Shalom Klein

#WeAllServe – Episode #31 with Stephen Drum

Posted on by Shalom Klein

Stephen Drum is a combat-tested retired Navy SEAL Master Chief who has 27 years of experience leading and developing high-performance teams.

As an in-demand speaker and consultant, he helps individuals and organizations such as CDW, Horizon Pharma, and 9 Energy develop leadership and performance strategies, so they can plan, prepare, and execute at the highest levels when it matters most.

Stephen has trained and led U.S. and foreign partner special operations forces on high-risk and strategically vital missions across the globe, including combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

#WeAllServe – Episode #29 with Branden Marty

Posted on by Shalom Klein

Branden Marty is a Navy veteran with experiences across a range of challenging environments—from the flight decks on naval vessels to the corporate C-suite to the boot-strapped startup. He is a strategist, a collaborator and an operator. Every assignment throughout Branden’s career has been imbued with the same ingredients—a dedication to community service and advocacy. For example, the Department of the Navy (DoN) asked for Branden’s assistance in submitting a bid from the City of Chicago to host the 2017 Warrior Games. Branden voluntarily led the effort to build public and private sector support and brought DoN leadership to meet with Chicago leaders. It led directly to the awarding of the Games to Chicago. Veteran advocacy is Branden’s vocation, particularly veteran employment and wounded warrior support. This passion is reflected in the missions of the two companies he leads: Veteran Roasters, Cup O’ Joe Coffee and Bridge My Return (BMR.) Veteran Roasters is a local Chicago coffee roaster that employs homeless and at-risk veterans—providing them with renewed hope, fresh opportunity and portable skills development. Learn more about Veteran Roasters Cup O’ Joe Coffee at ww.veteranroasters.com. BMR is an efficient military hiring technology platform connecting veterans and transitioning service members to career opportunities with military-ready companies based upon skills-to-skills matching. Learn more about BMR at www.bridgemyreturn.com.

#WeAllServe – Episode #27 with BG (Ret) Stephen K. Curda

Posted on by Shalom Klein

Retired Brigadier General Stephen K. Curda, Ph.D. formerly served on the Governor’s Cabinet as the Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA). He was responsible for establishing long term strategic goals for the future of the IDVA and provided oversight of four veteran homes caring for over 900 Veterans and coordinated over 80 veteran service offices throughout the state of Illinois.

​Dr. Curda served in the US military for over 30 years in active duty, Guard and Reserve positions. He commanded units at every echelon, from platoon, company, battalion, brigade and two general officer level commands. He is an Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) veteran. His numerous awards and decorations include the Army Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, and Meritorious Service Medal.

Dr. Curda is a graduate of the U.S. Army War College and holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and Instructional Technology from the University of Oklahoma. Dr. Curda serves as an Associate Professor in the National College of Education at National Louis University and as Senior Advisor to the President on Student Veteran programs. He has previously held faculty positions at Florida State University, the University of Toledo, and the University of West Florida as a professor of Instructional Technology.