knowledge and meticulous planning skills to ensure the smooth execution of volunteer efforts. Despite his shy demeanor, Marcus's strategic approach and commitment to service make him an invaluable asset to our organization.
Shay T. is a retired Public Affairs Officer from the United States Air Force and an Amazing Artist.. Currently serving as our support officer in Texas, Shay is set to transition from her director role at a major media organization to a key position within our team in the coming years. Her extensive experience in public affairs and media management makes her an invaluable asset to our organization.
Maxwell S., a visionary creative force, conceived the Battle Back (BB-24) fundraiser, merging the battle of the bands concept with supporting struggling veterans' mental well-being. BB-24 symbolizes resilience and perseverance, showcasing the transformative power of music in healing and recovery. Through a 10-hour concert, veterans confront invisible wounds of war, fostering unity and hope within the community. Maxwell's leadership and the BB-24 guide offer a roadmap for organizers to extend this impactful event nationwide.
Local Government Senior Portfolio Project Manager with 30+ year track record to advance strategic planning prioritizing capital investment of publicly owned and operated infrastructure.
David Postolski, a senior partner at Gearhart Law, is a registered patent attorney and Intellectual property (IP) attorney. David specializes in assisting, creators, artists, start ups, entrepreneurs, etc. with their U.S and international IP strategy, protection, enforcement, and monetization.
Carlos, is the Founder of the Speak Freely Foundation out of South Carolina with over 2 decades in experience in the Arts and teaching it, specifically Poetry. He has joined out team to lead our poetry focused program and South Carolina Chapter.
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