Who We Are.

Detective: Eva Storey, TPLI | COO - Director of Sponsorships & Grants Management

Pete Salazar Jr | Founder | CEO - Executive Director

HEALTHCARE CLINICIAN | Annette Rierson, LMSW | Psyhcotherapist

HOLISTIC HEALTH COACH | Sargent Maranda Moon, Former Marine

ARMY VETERAN | Michael Snowden

Alan Phillips, CTPM, CPPB | Procurement Specialist

FOUNDER | VSP CHANNEL | Glen Towery

Clinical/Health

Annette is a dedicated Veteran Advocate, Psychotherapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and Healthcare Clinician for USDV. Based in Austin, Texas, she is a proud U.S. Air Force veteran, having served as a Health Service Manager and E-F Specialist from 2002 to 2006. Annette holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Texas State University. With over ten years of experience, she has provided invaluable support to veterans through patient care and mental health services in diverse settings, including non-profit organizations, regional hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, and private practice. At USDV, Annette provides healthcare service counseling and veteran assessments for Texas-based veterans. As a veteran housing case manager with Caritas of Austin, she offered vital housing support to those who served. At Ascension-at-Home Together with Compassus Hospice, she provided end-of-life care and assistance to veterans and their families. Currently, she is advancing her clinical expertise through a fellowship at Staats Psychiatric Services in Cedar Park, Texas. Annette’s passion for community service extends to helping veterans navigate bereavement, grief, and loss, as well as supporting low-income individuals with disabilities.

Dr. Pennie is a distinguished general practitioner and clinical researcher with expertise in public health and veteran care. Holding an M.S. in Clinical Research Methods from Tulane University and an M.D. from the Latin American School of Medicine, she combines her medical expertise with a deep spiritual foundation. Currently studying and training to become an orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Pennie is expanding her medical skills to offer specialized care to those in need. As USDV’s facilitator, she customizes support group programs focused on trauma, PTSD, grief, and crisis to enhance veterans’ mental wellness. Dr. Pennie’s leadership experience at the Texas Department of State Health Services and her work during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrate her commitment to improving community health. Her compassionate, holistic approach is grounded in her faith and dedication to serving veterans and communities across the U.S.

Glen is a decorated Vietnam combat veteran. Mr. Towery served in the Vietnam war as a Quartermaster aboard the USS Rupertus, Destroyer DD851 (1971-1972). In the Gulf of Tonkin, Glenn was injured and medically evacuated back to the United States to the Oakland, Naval hospital. Glenn received honorable discharge from the United States Navy, released from Treasure Island, San Francisco in 1972. Currently, he's a 100% Service Connected Veteran of the United States military. For combat services, Glenn, with members of the crew of his ship received 2 Combat Action Ribbons and a Special Citation from the Secretary of the NAVY for bravery and gallantry under fire. In 1993, Glenn enrolled in film school to earn a Bachelors of Art degree in cinema. Glenn spent several years working in a mental health facility for children as a Residential Counselor until he once again succumbed to his PTSD condition. Mr. Towery is the Founder of the Veterans Suicide Prevention Channel, and the Austin Veteran Arts Festival. He resides in Round Rock, TX.

Michael is an eight year Army Veteran who served during Desert Storm, Desert Shield era. Mr. Snowden has worked in Sports medicine at the University of Texas and transitioned into private practice. He now works part -time at his daughter’s school due to his service connected disability.

Pete Salazar Jr. is the Founder of USDV and a dedicated advocate for veterans' rights, graduated from the University of Texas, San Antonio with a major in history. He was part of the inaugural class of The Institute for Law and Public Affairs. He has a decade of experience working with veterans, Pete specializes in addressing both state and federal lawmaking bodies on veterans' issues. For over 8 years, Mr. Salazar Jr. has been appointed and actively contributed to the Commission on Veterans Affairs for the city of Austin. He has spearheaded and aided in implementing various programs to support veterans in the City of Austin, such as the small business micro loan program and coordinating the Austin Veterans Art Festival on behalf of the Veterans Commission. He was serving as a board member for the Veterans Suicide Prevention Channel, and planning committee for the Austin Veterans Day Parade. He wa recognized for his work with veterans, receiving commendations from U.S. Senator Harry Reid, in Las Vegas. Currently, he serves as the Vice Chair for The Commission on Veterans Affairs for the City of Austin and has spent the last four years advising members of the Austin City Council on veterans' programs and policies. Finally, Pete is a respected public speaker for veterans locally and nationally.

Llyas Salahud-din, MPA, CNP | Founding Board Member

Executive Team

Llyas is a Certified Nonprofit Professional, and Philanthropy Expert for Charter Schools and Nonprofits.. LLyas has over 12 years in the nonprofit industry and is known for his ability to inspire others through cross-sector collaborative change. LLyas graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio, where he studied Public Administration and Nonprofit Management. LLyas has spent 2 years living in Costa Rica, and has traveled all over Central America. In addition to being the USDV-A board Security, he is also one of the Founding Board members, and has provided strategies for the growth of the organizations autonomy. Llyas is also a technology creative. He is the driving Founder to a AI software startup designed to streamline and simplify every aspect of grant writing, organizing, and management tasks, revolutionizing the way you apply for grants.

Maranda is from Bloomville, Ohio. Her journey led to enlisting in the Marines, 2014 at 19 years old. Commencing boot camp at Parris Island, MOS training at Camp Johnson, she was stationed at Camp Pendleton, Southern California. She proudly served as a Motor T mechanic, and ultimately achieved the rank of Sergeant. Sgt. Maranda Moon honorably concluded her service in December of 2018. After her military tenure, she pursued education across various disciplines: Aesthetics, Personal Training, Massage Therapy, Holistic Health, and Functional Diagnostics Nutrition. Her oteworthy achievements are in: Wellness division bodybuilding, competing three times, earning two, 1st place awards. Currently, Maranda is owner and CEO of Buddhi Beauty & Wellness, a Holistic Health Coach, Online Health and Wellness Trainer. She is on the forefront of specializing in medicinal esteemed brands and programs aimed at revolutionizing mental health management practices. Veteran and family focused.

PROGRAMS & SUPPORT GROUPS ADMIN |Dr. Eve Elizabeth Pennie, MD

We employ individuals from all walks of life who share a deep empathy for veterans and are committed to serving them across a wide array of needs. Our team brings diverse talents and experiences, ensuring that every veteran we support receives the care, attention, and resources they deserve. With backgrounds in healthcare, advocacy, marketing, and administration, our staff excels in coordinating services, facilitating programs, and providing vital resources to veterans and their families.

At USDV, we believe in the power of collaboration and compassion. Our staff is dedicated to creating an environment where veterans feel understood, supported, and empowered. Whether through direct healthcare services, advocacy, outreach, or educational initiatives, we are united in our mission to enhance the quality of life for all veterans. Every team member plays an integral role in furthering our vision of providing veterans with the tools they need to thrive, and we are proud to be a part of their journey.

Below is our clinical healthcare staff here at United States Disabled Veterans (USDV)

Kade serves as USDV’s Veteran Outreach Coordinator, bringing over eight years of dedicated advocacy experience in patient support, referral services, and specialized resources for individuals with rare conditions. On the forefront of USDV’s mission, Kade actively connects with veterans, guiding them to vital resources and customized support within the organization. Formerly the VP of a language accommodation agency, his approach is technology-driven and fully compliant with HIPAA/HITECH standards, ensuring veterans receive secure, personalized assistance. Kade’s primary role includes assessing veterans’ needs, delivering tailored support services, and conducting follow-up wellness checks. A committed advocate, Kade leverages his personal experiences with spinal conditions, Syringomyelia and Chiari Malformation Zero, alongside his professional expertise to empower veterans toward independent, fulfilling lives and an enhanced quality of life.

Kade DM Murdoch | VOC - Veteran Outreach Coordinator

Victor Castillo, M.B.A | Chief Financial Officer

Victor is the Chief Financial Officer for USDV, where he oversees financial strategy, grant management, and procurement to support the organization’s mission of serving veterans across Texas. A passionate advocate for innovation and veteran support, Victor brings extensive experience in government and nonprofit sectors.

With an M.B.A. from Baylor University, Victor has held key leadership roles, including Finance Officer at the Texas State Independent Living Council and Purchasing Manager at the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority. He also serves as the President of the Texas Public Purchasing Association and the Austin Chapter of the Government Blockchain Association, where he champions cutting-edge technologies to enhance public procurement processes.

Victor’s leadership and dedication to operational excellence have earned him numerous accolades, including Employee of the Quarter and Spotlight Awards. At USDV, he leverages his expertise to ensure financial accountability, foster innovative practices, and uphold the organization’s commitment to empowering veterans and their families.

SOCIAL WORKER | Guadalupe Barnes, CNA, MSW

Guadalupe is a compassionate Social Worker for USDV, with a Master’s in Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University and a Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies from Texas A&M University - Central Texas. She has over 20 years of experience in case management, starting in home healthcare in Killeen, Texas, where she assisted individuals applying for social security and housing services. Guadalupe became passionate about advocating for vulnerable populations, including veterans and the unhoused, and has spent much of her career ensuring they receive the services they need. Currently, as a Housing Case Manager, Guadalupe helps veterans access housing and services that improve their quality of life.Her passion for helping veterans and her expertise in case management make her an invaluable asset to the USDV team.

Board Members

USDV - BOARD CHAIRMAN | JEFF JONES

Jason serves as USDV’s Vice Chairman, blending over 20 years of leadership in business development, real estate, and project management with a steadfast dedication to supporting veterans. As Chaplain for the American GI Forum in Austin, Texas, Jason provides spiritual guidance and emotional support to veterans and their families, facilitating prayer services and fostering a sense of community. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and advocate for social justice, Jason combines his professional expertise with compassionate service, inspiring holistic care and empowerment for those he serves. His dedication to veterans and community members exemplifies his belief in the transformative power of service and stewardship.

Jason brings his passion for mentoring, leadership, and community building, aiming to create lasting, positive impacts for Texas veterans and their families.

USDV - VICE CHAIRMAN | Jason Denny

Jeff brings over 20 years of experience in higher education, where he has cultivated a deep commitment to driving growth, organizational change, and impactful programming. Throughout Jeff's academic career, he held leadership roles where he led initiatives, developed strategic partnerships, and honed skills in grant writing, project management, and curriculum development.

As Jeff transitions into project management in the construction industry, he applies a wealth of transferable skills that will contribute to the developmental sustainability of USDV’s mission. His extensive background in leadership and strategic planning makes him a valuable asset to USDV, ensuring the delivery of impactful resources for veterans across Texas.