NPCA believes that the voices of military veterans are a necessary component in the work to protect and enhance America’s National Park System, which is why we created the NPCA Veterans Council.
Press Release
“With the launch of the Veterans Council, we will further elevate our veterans as essential partners in our work to safeguard some of our country’s most treasured places.” -…
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The Veterans Council bring together veteran leaders with diverse backgrounds from across the country to provide advice and perspective on NPCA’s veteran engagement strategy.
Veterans are respected by the American people for their service. Veterans are seen as credible messengers on issues pertaining to patriotism, active citizenship, and American ideals, and this is particularly true of national parks. Perhaps so many veterans have special relationships with our national parks because there are few other physical manifestations of patriotism, freedom, or democracy. National parks stand out as a tangible symbol of veterans’ service — places where they see, smell, hear, and touch the American ideas and treasures they fought to protect.
Read more about NPCA’s work with veterans to protect national parks.
Veteran Council Members
A. Prince Albert III
US Navy veteran, Wilmington, DE
A. Prince Albert III, affectionately known as Prince The Culture Keeper™, is a human rights advocate, a professor of law and world cultures, and an award-winning multidisciplinary artist. His life’s work stands at the intersection of culture, law, and technology, driven by a single conviction — "communities that shaped our world must not be erased from its future.” As a DJ/music producer and filmmaker, The Culture Keeper™ creates dynamic soundscapes and immersive imagery to educate the world about the enduring power of Afro/Indigenous folk traditions. As a lawyer and policy strategist, Prince builds legal and technical infrastructures to protect cultural traditions.
Melissa Antalek
US Navy veteran, San Antonio, TX
Melissa Antalek is a U.S. Navy veteran, advocate, and community leader dedicated to continued service through conservation and civic engagement. As a member of the National Parks Conservation Association Veterans Council, she is passionate about protecting America’s national parks and strengthening the connection between veterans, families, and public lands. Melissa is also actively involved in supporting fellow veterans and military families through community outreach and volunteer initiatives, while encouraging others to find healing, purpose, and connection in the outdoors.
Lt. Col. Erica Carroll
U.S. Air National Guard, Fairbanks, Alaska
Lt Col Erica Carroll has been a member of the uniformed military service since 1999, leaving her home state of Wisconsin for the University of Colorado-Boulder to be a cadet in the Air Force ROTC program and Commissioning in 2003.
Richard Diaz
U.S. Army veteran, San Antonio, Texas
Richard Diaz is a veteran of the United States Army. He served overseas in Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division and continues to serve his community through multiple nonprofits including National Parks Conservation Association.
Phillip Howard
U.S. Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, Bessemer, Alabama
Phillip Howard served in the United States Marine Corps as a radio operator with 2nd Battalion 7th Marines Regiment 1st Marine Division stationed in Twentynine Palms, California.
SSgt. Patrick Ketchum
U.S. Army, retired, Lancaster, California
Patrick Ketchum is a former Army infantry soldier and medically retired non-commissioned officer with more than thirteen years of active service. He served in over 40 months of combat, deploying twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan.
Rene Jimenez
US Marine veteran, La Puente, CA
Rene Jimenez is a Southern California native dedicated to service, environmental stewardship, and youth workforce development. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served five years and becamee a 6176 MV-22 Osprey Crew Chief. In that role, he was responsible for aircraft maintenance, flight safety, and the safe transport of troops and equipment. He was honorably discharged in 2013, carrying forward the discipline, accountability, and mission-driven leadership instilled during his service.
Francisco Munoz
US Marine veteran, Claremont, CA
I served in the Marine Corps and now am serving at a veteran service officer in hopes we uplift each other to care for our families and our planet. I believe in community building and the power of national parks.
Yaritza Perez
U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Orlando, Florida
Yaritza Perez is the field organizer in Orlando, Florida for Moms Clean Air Force. She is a proud mom and a proud veteran.
Nicole Rawlinson
U.S. Navy spouse, Occoquan, Virginia
Nicole Rawlinson is the spouse of an active duty United States Navy submariner and mother to two children who make up one amazing military family.
Linsay Rousseau
US Marine veteran, Burbank, CA
Linsay Rousseau is an Iraq War veteran, longtime advocate, and storyteller whose work sits at the intersection of public service and environmental justice. Public lands are in her blood. Both of her parents served as National Park Rangers, so she grew up in the parks, moving all over the country with each new assignment.
Blayne Smith
U.S. Army veteran, Tampa, Florida
Blayne Smith is a West Point graduate and former Army special forces officer who has transitioned into a highly effective business and social impact leader.
Linh Thai
US Army veteran, Seattle, WA
Linh Thai is a naturalized citizen and a former refugee from Vietnam. Linh enlisted in the Army after high school and served for ten years with honors. He initially branched in the infantry and served with the 82nd Airborne Division. Qualifying for the Green to Gold, Linh went back to college and graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in political science, Linh continued to serve with distinction as an intel officer in the Army with the last rank of captain.
