Board of Directors
Meet Ryan Brazel
President/Founder
Ryan@warriorswalk-il.org
Ryan Brazel is a proud 22-year veteran of the United States Navy, serving with distinction in both active duty and reserve capacities. Throughout his military career, Ryan completed five deployments to the Middle East, including missions involving small boat operations in the Northern Arabian Gulf, Iraq, and Oman.
After his military service, Ryan pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from North Central College in Naperville, IL. His commitment to serving his community continued as he became a Law Enforcement Officer with a South Chicago suburban police department, a role he has held for over eight years.
Ryan is also deeply involved in veteran advocacy and support. As an active member of the New Lenox VFW Post #9545, he served as a House Committee Member for three years, contributing his leadership and dedication to fellow veterans.
Ryan’s passion for service and community continues to drive his efforts in making a difference for veterans and their families.
Meet Laura Duncan
Secretary
Volunteer Coordinator
Laura@warriorswalk-il.org
Laura is a dedicated volunteer and longtime resident of New Lenox, deeply committed to supporting her community and honoring those who serve. With a strong family connection to the military—including her eldest son serving in the Army—Laura is passionate about Veteran advocacy. She has proudly participated in two 10-mile Ruck Marches for The Warriors Walk in 2021 and 2023.
For over 20 years, Laura has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to volunteerism. Her contributions include:
- Coaching T-Ball and Soccer
- Serving as a Girl Scout Leader for eight years
- Acting as Room Mom and Team Mom for classrooms, sports teams, and Orchestra activities for her three children
Professionally, Laura has worked as a Medical Biller for two decades. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Kendall College in Chicago, IL.
Laura’s commitment to service, both professionally and personally, exemplifies the values of leadership, compassion, and community.
Meet Luis Serna
Treasurer
lserna@warriorswalk-il.org
Luis is a proud Veteran of the United States Marine Corps and a dedicated professional with a wealth of experience in both accounting and law enforcement.
Luis earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Governors State University (GSU) and is currently pursuing his Master’s degree at GSU. As part of his academic journey, he is preparing to take the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam to further his expertise in the field.
In addition to his academic achievements, Luis has extensive experience in law enforcement, serving in diverse roles such as:
- Weapons Instructor
- SWAT Officer
- Detective
Luis brings a unique combination of military discipline, advanced education, and hands-on professional experience to all that he does. His dedication to excellence is evident in every aspect of his career and community involvement.
Meet Scott Meder
Trustee
American Legion Post #1977 Representative
Event Services
info@warriorswalk-il.org
Scott is a proud United States Navy Veteran and an active member of the New Lenox American Legion. During his military service, Scott served under the Marine Corps Security Forces as a Navy Master-At-Arms.
With 19 years of diverse law enforcement experience, Scott has worked in military, federal, and local capacities. He currently serves as a Detective in the south suburbs of Chicago and is a member of a major crimes homicide task force, bringing his expertise to some of the most critical investigations.
Scott’s dedication to service, both in the military and in law enforcement, reflects his unwavering commitment to protecting and supporting his community.
Meet Larry Paveza
Trustee
VFW Post #9545 Representative
Marketing and Advertising
Larry@vfwpost9545.org
Larry is a Vietnam War veteran. He served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Hancock CVA19, making three deployments to the Tonkin Gulf from 1968 to 1971. Utilizing the skills he learned as an engineer in the Navy and after completing Advanced HVAC School upon his discharge, he successfully worked in Facilities Maintenance as an HVAC Mechanic and Maintenance Manager for a Major Manufacturing Company covering multiple facilities in the US and abroad. Larry has been a member of VFW Post 9545 for 24 years and served in many Officer positions. He served as Jr. Vice Commander for one year, Senior Vice Commander for two years, and Quartermaster for six years. He also served as bar manager for 3+ years. Larry currently Manages Advertising and Marketing for Post 9545 and has been with the Warriors Walk since its inception. He brings over 30 years of Managerial Experience to the organization.
Committee Members
Aniesa Salazar
Ruck March Coordianator
Aniesa@warriorswalk-il.org
Aniesa has been a member of the United States Navy Reserves since 2016. Her father also has served in the military since 1992, first in the Marine Corps before switching to the Army reserves. Aniesa’s late uncle served in the Navy for ten years as well. Aniesa is also a Military Administrator School Certifying Officer at Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. She works with Veterans and their families to ensure they receive the college benefits they’ve earned through their military service to reach their aspirations for culinary success. Aniesa has participated in both the ten and twenty-mile rucks for the Warriors Walk since 2021.
Jessica Meder
Banquet Dinner Coordianator
Jessica@warriorswalk-il.org
Jessica is a Veteran of the United States Navy. She is a Supervisor with the National Cemetery Administration (NCA), Memorial Product Services (MPS). Jessica has experience of developing nationwide standard operating procedures (SOP) for the National Cemetery Administration, MPS. Jessica is also credited with developing the operating procedures for pre-World War II markers and headstones. Jessica is the Assistant Service Officer with the New Lenox America Legion Post #1977.
Heather LaFond, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Warriors Walk Mental Health Consultant
Heather LaFond is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adler University, specializing in trauma work. She is also a Certified First Responder Therapist, having completed extensive training and gained hands-on experience working with police officers, firefighters, military personnel (both current and former), hospital staff, and many others who serve on the front lines. With a diverse career spanning inpatient, intensive outpatient, and partial hospitalization programs, as well as private practice, Heather brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her work. Her unique expertise in trauma-informed care has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals in high-stress professions and those who have experienced significant life events. In her current role, Heather will be leveraging her skills and experience to enhance the Warriors Walk ability to support Veterans. By introducing fresh perspectives and insights into mental health, she aims to help Veterans connect with the right resources and organizations to address their individual needs and ensure they receive the support they deserve.
Paula Martinez-Graser
Patriot Party Coordinator
Paula is a Veteran of the United States Army and is also the granddaughter of a World War II Army Veteran. She served active duty from 1993 to 1996 and was a reservist from 1996 to 2005. During Paula’s time of service in the Army she was attached to a Patriot Missile Crew Battalion in Germany, which was the first combat MOS open to females. Paula served a six-month rotation to Saudi Arabia in 1995. While in the Army Reserves, Paula served as a Military Police Officer and was promoted to the rank of Sgt while in Guatemala. Paula’s unit was also a part of the initial invasion of Iraq in 2003; Paula served as a paramedic while at home. Currently, Paula is a Nurse in the south suburbs, a Mary Kay Consultant, and is also the Quartermaster for the Mokena VFW Post 725. She is also Mokena VFW’s first female Veteran to serve as an Officer.
Why We Do it
Ryan first came to know the idea “Ruck Marches” throughout his enlistment while being stationed in different areas of the country. Grassroots movements were occurring around major cities with Veterans and supporters uniting in a ruck march to raise awareness of Veteran suicide. As Ryan continued his enlistment, the toll of the ongoing wars began to weigh heavily on those Ryan served with including himself. Ryan realized that the war wasn’t just being fought overseas but within every Soldier, Marine, Airman, and Sailor here at home.
The statistic of “twenty-two a day” was present and prevalent everywhere Ryan turned as those he knew joined the statistic. Ryan realized that it was time for action. Starting in 2019, Ryan painstakingly garnered donors who believed in his cause and raised almost two thousand dollars to donate to an organization of his choosing. In November 2019 Ryan rucked out and began his twenty mile “walk for the warriors” on Old Plank Road Trail, a bike trail near his house.
That first year not only gained the attention of local residents and the VFW but landed Ryan in a local New Lenox The Patriot article. Ryan announced that all the proceeds raised that year were being donated to the HeadStrong Project.
Since the Warriors Walk inception, Ryan has gained the support of surrounding VFW’s, American Legions, numerous businesses, park districts, and municipalities. As of 2024, the Warriors Walk has raised 125k over the life of the program. It is our sincere commitment to continue to support and raise awareness for programs that combat Veteran suicide.
About The Warriors Walk
Our Vision
At The Warriors Walk, our vision is to create a community where Veteran’s mental health is a top priority and individuals can access the resources they need to achieve optimal well-being that supplements services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. By supporting organizations such as the Headstrong Project, which helps directly offset the cost of mental health services for Veterans, we hope that the stigma of “22 Too Many” will be no longer.
Our Approach
We take a holistic approach to gathering a coalition of youth, businesses, Veteran organizations, and local communities to raise awareness and monetary funds in order to financially support organizations that directly support Veteran’s mental well-beings. We essentially are the “boots on the ground” so organizations like the HeadStrong Project can focus on their missions .
How it Works
Over the years, we have gone from a one man operation to a collective group of Veterans and supporters who work tirelessly to make The Warriors Walk a permanent staple. The Warriors Walk is directly supported by the New Lenox Harry E. Anderson VFW Post #9545. All monies raised go through VFW’s Post #9545 Treasure and operates under their 501(c)(19) tax status. The New Lenox Thomas E. Hartung American Legion Post #1977 has partnered with the VFW to manage the Warriors Walk.
The Warriors Walk is a Not-For-Profit Corporation in Illinois and working towards our own 501(c)(3) tax exempt status. In the mean time, every last donor and sponsor can rest assured that every dollar is being overseen by already well established organizations.
