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
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.

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.

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.

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
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.

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

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.
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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.

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.

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.