Veterans Council Officers

Sam served 29 years in the United States Army which included three combat tours in Vietnam. He is a West Point graduate and also received a Master’s Degree from Purdue University. Sam is a Director of the local Military Officers Association of America and a member of the West Point Association of Graduates and Chapter 1038 of the Vietnam Veterans of America. He has served as 2nd Vice President for three years of the Veterans Council.

Curtis A. Paulisin is a medically retired Sergeant who served 11 years in the United States Army, and Florida National Guard. He’s past commander of the Italian American War Veterans Post #3 Vero Beach, Florida and in his fourth year as quartermaster. He served on the original board of the Veterans Council‘s Upward American Veterans Committee and serves on the Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary committee. He’s the owner of Paulisin Painting Vero Beach, and General Manager of Doverneal Development, Wyandotte MI.

Retired, married, with three daughters and 5 grandchildren. Graduate of Florida International University, Miami. Certified Private Club Manager for 40 years. Past President of Florida Club Managers Association. Past Exalted Ruler Vero Beach Lodge #1774, 2014-2015. Past Board Member Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1038. Past Board Member of the Victory Center Store. Past Senior Warden St. Augustine Episcopal Church. Past President of Antique Automobile Association Indian River Region, currently a Board Member. Veterans Council Representative for Vietnam Veterans of American Chapter 1038 for 4 years. Manage two car shows held annually in Vero Beach. Toys for Tots participant for 6 years. Enjoys giving back to the community, working on veterans’ projects, classic automobiles and helping others.

Kim is a retired Air Force Major – Communications/Computer Officer. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and a Master’s Degree in Systems Management. Kim’s work experience after her military service included Program/Project Manager for ACS Government Solutions; owner of two small businesses;and manager for an organic citrus business. She is a member of the Indian River Chapter of Military Officers Association of America and the Veterans Council where she serves as an Executive Board member.

Dillon served for four years in the United States Army as a Cavalry Scout officer. He was a distinguished military graduate of Officer Candidate School, Armor Officer Basic Course and U.S. Army Ranger. He deployed to Afghanistan in 2017, Dillon was honorably discharged at the rank of Captain and went on to attended law school at the University of Florida where he earned both Juris Doctor and Masters in Taxation. Dillon returned to Vero Beach and works with the law firm of Gould Cooksey Fennell, P.A. His interest include fishing, hunting and spending time with his wife and children.

Vic Served six years in the United States Marine Corp and served in Vietnam with the 1st Marine Air Wing. After his service he became an Operation Manager for several International Companies. For the past two decades he has been a Veterans Advocate. He started Southwestern Oregon Veterans Outreach in North Bend, Oregon, which is still in operation today. He resides in Vero Beach, Florida with his wife Lillian and serves as Post Service Officer with the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Marine Corps League. He continues to file claims for veterans so they can receive the benefits they have earned, as well as assisting veterans and their families end their homelessness. He is the Secretary for Vietnam Veterans of Indian River and assists in managing 16 beds for homeless veterans here in Indian River County.

Father Dave Newhart was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania and grew up in a military family. After graduating from high school and one year at the University of New Mexico he joined the Air Force in January 1975 serving at Eglin AFB Florida, Spangdahlem AFB, Germany, and Luke AFB, AZ. His specialty 4317C working on F-4 D, E’s and F-15’s. Following his time in the military he attended Arizona State University and received a BS in Ag-Industry with an emphasis in Food Service. Upon gradustion and two years of post-graduate studies he worked 18 years in the food industry as Quality Manager for a food distribution company until 2002 when he entered the seminary. As an Episcopal priest he served in Boerne, Texas and is currently serving at St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church in Sebastian. He is an active member of the American Legion 189, a Legion Rider, and a member of the of the Men’s Auxiliary at VFW Post10210.

Bruce attended The George Washington University on a United States Scholarship, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corp in 1992. After attending The Basic School, Bruce completed the Data Communications Officer Course and was assigned to Marine Force Reserve Headquarters G-6 in New Orleans, LA. During this time Bruce was part of the team that brought advanced data communications equipment and procedures to the garrison and deployed US Marines Corp Reserve. After leaving active duty, Bruce joined Regimental Headquarters staff for the 23rd Marines, 4th Marine Division as the S-6A Captain. During his civilian career Bruce has held senior position as Sales and Marketing executive in the telecommunications and aviation industries. Currently he owns two small business in Vero Beach with his wife, Leah. Bruce has three children; Harrison (currently in the US Navy), Erin and Spenser.

Tony served 30 years in the Army Medical Department. Retiring in 2006, he has been an active community volunteer. He is the Chair of the Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary Advisory Committee. He is on the Board of the Genealogical Society of Indian River County. Tony has served as 1st Vice President of the Veterans Council for three years prior to being elected President. He has a Master’s of Business Administration and also a Masters of Strategic Studies.