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.

Ginger Cooley

Non profit strategist Hospice liaison 

I have been working in the non profit sector for over 30 years. I began with Meals on Wheels of Boulder County, then I moved into hospice where I helped pass the bill Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day for the state of Colorado, and I currently work for Good Samaritan Hospital as the Manager of Volunteers.   My passion has always been people and now my mission is to help mental health and bring down the alarming death by suicide rate. I have been sober 34 years and owe everything to an amazing fellowship that saved me from drowning in a sea of alcohol and ultimately taught me the greatest lesson of life....serve others.

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.