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 US Navy Veteran, an active member of the New Lenox American Legion, and the New Lenox Sons of the American Legion. Scott is the grandson two of grandfathers who served during World War II . 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 proud Vietnam War veteran who served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Hancock (CVA-19), completing three deployments to the Tonkin Gulf from 1968 to 1971. After his service, he built a successful career in Facilities Maintenance, utilizing his Navy engineering skills and advanced HVAC training to work as an HVAC Mechanic and Maintenance Manager for a major manufacturing company with operations across the U.S. and abroad.
A dedicated member of VFW Post 9545 for 24 years, Larry has held numerous leadership roles, including Jr. Vice Commander, Senior Vice Commander, Quartermaster (six years), and Bar Manager (three years). Currently, he oversees Advertising and Marketing for the post.
As a key member of The Warriors Walk since its inception, Larry brings over 30 years of managerial experience to the organization, helping to support and advocate for Veterans’ mental health and well-being.
Committee Members
Meet Aniesa Salazar
Ruck March Coordianator
Aniesa@warriorswalk-il.org
Aniesa has proudly served in the United States Navy Reserves since 2016. She comes from a family with a strong military background—her father has been serving since 1992, first in the Marine Corps and later in the Army Reserves, while her late uncle served in the Navy for ten years.
In addition to her military service, Aniesa is a Military Administrator School Certifying Officer at Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, where she helps Veterans and their families access the educational benefits they’ve earned through their service. She is passionate about supporting Veterans as they pursue their culinary dreams and achieve success in the industry.
Since 2021, Aniesa has been an active participant in both the ten and twenty-mile rucks for the Warriors Walk, demonstrating her continued commitment to the Veteran community and the mission of raising awareness for mental health and Veteran suicide prevention.
Meet Jessica Meder
Banquet Dinner Coordianator
Jessica@warriorswalk-il.org
Jessica is a proud Veteran of the United States Navy and currently serves as a Supervisor with the National Cemetery Administration (NCA), Memorial Product Services (MPS). Jessica is the daughter of two retired Navy Veterans and has numerous other family members who have served in our nation’s armed forces. With extensive experience in developing nationwide standard operating procedures (SOP) for the NCA, Jessica has played a key role in enhancing the efficiency and consistency of operations across the administration. She is also credited with developing operating procedures for pre-World War II markers and headstones, ensuring the preservation and respect of our nation’s history.
In addition to her work with the NCA, Jessica is an active member the New Lenox American Legion Post #1977 and the New Lenox American Legion Auxillary Post, where she continues to advocate for Veterans and support their service needs. Jessica’s dedication to both her work and the Veteran community reflects her unwavering commitment to honoring those who have served.
Meet Heather LaFond, LPC
Community Outreach Specialist
Heather@warriorswalk-il.org
Heather LaFond is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adler University, specializing in trauma work. Heather is also a Certified First Responder Therapist. Heather has 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.
Meet Paula Martinez-Graser
Patriot Party Coordinator
Paula is a proud Veteran of the United States Army and the granddaughter of a World War II Army Veteran. She served on active duty from 1993 to 1996 and as a reservist from 1996 to 2005. During her service, Paula was assigned to a Patriot Missile Crew Battalion in Germany, marking a milestone as the first combat Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) open to females. In 1995, she completed a six-month rotation to Saudi Arabia.
While in the Army Reserves, Paula served as a Military Police Officer and was promoted to Sergeant during her time in Guatemala. Her unit also participated in the initial invasion of Iraq in 2003, while Paula served as a paramedic back home.
Today, Paula is a Registered Nurse serving in the south suburbs, as well as a Mary Kay Consultant. She is also deeply involved in her local community as the Quartermaster for the Mokena VFW Post 725, where she holds the distinction of being the first female Veteran to serve as an Officer. Paula continues to be an advocate for Veterans and is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of those who have served.
Meet Joy Marz
Public Relations Lead
Joy@warriorswalk-il.org
Joy has 14 years of experience as a Strategic Business Development and Sales Enablement Manager in the Petrochem & Refining industry. She has Established and maintained significant key relationships for Fortune 500 companies with financial planning & analysis, compliance, assessment, training & mentoring, process improvements, key performance indicators, marketing, team building, and leadership.
Joy has also developed and executed strategic communication plans tailored to increase stakeholder engagement through:
* Marketing Committee Leader
*Content Creation
*Social Media Implementation
*Event Planning
Joy also has 5 years of experience in Project Management Design & Construction at Staubach Co. / Jones Lang-Lasalle representing clients as an Owner’s Representative for Fortune 500 build-to-suit projects, corporate headquarters relocations, and space planning. Furthermore, Joy has managed these bid submissions and conducted extensive client pitch proposals, marketing materials, and events.
Why We Do it
The idea of “Ruck Marches” first came to Ryan during his military service as he was stationed in various locations across the country. Across major cities, grassroots movements were forming, where Veterans and supporters gathered for ruck marches to raise awareness of the tragic issue of Veteran suicide. As Ryan continued his service, he began to feel the weight of the ongoing wars not only on those serving overseas but on himself and his fellow service members. He came to realize that the battle didn’t end on the front lines—it was being fought within every Soldier, Marine, Airman, and Sailor here at home.
The alarming statistic of “twenty-two a day” echoed in his mind as he watched those he served with become part of that statistic. It was clear to Ryan that it was time for action. In 2019, he set out to make a difference by raising nearly two thousand dollars through donations from those who believed in his cause. That November, Ryan embarked on his first “Walk for the Warriors”, a 20-mile ruck on the Old Plank Road Trail near his home.
That first walk not only captured the attention of local residents and the VFW but also earned him a feature in The Patriot in New Lenox. Ryan proudly announced that all funds raised that year would be donated to the HeadStrong Project.Since the inception of The Warriors Walk, Ryan has garnered the support of local VFWs, American Legions, businesses, park districts, and municipalities. As of 2024, the event has raised $125,000 to support the cause. We are deeply committed to continuing this mission to raise awareness and provide crucial support to 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.
