Veterans Connect Radio
A spotlight episode of Atlanta Business Radio and powered by Business RadioX. Co-Hosted by Ryan “Redhawk” McPherson and Brandon Skolnick with Gathering Of Angels. Featuring veteran entrepreneurs, support organizations, outreach groups and more in the Atlanta area continuing to serve our families, our communities and our country.
#VetsConnect
@VetConnectRadio
Veterans Rally in the Woods
Dec. 09-11 2016
John Philips LTC, U.S. Army Retired / Boots To Loafers
Author, Speaker, Leader / Vice Chairman VETLANTA
John has had a distinguished career in both military and civilian service. John is a retired Lieutenant Colonel from the US Army where he served in the Field Artillery as well as a Financial Comptroller. With more than 20 years of service, he served in Corps Artillery, Division Artillery, Army Headquarters and Forces Command, the largest command and the generating force provider for combatant commanders – at home and abroad. He has served in Europe, throughout the Middle East and the United States. Among his awards and decorations are the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Air Assault Badge.
Patrick Haddock / VETLANTA
Director of Administration
Patrick Haddock is a Project Manager, User Experience and Digital Services for The Coca-Cola Company. In this role, he manages global initiatives to improve digital platforms across the company, including the internal intranet site and associated content. He joined The Cola-Cola Company in 2006, initially serving as Agency Sales Manager. In this role, he managed sales and distribution of bottle/can products to independent bottlers. Patrick has held several managerial positions within the Coca-Cola system with experience in supply chain, equipment services, sales support, and project management. He concurrently serves as President of the company’s Military Veterans Business Resource Group, which he co-founded in 2012.
Prior to joining Coca-Cola, Patrick served as an officer in the United States Army, where he led military organizations from 12 to 157 personnel responsible for multiple aspects of logistics and supply chain. His service has included three combat tours in Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan.
He earned his undergraduate degree in economics and business from the Virginia Military Institute, where he now serves on the board of directors of the VMI Alumni Association. He earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business, where he continues to support student-veterans. Full Bio Here
Patrick Griffith / Team Red, White and Blue
Southeast Regional Program Manager
Patrick Griffith is a Program Manager for the Southeast Region. Prior to joining Team RWB, Patrick was an Operations and Logistics Manager for Target’s Food Distribution Center in Lake City, FL where he managed a team responsible for production flow. Patrick served as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician with the US Army, including a tour in Afghanistan. Patrick earned his Bachelor of Science from Bethel University where he also served as an assistant coach in Bethel’s football program. He now resides in Atlanta with his wife, Brittany, and their two dogs. He enjoys functional fitness, being outdoors, and all sports.
Lornett Vestal / Sierra Club
Southeastern Military & Veterans Coordinator
Lornett Vestal was born and raised in Chicago, IL. He joined the United States Navy at the age of seventeen. He served four years honorably and was deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. He’s traveled to over ten different countries including; Mexico, Brazil, Estonia. He has BA in Sociology from Northern Illinois University and Master’s Degree in Social Work from University of Chicago. He spent several years working in education and social work at Chicago Public Schools and non-profit organizations.
Jorge Valentin-Stone / U.S. Small Business Administration
Georgia District Officer
Jorge is a native of the USA Island Commonwealth of Puerto Rico;
Graduated from Louisiana State University (LSU)/Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a B.S. Degree in Business Administration and a major in International Trade / Economic Development, Spent more than 30 years in the economic development / industrial promotion business in Puerto Rico, Atlanta and Chicago USA.
