Anita Miller

Artist of Eyes of Freedom and Silent Battle

Although her art career began with painting, Anita now employs whatever media can best tell the story, as her skills now extend to sculpture, mixed media, fiber and digital art.  Her bronze sculptures are found in public parks and spaces across the United States. "Art can create a thin place for restoration and healing as it becomes the language through which the soul and psyche can dialogue with itself to receive wisdom, healing and find balance. My job is to follow my muses as best as I am able and trust that each individual will find what he/she needs in the work." See anitamillerartist.com for more info.

Sara Duvall

Gold Star Mother of LCpl Aaron H. Reed

As a retired public-school teacher, I value the impact education has on future generations.   The lessons that the Eyes Of Freedom  (EOF) paintings and the Silent Battle sculpture offer go far beyond any lesson plan I could ever have created for my classroom. And, of course, these works are not just for the school aged. Over the years, I have witnessed the reactions of the very young , the very old and those in between. Respect and honor are given not only to the men depicted in these works but also to ALL who have served; those who did not return to their families and those who did, no matter the conflict or time frame. Silent Battle serves as a clear reminder that there are those who continue to struggle with the demons of war. My involvement with EOF has been from its beginning. As a Lima Company Marine Mom, I would have strongly supported  this endeavor. As a Gold Star Marine Mom, all the more so. My son, Aaron, is one of the men depicted. My involvement became deeply personal and deeply healing.  At first these paintings were a wonderful memorial to our sons. Now, and with the addition of Silent Battle, they are so much more!  It is an understatement to write that I'm excited to see what the future brings for EOF, Silent Battle and the other valuable components of this on-going mission of healing.  

Andrew (Aj) Neely

USMC, 0311, E-4. Served four years of active duty from 2007-2011 with 2/2 Fox Company out of Camp Lejeune North Carolina, including combat deployments to Iraq (2007), and Afghanistan (2009-2010). After leaving the military received an  Associate Degree in Business Administration from STLCC and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management degree from UMSL. During my time in school I was selected for the first Entrepreneurial Scholars and Interns Program where I started a VOSB company in government contracting and procurement. After 8 years of operations that company accepted an offer and was sold in 2021, Currently I am supporting the growth and development of a small therapy firm out of the Virginia and DC area as their operations manager. Outside of my professional life I am a member of my local Marine Corps league, Detachment #1214, and a volunteer yoga instructor at the Focus Marine retreat program.

Dr. Charles Blocher, Ph.D., ICF-ACC

Currently working as a spiritual companion and life coach, especially for individuals with moral injury. Charlie was an officer in the USAF and Air National Guard (total 8 years) and has provided leadership to several not-for-profits including state level learning disabilities organization. His experience includes coaching individuals with neurodiversity and developing interventions that meet the individual needs. Charlie has worked as a psychology lecturer, teaching adolescent psychology, and conditioning/motivation at a state school in New York.  He has also served as computer technologist in both corporate and educational settings. His military service included all aspects of large scale communication’s systems and there installation of communications systems. Charlie is currently working on his Master of Divinity in Inter-Religious Chaplaincy with a certification in spiritual companioning. He has completed a doctorate with a concentration in psychology through the Union Institute and University, is a certified life coach through the Co-Active Training Institute, and completed a certificate in spiritual companioning through The Rowe Center. Charlie is currently full time care giver to his long time partner. 

Diane Sancilio

Ms. Sancilio brings more than 30 years of experience in human services and healthcare, including over 15 years dedicated to hospice and serious illness care. She has been with Gilchrist for nine years and currently serves as Director of Counseling and Support. In this role, she leads a multidisciplinary department of more than 600 volunteers and oversees programs in grief and loss, music therapy, Jewish care and support, and the We Honor Veterans initiative. She also supports the clinical supervision and professional development of social workers and interns, helping to ensure compassionate, high-quality care for patients and families facing serious illness and end-of-life challenges. Prior to joining Gilchrist, Ms. Sancilio spent 15 years in leadership roles in child welfare, advocating for and supporting vulnerable children and families. Ms. Sancilio has been instrumental in building and expanding the We Honor Veterans program at both Hospice of the Chesapeake and Gilchrist. At Hospice of the Chesapeake, she helped the organization become one of the first Level 5 partners in the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s We Honor Veterans program. At Gilchrist, she has grown the program to include nearly 40 veteran volunteers, coordinating more than 300 Salute to Service tributes annually and leading 20 Veterans Day celebrations across senior living communities. In partnership with cofounder Susan Walker, Ms. Sancilio played a key role in statewide advocacy efforts to recognize veterans. Working with Maryland Senator John Astle, she helped establish March 30 as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day—the first bill signed by Governor Larry Hogan. Since its launch in 2015, the annual Welcome Home celebration has drawn an average of 1,000 attendees each year. Deeply committed to community service, Ms. Sancilio serves on multiple boards, including the BIT Center, which works to expand access to healthy food in Baltimore City, and Eyes of Freedom – Silent Battle, an organization dedicated to raising awareness of mental health challenges and promoting healing for veterans. Ms. Sancilio earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia and her Master of Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin. She has been a licensed clinical social worker since 1995. 

Donnell Nelson

Reverend Donnell Nelson, Gilchrist Chaplain. Served 22 years active duty in the U. S. Army as a Medic; retired in 2014 as the first Senior Enlisted Advisor for the Medical Education & Training Campus’ Otolaryngology Technologist Program instructing the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, and DoD Civilians in ENT, Audiology, and Hearing Conservation skills and techniques. Married for over 32 years, wife still serves as a DoD Civilian. We have four sons: 1st- U.S. Army (Enlisted); 2nd- DoD Civilian (Attorney); 3rd- U.S. Marine (Enlisted); and 4th- U.S. Navy (Enlisted). I have been with Gilchrist for over 5 years and love helping people, especially our veterans and their families.