John Ely
John Ely is the Marketing & Expansion Director. He is the son of a Pearl Harbor survivor – a medic on the scene. He is the brother of a chronically ill Vietnam War veteran. He is the father of a Captain in the Army National Guard and father-in- law of a SPC in the Army National Guard. His passion for the well-being of our veterans is deep rooted. John’s background is in social services, sales, and entertainment. He is our visionary, and not only leads this organization, but he also handles our marketing and expansion efforts.
Teri Ely
The Executive Director, Teri Neigh Ely, is the hub of the organization. Teri has several family members that have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Teri’s education in Business Management taught her the basic skills, but hands on experience has developed her multi-tasking ability to oversee the entire organization. She has successfully taken the organization through audits with the Internal Revenue Service, and various state agencies. All questions are answered and have original source documents. Her work ethic is uncompromising. Her communication skills have developed long-standing mutually respectful relationships. She knows and understands priorities and daily strives to make the company stronger which ultimately benefits the veterans that we serve.
Robert Julian
Robert Julian is our Services Director. Bob handles our services – he meets with the hurting veterans and their families that come to the corporate office for help. He gives them the time that they need, regardless of his schedule, and they exclaim their gratitude regularly. His background as a Union Steward and entrepreneurial businessman have allowed his negotiating and counseling skills to excel. He also oversees the financial management of the entire organization.
Barb Smith
Barb is a native of the Mahoning Valley. Her father, uncles, cousins, nephew, and friends are veterans. She is a retired RN and educator with a background working with the public since high school. As a member of a family of ten, nurse and mother she is accustomed to multi-tasking and thus earned the respect of her patients, co-workers, peers, managers, and family members.
Tammy Hall
As a native of Hartselle, Alabama, Tammy Hall serves as our Regional Manager, joining Veterans’ Outreach in October 2024 to support our nation’s heroes. Her passion for serving others, deeply rooted in her family’s history of military service, also shines through her role as a greeter at Connect Church in Decatur, Alabama. Through this work, Tammy has discovered meaningful opportunities to contribute in ways she never anticipated. At Veterans’ Outreach, she has gained a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made by our military and feels honored to serve those who gave so much for our country. She is profoundly grateful for our veterans.
Tammy’s passion for service extends to her family. She is blessed with three grandchildren who witness and share in her commitment to faith and community. Having assumed custody of her grandson at just 8 weeks old, she has lovingly raised him—now 11—with God’s guidance at the center of their journey. She also treasures time with her two other grandchildren, as well as with her two rescue dogs. Together, they find joy in serving God, supporting one another, and giving back to their community.
Sarah Higdon
Sarah is the daughter of a Retired US Army Major and the twenty-two-year partner of a Navy Veteran. Career background in Interior Design and Luxury Interior Design and Sales. Family business in custom jewelry design & manufacturing along with training in architectural ceramics has kept Sarah connected to an active art community. She enjoys time with family especially her 91-year-old Mother who lives nearby. Sarah uses her experience and creative skills to keep the Florida office moving forward with the mission to honor and serve all veterans.
Polly Rafferty
Polly Rafferty was born in Hazard Kentucky and has spent her life enjoying the beauty of this great state. Polly has three children, two sons and one daughter. Polly has always been caring for people that need help. She spent twenty-four years in the health industry as a Med Tech and Nursing Assistant. About two years ago, Polly began to volunteer for Veterans’ Outreach and came to love the work. Then she became the Office Manager and is now the Regional
Manager. Polly is very dedicated to Veterans’ Outreach and looks forward to respectfully serving and honoring all veterans.
Josh Ely
Josh Ely serves as the Grant Writer and Program Developer for Veterans’ Outreach, securing funding and developing programs that provide critical support to veterans. With a background in education and over a decade of teaching experience, he brings a meticulous approach to grant writing and program strategy. Passionate about honoring those who have served, he works to expand resources that offer life-changing assistance to veterans.
Beyond his professional work, Josh is an ultra-endurance cyclist and proudly represents Veterans’ Outreach in national events as a sponsored athlete. A devoted husband and father, he balances his commitment to veterans with family life, embodying the values of perseverance, service, and dedication both on and off the bike.
Elisha Henry
Elisha Henry has been working for Veterans’ Outreach for over a decade. Elisha is married to Jody Henry, a former National Guard Combat Engineer, and a direct descendant of the great patriot Patrick Henry. She has many family members that have served including her grandfather, a Pearl Harbor survivor, her brother, and several uncles. She has always felt the need and call to help veterans. Elisha is very dedicated to Veterans’ Outreach. She has done most of the various jobs needed to successfully operate the organization. She is the Human Resources Director and serves as the Social Media Director. Her natural talents with marketing have made our digital footprint grow to over 60,000 likes.
