Meet The Board
William Kocken
President
I was born in March of 1984 in Green Bay, WI where I have spent the vast majority of my life. I am a graduate of West De Pere High School. Growing up I was active in the Boy Scouts of America having reached the rank of eagle scout. I was a two sport athlete through high school in both soccer and wrestling to include lettering all four years and being the team captain of the wrestling team my senior year.
I enlisted into the Army National Guard on March 28, 2002, at the age of 18 while I was in my junior year of high school. I went on my 1st Deployment in August 2005 for 12 months to Iraq. During that deployment I earned the Combat Infantryman Badge. That badge was received because of direct contact with the enemy through IED and small arms ambush resulting in the loss of two Airmen. On that deployment we conducted combat patrols and logistical convoy security.
When we were put on alert for our second deployment I was selected over my peers to come onto orders as a full-time National Guardsman before the deployment to help bring up the unit’s readiness level and prepare them for the upcoming mission. Shortly before the deployment in 2009 I was hired as an AGR (Active Guard Reserve) Service Member. We deployed in April 2009 for 10 months again to Iraq. During that deployment we conducted primarily PSD operations.
I deployed for a third time to Afghanistan in 2019 as the Platoon Sergeant for the Quick Reaction Force for all of TAAC-EAST. This operation included supporting troops in enemy contact, downed aircraft recovery, and any other immediate needs in the region. Half way through this deployment I was moved into the Tactical Operations Center in Tarin Kowt where I tracked the area battle field, managed base defenses, supported Special Forces operations in the area, and controlled numerous air assets on a daily basis.
Between these deployments I have been working as an AGR. I attended the Army’s Ranger School under class 02-13 and went straight through earning my Ranger Tab on January 25, 2013. I have also earned the Army Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge, and Expert Infantryman’s Badge. I was selected to represent the Army National Guard at the 2014 Best Ranger Competition where my partner and I placed 19th overall. I am currently a Sergeant First Class working out of Waupun, WI as the Readiness NCO and Platoon Sergeant for A Co 2-127th IN.
I have been a part of numerous charity events to help raise money for an assortment of organizations. I co-founded 4th HOOAH WI in 2013 and sat in the roles of president and vice president of the veterans organization. 4th HOOAH WI is a chapter of a national organization that has helped thousands of veterans across Wisconsin through a multitude of programs and services. I am currently the lead organizer for the annual Veterans Suicide Awareness March
In 2018 I completed my Business Admin Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay.
I have competed in numerous physical competitions to include setting the Guinness World Record for fastest marathon with a 100lbs pack in 2018. I have also completed there Wisconsin Ironman races, one of which was while carrying a 40lbs ruck for the marathon portion to raise awareness. I led the team that won the 2019 Bataan Memorial Death March National Guard Heavy Division. I also earned the opportunity to compete at the World’s Toughest Mudder in 2011, where I was able to complete three laps on the course.
I have received the Order of Saint Maurice, Thomas E Wortham IV Achievement Award, Green Bay Packers Community Quarterback Award, and Greater Green Bay Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Future 15 Award. Through my military career I have also received many other awards and recognition.
Scott Conklin
Vice President
My name is Scott Conklin, a current Wisconsin resident, and former long-time resident of Michigan. I was born in Jackson MI in 1981, and spent time between Michigan and Alaska until I was 6 years old and moved full time to Marquette, MI. I graduated high school in 1999 as a captain and 3-time State champion in Track and Cross Country, as well as participating in basketball, hockey, swimming, and diving. I went on college scholarships to the University of Sioux Falls in South Dakota, only to find out that I didn’t have the personal discipline to work hard in school, so I made the decision to move into the military after my first semester. In December of 1999 I joined the US Airforce and spent the next 6 years as an Aircraft Electrical/Environmental Specialist and 2 years with the Honor Guard. Much of my time was spent in Louisiana, with a few small stints overseas for deployments. From Active Duty I moved to the Reserves and after a brief period went Inactive Ready Reserve and moved back home to Michigan.
In 2008 I made a move from Michigan to Wisconsin and have lived here ever since. In 2010, I got the itch to get back to my military roots and joined into the Wisconsin Army National Guard as an 11B Infantryman. Since that time, I have served with 2-127 Bravo Company twice, Alpha, and currently with Headquarters Recon Platoon. During my military career, I have won various awards and distinguishments, served in many leadership roles, and look forward to staying in the NG until I am kicked out for old age. For my civilian careers, I have been in managerial roles since coming off of Active Duty. I have worked with great Wisconsin based companies such as American TV & Appliance, Schneider National, and now currently Dedicated Systems. During that time, I also graduated with a bachelors degree in Business Management, and am currently working on going back to school with the University of Michigan to earn a degree in Applied Sciences.
I look forward to supporting 4th H.O.O.A.H. in every capacity that I can. I have participated in many of the events since their inception a few years ago and am excited for all the opportunities to volunteer in the future.
Tamara Van Schyndel
Treasurer
My name is Tamara Van Schyndel, aka: Tamara, Tam, Tammy, and Tam Van. I was born and raised in the Green Bay and Oneida areas of Wisconsin, and have raised my daughter (now 27) here as well. I’ve lived and worked most of my life in Wisconsin and have many years of successful management and consulting experience.
While I’m a hometown and family girl at heart who loves playing in the dirt/gardening, camping, hiking, kayaking, and fishing for bass and walleye, I have ventured into the world in search of learning, connection, and belonging. I have visited and traveled through most of the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. I have also traveled internationally to Mexico, France, Costa Rica, and China. Desired destinations still include: New Zealand, Peru, Iceland, Bolivia, South Africa, Brazil, and Italy. (Anyone else?!)
I’m forever curious about people, places, cultures, community, and what connects us. I’ve had amazing experiences as a curious student, volunteer, researcher, and consultant in my travels and personal endeavors. I have special interests in concepts of belonging, as well as personal, organizational and community development. I’m intrigued by the notion of “what we might do together that one cannot do alone.”
I believe helping, or more specifically, facilitating desired positive change, one person at a time leads to enhancement of all aspects of individuals, organizations, and communities. I also believe the success of a community depends greatly on collaboration, commitment, engagement, and leadership from all levels of stakeholders – especially those without leadership titles. I have worked closely with all levels of leadership. I’ve found the strongest and most impactful leaders do not hold specific titles of leadership. Instead, many are armed with a “volunteer” title, and come together for a common cause to serve others and create community.
I get passionate about other’s passions and am continuously looking for opportunities to help others while creating space for curiosity, connection, and belonging along the way. I admire HOOAH Inc’s vision, “to give our volunteers, and the public, an opportunity to honor our dedicated servicemen and women with customized support and services when they need it most; simply because it’s the right thing to do.” The passion in those words speaks to me!
My family tree includes many dedicated service men and women who have given so much and continue to give. I am excited about this opportunity with WI 4th HOOAH to honor them, give of myself, and to serve those who serve!
Chelsea Kocken
SECRETARY
My name is Chelsea Kocken. I was born and raised in Green Bay, WI. I have been involved with 4th H.O.O.A.H WI since 2014 when I met my now husband, Will Kocken. With Will being a co-founder of the organization and VP when we met, I was pretty involved from the beginning. I quickly fell in love with the organization and everything it stands for. My absolute favorite thing about H.O.O.A.H is the community that it creates.
I have been working in event management since early 2015, organizing some of the community’s largest public gatherings. I truly enjoy engaging with the community and creating a product that brings people together to experience something new and creative.
Will and I were married in August 2017 and welcomed our daughter, Josie in February 2019. We enjoy being outside together, spending time with family and being an active part of our community.
I bring experience and passion for the organization as a board member and hope that I can help to make an even greater positive impact on our Veteran community.
Hattie Liebman
Board Member
My name is Hattie Liebman and I was born and raised in Green Bay, WI. Both of my parents worked full time jobs and fortunately, daycare was with my grandmothers. I grew up on a dead-end road in a neighborhood with lots of other kids and outdoor activities were our favorite such as, street hockey, basketball, football, swimming in the neighbor’s pool, kick the can, etc. My brother and I had a wonderful childhood. We lived in Green Bay till about 8th grade then moved to Suamico. I participated in high school swimming, cheer leading, track and the Octagon Club where you accumulated volunteer hours.
After high school I went to college, Lakeland my first year then transferred to Oshkosh where I obtained my associates degree. From there I transferred to UWGB where I earned my bachelors double majoring in Human Development and Integrative Leadership Studies. During this time I worked at Bay View Middle School as a noon supervisor, odd and end jobs in the office, and coached 7th Grade volleyball and Spirit Team. Currently, I work at Arndt’s Delivery Service, a business my family has owned for approximately seventy years.
In my free time I love to travel. My top two favorite vacations are: two weeks living with a native Costa Rican family; it was awesome learning their heritage and culture. I’ve been to the Cayman Islands twice and will go again someday; so many interesting things to do and experience. Volleyball is my favorite sport and I’ve played every Wednesday for the past 10 years. In the summer I enjoy walking; usually 5 days a week and 10 miles each day. As a Green Bay native I’m a huge Packer fan and enjoy tailgating and attending warm weather games. I also love volunteering for my favorite non-profit 4thH.O.O.A.H. WI.
I became involved in 4th H.O.O.A.H. WI when my buddy, Will, decided to walk 22 miles. I was unable to assist that first year due to short notice. I’ve been the volunteer coordinator since 2013. At the time I was seeking my niche within various volunteer opportunities and this one was perfect. I’m passionate about it as I have several veterans in my family and know even more within the community. I’ll forever be grateful to Will for inviting me to be a part of this remarkable team. I look forward to many more years with 4th H.O.O.A.H. and continuing to serve the veterans in Wisconsin.
Jeremy Van Beek
Board Member
Hi my name is Jeremy Van Beek. I was born in July of 1986. I was raised in Little Chute, WI, where I spent the majority of my childhood until I moved to Kaukauna WI where I attended High School. I was a three sport athlete playing football, wrestling, powerlifting and baseball. My military career lasted from 2005-2012. My first deployment was with the 101st Airborne in 2007-2008. It was an 11 month deployment where I was awarded the CIB with actions that came from direct combat with enemy combatants and received other various awards with my time spent overseas. In 2009, I was deployed again to only be sent back due to an injury that had occurred from my previous deployment. Upon my medical separation from the military, I struggled a lot with trying to find myself and who I was. I was then introduced to a program called PAWWS Paws Assisting Wounded Warriors. That is where I was paired with my Service Dog “Frago”. After our time spent training I began to see how much the dog had helped me. I wanted to be able to give back to other Veterans and decided to create Got Your Six K9’s. After starting the non-profit I attended The Tom Rose School For dogs trainers and Tarheel Canine School for Dog Trainers earning my Master Trainer Certification. I am the head K-9 Trainer for the City of Green Bay Police department and the Village of Ashwaubenon K-9 unit. I run a for profit dog training business in Pulaski WI, where I breed, raise and train Police/Military K9’s, pet dogs and also service dogs for civilians.
I was connected with 4th Hooah because Will and I served together and had always stayed in contact after my time in the military. I was then asked to see if I wanted to join the ranks of 4th Hooah because they believed in my vision of Got Your Six K9’s and what we stood for. It has been amazing teaming up with them and being able to continue to serve my community.
In my free time I enjoy spending time with friends and family at our cottage along with hunting and fishing.
Dean Roddy
Board Member
My name is Dean Roddy, I was born and raised in New London, WI and graduated high school in 2001. I am currently a Wisconsin resident and live in Kimberly, WI. My career had taken me out of state to Georgia and Virginia for several years before returning in 2014. I still travel quite a bit for my employer throughout the U.S. working in the Paper and Tissue Industry.
I come from a long line of family members that have served in every branch of the military. From grandfathers in the Army and Air Force to uncles in the Marine Corps, Army, Navy and Air Force. I wanted to serve as well and enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2002, I chose the Marine Corps Reserve and served in the Green Bay Reserve Unit from 2003 through 2008 with the 4th Marine Logistics Group – 6th Engineer Support Battalion. My unit was deployed when I reported, and we did not deploy during my enlistment.
I first started volunteering with the 4th H.O.O.A.H. in 2017 by helping with the Freedom Freefall event, I was honored to jump several consecutive years with several amazing veterans. Since then, I have been volunteering each year during the Freedom Freefall, Operation Tip-Up, 20 Mile Veteran Suicide Awareness March, The Patriot Day Motorcycle Ride, and the Symco Weekender Resource Event.
I look forward to supporting the 4th H.O.O.A.H. as a board member and being a part of an organization that impacts the lives of our brothers and sisters. So many of our veterans have given so much, I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to the military community.
“Never in the field of human conflict, was so much owed, by so many, to so few” – Winston Churchill
Jason Ripp
BOARD MEMBER
Rhonda Ferrel
BOARD MEMBER
Christopher “Vinny” Vincent
BOARD MEMBER