Meet the Leadership Team
Our leadership team is committed to serving veterans, their families, and communities across North Central Indiana. Our officers and volunteers work together to support veteran advocacy, benefits assistance, outreach, and community engagement throughout our regional service area. Chapter 28 proudly serves veterans across 13 Indiana counties through advocacy, service, outreach, and community support initiatives.
Ross Havrick
COMMANDER
Ross Havrick is a 27-year Army veteran who, after retiring from military service, shifted his mission from defending the nation to advocating for and supporting fellow veterans. He currently serves as Commander of Chapter 28, where he is committed to veteran outreach, advocacy, and expanding access to resources and assistance across North Central Indiana.
Rex Ritchie
Rex Ritchie is a U.S. Army veteran and currently serves as the Senior Vice Commander for Chapter 28. He previously served as Chapter Commander for over 10 years and remains dedicated to supporting veterans, strengthening chapter operations, and serving the local veteran community.
Senior Vice Commander
Greg Owens
First Junior Vice Commander
Greg Owens is a dedicated U.S. Navy veteran now serving as the First Junior Vice Commander for Chapter 28. In this role, he leads vital outreach and support efforts, working alongside the leadership team to advance local veteran services and ensure the organization’s mission reaches families throughout the community.
Jim Kidwell
Second Junior Vice Commander
Jim “Jimmy” Kidwell
is a retired U.S. Air Force veteran who completed 24 yearsof military service before retiring in 1990. During his Air Force career, he served as an aircraft mechanic working on B-58s, B-52s, KC-135s, and F-16s.
He currently serves as Chapter 28s 2nd Junior Vice Commander and remains committed to supporting veterans and their families through chapter operations and outreach.
Jimmy and his wife, Becki, have been married for 55 years and have two daughters and 2 grandsons. They are members of One Church of the Nazarene.
Jim Sheehan
ADJUTANT
Jim Sheehan is a U.S. Air Force veteran with 17 years of service and serves as the Adjutant for Chapter 28. He helps oversee chapter administrative operations, records management, and organizational coordination to support the chapter’s mission and service to local veterans and their families.
John Pentland
TREASURER
John Pentland is a U.S. Air Force veteran and serves as the Treasurer and a Service Officer for Chapter 28. He has been activity involved in supporting veterans through community outreach operations and remains committed to serving veterans and their families throughout North Central Indiana.
Ross Waltemath
BENEFITS PROTECTION TEAM LEADER
Ross Waltemath is a retired U.S. Army Colonel and serves as the Benefits Protection Team Leader for Chapter 28. He previously worked within the County Veterans Service Officer system and has more than 10 years of experience helping veterans navigate the VA claims and benefits process while advocating for the benefits and support they have earned through military service.
Our Mission
Chapter 28 exists to empower veterans and their families through advocacy, assistance, outreach, and community service. Our leadership team remains dedicated to ensuring veterans across our service area receive the support and representation they have earned.
If you need help, or want to help others, our leadership team is ready to talk.
Leadership Roles and Responsibilities
Chapter 28’s leadership team is responsible for guiding the chapter’s mission, overseeing veteran assistance, managing chapter operations, and coordinating service across North Central Indiana. We emphasize professionalism, accountability, and a deep commitment to serving our veterans.
Our leaders work diligently to ensure that every resource is utilized effectively, creating a transparent and professional environment where veterans and their families receive the support they have earned through their service.