Volunteer Board of Directors
President & Founder - Daniel R. Gaita, MA, LMSW, LISW-CP
Dan served in the United States Marine Corps from 1992-1996 as an Artillery Forward Scout Observer in the Fifth Battalion, Tenth Marine Regiment, deployed with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and participated in Operation Restore/Continue Hope in Somalia, Operation Deny Flight in Bosnia and also Operation Support Democracy in Haiti.
Following his honorable discharge Dan went on to earn an Associates Degree in Science, a Bachelors Degree in Psychology from combined studies at the University of Connecticut and Western Connecticut State University, a Masters Degree in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University, and a Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Social Work from combined studies at Fordham University and the University of Southern California where he was inducted into the Phi Alpha Honor Society. Dan has participated in Military Clinical Skills training and participates in research currently being conducted through the Citadel and the Center for Innovation and Research on Veterans and Military Families.
Formally trained in EMDR, Dan also meets all HHS requirements for education in the protection of human research participants, while continuously publishing the findings of new research outcomes on veterans suicides and evidence based treatment for PTSD.
Dan was a certified personal trainer, weight management specialist, pre/post natal certified, and a recognized master level trainer through IDEA and active in the health and fitness industry for over twenty years serving in all roles from Fitness Director, Assistant Manager, Manager, Owner and industry consultant.
Dan's ongoing research on veteran suicide has been recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs Mental Health Services, The President of the United States and has, as recently as March 2017, resulted in changes in VA policies specific to veterans access to mental health services.
Additionally, Dan was also a participant in the FDA phase 3 MAPS study investigating the impact of MDMA assisted psychotherapy for the treatment of PTSD. While also sharing his research on the primary causes and solutions to the veteran suicide crisis at university and hospital conferences.
Dan now dedicates his life to the service of our combat veterans through Operation Vet Fit, and through his various other veterans agency affiliations. He is a member of the American Legion and is a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, having served as Veteran's Service Officer for his VFW and American Legion Post.
Additionally serving as a volunteer veterans advocate, Dan has successfully assisted veterans of all ages in matters requiring social and restorative justice advocacy services. Several of his advocacy cases have garnered local, state and national attention and have led to the investigation, prosecution and judgements against individuals, and agencies that have exploited our most vulnerable veterans populations; the elderly and disabled.
Treasurer - Janet Holt, MA
Janet is responsible for single handedly saving Operation Vet-Fit after the IRS started to require all non-profits to pay to have their returns e-filed. Something that was never a requirement until a few years ago. Her efforts in taking on this task kept OVF alive and enabled us to serve another 3,000 veterans, turning them away from their suicidal ideations and towards a more purpose driven and fulfilling life.
Secretary -
Erin Gaita, BA
As one of only two non-combat members of our board, Erin is a dedicated mother of three and married to the Founder of Operation Vet Fit, Inc., Erin has personal experience and compassion for the real effects combat has on our veterans, and is committed to being a true advocate.
Credited by her husband as the catalyst to his investigating and understanding the impacts that PTSD has on veterans and their families.
Erin holds a B.A. in Psychology from Western Connecticut State University and group class certifications including Spinning and Pilates. She successfully trained for and completed both 2010 and 2011 New York City Marathons, over a dozen various Half-Marathons, a Tough Mudder, and countless 5K's and 10K's.
Erin has been instrumental in assisting the agency in acquiring prize and item donations utilized for various fund-raising events while assisting with content editing.
Assistant Officer - Texas Liaison, Jon Power, BBA
Served in the United States Marine Corps from 1992 thru 1996 as a Field Radio Operator with 5th Battalion, 10th Marines. He participated in Operation Continue Hope Mogadishu, Somalia and Operation Support Democracy Haiti.
He went on to graduate from Sam Houston State University earning a Bachelor degree in Business Administration.
Following college he joined Merck & Co., Inc. as a Sales Representative with their U.S. Human Health Division. Based in Victoria, Tx he worked with the Primary Care and Cardiology communities over the next 6 years. In 2006, he was promoted to Vaccine Specialist at which time he and his family were relocated to Houston, Tx. There he launched the cervical cancer vaccine and continues to work for Merck as an Executive Customer Representative.
Jon is married to Kelli who teaches 7th grade Texas History. They have 2 children, Nicholas who just began his freshman year at Lonestar Community College and Emma in the 7th grade.
The Power family are members of Oakridge Baptist Church and they enjoy vacationing, time at the pool, and the occasional Houston Astros game at Minute Made Park.
Jon’s objective: To be an active contributor through volunteerism with reputable nonprofit veteran organizations both local and national. To make myself available to Houston-area/Texas veterans who desire a change of pace, a challenge, or just the chance to get away for a moment. “You want some therapy? Spend some time in the great outdoors and come mountain bike with me through a local forest or kayak fish some coastal salty water”.
Assistant Officer - Juri Groenland, MBA
Yuri served in the United States Navy from 2001-2021 as a Naval Aviator, retiring at the rank of Lt. Commander. Currently working as a realtor at the company he founded in 2021, Luxe Group. Juri is also a Homes for Heroes affiliate.
Volunteer Advisory Board
Georgia Liaison -
SgtMaj (Ret.) Brandon Eckardt, MBA
Brandon Eckardt enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1990 and retired from active duty in 2017. During his career in the Marine Corps, Brandon served in all four Marine Corps Divisions and two Marine Aircraft Wings in diverse assignments, giving him anexcellent perspective on the dynamics that accompany a calling to fulfill the duties of a Marine for a lengthy time. Deployed around the globe during his service, Brandon has experience in a variety of expeditionary operations. Brandon's final assignment while on active duty was as the Squadron Sergeant Major for Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 542 in Cherry Point, North Carolina.
Following active duty, Brandon earned his MBA from Drake University and works as an auditor in the financial services industry in Des Moines, Iowa.
In his spare time Brandon is an avid distance runner who enjoys traveling with his family.
Concerned with the ongoing issues plaguing combat veterans departing the active ranks, Brandon is committed to providing insight and assistance to this most honorable endeavor that seeks to identify and promote sustainable solutions for veterans in need.
Outdoors Activities Liaison -
Bradley Noone, BA
Bradley Noone enlisted in the US Army in 2005 as an Infantryman. Immediately upon graduation from basic training he was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Upon his return to the United States, he served another 6 years with the CT and FL Army National Guard and was honorably discharged after 8 years of service, primarily with the 1-102 INF (MTN) of the CT Army National Guard. Leaving the military, Bradley takes with him a number of awards to include; The Combat Infantryman's Badge, and a pair of Army Commendation Medals. Bradley incurred a number of injuries during his time in the service, to include; PTSD, TBI, Hearing Loss, a back injury, and a reconstructed ankle. He is a class of 2014 graduate from Western Connecticut State University with a B.S. in Justice and Law Administration and a minor in History, a 2014 graduate of SOLO Wilderness Medicine School with certifications as a Wilderness EMT. Bradley is also a published author of a chap book of poetry about his time in Afghanistan and the military. Being active in the outdoors, Bradley has discovered the healing power that nature holds when dealing with combat and reintegration related stress. He is active with a number of organizations which build strong communities using our nation's public lands and hopes to bring this same mantra to Operation Vet Fit. His life's mission is to help other veterans find healthy coping mechanisms to dealing with their military and reintegration issues via the great outdoors.
Legal Liaison - Christina M. Colla, JD.
Christina Colla served in the United States Navy as a Corpsman from 2002-2006, before an injury/illness rendered her unable to deploy. She was deployed multiple times in support of Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom, earning several awards for her service.
Since being discharged, she has gone on to earn her law degree with a concentration in health law from Quinnipiac University School of Law in Hamden, CT. Her ultimate goal is to advocate for veterans in the areas of health, benefits and employment - 3 areas that many veterans and their families struggle with everyday.
Christina lives in Virginia with her husband, Andy, and her service dog, Copper, who has been instrumental in assisting Christina with the effects of PTSD and some mobility issues. They have been very active throughout the community, and can be seen while working at HQMC Quantico and visiting the Washington DC VA facility.
MGySgt (Ret.) George Gubko Jr.,
- North Carolina Programs Outreach
George Gubko Jr. enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1981, and left for boot camp July 1, 1982. He served as a radio operator, radio chief, and communications chief in all four Marine Corps Divisions deploying to Somalia for Operation Restore Hope, to Haiti for Operation Support Democracy, and to Iraq for Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). In November 2002, as a Master Sergeant, he embarked onto the USS Mount Whitney as the initial element of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) as the J-6 Operations Chief. The mission was to build up Camp Lemonier to be an operating HQ base for OEF/OIF.
George retired in 2012 with 30 years of honorable and faithful service, and is currently serving as the Management Assistant/Information Systems Coordinator at the Distribution Management Office, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He holds a Bachelor’s in Management from American Military University.
George volunteers his time to his church, Centerview Baptist Church as multimedia operator for the evening service. He also volunteers time to the Special Needs Baseball project. George is a professional Santa and affiliated with the Long Leaf Pine Santas and IBRBS (International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas).
George is married to the former Shaunda Shores, and they live in Jacksonville, NC.
HM3 Todd Angell, BA
- Post 9/11 Combat Veterans Liaison
Todd Angell served in the United States Navy as a Combat Fleet Marine Force Corpsman attached to the 1st battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. Deployed September 2010 – March 2011 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
While deployed Angell served in direct combat operations participating in over 150 combat patrols providing battlefield aid to injured Marines, local nationals, and other coalition forces.
Angell would go on to earn the nation’s third highest military award, the Silver Star and complete his term of active service with both honor and distinction.
Currently a paramedic with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, as well as truck technician (special response) with the department. Graduated Magna Cum Laude from American Military University with a BA in Homeland Security.
Thomas Burke, MA
- Chaplain
A Meritoriously promoted Marine Corps Boot camp graduate, in 2008 Thomas deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as a Squad Automatic Rifleman and Arabic cultural advisor.
After a few unfortunate traumatic events, Thomas was diagnosed with PTSD upon returning from his first deployment. Not to be deterred, he deployed again in 2008 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as a Designated Marksman and Pashto linguist.
Upon completion of this combat deployment, Thomas was a shell of the boy who left for war. Luckily the Marine Corps and his command decided he deserved help and was sent to the Department of Defense Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Facility in San Diego, CA. After successful treatment, Thomas was ready to start becoming the man he was meant to be. After transitioning out of the Marine Corps and returning home, Thomas finally received his VA benefits after over a year of doubt.
In doing so he was able to complete his undergraduate degree in Religious Studies and English. Currently, Thomas is in seminary at Yale Divinity School training to become an Episcopalian Priest and US Naval Chaplain.
As one of the earliest members of Op-Vet Fit, Thomas was able to utilize the programs and accessibility to benefits provided by such a great organization to further his successes and ease his transition into civilian life.
Thomas is an accomplished and published writer, and forever a student of the world. As a world traveler and with a proficiency in foreign languages Thomas has devoted his life to social justice and helping those without a voice.
He is honored to fulfill his role as Chaplain at Op-Vet Fit and is ready and willing to help any veterans in their spiritual and emotional recovery