MEMBERS
Our dedicated board members bring a wealth of experience, passion, and expertise to our non-profit. Committed to our mission, they provide strategic guidance to help us achieve our goals and create a lasting impact in the community. Get to know the individuals who are driving our vision forward.
Randy Shelton
Co-Founder
Executive Director
(425)330-0415
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Lifelong Washington resident married to my fabulous wife, Penny Shelton. Graduated Snohomish High School in 1975. Joined the U.S. Army in September 1976 with Boot Camp at Fort Knox, Kentucky and AIT at Fort Benning, Georgia. First stationed at Fort Lewis with extensive Jungle and Arctic training. My next duty station was with the United Nations Army Support Group, Joint Security Area in Pan Mun Jom Korea. That tour was from June 1978 through August 1979. Served a 30-year career in the Fire Service with concurrent per-diem service on a Medic Unit for 7 ½ years. January of 2013 was a pivotal month. My wife Penny along with Rob Endsley and myself came up with the idea of serving Veterans and Active-Duty Military through fishing. Since that time, Salmon for Soldiers has served thousands. What a blessing that has been to see what a difference this has made to so many. While I can fish with the best of them, it’s the catching that I am not so good at! We’ll leave that to the great volunteer boaters and guides!
Thank you for your service and welcome home!
Penny Shelton
Co-Founder
Secretary Treasurer
(253)227-2917
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I lost my dad when I was 5 years old. Never really knew him except through stories. He served in the Army during WWII. Grew up with three brothers, they each served in the military after high school. My oldest brother served in the Army, the other two both served in the Navy. I spent 32 years in the fire service serving the community and retired as a Prevention Division Chief. I am happily married to Randy
Shelton and he too served in the Army. When Randy came home one afternoon and told me we were going to help Rob Endsley takes some veterans fishing I was at first skeptical. But his enthusiasm for this effort was contagious and has grown into a life changing event. As a Co-Founder I have been part of each aspect of our organization as we have grown. I now serve on the Board of Directors as the Secretary/Treasurer.
Sam & Haley Church
Board Members
Operations
(509)294-3876 Sam
(509)294-3802 Haley
Chris Long
Board Member
Pensacola Chapter
(360)202-2664
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LCDR Chris Long is a retired Naval Aviator with 22 years of service and nearly 5000 flight hours. His first tour was with the HSL-49 Scorpions out of NAS North Island, CA flying the SH-60B Seahawk helicopter. He completed two tours to the Persian Gulf and multiple drug interdiction operations off the coast of Mexico conduction flight operations off U.S. Navy cruiser and destroyer warships. He then transferred to VT-6 Shooters at NAS Whiting Field, FL as a Naval Flight Instructor flying the T-34C Turbo Mentor where he accumulated over 1000 instructor hours and received ‘Flight Instructor of the Month’ on several occasions. His final flying tour was with the VR-61 Islanders out of NAS Whidbey Island, WA. He flew the C-9B/DC-9 Skytrain as an International Overwater Aircraft Commander/Flight Instructor conducting worldwide operations in over 40 different countries. After retiring in 2009, Chris started a fishing charter company called Jolly Mon Charters in Anacortes, WA. And in 2023 he expanded his operation to include Pensacola, FL. He has been supporting Salmon for Soldiers as a volunteer and charter captain since the near beginning of the organization. He and his wife Vicki spend their time between Anacortes and Pensacola enjoying the seasonal sun, beach, and fishing in each location. They have four daughters, Danielle, Rachel, Lauren, and Ashlee.
Bernie Balsis
NW Washington Chapter
(315)489-3477
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Salmon for Soldiers, supported by dedicated volunteers like Bernie, honors the service of veterans through therapeutic fishing experiences. As a former U.S. Army Infantry Officer with a decade of service, including five years in Iraq, Bernie brings firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by military personnel during long deployments. Now, as a committed volunteer and employee at Toray Composite Materials America, Bernie volunteers with Salmon for Soldiers to get veterans out on fishing trips that provide them with peace, purpose, and camaraderie. Through the tranquility of fishing, Salmon for Soldiers aims to support and uplift those who have served our country.
Guy Lipsky
Board Member
NW Washington Chapter
(360)797-4214
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Guy Lipsky, born in Garden Grove, California, grew up in a large military family and spent much of his childhood on military bases, developing a profound respect for those who serve our country. Though he did not serve himself, Guy's deep appreciation for veterans drives his commitment to giving back. An outdoor enthusiast with a passion for fishing and hunting, he finds great joy in sharing these activities with those who have sacrificed for our freedom. As a Sergeant with the Department of Corrections, Guy has proudly coordinated the Northwest
Washington chapter of Salmon for Soldiers since 2022, organizing fishing trips to support and honor veterans.
Mark Osterhout
Board Member
SW Chapter
(206)963-6800
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My name is Mark Osterhout and I am honored to serve on the Board of Directors for Salmon for Soldiers. I was introduced to this group by Kevin and Collette Oakley who have been involved for a few years now, my company Pump Industries has been part of the sponsorship group for their Golf Tournament. My wife Patty and I have been married 45 years and have four grandchildren, our son John runs the day to day operations of Pump Industries which allows us to become involved in organizations like Salmon For Soldiers and Swedish Cancer Care Alliance.
I encourage you to help support this wonderful cause.
Kevin Oakley
Board Member
Task Force 12
(206)850-5218
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I have been involved in many business industries in my career but have always had my passion in the maritime community in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. Main focus today is surimi, fish oil and fishmeal processes with the major seafood processors both on land and at sea. My wife Collette and I moved the Alderbrook neighborhood in Union, Wa a few years ago and had the fortunate circumstance of meeting Randy and Penny Shelton the founders of Salmon For Soldiers. We took to the cause almost immediately and take great pride in helping our veterans in need.
We have taken the lead in Task Force 12 which is the community outreach program supporting veterans by the Seattle Seahawks. Salmon For Soldiers is one of the 12 programs in this.
Collette Oakley
Artem Ionitsa
Amy McNealy
Board Member
Women's Outreach
(757)679-9701
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Amy has deep roots in the PNW having grown up in Washougal, WA. After graduating high school Amy joined the US Navy as a Hull Technician. She transitioned to civilian life in 1997 following duty stations at Assault Craft Unit 4 and aboard the USS Simon Lake. Amy also had the opportunity to participate in a pilot program to transition women sailors to combatant ships. As a part of this pilot Amy completed a North Atlantic deployment aboard the USS Mt Whitney as the only woman in ship's company.
Amy is passionate about serving her veteran community and fishing which led her to join Salmon for Soldiers in 2020 as the Women’s Outreach Coordinator. The Women’s Outreach team has been able to get women veterans out on surf perch, salmon, sturgeon, halibut, and ling cod fishing trips. Amy was added to the Board of Directors in May 2024.
Kenellias Smith
Gabriel M. Morrelli
Board Members
Operations
(206)999-0719
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Washington Home Grown resident, father of four great humans and lucky to be married to my best friend and my real boat captain my wife Kasey Ann. I Graduated Monroe High School in 1993. Joined the Marine Corps in October 1994. Hollywood Marine MCRD San Diego, SOI Camp Pendleton, MOS 1833 Amphibious Assault Stationed at Camp Delmar, 15th Marine Expedition Unit 1995 to 1996 then 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit 1997 to 1998. Reenlisted September 12th 2001 with the red patches / LSB at Fort Lewis for another year of service. 4 years active-duty service 1 year Reserve.
I am just very blessed and honored to be part of this amazing team and organizations so proud to be serving Veterans and Active-Duty Military through fishing. While I can fish and catch with the best of them, it’s the making memories and catching and growing of the relationships with these real Hero’s that is the most important. As we owe them all are gratitude and freedom !
Robert Aguilera
Jim & Amy Dessin
Board Members
Events
(206)841-0211 Jim
(206)841-0933 Amy