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NATIONAL COMMAND COUNCIL

The National Command Council is the leadership body of Combat Veterans of America. Composed of proven leaders from across branches of service, the Council is dedicated to building a modern, agile veteran organization that honors tradition while driving forward the next generation of impact. This team provides the vision, expertise, and accountability to guide CVA’s mission nationwide. These are the officers:

Brandon Michael Barron, J.D. | National Commander | Combat Veterans of America

BRANDON MICHAEL BARRON, J.D.

NATIONAL COMMANDER

ARMY | SGT (RET.) | INDIANA

OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM

Retired U.S. Army National Guard Sergeant with 12 years of service. Deployed to Afghanistan in the Helmand &  Nangarhar Provinces in 2014. Indiana native and Juris Doctor with a proven record of leadership in both military and civilian roles. Experienced in guiding teams, building organizational systems, and driving mission success through disciplined planning and execution.

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R. CORY JAMES

QUARTERMASTER

ARMY | CAPTAIN | NORTH CAROLINA

OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM | OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM

Former U.S. Army Captain with three combat tours including two in Afghanistan and one in Iraq. Brings extensive leadership and operational experience from both combat and stateside assignments. Now Head of Engineering in South Carolina.

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GENNARO "PIRATE" MAZZEO

BOARD MEMBER

MARINE CORPS | FIRST SERGEANT | TEXAS

OPERATION IRAQUI FREEDOM | OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM

Retired U.S. Marine Corps First Sergeant with 22 years of service. Led at every enlisted rank, including senior roles as Operations Chief at Infantry Officers Course and at the Pentagon. Currently serves as a Program Analyst for NCIS in San Antonio, TX.

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JOSH THOME

BOARD MEMBER

ARMY | STAFF SERGEANT | INDIANA

OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM

Former U.S. Army Technical Engineering Specialist with deployments to Egypt, Puerto Rico, Afghanistan, and Iraq, where he supported critical surveying, construction, and infrastructure missions. After service, Josh built a career in entrepreneurship and operations leadership, with experience spanning home services franchising and restaurant management. He is recognized for scaling teams, streamlining operations, and driving growth with discipline and vision.

Brian Nichols | Vice National Commander | Combat Veterans of America

BRIAN NICHOLS

VICE NATIONAL COMMANDER

NAVY | CHIEF PETTY OFFICER (RET.)| NEW ENGLAND

OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM

U.S. Navy veteran who enlisted after the September 11th attacks, continuing a family tradition of service dating back to the Revolutionary War. Has led veteran hiring initiatives in the private sector, federal government, and Fortune 100 companies, helping thousands of veterans transition and find purpose after service. Currently serves as Vice President of Recruiting at Veteran Hiring Solutions.

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CHRIS MANUS

ADJUTANT

ARMY | SPECIALIST | PUERTO RICO

OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM

U.S. Army Infantry veteran, entrepreneur, and founder of Humbleroots Performance. Chris holds an MBA in Project Management, has founded Homeless Veterans Initiative Program and PureWater for Puerto Rico. Chris brings disciplined leadership, entrepreneurial vision, and a lifelong dedication to empowering and serving fellow veterans

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JOE JANSEN

BOARD MEMBER

ARMY | SPECIALIST | PUERTO RICO

OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM

Former U.S. Army Captain and Ranger School graduate with service in Afghanistan as part of the 101st Airborne Division. Held multiple leadership roles, including Infantry Company Commander and senior OC/T at JRTC. Now serving with the Ohio Army National Guard.

Matthew Feehan | Sergeant At Arms | Combat Veterans of America

MATTHEW FEEHAN, J.D.

SERGEANT AT ARMS

ARMY | CAPTAIN | NORTH CAROLINA

OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM

A graduate of Western New England University School of Law, he has supported agencies including HUD, DOJ, DIA, USDA, and DOD in roles spanning compliance, federal contracting, and legal oversight. A lifelong advocate for veteran empowerment and ethical leadership, Matthew recently ran for public office in North Carolina as a Libertarian.

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WAYNE EDMISTON, JR.

BOARD MEMBER

MARINE CORPS | MASTER SERGEANT | IOWA

OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM

Retired Marine Combat Photography and Journalism Senior Enlisted Leader. Former Congressional Liaison and Legislative Fellow. Georgetown Public Policy Graduate and law student.

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VICTOR NZEATA

BOARD MEMBER

ARMY | CAPTAIN | INDIANA

OPERATION INHEARANT RESOLVE

First graduate of the U.S. Army Cyber School in the Army Reserve, Victor led teams in both defensive and offensive cyber operations across international conflicts. He is the founder and CEO of Cyber Brain Academy, providing cybersecurity training and certification preparation. Victor holds degrees from Purdue University and the University of San Diego, and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Information Security at Purdue, where he teaches as an adjunct professor.

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© 2035 by Combat Veterans of America, Inc. | (910)967-4109 | media@combatvetsofamerica.org

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