Meet Our Leadership Board

I enlisted in the Marine Corps in September 2003 as an Air Traffic Control Maintenance Radar Technician. Since my enlistment, I have spent eight years in Okinawa, Japan, and 13 months in Al-Taqqadum, Iraq. Over my career, I have attended multiple Enlisted Professional Military Education Courses and was honored to graduate from the Sergeant’s Course as a Distinguished Graduate. In addition to these courses, I also graduated from the Weapons and Tactics Instructor course at Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 1. Finally, I completed a B.S. in Cybersecurity Management and Policy with a certificate in Project Management, and I am pursuing an MBA in Accounting with a diploma in Executive Coaching.

I have been married for almost 13 years and have a seven-year-old daughter. We love to travel, cook, bake, and read together.

I wish to volunteer with SVA at AMU to create a mutually supportive community for other military-associated students—a society where we all help each other. Additionally, I have always found pleasure in volunteer work, which has included volunteer firefighting, opening a coffee house at the MCAS Futenma Chapel, and serving as a Board Member for the Kinser Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization.

Tommy Hendler is a dedicated and experienced AMU/APU Student Veterans of America (SVA) Chapter leader. He earned his MBA from American Military University and has served as Vice President of the SVA Chapter since August 2023, playing a pivotal role in supporting and advancing its mission. Before this, he was the chapter’s Secretary from June 2023 to August 2023, where he excelled in managing chapter records and communications.

In addition to his SVA leadership, Tommy brings extensive experience from his involvement in the Masonic community. He is the Chapter Operations Officer for the AMU/APU Dr. Wallace Boston Ancient Order of the Craft Chapter and holds several prominent positions in various Masonic lodges. Since June 2024, he has served as Worshipful Master (Lodge President) at Iowa Park Masonic Lodge #713 and as Lodge Secretary for the Burkburnett Masonic Lodge #1027. He is also active in the Scottish Rite, Shriners, and the American Legion and is a lifetime member of the VFW.

Tommy’s commitment to service extends to his military career. A Master Sergeant with 17 years of service in the Army Reserve, he serves as an AGR Reserve Component Career Counselor. In this role, he assists soldiers transitioning out of the Active Army to explore opportunities in the Army Reserve and Army National Guard.

Steven D. Miller, a Sergeant First Class (SFC) in the U.S. Army Reserve, is applying for the Secretary of the Student Veterans of America chapter position. With 16 years of distinguished service, SFC Miller currently serves as an Army Reserve Career Counselor (ARCC), where he has honed invaluable administrative, organizational, and leadership skills. His role as an ARCC involves extensive administrative work, from managing soldier career transitions, reenlistments, and transfers to maintaining detailed records and preparing reports—all of which require high precision and organizational expertise. These responsibilities and his experience in various leadership positions during deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay have equipped him with a strong foundation in operational management and administrative efficiency.

SFC Miller’s military accomplishments are further demonstrated by completing the Senior Leadership Course, Army Reserve Career Counselor Course, and other advanced military training programs. His civilian education includes a bachelor’s degree from Liberty University, and he is currently pursuing an MBA from American Military University, adding a strong academic background to his practical experience. His multiple awards, such as the Army Commendation Medal (2nd Award) and Army Achievement Medal (3rd Award), reflect his commitment to excellence.

SFC Miller’s extensive administrative experience as an Army Reserve Career Counselor, strong leadership skills, and attention to detail make him exceptionally well-qualified for the role of SVA Secretary. His leadership skills, honed during his various deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay, will be an asset to the chapter's efficient operation and success.

Chuck Alsleben has been with the American Public University System (APUS) for over six years, holding various leadership roles focused on supporting military students. Since July 2024, he has served as the Director of Team Central & International Military Outreach, managing initiatives to enhance outreach and support for military students both within the United States and abroad.

Prior to this, Chuck held the position of Director of National Guard/Reserves & International Outreach, contributing to the expansion of APUS’s services for military members in the National Guard and Reserves, as well as international military personnel.

Chuck’s career at APUS began in 2018, when he started as a Senior Manager of Military Education, overseeing the educational needs of military students in South Texas and Louisiana. Throughout his tenure, he has played a crucial role in facilitating access to higher education for service members.

My name is David Terry, and like my father, I am a Marine. I have been active duty for 15 years and am currently stationed at the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing in New Orleans, LA. My trade is aviation electrician, and I also serve as the 4th MAW class desk while awaiting the results of the Warrant Officer Board.

I have been married for 13 years and have two sons. We have relocated often, and we look forward to returning to Japan at some point. I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business management and plan to pursue my master’s degree afterward.

Jose J. Bailey, age 48, is a disabled U.S. Army veteran with over 26 years of experience spanning education, nonprofit leadership, and the entertainment industry. He is currently completing his Associate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies at American Military University, where he actively participates in student organizations including: - Student Veterans of America - Phi Theta Kappa - National Society for Leadership and Success - Pagan Club - National Society of Collegiate Scholars He expects to be inducted into the SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society soon. Jose’s professional background includes substitute teaching, multilingual curriculum development, and management roles across fast food, video rental, and nonprofit sectors. His journey in education began under the mentorship of his late father, a master bilingual educator, and continues through his advocacy for inclusive and culturally accurate learning environments. In the entertainment field, Jose is listed on IMDb for his work as an actor, voice actor, writer, producer, and executive producer. He is a passionate advocate for accurate Native representation in media and brings a unique perspective shaped by his Indigenous and Celtic heritage. Jose has mentored fellow veterans navigating the VA system, advocated for PTSD awareness, and supported initiatives that empower disabled veterans to pursue education and creative careers. He regularly educates veterans on their rights and benefits, helping them understand what claims they can file, where to go for assistance, and how to access resources that are often overlooked or not widely shared. He is especially knowledgeable about VA programs and benefits available to Native American veterans, and works to ensure they receive the support and recognition they deserve. As a HUD-VASH participant working toward homeownership, Jose brings firsthand experience with veteran housing challenges and is committed to helping others navigate similar paths. His leadership experience includes active involvement in veteran support networks such as: - Disabled American Veterans - VFW Auxiliary - Sons of Confederate Veterans - Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Alamo Chapter - Scottish American Military Society - Veteran Buddy Link Jose is passionate about building inclusive spaces for veterans of all backgrounds. His vision for the SVAA chapter includes expanding outreach to underrepresented veteran communities, fostering creative collaboration, and promoting mental health awareness through peer support and storytelling. Jose’s diverse background, unwavering commitment to service, and creative spirit make him a strong candidate for the SVAA board. He is ready to serve, support, and uplift his fellow student veterans.

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I am a former U.S. Army Military Police Sergeant with over four years of leadership and operational experience. I later served in Army Finance Management, where I strengthened my skills in organization, accountability, and team development. After my military service, I managed multiple O’Reilly Auto Parts locations which consisted of 10-16 employees and I went on to successfully own and operate my own business for ten years, overseeing a team of 34 employees. My commitment to community service includes volunteering as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and working for six years as a social worker and school therapist, supporting children and families. I bring a strong sense of discipline, teamwork, and compassion to every leadership role. I am passionate about collaboration, mentoring others, and contributing to meaningful projects within the club and the broader college community.

I am an experienced and compassionate leader that has ambition to make the workplace better across the United States. In my local capacity, I am known for applying my leadership philosophy that I dub “Leading Through Humanism”. I developed my philosophy throughout my 19-year military career and is centered around the heart of my teammates. I have passion for leadership development and strong ambition to make the workplace better across the Nation. A current initiative I’m working on is authoring my book on how I developed my leadership philosophy and the concept behind it. Additionally, I have an ambition to start my own leadership development company. I also earned a Business Development Consultant Internship with the KYO group which will begin February 2026 which will lead me to my 20-year Military retirement. In my current capacity, I am the leader of a Security Forces Flight consisting of 32 Airmen conducting Law Enforcement and Security functions. I have served as a Flight Chief for four years. I earned my M.A. in Management in 2023 and was inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) which is the top 5% in the Nation for Leadership degrees. I now serve as a facilitator with the NSLS for the Success Networking Group Meetings. This includes mentorship, development, and giving advice for NSLS Nominees working to earn their induction. My past key leadership experience consists of being the Airman Dorm Leader Superintendent where I mentored thousands of Airmen and managed multi-million-dollar contracts. I xwas nominated as the top 5% of the Career Field and named Honorary Engineer by my unit. As apparent from my philosophy of “Leading Through Humanism” and my experience, I have a passion to serve my teammates. The mentality of putting people first is a good fit for the Student Veterans of America counsel as this is the heartbeat of the mission. If we put the people’s well-being first and give opportunities, excellence will follow, business will thrive, and the workplace will be a better place across America.

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Mike Duval is a Marine Corps veteran and a dedicated student leader who serves as a Chapter Regional Ambassador with the American Military University Student Veterans Chapter. He served from 2003 to 2009 with the 4th Marine Division, completing deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Global War on Terrorism. His military experience shaped his leadership style and strengthened his commitment to service, teamwork, and resilience. Mike is pursuing his MBA in Global Supply Chain Management at American Military University, building on his Bachelor of Science in Business and Managerial Economics from SUNY Empire State College. He brings to the role more than a decade of professional experience in the building materials industry as a National Account Manager at Huber Engineered Woods, where he works closely with national distributors, buying groups, and customers to drive growth and strengthen relationships. Beyond his professional career, Mike has served in multiple leadership roles within industry organizations, including President of the Eastern New York Lumber Dealers Association and President of the Northeastern Young Lumber Execs, both of which focus on mentorship and the development of future leaders. As a student veteran, Mike is committed to supporting his peers in higher education by fostering community, promoting engagement, and encouraging peer-to-peer connection. He values the unique strengths veterans bring to the academic environment and aims to help others succeed during and after their transition from military service. Originally from Upstate New York, Mike is a husband and father of two. In his free time, he enjoys sports, travel, and creative projects such as building his “Penalty Box Bar,” a sports- themed community space that blends his passion for woodworking, DIY, Buffalo sports, social media, camaraderie, and team spirit.