Meet The Team That Gets It Done
Blaine Zimmerman
Blaine, a former infantry noncommissioned officer, spent time in the Army’s 10th Mountain Division before moving to Indiana, earning an MBA from Butler University and becoming a commissioned officer in the Indiana National Guard. Blaine’s experience gives him a great perspective as he leads as our President and CEO .
blaine@invets.org
Name: Blaine Zimmerman
Title: President & CEO
Military branch: U.S. Army
Favorite military job: Company Radio Telephone Operator (RTO)
Years of service: 15
Rank: 1st Lieutenant
Favorite movie: Empire Records
Favorite book: The Breaks of the Game by David Halberstram
Favorite podcast: The Presiquential Podcast
Best vacation: Sanibel Island with my family
My pet’s name is: Beverly
In my spare time, you can find me: Running, probably
Favorite restaurant in Indiana: Murphy’s Craft House
Favorite Indiana day trip destination: Hinkle Fieldhouse
Sarah Harrison
Sarah is a communication, business development, and sales professional with an international multicultural background. She served in the U.K. Territorial Army for eight years—equivalent to the Army National Guard. Sarah worked for the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership initiative, Conexus Indiana, for five years.
sarah@invets.org
Title: VP of Veteran Engagement
Military branch: United Kingdom Territory Army, 212 + 219 Field Hospital
Favorite Military Job: Combat Medic Technician
Years of service: 8
Rank: Corporal
Favorite food: My default meal is good cheese & crackers (make it smelly cheese!)
Favorite band: Eclectic music taste, Motown and Soul are my two favorites.
Favorite vacation: Too many to count. I want to go to Africa Serengeti
My pet’s names are: Alfie and Duncan (Mutt and Cockapoo)
My dream car is a: Not really a car person but I would not walk away from a Porsche 911
In my spare time, you can find me: Hiking with my dogs, kayaking, enjoying time with the young adults that started out as my kids
Favorite drink: Malbec and tea of course
Favorite restaurant in Indiana: Not a massive foodie but Provisions is good.
Favorite road trip destination: Anywhere, love road trips
Favorite Indiana day trip destination: Southern Indiana
Jerry Young
Jerry retired from the military after a dual-branch career in both the active-duty Air Force and the Indiana National Guard. Jerry has also had a diverse civilian work history that he draws upon to connect veterans and their spouses with employers and resources across the state.
jerry@invets.org
Title: Director, Veteran Ambassadors
Military branch: U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army
Favorite Military Job: Infantry Platoon Sergeant
Years of service: 20
Rank: Sergeant First Class
Favorite movie: The Big Lebowski
Favorite podcast: The Joe Rogan Experience
Favorite food: Steak, medium rare
Favorite phone app: Google maps; I travel a lot!
Favorite athlete or celebrity: Robert Downey Jr.
The last video game I played was: Angry Birds 2
My pet’s names are: Lanx, Jacob, Nola (dogs)
Weird fact about me: Babies and puppies melt my heart and I love to cuddle them
My dream car is a: The EarthRoamer XV-HD
In my spare time, you can find me: In my shop building custom lamps from reclaimed parts, watching Netflix, riding my Harley, and fishing with my fiancé
Favorite band: Machine Head
Favorite drink: Rip It energy shots
Favorite Indiana day trip destination: Anywhere I can go fishing with my fiancé
Chaze Patrick
Chaze has a professional blended experience from his time in the Marine Corps to now. Throughout his career, he has served veterans in obtaining their healthcare, employment, and education goals. His experience has shaped his passions in workforce development, project management, and career guidance for those who need it.
chaze@invets.org
Title: Veteran Engagement Manager – Southern Indiana
Military branch: United States Marine Corps
Favorite Military Job: Warehouse Clerk by occupation, but I have dressed up in a Bunny Suit and a Gorilla for family readiness events while enlisted. Was a great time providing joy and fun to military families
Years of service: 4 Years Active| 4 Years Inactive/Reserve
Rank: Corporal (E-4)
Favorite food: Haha! I love all types! Can’t put my finger on one type.
Favorite band: I have a pretty diverse taste in music from Jazz to Rap. All depends on my motivations at the moment.
Favorite vacation: Daytona Beach, Florida
My pet’s names are: Alvin (Cat) and Barkley (Dog)
My dream car is a: Smart Car with Autopilot (Hopefully in my lifetime)
In my spare time, you can find me: When I’m not spending time with my family, usually volunteering within my area as a advisory board member for my local community foundation, being a servant leader through Rotary, and sharpening my communication and leadership skillsets through Toastmasters.
Favorite drink: Coffee in the morning, and Sutter Home White Zinfandel Wine in the evening after the day is done.
Favorite restaurant in Indiana: Juicy Seafood (Evansville, IN). The best crab legs you can eat in Evansville.
Favorite road trip destination: Driving down to Daytona Beach, Florida with the family
Favorite Indiana day trip destination: French Lick, Indiana
Dana Lescoe
Dana is the North Central Engagement Manager. A retired Army Forward Observer, Dana found a home here at INvets continuing his service to others. Dana is passionate about assisting veterans with transition and building relationships with his clients.
dana@invets.org
Title: Veteran Engagement Manager – North Central Indiana
Military branch: Army
Favorite Military Job: Fire Support Specialist (FISTER) or Deployed with my soldiers!
Years of service: 23 (21 active 2 reserve)
Rank: SFC (R)
Favorite food: Appetizers and Drinks
Favorite band: Michael Bubble or AC/DC if you want a band.
Favorite vacation: Anywhere with a beach
My pet’s names are: Dunkin, Leddy, Penny and Holly
My dream car is a: Audi A7/5 or 1967 GTO
In my spare time, you can find me: Golfing or working on my backyard oasis with plants, veggies and Dunkin.
Favorite drink: Dunkin Coffee
Favorite restaurant in Indiana: Shigs and Pit or Evil Czech
Favorite road trip destination: Chicago (Wrigley) Or Tampa (born and raised)
Favorite Indiana day trip destination: Michigan City (Lake, beach, food and shopping).
Jesse Pimental
Jesse has lived a couple of lives in a short time (relative to the age of the earth). He worked in the private sector for over 10 years before fulfilling his desire to serve in the United States military. He comes to INvets after his time in the US Air Force as a SERE Specialist. Jesse’s desire to continue to serve is what led him to INvets. The opportunity to work with service members in one of the more difficult decisions they will experience, what to do post-military, provides a tremendous amount of job satisfaction.
jesse@invets.org
Title: Veteran Engagement Manager – Central Indiana
Military branch: U.S. Air Force
Favorite military job: SERE Specialist (only job)
Years of service: 6
Rank: E-4
Favorite movie: Man on Fire
Favorite book: The Count of Monte Cristo
Favorite podcast: Online Great Books Podcast
Best vacation: Surfing in Portugal with Fam
My pet’s name is: Bulleit
In my spare time, you can find me: Running, lifting, reading
Favorite restaurant in Indiana: Brockway Pub
Favorite Indiana day trip destination: Turkey Run
Andrew Messmer
Andrew is a former Army Noncommissioned Officer and Infantryman, medically retired after 15 years of service. Post-retirement Andrew earned an MBA from Indiana Tech and has worked in various roles serving the Veteran community.
andrew@invets.org
Title: Veteran Engagement Manager – Northeast Indiana
Military branch: Army, Indiana National Guard
Favorite Military Job: Weapons Squad Leader, Small Arms Instructor
Years of service: 15
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Favorite food: Tomahawk bone-in ribeye steak
Favorite band: Social Distortion
Favorite vacation: Carnival Cruise line
My pet’s names are: Dax (dog)
My dream car is a: Mercedes Benz AMG G 63 SUV
In my spare time, you can find me: having fun with my two boys or working with my non-profit Clothes For Joes
Favorite drink: Whiskey, preferably Scotch or Bourbon
Favorite restaurant in Indiana: St Elmo Steak House
Favorite road trip destination: Scottsville, Ky
Favorite Indiana day trip destination: Pokagon State Park
Victoria Molnar
Vicki served 20 years in the Air Force, turning wrenches and leading Airmen within aircraft maintenance repair units keeping planes flying and protecting us from above. Known as “Mama Bear” for many of her military years, she prides herself on taking care of those around her. Vicki is extremely happy to be back home in Indiana guiding fellow transitioning service members on unfamiliar paths and advocating for their exciting new adventures and career opportunities!
Title: Veteran Engagement Manager
Military branch: U.S. Air Force
Favorite Military Job: B-1 Bomber Crew Chief #BONE
Years of service: 20
Rank: Master Sergeant (Ret)
Favorite food: Burritos
Favorite band: Old Dominion
Favorite vacation: Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic
My pet’s names are: Lucky (Dog)
My dream car is a: a Brand new Fully loaded Lincoln Navigator
In my spare time, you can find me: Attending my kids’ school or sports events, and/or catching up with my family & friends (hopefully around a pool or a delicious new restaurant).
Favorite drink: Dr. Pepper, Wine, or Vodka Sunrise (Depending on the occasion)
Favorite restaurant in Indiana: Hacienda or Wings Etc. (Hard to choose lol)
Favorite road trip destination: Chicago, IL for some shopping or New Buffalo, MI for the Beach
Favorite Indiana day trip destination: Potato Creek State Park in North Liberty, IN to do some hiking, camping, or relaxing out in nature with family.
Natasha Jefferson
Natasha’s well-rounded experience as an Executive Assistant/Office Manager represents strong analytical skill, daily operations management, event coordination, and savvy customer relations skill – all the while being a friendly team player who prides herself on being that go-to colleague for support and/or project management assistance.
Title: Executive Assistant & Operations Assistant
Favorite food: Mexican and Italian
Favorite band: I honestly can’t name just one.. I love all 90’s R&B!
Favorite vacation: Orlando, Disney World or Kalahari Resorts
My pet’s names are: Goldie
In my spare time, you can find me: Finding and exploring new family adventures with my daughter and family!
Favorite drink: Mountain Dew is my guilty pleasure!
Favorite restaurant in Indiana: Hacienda Mexican Restaurants, South Bend
Favorite road trip destination: Chicago, IL
Favorite Indiana day trip destination: Has to be going back home to South Bend to visit family, friends.. oh and pigging out at all my favorite hometown eateries!
Rajendra “Tony” Singh
Tony is our INvets Ambassador located in North Carolina. As a retired Marine 1SGT, Tony has always had a passion for taking care of service members. Tony is dedicated to making sure everyone has a solid plan for their transition.
Rajendra “Tony” Singh’s LinkedIn
Title: INvets Ambassador
Military branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Favorite job: Infantryman/Combat Instructor
Years of Service: 22
Rank: First Sergeant
Favorite movie: Rambo First Blood
Favorite book: We Were Soldiers Once, and Young
Favorite album: Thriller by Michael Jackson
Favorite podcast: Dan Bongino
Best vacation: Destin, FL
My pet’s names are: Harley and Panda
Favorite Food: Curry Chicken
In my spare time, you can find me: Spend quality time with my family & building cornhole boards
Favorite drink: Yuengling
Favorite Indiana day trip destination: Lake Michigan
Favorite Restaurant in Indiana: Tippecanoe Place in South Bend
Craig Sterrette
Craig is our INvets Ambassador located in El Paso, TX. A retired US Army Sergeant of over 29 years as a Human Capitol Manager. He holds a Masters in Management & Leadership and a Masters in Ministry. Craig is committed to serving those that have served and assisting them during their military transition.
Title: INvets Ambassador
Military branch: US Army
Favorite Military Job: Drill Sergeant
Years of service: 29 years, 6 months
Rank: Sergeant Major
Favorite food: Steak
Favorite band: The Isley Brothers
Favorite vacation: Majorca, Spain
My pet’s names are: Queen & Battle
My dream car is a: Jaguar
In my spare time, you can find me: Relaxing at home with my family or smoking a good cigar.
Favorite drink: Dr Pepper
Favorite restaurant in Indiana: Haven’t found a favorite yet.
Favorite road trip destination: White Sands, New Mexico
Favorite Indiana day trip destination: Burn by Rocky Patel
Pan Phyu
My name is Pan Phyu, and I am retired Navy. My old man is still in the service, so it feels like I am still serving. I’m here to support him like he supports me. I own my own marketing agency, advocate for better policies in the military and for Veterans in my free time, and raise two boys. Jaxson, 11, and Ryan, 2. My family motivates me the most. I am pursuing my BA in Sociology. I am inspired by our suffering, trials, and resiliency in our societies, especially those who serve in the military. I currently live in San Diego, and I am available to help Veterans during their transition out of the service. I also offer business consulting and marketing needs for small businesses.
Title: Mama
Military Branch: Navy
Favorite Military Job: Culinary Specialist
Years of service: 12
Rank: E-5
Favorite Food: curry
Favorite Band: Earth, Wind & Fire
Favorite Vacation: In my old man’s arms
My pet’s names are: I had chickens. Rosie, Goldie, Tamago, and Chip
My dream car is a: car that runs on solar power, and hybrids
In my spare time, you can find me: meditating, working out, yoga
Favorite drink: Coke Zero
Favorite restaurant in Indiana: Burmese/Indian food shops in Fort Wayne
Favorite road trip destination: Redwoods in Northern California
Favorite Indiana day trip destination: Indiana Dunes National Park
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