My name is Lisa Wetzel, and it is my honor to introduce myself as the President of the Board of Directors for Pennsylvania Outdoor Veterans. I am married to my wonderful husband for the last 28 years, and together we have two beautiful daughters. I am a registered nurse for a local hospital for the last 14 years and have been in health care my entire adult life.

I come from a family with a strong military background. My great-grandfather was in the Spanish American War and WWI, where he was awarded the Purple Heart following a severe injury at Vesle, France. My grandfather served in WWII and helped to liberate several concentration camps. Several of my uncles were also in the military and have seen combat.

Ever since I was a little girl, joining the military was a dream. In January 1988, my senior year of high school, it became reality as I signed up for the Army Reserves. I served with the 402nd MP Camp, 3rd Enclosure. I was called to active duty to serve in Desert Storm when I was only 20 years old.

After my return home from Desert Storm, there were few resources for us to find assistance in reintegrating ourselves with the rest of the world. Or if those resources existed, I never knew about them. After my discharge from the military, there was a lack of resources to guide us in the next steps after discharge.

Fast forward to years later, when Ryan, the Founder and Executive Director of Pennsylvania Outdoor Veterans, contacted me and my husband to help a veteran in need on Thanksgiving day. We had postponed time with our families to help this veteran, make sure he was safe, provide transport, buy groceries and ensure he had a way to contact his family. It was our way of giving back to a fellow veteran.

Over the next few months, my husband and I became more involved with the organization. We were able to participate in a camping rip with fellow veteran and their families. It was refreshing to see how the organization provided a bit of time for veterans and their families to relax, enjoy and reconnect.

I was then asked to become a board member, which eventually evolved into becoming President of the Board of Directors. I continue to look forward as my role as President and help Pennsylvania Outdoor Veterans continue to help Veterans and their families.