Our Team…
Our team is made up of dedicated volunteers who bring deep, firsthand experience in military service, veterans advocacy, and community support. Many of our board members are retired service members themselves, while others are spouses and family members who have stood beside veterans through their transition into civilian life. Together, we combine lived experience with advocacy expertise to ensure veterans receive the benefits, respect, and justice they’ve earned. Our shared commitment is to serve those who served us with integrity, compassion, and resolve.
Want to join?
We welcome individuals who are committed to protecting veterans’ rights and strengthening access to earned benefits. That includes veterans, family members, advocates, and attorneys who want to use their legal skills to litigate and advance veterans’ rights. If you believe in standing up for those who served—and are willing to take action when systems fail them—there is a place for you here. Together, we work to educate, advocate, and pursue meaningful change for the veteran community.
Sgt. Major Jim Kuiken
(USMC – Retired)
Chairman Of the Board &
Director, Native & Indigenous American Veteran Outreach
Professional Experience
Jim Kuiken brings decades of real-world leadership and service across military, law enforcement, and homeland security.
His background includes:
- Retired multi-war, combat-wounded U.S. Marine and senior enlisted leader
- State and local law enforcement officer and firefighter/EMT
- Border Patrol Agent and federal Special Agent
- Director with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Now an author and public speaker, Jim is recognized for his firsthand, boots-on-the-ground perspective on military service, law enforcement, and national security. His work reflects a lifelong commitment to public service, accountability, and defending the freedoms veterans earned through their sacrifice.
Contact
Commander John B. Wells
(U.S. Navy Retired)
Executive Director, Treasurer & Secretary
Professional Experience
Attorney John B. Wells brings decades of military leadership and legal advocacy to veterans’ rights.
His background includes:
- Retired U.S. Navy Commander (Surface Warfare) and disabled veteran, serving from 1972–1994
- Assignments to six naval ships and multiple shore commands
- Graduate of the Surface Warfare Officers School Department Head and PXO schools
- Service as a Special Court-Martial convening authority, member, senior member, and witness
After retiring from active duty, John settled in Slidell, Louisiana, where he opened a general law practice with a strong emphasis on military and veterans law. He has represented service members and veterans nationwide and regularly practices in both state and federal courts, including cases in Washington, D.C. John is admitted to practice in multiple state and federal courts, including the Supreme Courts of Pennsylvania and Louisiana, as well as the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.
Contact
John.Wells@mvadvocacy.org
Devlan Melancon
Director of Litigation
Professional Experience
Devlan Melancon brings a unique combination of military service, law enforcement experience, and legal advocacy to his work on behalf of veterans.
A New Orleans native, Devlan served five years in the United States Marine Corps, completing two tours in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and earning the rank of Sergeant before his honorable discharge.
His background includes:
- Five years of service in the United States Marine Corps, including two combat tours in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom
- Honorable discharge at the rank of Sergeant
- Eight years of post-military service as a law enforcement officer
- Bachelor of Science in Business and Marketing Management
- Juris Doctor from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law
- Legal experience in veterans’ law, criminal law, and civil litigation
Devlan completed both his undergraduate and law school studies through evening programs while building his professional career, bringing firsthand experience, discipline, and a strong commitment to service to his legal work and veterans’ advocacy.
Devlan is married and has two teenage children, a son and daughter. He is also accompanied by his service dog, Spark.
Contact
Pamela Arnell, Ed.D
Board Member At Large
Dr. Arnell serves as Executive Director of 22ZERO Follow Me, Inc., where she leads the organization’s strategic vision, partnerships, and program development. Since stepping into the role in 2022, she has expanded national collaborations, including initiating independent research partnerships with Arizona State University to validate 22ZERO’s evidence-based practices.
In addition to overseeing operations and organizational growth, Dr. Arnell supports training, public speaking, and stakeholder engagement, while working closely with the board and leadership team to drive impact for veterans, coaches, and communities served.
Jackie Bloom
Co-Legislative Director
Her journey with Blue Water Navy advocacy began during visits to the VA in Columbus, Ohio, where she learned about the issue through informational flyers. Her husband, a U.S. Navy quartermaster who completed two WestPac tours off the coast of Vietnam, had been denied benefits related to Agent Orange exposure.
After connecting with members of the organization, she became actively involved in legislative advocacy, contributing to outreach efforts that supported recognition for affected veterans. The 2019 Procopio v. Wilkie decision marked a turning point, granting long-overdue benefits to Blue Water Navy veterans, including her husband.
Since then, she has continued her advocacy by helping other veterans navigate the claims process and supporting ongoing efforts within the community. She later joined the board, where she remains dedicated to honoring her husband’s legacy and advocating for those who continue to fight for the benefits they have earned.
Cheryl Causey Cox
Board Member At Large
She brings lived experience, persistence, and a deep commitment to veteran families impacted by toxic exposure. Her background includes:
• Spouse of a U.S. Air Force veteran stationed in Guam during the 1960s
• Advocate for families affected by Agent Orange and other toxic exposures
• Active participant in the PACT Act outreach and letter-writing campaigns
After years of searching for answers as her husband’s health declined, she encountered repeated barriers due to outdated definitions of exposure. Through Military–Veterans Advocacy, she found community, direction, and a path forward. A retired educator, she now focuses on helping families understand veterans’ resources, legislative changes, and how to advocate effectively during difficult times—continuing the support her own family once needed.
Chad Granger
Board Member At Large
Chad Granger is a U.S. Army veteran who served two combat tours in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, earning the rank of Sergeant before his honorable discharge.
After completing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Juris Doctor at Louisiana State University, Chad built a career helping veterans overcome barriers and access the benefits they earned. His experience includes serving as a workforce development specialist with the Louisiana Workforce Commission, an outreach specialist with Veterans Upward Bound, and a legal assistant with Military–Veterans Advocacy. His military service, legal education, and firsthand knowledge of the veterans’ benefits system continue to guide his commitment to advocating for fellow veterans.
Ben Karuse
Board Member At Large
Attorney Benjamin Krause is a disabled veteran, attorney, and nationally recognized investigative journalist focused on veterans policy. He is the founder of Krause Law, PLLC, and editor-in-chief of DisabledVeterans.org.
Accredited to represent claimants nationwide before the Department of Veterans Affairs, Mr. Krause has spent years advocating for veterans and military families on issues involving disability compensation, vocational rehabilitation, and appeals. His reporting and analysis have been cited by Congress, legal scholars, and national media. He resides in Minnesota with his family.
Wesley McCauley
Board Member At Large
Wesley McCauley is a VA-accredited representative and founder of United Veteran’s Disability, established in 2021. He is dedicated to improving access to quality representation for veterans and their families.
His work is rooted in firsthand experience gained while serving as an Operations Lieutenant in his local fire department and attending Valdosta State University near Moody Air Force Base, where he observed critical gaps in veterans’ advocacy. He continues to live in South Georgia.
Jimmy Scott
Board Member At Large
Jimmy Scott brings decades of leadership and operational experience to Military–Veterans Advocacy.
His background includes:
• Over 30 years of leadership experience in project management, site operations, customer support, and contract management
• Proven record of successful project delivery in secure and regulated environments
• 38 years of service in the U.S. Army
• 26.5 years of federal service, retired
Anthony West
Board Member At Large
Tony brings more than three decades of public service and leadership to Military–Veterans Advocacy.
His background includes:
• Over 34 years of government service
• Founder of the Decatur Association (est. 2006)
• President of the Decatur Association (2006–2014; 2018–present)
• Member of the Military–Veterans Advocacy Board of Directors
Tony has been married to his wife, Karen, for over 53 years and is a proud father of four and grandfather to six. His long-standing commitment to service, leadership, and community advocacy continues through his work with MVA.