The Champions
Like in the military, Building Bridges depends upon leadership. In each location, we benefit from our amazing “Champions”—those who assume overarching responsibility for their sites. From securing a chef, to supervising volunteers, to fundraising and “getting the word out,” our Champions infuse Building Bridges with the energy it requires. Indeed, speaking with them, their response is invariably one of gratitude for the opportunity to authentically thank our veterans for their service.
While some Champions are veterans, others are not. What binds them together is their shared commitment to serving those who selflessly served us.
Below are just a few of our Champions at some of the Building Bridges sites. Whether you’re a veteran interested in attending a gathering, or are considering volunteering, or launching a lunch in your town, our Champions are at-the-ready to answer any questions you might have, and to extend the unqualified welcome, which is the stuff of Building Bridges:
Meet the Champions
Bob Tortolani
BRATTLEBORO, VT
Dr. Bob Tortolani was a family physician for 44 years in and around Brattleboro. He is a veteran and served in Vietnam.
“It is a pleasure to be a part of Building Bridges’ wonderful mission of bringing members of our veteran community together to share bread and good conversation at our monthly, delicious meals in Brattleboro. We are grateful to Building Bridges to make these monthly gatherings possible.”
Nora Meyer
HADLEY, MA
“It is my honor and privilege to be hosting our veterans at the Hadley Senior Center. Recently, I had the privilege of sharing the July luncheon with my son from Texas.
Ronald is a 28-year veteran who was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan during this time.
He has since retired as CW 4 Federal Agent Ronald G. Meyer.”
David Stinson
KEENE, NH
Rear Admiral Stinson served for 31 years in the Navy as a chaplain in reserve status. His last assignment was as Deputy Chief of Chaplains.
In his time he served units of the Navy, Marines and Coast Guard.
Dallas Stuck
WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA
“Just a fellow Vet who loves to cook and serve or Brothers and Sisters!
Mom started teaching me to cook at age 10. Worked in restaurants as a child and actually owned one for a time! It’s in my blood and love doing this Mission!”
Dallas Stuck, E5, 4.2 Mortar Squad Leader
Dianna B. Schnopp
PITTSFIELD, MA
“I am a 4 time past Exalted Ruler. I am chairperson of the Veteran’s Committee which is something I firmly believe in.”
Bill Burch
ATHOL, MA
“After retiring from the business world in 2020, I looked for opportunities to be more involved in community programs.
The best thing about BB Veteran Lunches is being part of a team whose sole motivation is to say thank you to our local veterans who have given so much for their country.”
Dave McCarthy & Judy Fardig
SWANSEA, MA
The husband-and-wife team of Dave McCarthy and Judy Fardig coordinate the Building Bridges meal site at Christ Church in Swansea, Mass. Both have been long active in veterans’ activities and advocacy. They live in Warren, RI.
Dave served in a combat role with the Marine Corps in Vietnam. After his war-time stint, he served for two years as a drill instructor at Marine Corps Recruit Depot/San Diego.
Judy has served for many years on the Rhode Island Commission on Historic Cemeteries, where she has advocated for the protection and preservation of veterans’ gravesites. She is the long-time president of Warren Unit #11 of the American Legion Auxiliary.
Ken Blanchard,
Lin Chambliss, Sr
& Heather Rudolph
EASTHAMPTON, MA
The Champions for our Easthampton luncheon is a shared responsibility of leaders of The Easthampton Coalition for Veteran Wellness, a collaboration of local veterans, city employees and the local VA medical center, with the goal of bringing veterans together to celebrate their service and foster community.
Ken Blanchard is an Air Force veteran who served stateside in Austin Texas, and who was looking for volunteer opportunities to help his fellow veterans.
Lin Chambliss, Sr. is an Army veteran who honorably served over 10 years stateside and overseas, to include two tours of combat with deployments to Central America in Honduras and Southwest Asia, also known as Desert Storm.
Heather Rudolph is a pediatric occupational therapist, mental health advocate, and former Army sergeant who served in Iraq.
Rusty Bridle
HAMPTON, NEW HAMPSHIRE
Rusty Bridle champions Building Bridges, Hampton, New Hampshire with his wife, Louise.
Having dedicated 30 years to being a firefighter, and with many family members who have served in all branches of the military, Rusty personally vouches for the vital importance of fostering connections between civilians and our military heroes.
He believes that everyone involved in this initiative deserves recognition as champions.
“It’s not just about Louise and myself,” he says, “we are fortunate to have an exceptional team driving this effort!”
Tina Brohman
PALMER, MA
Eric Segundo
LUDLOW, MA