Dr. Elaine Berkowitz was born in Pittsburgh and has lived here for 79 years. Her education includes a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Pittsburgh in Vocational Education, a Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, then on to The Ohio State University, College of Dentistry, where she spent one year in a General Practice Residency program. She received a Doctor Honoris Causa from the University of Prizren, Kosovo. This prestigious award was previously given to Bill Clinton and Tony Blair. In 2007, Dr. Berkowitz was named one of Pittsburgh’s Top Dentists, and in 2016, UPMC honored her as Caregiver Champion. Dr. Berkowitz is a member of numerous military and dental organizations and she has lectured internationally on Geriatric Dentistry: In Japan, for the Japanese Gerontology Society; in Ukraine and Macedonia, on the General Practitioners view of Implant Dentistry for the 2nd International Congress of Oral Surgery and Implantology; to name a few. She recently published her autobiography, Live Life… Love Country. It can be purchased from the author (as she always carries books to sell and autograph) or at several gift shops in Pittsburgh.

Cynthia Butlerperry served in the Army Reserves from 1990-2010. After retiring in 2010, she transitioned to the Retired Reserves for another 12 years. She served in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm as a Motor Transport Operator with the 630th Trans from Washington, PA., and drove a M915A2 (16-gear Tractor Trailer) to deliver beans, bullets and patriot missiles to the front lines. She later transferred to the 2d/312th Regt. Training Support Battalion and became a Total Army Instructor, during which time she served 3 deployments under Operation Enduring Freedom. Cyndi received a Master's in Professional Counseling and an undergrad in Psychology, both from Carlow University. She has more than 30 years of social service and behavioral health experience under her belt.

Malvina D. Jackson is a United States Air Force Veteran who served from 1994 to 1996. She holds a Bachelor's of Science in Business Management from Carlow University in Pittsburgh, PA. She currently works for PNC Bank where she is involved in several EBRG's including the Military EBRG. She also volunteers with the Grow Up Great Program within PNC that focuses on early childhood development.

A Navy Veteran who served from 2008-2011, Savanna Jimenez is a mother, daughter, sister, and aunt. In her free time she enjoys gardening, camping, and quality time with her daughter, family, and friends. When she is not enjoying her hobbies, she is working for the community with their Social Security needs. She is proud to have served her country and thanks those who support her and other veterans.

Laurie Kubli was born and raised a few miles from Pittsburgh in Swissvale in 1963, the fourth of five children. Her father was a Navy veteran and her mother worked as a secretary or temp worker when not raising her children. As a child, Laurie spent every chance she got playing outside in the woods – usually playing “Army,” of course – with the neighborhood boys. The woods were replaced by the gym and fields, and she began to write. First it was poems, and then stories. In high school, Laurie lettered in four sports and the marching band. She has Masters Degrees in Education (Slippery Rock) and Social Work (University of Pittsburgh) and she published a two-book work of fiction. Laurie is a retired social worker and she is working on her next novel.

Carissa Snedden is a United States Air Force Veteran who served from 2009 to 2014. She was the first woman in her family to serve in the United States military following the steps of her uncles and grandfather. She currently works as the Program Coordinator for the Appalachian Regional Commission Grant at Carlow University, where she is pursuing her MSW/MBA dual degree. Carissa also holds a Bachelor’s of Sociology from Western Carolina University in North Carolina. She has held multiple positions at various veteran organizations and is determined to help her fellow veterans find meaning and fulfillment in their lives. She believes that “causes are only lost when people give up.”

Dr. Laura Strong grew up in western Pennsylvania and enlisted in the regular Army at eighteen years old. She proudly served while pursuing her bachelor’s degree in English from Cameron University in Oklahoma, then received her commission as an officer in the Medical Service Corps. After twelve years of service, Laura returned to her roots, achieving a master’s degree in Secondary English and a doctorate in Curriculum & Instruction from IUP. While teaching at Slippery Rock University, Dr. Strong also enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and writing.