
Meet The VLN Team

Founder & Executive Director
Paul Beran
Paul contributes more than five decades of expertise in corporate leadership, media, and branding. His comprehensive experience in branding, content creation, audience development, and strategic communications serves as the cornerstone for the network’s media operations and brand advancement.

Chief Financial Officer
Yong (Daniel) Ding
Yong Ding (Daniel Dean) is an accomplished Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) professional with over 20 years of experience in strategic financial leadership. Daniel has consistently improved planning and budgeting processes, developed financial models, reporting, and business evaluation.

Director of Technology
Edward Stachyra, PhD.
Dr. Edward Stachyra’s career is defined by a seamless transition from distinguished military service to high-level cybersecurity leadership.
After his honorable discharge in 1997, Dr. Stachyra moved into civilian cybersecurity roles supporting U.S. Navy clients at Patuxent River Naval Air Station. He held key positions as Information Security Systems Manager and Information Systems Security Officer, building expertise in government cybersecurity requirements and operational best practices.

Psychologist
Timothy Murphy, PhD.
Dr. Murphy is a distinguished psychologist, author, and founder of Fortis-Future, where he specializes in brain and behavioral health treatment for veterans, especially PTSD. Dr. Tim made significant work contributions at the Traumatic Brain Injury/PTSD unit, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Medical teams on USS Carl Vinson, USS Theodore Roosevelt, and USS Ronald Reagan. Dr. Tim also served 8-terms in the US House of Representatives.

Communications Director, Electrical Engineer
Chi (Ken) Wong
With extensive experience in engineering and project management, Ken led the design and implementation of advanced communication systems across transportation and infrastructure sectors. He's been instrumental in delivering large-scale radio, CCTV, PA, and WiFi systems for major international airports such as Washington Dulles, Orlando, Miami, Tampa, Atlanta, and Singapore.

Southern Region VLN Ambassador
Joshua R. Sosa
Joshua Sosa is an accomplished and motivating speaker whose career spans a diverse array of experiences across the military, private sector, and all levels of government, as well as educational and religious institutions. His ability to connect with people from various backgrounds has enabled him to effect meaningful change in the lives of many individuals.
His dynamic approach ensures that his message is relatable and impactful across diverse settings.

Director of Nonprofit Recruitment, Podcast Host
Liz Cain
Liz Cain is an experienced professional with over a decade in program, project, and management roles. As Director of Nonprofit Recruitment, she leads recruitment strategies, fosters partnerships with veteran-support organizations, and ensures initiatives are aligned with the VLNs mission. She also holds the position of Chief Election Officer at Fairfax County Election Office, overseeing election integrity, compliance, and polling operations.

Affiliate Relations Director
Vivian L. Shannon
Vivian Shannon began her career by enlisting in the United States Air Force. After excelling in both Basic Training at Lackland AFB and Administration Specialist training at Keesler AFB, she chose a permanent duty station at Hickam AFB in Honolulu. Shannon continued by working for Central Oregon Veteran's Outreach, where she spent 3-years helping house homeless veterans. Her intention is to remain involved in veteran support, underlining a lifelong devotion to serving others and her country.

Western Region VLN Ambassador
Denny Shannon
Denny Allen Shannon’s career began in the US Air Force immediately after graduating from a military academy in 1965. Following basic training, he specialized in Air Police and Canine operations, serving at several Air Force bases across the country. Shannon turned to law enforcement, where he served as a Deputy Sheriff. He has held the position of Vice Commander at his local American Legion Post for 2-years and is lifetime member of Vietnam Veterans of America and Band of Brothers demonstrating a lifelong dedication to his country and fellow veterans.

Eastern Region VLN Ambassador
Stan Kennedy
Stanley Kennedy is a seasoned professional with a robust background in computer systems, software development, and organizational leadership. He has held high-impact roles across the technology and defense sectors. He served as Division Director for the DISA, overseeing complex initiatives in computer systems software development. Stan is recognized as a strategic thinker, with a skill set that encompasses both the technical and managerial aspects of IT, allowing him to lead multidisciplinary teams and deliver solutions. Kennedy holds two patents which underscore his commitment to innovation.

Washington DC VLN Ambassador
Dick Heller
Dick Anthony Heller began his journey as the son of a Navy family, experiencing firsthand the tumult of World War II and postwar Europe. Dick enlisted in the Army’s 101st Airborne Division, where he became a paratrooper. Following his military service, Heller established a diverse civilian career, culminating as a computer systems analyst.
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“DC v. Heller” is perhaps the most important United States Supreme Court case relating to gun rights and the Second Amendment. The case established the individual right to possess firearms for self-defense in the home.

Staff Photographer, Content Creator
Joshua Ertle
Josh Ertle is an accomplished and talented professional with a strong foundation in business management and creative content production. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration & Management from the University of Arkansas at Monticello and has demonstrated expertise in client relationship management, financial product advising, multimedia content creation, and strategic planning. Josh’s core competencies include sales growth, operational efficiency, compliance, and creative direction, reflecting a versatile skill set that bridges both the financial and creative industries.

Mental Health Consultant
Michael Van Meter
Michael L. Van Meter is a retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent with a notable career in law enforcement and military. He earned a BA in Political Science from the University of Florida and served as a U.S. Navy officer, becoming a helicopter pilot and completing a Master's in Human Relations. After joining the FBI in 1999, he investigated various crimes, managed the Militia/Sovereign Citizens Program at FBI Headquarters, and trained new agents at the FBI Academy, focusing on interviewing and mental health issues in law enforcement.

Editor, Content Provider
Thomas Leturgey
Thomas Leturgey is a seasoned writer and journalist with decades of experience in media. Since April 2023, he has contributed articles to The Valley Mirror and has freelanced since 1992 for various clients. As Editor of the KSWA Digest, he covers professional wrestling and serves as Executive Vice President and Ring Announcer for the Keystone State Alliance. Leturgey also has a background in public service as a Magisterial Clerk and has taught a course on the history of professional wrestling at CCAC, supported by his degree in broadcast.
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