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
randy@salmonforsoldiers.org
randy@salmonforsoldiers.org
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
penny@salmonforsoldiers.org
penny@salmonforsoldiers.org
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
sam@salmonforsoldiers.org
haley@salmonforsoldiers.org
(509)294-3802 Haley
sam@salmonforsoldiers.org
haley@salmonforsoldiers.org

Chris Long
Pensacola Chapter
(360)202-2664
chris@salmonforsoldiers.org
chris@salmonforsoldiers.org
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
Secretary Treasurer
(315)489-3477
bernie@salmonforsoldiers.org
bernie@salmonforsoldiers.org
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
guy@salmonforsoldiers.org
guy@salmonforsoldiers.org

Collette Oakley
Board Member
Task Force 12
(206)251-2041
collette@salmonforsoldiers.org
collette@salmonforsoldiers.org

Amy McNealy
Board Member
Women’s Outreach
(757)679-9701
amyjm@salmonforsoldiers.org
amyjm@salmonforsoldiers.org
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.
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.

Gabriel M. Morrelli
Board Member
Operations
(206)999-0719
gabe@salmonforsoldiers.org
gabe@salmonforsoldiers.org
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 !
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
Trip Scheduling
(425)531-5426
robert@salmonforsoldiers.org
robert@salmonforsoldiers.org

Jim & Amy Dessin
Board Member
Events
(206)841-0211 Jim
(206)841-0933 Amy
jimd@salmonforsoldiers.org
amyd@salmonforsoldiers.org
(206)841-0933 Amy
jimd@salmonforsoldiers.org
amyd@salmonforsoldiers.org