About Us
About US
Our founder and Executive Director Michele Ladd is a mother of two Veterans and knows all too well the struggles of her sons as they transitioned out of the Military. Also, being the daughter of a deceased US Air Force LT Col who died of complications of Agent Orange, she became extremely passionate about raising awareness to the challenges our brave men and women are faced with.
In 2017 Michele purchased the first Hero Mobile and planned an 8000-mile tour around the country to thank American heroes for their sacrifices and services. Michele visited National Guards, Veteran Organizations, and Veteran Owned Businesses.
After 5 months of this tour, Michele heard hundreds of stories of trauma, PTSD, divorces and sadly, many suicides. Michele says the sacrifices she made such as extreme loneliness, spending nights in Walmart parking lots and truck stops, multiple break downs, having to empty her tanks and with multiple injuries, she would do it all over again.
In 2018 Michele met her now husband Randy Schue. Michele told Randy, a Navy Veteran that if he fell in love with her, he needed to know that she is a "gypsy", and she will drag him all over the country to help her heroes. Randy sold his home, took an early retirement and in 2021 they were married, Randy joined Michele in this life she calls "Operation HOPE" tour.
Michele was self-funded and encouraged to form a nonprofit so in 2019 National Veteran Resources was founded.
Michele and Randy have met thousands of Veterans and their families and do everything they can to prevent suicide while offering love and support to the families left behind.
Since 2019 we have assisted 420 Veterans and their families with resources and healing retreats. In addition, more than 20 children of Veteran Suicide have received clothing and special occasion gifts. We have traveled over 225,000 miles YTD.
In 2020 Michele started to meet mothers that lost their sons and daughters to suicide and started a Faith Based Facebook group to offer the mothers peer support. To date, there are 270 mothers and growing daily. If you know of a mother of veteran suicide, please direct them to http://facebook.com/groups/mothersofveteransuicide
In 2024, we feel so blessed to have an amazing, supportive Board of Directors and volunteers.
Board of Directors
Judy Casey
Theresa Pollock
Theresa Pollock
President:
A 22-year Army Combat Veteran and served 13 years with the Department of Veterans Affairs. I am currently a District 8/Post 69 Service Officer. I have worked with Veterans for the past 20 years and doing so I met Michele and Randy on my travels.
My goal is to always be there for the mommas and their families and always trying to raise awareness, speaking your child’s name and hopefully some sort of peace for you all🦋💜
Judy Casey
Mothers of Veteran Suicide
President
Theresa Pollock
Theresa Pollock
Theresa Pollock
Vice President:
I am Terri Pollock Vice-President of Mothers of Veteran Suicide. I am also the Secretary of Unit 69 Auxiliary and Chapter 69 Riders in Avon Park, Florida.
I am a mother of a family who has a son/brother who has gained his wings. Michael is forever 20 years old due to smoke inhalation in a house fire.
When I was asked to be a part of the MOVS it was an honor and very humbling at the same time. I believe in the mission of the MOVS. I want you to know that you are not alone, and you are loved. We are here for you and your families.
“Just Breathe “
❤️ Terri. ❤️
Terri Pollock
Melissa Wolfe
Theresa Pollock
Melissa Wolfe
Treasurer:
a Veteran and a grieving mother, Melissa's mission is to provide HOPE and Healing for the MOVS Mommas.
Tammy Baker
Crystal Pepkowski
Melissa Wolfe
Secretary:
As a part of the MOVS Board, I am honored to be a part of this remarkable Organization.
I am not a Veteran, however my father is a Air Force Veteran and my stepfather is a Marine Veteran. In fact, I was born in the Plattsburg, NY Air Force Base Hospital.
Being involved with Veterans and their families has been a high priority for me for many years. I have served as Auxiliary Historian for Legion Post 777 in Lakewood, NY and currently hold that position at our local Legion Post 69 in Avon Park FL. I am also a American Legion Rider for Chapter 69.
As Secretary for MOVS I will put my heart and soul in advocating for mommas and their families. When I travel in the summer months my goal will be to provide as much information as I can with love and compassion. Everyone needs a hug and a smile!
Tammy Carlson
Sherry Scott
Crystal Pepkowski
Crystal Pepkowski
Public Relations and Marketing Director:
As a granddaughter of an Army soldier, I believe that our Veterans are of the utmost importance. The respect and love that I have for our troops is unconditional. I felt such a pull to help our country's veterans, I joined The American Legion Auxiliary in 2018. I have been involved for 6 years in many positions of the Auxiliary and am currently the President of Unit 69, Avon Park, Fl.
I joined Michele with Mothers of Veteran Suicide in 2022 and have been asked to be the Public Relations and Marketing Director in 2024.
As part of this position, my goals are to help our mommas feel hope, love and comfort and to promote awareness within the many communities struggling with Veteran Suicide.
Sherry Scott
Crystal Pepkowski
Crystal Pepkowski
Crystal Pepkowski
Fundraising Director:
We are proud and honored to welcome Crystal Pepkowski as the newest member of Mothers of Veteran Suicide! Crystals passion, expertise, and dedication to our mission of providing HOPE and Healing will help us make an even great impact.
Please join us in giving Crystal a warm welcome to our community.
It's an honor to be part of a humbling cause such as MOVS.
Here is a message from Crystal
I am a very proud mother of 3 amazing young adults who are the light of my world.
My father was a proud Coast Guard Veteran. I have an amazing job serving our Veterans at American Legion Post 69, Avon Park, FL where I am also an Auxiliary member.
At the end of the day the only person I am striving to be better than is who I was yesterday.
#welcomeaboard
#TEAMMOVS
#Hopeandhealing
Founder Michele Ladd and husband Randy Schue
Founder Michele Ladd and husband Randy Schue
Founder Michele Ladd and husband Randy Schue
Executive Director
Here are a few of the news reports as we traveled the country:
American Legion National: https://www.legion.org/betheone/260216/healing-space-mothers-who-lost-veteran-child-suicide
Columbia, SC News: https://www.wltx.com/article/features/hero-mobile-veterans-mental-health/101-c5960409-2351-4cb6-b3e2-8d06d0d20ea8
San Antonio, TX News: https://www.ksat.com/news/ny-woman-traveling-across-country-to-help-veteran-makes-stop-in-sa
Rochester, NY News: https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/rochester/news/2019/08/13/on-the-road-to-help-veterans-one-community-at-a-time?fbclid=IwAR2ovaw5B7hQRZyRMdezYSG3kO5jcaJteszaBs9QYh1IqrHW9MU3-2BpWDo# Louisville, KY https://www.wlky.com/article/woman-traveling-across-country-stops-in-louisville-to-help-veterans/28983112 .