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Our mission is to honor and support our Central Valley veterans by providing essential services, fostering a sense of community, and advocating for their well-being. We are committed to ensuring that every veteran receives the care, respect, and opportunities they deserve.

Brandi Asacker

Founder / CEO

Hi, I’m Brandi Asacker, the founder and CEO of Beyond The Barracks. My family heritage is deeply rooted in military service. My connection with the military runs through generations as my grandfathers, uncles, and father all dedicated their lives to serving our country. In fact, I came into this world on the Coast Guard base in Kodiak, Alaska.

For more than 16 years, I’ve immersed myself in the military community, both through work and volunteering efforts. This journey has allowed me to collaborate with veterans not just in the heart of the Central Valley but also across multiple states.

Guided by these experiences, I’ve now formed Beyond The Barracks, a non-profit organization designed to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our veterans. The pride I take in this endeavor stems from the need I see in our veteran community and we have tailored resources and programs specifically geared toward these needs for our veterans in the Central Valley. This is not merely a job; it’s a calling, inspired by the spirit of service that has defined my family for generations.

Board Members

Dedicated to empowering veterans with advocacy and support

Brandon Bailey

Secretary / Veteran & LEO Engagement Liaison

Hello, my name is Brandon Bailey. I am the Veteran & LEO Engagement Liaison for Beyond The Barracks. I am also a combat veteran with The United States Marine Corps Infantry. As a veteran, I believe it is incumbent upon us to exercise our voice to speak up for those who are unable. There are unhealthy stigmas being perpetuated within the veteran community about PTSD and other various mental health issues. It is imperative that we build and support our veterans through establishing community and camaraderie amongst our ranks. Strengthening the veteran sisterhood and brotherhood is an essential aspect to offering alternative forms of therapy, which is extremely important to us at Beyond The Barracks.

 

Another important belief I have is the importance of creating an environment for like-minded individuals which promotes healthy, respectful, and responsible forms of communication. Veterans are ingrained with the “suck it up” mentality which discourages our mental health. It takes more courage responsibly communicating our emotions rather than pushing them down inside. Walking around with all that pent up energy is more harmful to you and your loved ones.

Connie St. Angelo

Treasurer

Hi, my name is Connie St. Angelo. I am a senior credit analyst for Simplot Turf & Horticulture. I have been in the financial sector in farming, for over 42 years.

I am excited to be a part of Beyond the Barracks as the treasurer, but also to volunteer my time where I can. I was born and raised in Central Valley. My father and uncle both served in the military as well as both of my brothers.

Gil Arroyo

Veteran Outreach/Board Member

Hi, my name is Gil. I was born and raised in Fresno, California. After graduating from Clovis West High School. I enlisted in the United States Army.
I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of such an amazing organization. As an OIF veteran, I strongly believe in Beyond The Barracks mission and am excited to contribute to its efforts in reaching as many veterans as possible.

Debbie Henderson

Board Member

Hi, my name is Debbie Henderson. I was born in Santa Barbara, CA and moved to Fresno when I was 4 and then moved to Clovis when I was 7. I graduated from Clovis West in 1981.
I was blessed with 3 amazing children who have blessed me with 5 beautiful grandchildren. In 2022 I married my amazing husband, Ed.
I have been a mobile phlebotomist for 28 years.
My step-dad (who raised me since I was 5 years old)severed 2 tours in Vietnam and was a Sergeant. He was the most amazing man and step-dad a girl could ask for. I looked up to him and got my values from him.
To be a part of Beyond The Barracks and help our veterans is truly an honor.

Brooke Leeman

Board Member

Hello, My name is Brooke Leeman. I was born and raised in Fresno. I graduated from Clovis High in 1999 and became a proud mom in 2002. My family has a long history of military service, grandfathers, uncle, father, cousins and a brother who served in the Marine Corps post 9-11. I consider myself extremely lucky to be a part of such a fantastic organization.
I believe in the work that BTB does and I’m excited to help this organization reach as many veterans as possible.

Gary Leeman - Vietnam Navy Veteran

Board Member/Community Outreach

Hello my name is Gary Leeman.
I grew up in a military family, my father was a Master Chief in the Navy. I’ve traveled all over the world and lived in Morocco, New York, California, and Texas. I joined the Navy in 1969 and served in the Vietnam War. I laid down roots in Fresno and started my family in 1976.
My Son and his best friends served in the Marine Corps post 9/11 so I understand the troubles these young men and women face after they leave. I strongly believe that if we all work together we can make a difference and change lives.

Committee Members

Helping to shape our vision and ensure our success

Misty Kieu

Committee Member/Veteran Outreach

Hi, my name is Misty Kieu. I was born in Los Angeles, California, and moved to Clovis at the age of two. I’m a proud graduate of Buchanan High School, the mother of three amazing kids, and married to my high school sweetheart, we’ve been together for 29 years.

My father is a Vietnam veteran, and because of that, I have a deep respect for our military community. I am so excited and honored to serve on the committee at Beyond The Barracks. Supporting our veterans and their families means so much to me, and building strong relationships within this community has truly been a privilege. I can’t wait to continue serving and doing even more with Beyond The Barracks.

Phillip "Red" Lancaster

Veteran Outreach

Hello, I’m Red,

I grew up in California, I was in the  US Navy. I did multiple tours in combat zones, came home and needed to reconnect, I found Beyond the Barracks and found great friends that have turned into family. We break bread together, we struggle together, we heal together.

Brandi@beyondthebarracks.org
325 Clovis Ave Ste 106 Clovis, Ca 93612

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